Polk County

Polk County Existing Home Sales for January 2010

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

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

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 1^st, 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

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

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?

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”.

Polk County

Lakeland Florida First Friday Celebration “School’s out for the Summer”

Hooray! Friday, June 5th marks the first day of vacation for students in Polk County! What better way to come to downtown Lakeland and join a fun-filled event of  First Friday’s Celebration “School’s out for the Summer” to start your summer off filled with activities around Munn Park.

Parents and kids are you ready to have some fun? The party starts at 6:00 PM and contests in  blowing the largest bubble. I’m sure there are some great hula-hoopers in Lakeland, there will be a contest for a squirt-gun shootout, sidewalk chalk art contest, a contest for summer themed art, which takes place along Kentucky Avenue.

Downtown Lakeland Partnership teaming up with our local downtown merchants, Explorations V Children’s Museum and the Polk Museum of Art, who are making sure, you will have a great start to your summer vacation during the June 5th First Friday “School’s out for the Summer” Celebration.

More activities are planned for the kids such as a bounce house, face painting at Lofty Ideas and a DJ at Lloyd’s of Lakeland on North Kentucky. Traditions Unlimited will feature making paper flowers and Brooke Pottery will host the 2009 Annual Ornament Contest and Kathy Cooper, owner of Gold Leaf Creative Arts, will instruct children creating their special Florida animals made out of clay.

Teens and Adults – are you dressed for summer? The Polk Museum of Art is sponsoring on South Kentucky Avenue a community art project showcasing your idea of “Summer Fun”. A people’s Choice Award for a cool summer look – you live in Florida only a short drive to the beach. Hmm… flip flops, summer shirt and a cool hat made out of straw perhaps – think Key West or Hawaii, you get the point. Try it and have fun!
Prizes will be provided for various activities by the Downtown Lakeland Partnership and Downtown Lakeland merchants.
Garden Bistro, one of my favorite restaurants, will be open for dinner 6 – 8 P.M. It doesn’t get any better than dinner at the Bistro and music by Sofa Kings 7:00 – 11:00 on the Patio. Garden Bistro is next to Hollis Garden on Lake Mirror.

Entertainment along the streets and the car show on Tennessee Avenue next to Munn Park from 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM. Shops and Restaurants are open late!

I love summer – and First Friday in Lakeland is a great way to kick it off!  Remember, if you are thinking about moving, consider Lakeland, Florida!  As your Lakeland real estate professional, I’m here to help you find the home of your dreams!

Polk County

Lakeland First-Time Homebuyers $8000 Income Tax Credit

The $789 Billion stimulus package was unveiled signed, sealed and delivered to the American people.

First-Time Homebuyers listen up! It is now the best time to buy homes in Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven, and all the surrounding cities in Polk County, Florida.

1. Prices for Homes in Lakeland, Florida and throughout Polk County have dropped to 2004 level.
2. Interest rates are at an all time low, lingering around 5%
3. Housing Inventory have reached it’s highest level
4. Now, you can deduct $8,000 when buying your first Lakeland home.

Click here to search Lakeland area homes

Check out this reference chart! There was some confusion about the tax credit with the $15,000 credit being axed by the plan and the new $8,000 tax credit compared to the $7,500.