Polk County
Overall Polk County Existing Home Sales for May 2010
June 30, 2010 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment
Polk County’s overall existing home sales continued to improve somewhat in May. However, prices continue to drift downwards blaming it still widely on discounted distressed sales throughout the county from the previous year and the years prior.
A look back in history:
· May 2006 – median price $188,000 (-%50.93)
· May 2007 – median price $184,250 (-%49.93)
· May 2008 – median price $150,000 (-%38.50)
· May 2009 – median price $101,000 (-8.66%)
The graph picture below represents the overall Polk County Real Estate market with average sold prices and the number of sold homes.

777 existing homes sold – a decrease of 5.13% from the previous month (819 sold homes) in Polk County and an increase in sales activity by 35.84% of overall existing homes sold from the previous year of 572.
A slight increase by 1.37% in overall Polk’s median price for existing homes from the previous month to $92,250, the median home price from the previous year is showing a decline by 8.66%.
Take a look at the city you live in and see what the numbers are for May 2010 for existing home sales – single-family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes, duplex, villas, and townhomes -including distressed properties in Polk County. Please take note only sales recorded by Realtors® are taken into account. The source for this data is Mid-Florida Regional MLS Service; it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
City Average Sold Price Median Sold Price # of Homes Sold
|
AUBURNDALE |
79,985 |
72,000 |
27 |
|
BABSON PARK |
126,335 |
79,900 |
5 |
|
BARTOW |
78,507 |
56,875 |
26 |
|
CLERMONT |
50,050 |
48,000 |
4 |
|
DAVENPORT |
117,519 |
110,000 |
153 |
|
DUNDEE |
60,220 |
71,200 |
5 |
|
EAGLE LAKE |
86,850 |
75,000 |
4 |
|
FORT MEADE |
69,450 |
69,450 |
2 |
|
FROSTPROOF |
67,333 |
40,000 |
3 |
|
HAINES CITY |
91,256 |
94,000 |
47 |
|
HOMELAND |
120,000 |
120,000 |
1 |
|
INDIAN LAKE ESTATES |
105,250 |
105,250 |
2 |
|
KATHLEEN |
135,000 |
135,000 |
1 |
|
KISSIMMEE |
90,360 |
76,900 |
20 |
|
LAKE ALFRED |
96,333 |
65,750 |
6 |
|
LAKE WALES |
85,155 |
65,000 |
29 |
|
LAKELAND |
121,525 |
106,500 |
220 |
|
LOUGHMAN |
26,000 |
26,000 |
1 |
|
MULBERRY |
121,579 |
128,388 |
20 |
|
POINCIANA |
90,349 |
70,500 |
85 |
|
POLK CITY |
112,216 |
65,556 |
10 |
|
WINTER HAVEN |
107,749 |
97,000 |
106 |
Let me break down May 2010 Polk County existing homes sales into various categories:
· 700 Single family homes, townhomes, villas and ½ duplex – median sold price $112,337 – 142 Average Days to Closing
· 31 Condominiums – median sold price – $59,935 – 155 Average Days on Closing
· 46 Modular, manufactured/mobile homes in park/out of park – median sold price $55,097 – 166 Average Days on Closing
Let’s take a look at the distressed Polk County real estate market!
There were 289 existing Polk County homes sold, not categorized as distressed properties, at a median sold price of $120,000 with 174 average days to closing, which counted for almost 37% of our total sales. The distressed properties however; which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales counted for 63% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of May.
· 377 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $77,500 – Average Days to Closing 85
· 111 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $90,000 – Average Days to Closing 270
Polk County
Overall Polk County Existing Home Sales for March 2010
April 29, 2010 by Petra Norris · 1 Comment
Polk County’s overall existing home sales had a record breaking month, which are shown in the numbers in most major cities throughout Polk County. However, prices continue to drift downwards blaming it widely on discounted distressed sales throughout the county from the previous year.
758 existing homes sold – an increase of 21% from the previous month (596 sold homes) in Polk County and an increase in sales activity of 180 Polk County homes sold from the previous year of 578 homes sold.
While overall Polk’s median price for existing homes increased by almost 6% from the previous month to $90,500, the median home price from the previous year is showing a decline by almost 10%.

