Petra Norris - Lakeland Florida Realtor® Lakeland Florida Real Estate,

Harrison School for the Arts - Choral Concert

If you missed the Harrison School for the Arts theatre sold out performances last month "Pride and Prejudice". You're in for a treat at this year's Spring Choral Concert on March 20, 2008 @ 7:30 p.m.

picture provided by Dawn Kahre

The Harrison Chorus will be premiering the "Opera in a Box" program for the middle schools with an abbreviated presentation of Hansel and Gretel during the first half of the concert. The second half will include songs from around the globe, including Japan, Brazil, Africa, England, and more. The choral students are under the direction of Judy McLaurin.

Tickets are $5.00 for students and senior citizens and $7.00 for adults. You may purchase your tickets on-line at Harrison School for the Arts web site or on the evening of the performance at the Harrison School for the Arts Box Office. Enjoy the evening with these talented young artists!

Watch out for more upcoming performances in the near future!

Copyright © 2008 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved

Petra Norris -CDV TransAtlantic, Inc. - Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
This blog is solely my point of view

The aftermath of a date change in Florida's Primary Election

Sure you have heard the news or read the newspaper why Florida changed its Primary Election day to January 29, 2008. Check out the article by Abby Goodnough "Seeking an Edge, Florida Changes Its Primary Date".

The race for the democratic nomination is stronger than ever and still no clear cut winner in sight - what a mess it is. Florida's politicians now are asking for another democratic primary election or some sort of compromise.

Was it necessary to move up the date to January 29^th?

It is my opinion that holding the primary election in Florida after February 5^th would have been a better choice, considering the threats from the Republican and Democratic Party

What are Florida's benefits to have an early election?

You tell me! I did not see any benefits at all and the issue of importance is now irrelevant because the Florida Delegation were cut in half by the Republican National Convention and stripped altogether by the National Democratic Convention.

What if Florida would have changed the Primary Election date past February 5^th?

We would not be in this predicament now and the Democratic Party would have perhaps their nomination.

Who should pay for another election, the taxpayer or the national party? Florida Voters, did your vote count on January 29, 2008? I leave that comment up to you.

Copyright © 2008 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved

Petra Norris -CDV TransAtlantic, Inc. - Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
This blog is solely my point of view

Lakeland Residential Weekly Market Report

Below you will find my weekly report to give you an inside on what is happening in the Residential Real Estate Market for Lakeland, FL.

There are currently 2404 properties for sale, which is a decrease of 14 listings reported the previous week. Although the average sold price decreased by 6% from last week, the amount of 29 closed properties increased this past week from the previous reported week.

My weekly report is obtained by the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include "For Sale By Owner".

If you are interested in a specific area or neighborhood, feel free to contact me at petra@petranorris.com

The Price is Right!

The article " In Downer Market, Home-Selling Savvy Is Needed" in The Ledger from Jonathan Clements, who writes for the Wall Street Journal, inspired me to write about to Price It Right.

First of all, before you are thinking about putting a price tag on your house, make sure your house is in tip top shape so you can get the most dollars for your priced possession. Do your research of homes that are For Sale in your neighborhood. Please keep in mind that tiles, paint, or laminate flooring in your house is not an upgrade - it is simply upkeep. I also recommend doing your research on homes that were sold within the last 6-12 months.

I'm sure you can call a real estate agent and ask for their help and honest opinion, because that is what we here for to serve the public - at least I am, if you want my assistance.

Researching and pricing the home right is very tedious and time consuming because you would have to factor in several items, i.e. square feet, pool, fireplace, garage, etc. You get the point!

Put yourself in the buyer shoes and ask - would I want to buy this house for that price? Or have your friend look at your house and ask the same question - would you buy my house for that price?

Folks, hiring a Realtor® would be the obvious choice - don't you agree? He or she has the resources and experience selling homes. In addition, Realtors® sell homes every day and are not personally attached to the home as you are.

Folks, bottom line is that in today's sluggish economy make sure your house is priced right, even if it means pricing the home 10-20% below comparable homes within your neighborhood. The longer you have your house on the market, the more it will cost you - financially and psychologically.

Copyright © 2008 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved

Time is running out and so is your savings!

Monday, March 3^rd is fast approaching, if you are the one who bought or sold a homestead in 2007. It is the deadline to apply for homestead exemption and portability of Save Our Homes tax benefits, which is the difference between the assessed value and market value of a homestead due to the annual limit on increases in assessed value.

Homeowners, who already applied for a homestead exemption on their new homes, must complete a separate application by March 3, 2008.

To download an application form for portability, visit your local property appraiser's web site or Florida Department of Revenue web site.

It may not be a whole lot of savings, but every little bit helps in this difficult financial time. Time is of the essence!