Lakeland, FL

I Must Net X Dollars To Sell My Lakeland FL Home

This past week I spent most of my time with out of state clients showing homes in and around Lakeland. My buyers were also driving around on their own and came across a “For Sale by Owner Sign” in a community that was of interest to them. They took down the phone number and that afternoon when I met with them, they told me about it and asked me to call the owner.

When I called the owner, I identified myself as a Realtor® working with clients who are interested in your property. The owner replied that he would be happy to work with a Realtor® but he told me, “I must net x dollars to sell my Lakeland FL home.”

While the sales price was out of my clients price range and declined to make an appointment to see this home, it inspired me to write about homes that are under water. I researched the history of this home and noticed that the current homeowner purchased the property at the height of the real estate market. Although the owners put down substantial amount of money to have instant equity, it is not nearly enough to sell the home in today’s market for a profit or even to sell without the owners bringing cash to closing. In addition, the home was listed with real estate agents who could not get it sold to cover the mortgage and the closing costs involved in a real estate transaction.

Most Lakeland FL homes purchased in 2005 are under water in today’s real estate market unless you own it free and clear of mortgages and even then, homeowners are reluctant to sell their home unless they have a substantial reason to sell, i.e. moving back to be near their children, downsizing, or elderly moving into an assisted living facility. For example, you bought your home in 2005 for $250,000 and your down payment was $50,000, in today’s real estate market your home may only be worth $125,000. Taking $75,000 out of your retirement account is a lot of money and to regain the money would perhaps take years if it would be possible at all.

Unless homeowners are willing to bring cash to closing to sell their home, the only option available to them may be a short sale. Elderly folks may not realize that short selling their home may be their best option to save their retirement.

If you are in a situation where you have a mortgage and your home is worth less than the mortgage balance, contact me at (863) 619-6918 to discuss your options. Be sure to seek legal and tax advice in your situation.

Copyright © 2012 By Petra Norris * I Must Net X Dollars To Sell My Lakeland FL Home*

Lakeland FL Harrison School for the Arts - Little Women

Musical version of Little Women is a touching story for the whole family

It is this time of the year again when Harrison School for the Arts Musical Theatre Department proudly presents the musical Little Women based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel with book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein.

This musical version of the famous story focuses on the lives of the four sisters Jo, who is tomboyish, romantic Meg, kind-hearted Beth and the pretentious Amy March as they grow up during the mid-19^th century in Massachusetts. At the center of the story is the lively character of Jo, an imaginative creative writer, who challenges social conventions and maintains her independent spirit while desperately trying to keep the ties of her family from unraveling.

Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing an evening filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit. This powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache and hope for all family members.

Performances of Little Women will take place at the Harrison Theatre Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3^rd at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 4^th at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $7 for students and senior citizens and $9 for adults. Tickets may be purchased on line by going to www.harrisonarts.com and clicking tickets.

Harrison School for the Arts has many more upcoming performances in March, such as:

Choral Chamber Concert on March 6th at 7:30 p.m.

Chamber Music Concert on March 8th at 7:30 p.m. held at Florida Southern College

The Children’s Hour (Black Box Theater):

March 22 at 7:30 p.m.

March 23 at 7:30 p.m.

March 24 at 2:00 p.m.

March 24 at 7:30 p.m.

March 25 at 2:00 p.m.

Piano Concert on March 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Wind Ensemble on March 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Copyright © 2012 By Petra Norris * Lakeland FL Harrison School for the Arts - Little Women*

Lakeland FL Sandpiper Golf Homes For Sale - January 2012 Real Estate Market Update

Sandpiper Golf & Country Club, an active 55+ community, is located in North Lakeland with easy access to I-4, top medical facilities, shopping a dining. The homes were built in the late 80’s through the late 90’s and contain approximately 1200 single homes and villas from over 900 – 2,000 square feet. Homes have 2 or 3 bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, and offer a variety of floor plans and upgrades, such as enclosed patio, flooring, kitchen, appliances, etc. They are mostly used as vacation homes for our Snow Birds as their winter resident; however year around living shows an active lifestyle in this community, such as golfing, swimming, social gatherings, walking, exercising, dining and much more..

Lakeland Fl Sandpiper Golf Home prices for the past twelve months shows that sellers realize to sell their homes quickly, they must price them competitively to achieve their goal. Pricing homes competitively shows in the pending activity because 5 out of 8 homes are listed for under $130,000 with one of the pending listings is Lakeland foreclosures and one short sale.

Copyright © 2012 By Petra Norris * Lakeland FL Sandpiper Golf Homes For Sale - January 2012 Real Estate Market Update*

Is It Time To Short Sale Your Home?

Deciding whether or not to short sell your home is something that concerns everyone in your family as well as all the other people who may be living with you in your home. Buying and selling a home is no easy task as it involves lots of money, and it is not the kind of decision that most people could take lightly. If your finances require you to at least take short sales into account, then you may also find the following tips helpful in making the choice for your home.

Are short sales always preferable to foreclosure? In many ways, short sales may prove to be the better choice over foreclosure. Your financial standing could take quite a dipping if you allow your home to be taken and foreclosed by your creditor. With short sales, however, you only need to wait for a shorter period of time before you’re legally able to buy a new house once more.

Can Short sales be strategic? Most people assume that short sales are only for those who can no longer afford to keep up with their payments. The truth is, short sales can also be a strategic decision – one that could, however, provide you with another opportunity to buy a new – and better – property. Strategic short sales are, however, something you are highly encouraged to speak more with your realtor about.

Who should I consult? Ask the opinions of those who matter. There are two kinds of persons whose opinions would matter in this case. Firstly, there’s your family. Their future would likely be affected with whichever choice you make. It wouldn’t hurt to find out first what they think the right path is to take. Secondly, you should consider the opinion of a professional or expert. Again, think about your realtor, who is likely to be greatly familiar with how short sales and foreclosures work and which – in your case – could prove a better alternative.

Copyright © 2012 By Petra Norris *2011 Lakeland Florida Overall Housing Market Review - A Roller Coaster Ride*