Take a look at the city you live in and see what the numbers are for March 2010 for existing home sales – single family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes, duplex, villas, and townhomes -including distressed properties in Polk County. Please take note only sales recorded by Realtors® are taken into account. The source for this data is Mid-Florida Regional MLS Service, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
City Average Sold Price Median Sold Price # of Homes Sold
| ALTURAS | 145,000 | 145,000 | 1 |
| AUBURNDALE | 84,106 | 76,000 | 31 |
| BABSON PARK | 54,500 | 54,500 | 1 |
| BARTOW | 80,700 | 46,250 | 10 |
| CLERMONT | 42,500 | 42,500 | 2 |
| DAVENPORT | 116,849 | 103,000 | 159 |
| DUNDEE | 56,233 | 47,950 | 6 |
| EAGLE LAKE | 90,875 | 81,500 | 4 |
| FORT MEADE | 38,700 | 39,950 | 4 |
| FROSTPROOF | 81,188 | 68,250 | 8 |
| HAINES CITY | 97,724 | 86,950 | 50 |
| INDIAN LAKE ESTATES | 104,833 | 35,000 | 3 |
| KISSIMMEE | 76,100 | 73,500 | 16 |
| LAKE ALFRED | 114,950 | 114,950 | 2 |
| LAKE WALES | 97,423 | 77,800 | 24 |
| LAKELAND | 114,518 | 105,000 | 235 |
| LAKESHORE | 25,000 | 25,000 | 1 |
| MULBERRY | 86,540 | 63,000 | 13 |
| POINCIANA | 84,332 | 72,500 | 64 |
| POLK CITY | 62,622 | 31,000 | 9 |
| WINTER HAVEN | 93,400 | 79,000 | 115 |
Let me break down March 2010 Polk County existing homes sales into various categories:
- 660 Single family homes, townhomes, villas and ½ duplex – median sold price $98,300 – 142 Average Days to Closing
- 40 Condominiums – median sold price – $64,550 – 193 Average Days on Closing
- 58 Modular, manufactured/mobile homes in park/out of park – median sold price $45,000 – 171 Average Days on Closing
Let’s take a look at the distressed Polk County real estate market!
There were 297 existing homes sold, not categorized as distressed properties, at a median sold price of $114,900 with 183 average days to closing, which counted for almost 39% of our total sales. The distressed properties however; which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales counted for 61% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of February.
- 355 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $75,000 – Average Days to Closing 79
- 105 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $100,000 – Average Days to Closing 273
For your local market report and updates in Lakeland, please visit my blog at www.lakelandfloridaliving.com
Polk County
Overall Polk County Real Estate Market – February 2010
March 27, 2010 by Petra Norris · 1 Comment
Overall Polk County Existing Home Sales for February 2010
Polk County’s overall existing home sales increased and it goes along with what has been reported at state and national level with increased sales for February. However, prices continue to drift downwards blaming it widely on discounted distressed sales throughout.
596 existing homes sold – an increase of 19% from the previous month (500 sold homes) in Polk County and an increase in sales activity of 145 Polk County homes sold from the previous year of 451 homes sold.
Overall Polk’s median price for existing homes decreased by 12.5% from the previous month to $85,700 and respectively decreased 15% from the previous year.

Take a look at the city you live in and see what the numbers are for February 2010 for existing home sales – single family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes, duplex, villas, and townhomes -including distressed properties in Polk County. Please take note only sales recorded by Realtors® are taken into account. The source for this data is Mid-Florida Regional MLS Service, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
City Average Sold Price Median Sold Price # of Homes Sold
| AUBURNDALE | 108,121 | 100,900 | 23 |
| BABSON PARK | 163,300 | 56,900 | 3 |
| BARTOW | 90,825 | 54,000 | 8 |
| CLERMONT | 59,250 | 63,750 | 4 |
| DAVENPORT | 123,762 | 110,000 | 134 |
| DUNDEE | 99,633 | 99,900 | 3 |
| EAGLE LAKE | 42,000 | 42,000 | 1 |
| FORT MEADE | 45,450 | 41,000 | 3 |
| FROSTPROOF | 73,317 | 73,500 | 3 |
| HAINES CITY | 95,050 | 80,000 | 36 |
| INDIAN LAKE ESTATES | 64,272 | 64,272 | 2 |
| KISSIMMEE | 83,272 | 75,500 | 17 |
| LAKE ALFRED | 72,546 | 61,000 | 12 |
| LAKE WALES | 80,143 | 62,500 | 28 |
| LAKELAND | 111,819 | 97,000 | 153 |
| MULBERRY | 120,003 | 127,000 | 17 |
| POINCIANA | 79,756 | 70,000 | 64 |
| POLK CITY | 133,359 | 119,950 | 6 |
| WINTER HAVEN | 110,239 | 84,900 | 79 |
Let me break down February 2010 Polk County existing homes sales into various categories:
- 514 Single family homes, townhomes, villas and ½ duplex – median sold price $99,000 – 147 Average Days to Closing
- 39 Condominiums – median sold price – $51,111 – 187 Average Days on Closing
- 43 Modular, manufactured/mobile homes in park/out of park – median sold price $55,000 – 233 Average Days on Closing
Let’s take a look at the distressed Polk County real estate market!
There were 232 existing homes sold, not categorized as distressed properties, at a median sold price of $111,000 with 200 average days to closing, which counted for almost 39% of our total sales. The distressed properties however; which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales counted for 61% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of February.
- 283 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $75,000 – Average Days to Closing 87
- 81 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $98,000 – Average Days to Closing 274
For your local market report and updates in Lakeland, please visit my blog at www.lakelandfloridaliving.com.
Polk County
Appealing your Polk County Property Appraiser’s Market Value Appraisal
March 15, 2010 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment
To determine market value or as I would say the property assessment value the Polk County Property Appraiser uses to arrive when assessing your Polk County home for property tax purposes. The Polk County Property Appraiser establishes assessed value by knowing the selling price for similar properties and also takes other factors into consideration, such as:
- Comparative Value – homes sold recently in an arm’s length transaction
- Replacement Value – costs to replicate your Polk County home at current material prices and labor costs
- Methods of property use – Rental home
The Polk County Property Appraiser must find value for every piece in Polk County and all appraisals must be completed by January 1st of each year.
Are you in disagreement with the assessed property value of your Polk County home?
While not a requirement, you may have your assessed property value reviewed by going to the Polk County Property Appraiser’s office and discuss the matter with them in person, by phone or email. Be sure to bring all documents to proof your opinion. If the Property Appraiser’s office is unable to arrive at an agreement with you. Keep in mind, while you are discussing your valuation assessment with the Property Appraiser’s office, it certainly does not stop the expiration date of the deadlines.
You must file a “petition” in order to appeal before you can be heard by the Value Adjustment Board. Written applications must be filed with the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners.
Timely Filing of Petition: Petitions related to valuation issues may be filed at any time during the taxable year on or before the 25th day following the mailing of the notice of proposed property taxes.
For more information please visit: http://www.polkpa.org/AssessmentInfo/Default.aspx
Bartow Office
255 N. Wilson Ave Phone: 863-534-4777
Bartow, FL 33830 Fax: 863-534-4753
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (M-F)
Lakeland Office
912 E. Parker St. Phone: 863-413-2549
Lakeland, FL 33801 Fax: 863-413-2550
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (M-F)
Winter Haven Office
3425 Lake Alfred Rd. Phone: 863-401-2424
3 Gill Jones Plaza Fax: 863-401-2428
Winter Haven, FL 33881 Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm (M-F)
Serving buyers and sellers throughout Polk County including cities of Lakeland, Auburndale, Polk City, Bartow, Winter Haven, Kathleen, Highland City, and Mulberry.
Search for Polk County Homes:
Polk County
Polk County Existing Home Sales for January 2010
February 27, 2010 by Petra Norris · 1 Comment
Slow start of the overall Polk County Home Sales in January when comparing sales history for the past year. Although average Polk County home prices have somewhat been stable in recent months, the number of homes sold in Polk County took a nose dive when comparing the number of sales from the past few months. If you are a person that is visual like me, just take a look at the chart below to see what I’m talking about. Please keep in mind, the figures reflect all homes as indicated below, not just single family homes you see in media reports.

500 existing homes sold – a decrease of 21% from the previous month (636 sold homes) in Polk County – an increase in sales activity of 111 Polk County homes sold from the previous year. Overall Polk’s median price for existing homes decreased by 1 ¾% from the previous month to $97,950, however remained almost the same from the previous year of $98,000.
Take a look at the city you live in and see what the numbers are for January 2010 for existing home sales – single family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes, duplex, villas, and townhomes -including distressed properties in Polk County. Please take note only sales recorded by Realtors® are taken into account. The source for this data is Mid-Florida Regional MLS Service, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
City Average Sold Price Median Sold Price # of Homes Sold
| AUBURNDALE | 110,675 | 111,950 | 16 |
| BARTOW | 106,201 | 80,000 | 8 |
| CLERMONT | 88,000 | 88,000 | 1 |
| DAVENPORT | 117,716 | 110,000 | 122 |
| DUNDEE | 75,000 | 75,000 | 2 |
| EAGLE LAKE | 9,100 | 9,100 | 1 |
| FORT MEADE | 140,750 | 106,500 | 4 |
| FROSTPROOF | 64,283 | 63,000 | 3 |
| HAINES CITY | 91,398 | 79,900 | 32 |
| KATHLEEN | 40,000 | 40,000 | 1 |
| KISSIMMEE | 138,545 | 100,000 | 11 |
| LAKE ALFRED | 92,450 | 92,450 | 2 |
| LAKE HAMILTON | 60,500 | 60,500 | 2 |
| LAKE WALES | 64,199 | 45,000 | 19 |
| LAKELAND | 126,320 | 112,900 | 145 |
| MULBERRY | 108,136 | 118,620 | 14 |
| POINCIANA | 85,345 | 72,000 | 51 |
| POLK CITY | 38,451 | 47,000 | 3 |
| WINTER HAVEN | 112,701 | 91,000 | 63 |
Let me break down January 2010 Polk County existing homes sales into various categories:
- 447 Single family homes, townhomes, villas and ½ duplex – median sold price $103,000 – 148 Average Days to Closing
- 19 Condominiums – median sold price – $65,000 – 149 Average Days on Closing
- 34 Modular, manufactured/mobile homes in park/out of park – median sold price $56,500 – 233 Average Days to Closing
Let’s take a look at the distressed Polk County real estate market!
There were 183 existing homes sold, not categorized as distressed properties, at a median sold price of $130,000 with 206 average days to closing, which counted for almost 37% of our total sales. The distressed properties however; which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales counted for 63% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of January.
- 234 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $79,450 – Average Days to Closing 81
- 83 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $102,000 – Average Days to Closing 247
Polk County
Polk County Existing Home Sales for December 2009
January 30, 2010 by Petra Norris · 1 Comment
Overall Polk County Home Sales rose and prices fell in 2009 from the previous year.
Is this true in your neck of the woods? I’m sure you heard about that this is a buyer’s market in the news and media outlets, but is it really? Real Estate still remains very local and real estate statistics in each town or even in each neighborhood/community could differentiate by a great margin resulting in a seller’s market. Therefore consulting with a local Realtor® with market knowledge and experience is essential to your home buying or home selling needs.
636 existing homes sold – an increase of 7.98% from the previous month (589 sold homes) in Polk County – an increase in sales activity of 185 Polk County homes sold from the previous year. Overall Polk’s median price for existing homes decreased by 4.59% from the previous month to $99,700 and declined 18% from the previous year of $122,000.
Take a look at the city you live in and see what the numbers are for December 2009 for existing home sales – single family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes, duplex, villas, and townhomes -including distressed properties in Polk County. Please take note only sales recorded by Realtors® are taken into account. The source for this data is Mid-Florida Regional MLS Service, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
City Average Sold Price Median Sold Price # of Homes Sold
| ALTURAS | 170,000 | 170,000 | 1 |
| AUBURNDALE | 130,567 | 119,000 | 18 |
| BABSON PARK | 125,000 | 125,000 | 1 |
| BARTOW | 124,190 | 116,000 | 10 |
| CLERMONT | 69,167 | 71,000 | 3 |
| DAVENPORT | 131,928 | 123,925 | 126 |
| DUNDEE | 89,100 | 89,900 | 5 |
| EAGLE LAKE | 64,500 | 64,500 | 2 |
| FORT MEADE | 70,000 | 50,000 | 3 |
| FROSTPROOF | 66,167 | 56,500 | 3 |
| HAINES CITY | 102,388 | 87,500 | 42 |
| HOMELAND | 54,900 | 54,900 | 1 |
| KISSIMMEE | 75,317 | 67,500 | 15 |
| LAKE ALFRED | 88,207 | 94,200 | 6 |
| LAKE WALES | 100,233 | 80,000 | 21 |
| LAKELAND | 123,866 | 113,950 | 194 |
| MULBERRY | 128,936 | 133,500 | 17 |
| POINCIANA | 81,444 | 74,950 | 80 |
| POLK CITY | 72,430 | 63,000 | 10 |
| WINTER HAVEN | 98,405 | 92,500 | 78 |
Let me break down December 2009 Polk County existing homes sales into various categories:
- 571 Single family homes, townhomes, villas and ½ duplex – median sold price $105,100 – 150 Average Days on Market
- 26 Condominiums – median sold price – $72,250 – 136 Average Days on Market
- 38 Modular, manufactured/mobile homes in park/out of park – median sold price $52,750 – 181 Average Days on Market
Let’s take a look at the distressed Polk County real estate market!
There were only 258 existing homes sold, not categorized as distressed properties, at a median sold price of $125,000 with 162 average days on market, which counted for 41% of our total sales. The distressed properties however; which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales counted for 59% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of December.
- 300 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $77,250 – Average Days on Market 45
- 78 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $110,140 – Average Days on Market 196
Polk County
Lakeland and Polk County Florida Real Estate Update: Save Money by filing Property Tax Homestead Exemption
January 12, 2010 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment
Beat the rush and file your Polk County property tax homestead exemption on your Lakeland real estate or anywhere in Polk County Florida early, because – believe it or not – March 1st, 2010 deadline is fast approaching.
If you took residency on your newly purchased home after January 1, 2009, which includes mobile home if the land the mobile home sits on is owned by the same owner, you may qualify for the initial $25,000 Homestead Exemption. In addition, you may also qualify for an additional $25,000 homestead under Amendment 1 that began with the 2008 tax year for a total of $50,000. You surely want to file for a 2010
property tax exemption, also known as homestead exemption. Have you owned a home previously in Florida? You may be eligible for “Save our Home”. Saving money these days is on everybody’s mind – there are other ways of qualifying for additional savings:
- Amendment 7, which was voted by Florida voters on November 7, 2006 and is intended to be an additional discount on taxes owed after all other ad valorem tax exemptions are computed for eligible veterans 65 years and older.
- Senior exemption, widow, disability, veterans and total exemption – if qualified you may be eligible to save up to an additional $5,000. Widow or widower must provide a copy of their late spouse’s death certificate. Disability exemptions applicants must provide an attest from a certified Florida physician. Veteran exemptions applicants must show proof of percentage (minimum 10%) of service-connected disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
First-time homebuyers filing for homestead exemption must apply in person and bring their recorded deed and proof of residency, such as Florida drivers’ license with current address, Florida voter registration with current address, Florida vehicle registration with current address or resident alien card. Applicants filing for any exemption are required to present their Social Security cards.
Where to file?
Bartow Office
255 N. Wilson Ave Phone: 863-534-4777
Bartow, FL 33830 Fax: 863-534-4753
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (M-F)
Lakeland Office
912 E. Parker St. Phone: 863-413-2549
Lakeland, FL 33801 Fax: 863-413-2550
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (M-F)
Winter Haven Office
3425 Lake Alfred Rd. Phone: 863-401-2424 3
Gill Jones Plaza Fax: 863-401-2428
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm (M-F)
Website: http://www.polkpa.org
Polk County
Real Estate Market Update for Polk County – November 2009
December 29, 2009 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment
I was recently asked by a reader why are my Real Estate Market Statistics being published later in the month. I simply replied that I want to be as accurate as I possibly can to my readers and followers. Generally, I blog about my monthly Lakeland Real Estate Market Report around the 15th of each month for the preceding month and for my Polk County Real Estate Market towards the end of the month.
Generating monthly market reports too early can lead to erroneous statistics which I learned the hard way. Realtors® get their information from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and although we have to input listings, changes to a listing and information when a property was sold within a short time, real estate agents fail to report the data in a timely manner.
As far as my Polk County market reports concerns, the same thing applies for reporting requirements from each real estate agent and with thousands of properties being listed in the MLS and hundreds of listings sold every month, accuracy and timing of my Real Estate Market reports is important to me. And for an added bonus, I wait until I receive the National and Florida Real Estate Market Report so you’ll see not only what happens in Polk County, but on state and national level as well.
So without further ado, here is my real estate update for the month of November 2009 in and around Polk County.
The National Association of Realtors® reports that existing homes sales remained very strong for the month of November giving credit for the first time homebuyers program. The Florida Association of Realtors® reports that existing home sales rose 61% in November from the previous year, showing for the past 15 months that overall real estate sales in the State of Florida have increased. While much credit is given for the extended and expanded homebuyers tax credit for the increased sales activity in the past, the decline in home values and sales prices resulting from the increased sales of distressed properties and foreclosures.
Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month continued downwardly to $139,000 for a 12% ($158,200) decrease from the previous year and less than 1% ($140,300) from the previous month.
The Polk County’s overall housing prices improved slightly.
589 existing homes sold – a slight decrease of 3.6% from the previous month (612 sold homes) in Polk County – an increase in sales activity of 220 Polk County homes sold from the previous year. Overall Polk’s median price for existing homes increased from the previous month to $104,900; however, dipped 17% from the previous year of $127,000.
Take a look at the city you live in or want to move to and see what the numbers are for November 2009 for existing home sales – single family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes -including distressed properties in Polk County.
City Average Sold Price Median Sold Price # of Homes Sold
| AUBURNDALE | 110,156 | 125,000 | 21 |
| BARTOW | 92,496 | 79,000 | 21 |
| CLERMONT | 54,833 | 62,500 | 3 |
| DAVENPORT | 137,355 | 132,500 | 110 |
| DUNDEE | 78,342 | 86,625 | 3 |
| EAGLE LAKE | 82,425 | 88,350 | 4 |
| FORT MEADE | 74,467 | 67,500 | 6 |
| FROSTPROOF | 103,925 | 70,000 | 6 |
| HAINES CITY | 118,744 | 115,000 | 43 |
| HOMELAND | 27,500 | 27,500 | 1 |
| INDIAN LAKE ESTATES | 43,000 | 43,000 | 1 |
| KATHLEEN | 160,000 | 160,000 | 1 |
| KISSIMMEE | 99,265 | 70,000 | 17 |
| LAKE ALFRED | 89,283 | 97,350 | 6 |
| LAKE WALES | 79,657 | 57,500 | 14 |
| LAKELAND | 122,591 | 119,000 | 174 |
| MULBERRY | 112,090 | 125,100 | 25 |
| POINCIANA | 94,498 | 79,500 | 57 |
| POLK CITY | 50,667 | 50,000 | 3 |
| WINTER HAVEN | 102,082 | 90,000 | 73 |
Let’s take a look at the distressed Polk County real estate market!
Distressed properties, which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales count for 57% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of November.
- 250 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $75,000 – Days on Market 26
- 80 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $115,500 – Days on Market 111
The data for this report was obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include “For Sale By Owner”.
For all of your Polk County home search, click on the search picture below:
Polk County
September Homes Sales rise overall in Polk County
October 31, 2009 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment
The Polk County Florida housing market rose overall in September with 596 existing home sold – an increase of 8% from the previous month (551 sold homes) in Polk County – an increase in sales activity of 25% from the previous year. Overall Polk’s median price for existing homes increased by a small margin from the previous month to $102,227; however, dipped 27% from the previous year of $139,900.
Take a look at the city you live in and see what the numbers are for September 2009 for existing home sales – single family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes -including distressed properties in Polk County.
City Average Sold Price Median Sold Price # of Homes Sold
| AUBURNDALE |
99,111 |
92,000 |
23 |
|
| BABSON PARK |
285,000 |
285,000 |
1 |
|
| BARTOW |
79,453 |
80,000 |
15 |
|
| CHAMPIONS GATE |
150,000 |
150,000 |
1 |
|
| DAVENPORT |
136,818 |
121,000 |
133 |
|
| DUNDEE |
91,167 |
83,500 |
3 |
|
| EAGLE LAKE |
155,000 |
155,000 |
1 |
|
| FORT MEADE |
36,680 |
30,000 |
5 |
|
| FROSTPROOF |
22,000 |
22,000 |
1 |
|
| HAINES CITY |
98,482 |
78,000 |
28 |
|
| HIGHLAND CITY |
65,000 |
65,000 |
1 |
|
| INDIAN LAKE ESTATES |
37,000 |
37,000 |
1 |
|
| KISSIMMEE |
109,117 |
88,000 |
19 |
|
| LAKE ALFRED |
107,200 |
98,000 |
5 |
|
| LAKE WALES |
98,896 |
80,000 |
25 |
|
| LAKELAND |
129,025 |
121,000 |
183 |
|
| MULBERRY |
96,436 |
102,555 |
15 |
|
| POINCIANA |
79,361 |
70,000 |
61 |
|
| POLK CITY |
93,178 |
62,347 |
7 |
|
| SOLIVITA |
185,000 |
185,000 |
1 |
|
| WINTER HAVEN |
107,469 |
99,500 |
67 |
|
Let’s take a look at the distressed Polk County real estate market!
Distressed properties, which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales count for 62% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of September.
- 281 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $74,200 – Days on Market 31
- 89 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $114,000 – Days on Market 141
The data for this report was obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include “For Sale By Owner”.
Florida overall real estate statistics
The Florida Association of Realtors® reports that existing home sales rose 34% in September from the previous year and a 4.1% increase from the previous month. Florida’s median home price continues to stumble with distressed properties dictating the housing market – Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month dipped to $142,000 for a 34% decrease from the previous year and 3.66% from the previous month.
Polk County
What exactly do National and Florida home sales statistics for August 2009 really say?
October 5, 2009 by Petra Norris · 1 Comment
This real estate market report covering not only the Lakeland real estate market, it specifically covers the whole real estate market in Polk County. It was published in the October 3, 2009 edition of Polk Homes of The Ledger. I realize that some of my readers do not subscribe to The Ledger and therefore missed out on my article. So without further ado, here is the unedited version of my article with links to various sites for your information.
The National Association of Realtors® reported a decline in existing home sales in four regions. The seasonally adjusted sales declines were as follows:
- Northeast – existing home sales fell 2.2%
- Midwest – sales dipped by 6.6%
- South – sales decreased by 3.1%
- West – sales declined 2.7%
What do the stats really say? Absolutely nothing! It is like talking about the national weather forecast – there is nothing to write about. Let me examine the real estate statistics reported from the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). They report that existing homes sales rose 28% compared to August 2008. Again, nothing more than the Florida weather report – nothing to write about. Often these published statistics lead to more questions, such as how many of these homes were short sales, bank owned properties, or regular sales. None of this is reported nationally and state wide.
I’ve had my share doing market reports for Polk County and Lakeland real estate in the past and always expressed what is exactly selling. Real estate is very local and the housing report, according to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for the month of August is as follows:
551 existing home sold – a decrease of 7.7% from the previous month (597 sold homes) in Polk County – an increase in sales activity of 22% from the previous year. Overall Polk’s median price for existing homes declined almost 6.5% from the previous month to $101,000 and dipped 27% from the previous year of $138,950.
At the time of this report, there were a total of 6106 properties for sale and 1748 properties currently under contract that have not closed. Where is the real estate market headed? Real Estate professionals use an absorption rate – though not an exact science, it is based on current and pending inventory and recent sales. Taking all the figures into consideration, we currently have about 15 month of supply – a true buyer’s market.
Let me break it down even further for you. I’m sure you’d like to know how your city was performing in August 2009 for existing home sales – single family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes -including distressed properties in Polk County.
City Average Sold Price Median Sold Price # of Homes Sold
| AUBURNDALE |
137,338 |
117,000 |
13 |
| BARTOW |
85,433 |
51,500 |
12 |
| DAVENPORT |
124,509 |
110,000 |
103 |
| DUNDEE |
73,500 |
73,500 |
2 |
| EAGLE LAKE |
74,500 |
74,500 |
1 |
| FORT MEADE |
29,900 |
29,900 |
1 |
| FROSTPROOF |
73,833 |
80,000 |
3 |
| HAINES CITY |
146,554 |
115,000 |
35 |
| INDIAN LAKE ESTATES |
115,000 |
115,000 |
1 |
| KISSIMMEE |
86,919 |
91,750 |
20 |
| LAKE ALFRED |
97,663 |
98,500 |
8 |
| LAKE WALES |
113,364 |
114,500 |
22 |
| LAKELAND |
136,324 |
130,000 |
166 |
| MULBERRY |
130,492 |
137,950 |
12 |
| POINCIANA |
80,132 |
69,900 |
77 |
| POLK CITY |
49,057 |
49,100 |
7 |
| WAVERLY |
17,500 |
17,500 |
1 |
| WINTER HAVEN |
137,597 |
105,200 |
67 |
Let me share with you what the National Association of Realtors® and Florida Association of Realtors® doesn’t tell you – the distressed market!
Distressed properties, which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales count for 53% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of August.
223 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $79,000
70 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $115,000
Last year August 2008, there were 111 properties sold as distressed properties – an increase of 164%
Buying distressed properties can be very time consuming and tedious. Are you looking for a great deal and overwhelmed with an abundance of inventory on the market. Hire a local Realtor®, who knows the local market and is working diligently for you to get the best deal.
The data for this report were obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include “For Sale By Owner”.




