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 3rd 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!
As I bring to you my weekly market update for Lakeland, I must emphasize there are a currently over 2400 residential properties for sale in Lakeland. There are 234 homes currently pending to close, which is an increase of 20 homes from my last week's report, however there were 5 properties less sold. The average days on market increased from 117 to 156. The average sold price decreased by $7877 approximately 5% from my last week's report. If you are interested in a specific area or neighborhood, feel free to contact me at petra@petranorris.com
Harrison School for the Arts of Lakeland, FL presents:
I want to talk about a High School that is near and dear to my heart. In 1989 Harrison Arts Center opened its doors to 154 students. It is the only High School in Polk County with a strong emphasis in the arts program. Students currently enrolled majoring in their field of Music, Dance, Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Visual Arts. These students take their General Education Classes at Lakeland High School.
Harrison School for the Arts proudly presents the east coast premiere of Marcus Goodwin's adaptation of Jane Austin's famous novel, Pride and Prejudice. The public performances will tale place on February 28th, 29th, and March 1st at 7:30 p.m. and March 2nd at 2:00 p.m. There is limited seating for this event. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for students and senior citizens. You may purchase your tickets on-line at Harrison School for the Arts web site.
One of the world's first romantic comedies casts its eye upon the society of the landed gentry in 19th century England. The story revolves around the five marriageable daughters of the Bennett family. When Mr. Darcy arrives to live in the area, the Bennett family is quick to spot ideal husband material. Elizabeth, one of the five Bennett sisters, does not take kindly to Mr. Darcy until her opinion of him changes and she falls in love.
I hope, I will see you there as I will be selling tickets in the Box Office for Harrison School for the Arts. Enjoy the performance!
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"Der Kunde ist Koenig"- the client is king, that is how I treat my clients. I'll pay attention to detail in every aspect of your real estate needs, whether selling or buying. Call me 863-619-6918
I invite you to read some of the articles I have written since I have become and avid blogger who loves to write about all kinds of things in and around Lakeland Florida.The client is king! Honesty, integrity and service encompasses my commitment for each and every client. I offer each client the energy and commitment they deserve. I will never place my own interests above my clients. I will treat everyone who contacts me fairly, honestly and respectfully.
Whether you consider selling or buying a home in Lakeland Florida or the surrounding cities in Polk County, I strive for excellence which means only one thing - SOLD! My #1 goal when selling and buying homes is to get you the results you want from your investment and the best possible price for your home you are purchasing. My attention to details, ability to communicate clearly, and vast knowledge of the Lakeland real market ensures that your needs will be handled with the utmost professionalism. When selling or buying homes in Lakeland Florida, I always set high goals and then work to exceed them.
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Fluent in German - Ich spreche Deutsch!
Sehr oft kommt es vor, dass mit mir Kontakt von Deutschland aufgenommen wird und dazu möchte ich Sie gerne behilflich sein. Viele Deutsche sind zwar Vertraut mit der englischen Sprache aber wenn es um den Immobilienkauf in Florida geht, ist es verständlich, dass man mit den Fachausdrücken im Immobiliengeschäft nicht vertraut ist. Dazu bin ich gerne bereit Sie durch den ganzen Ablauf Ihnen zu helfen.
Bitte richten Sie Ihre Fragen ueber den gesamten Ablauf eines Immobilienankauf oder Verkauf in Florida an mich. Von der generellen Vertragsabwicklung, inklusive: Kaufpreis, Verhandlungen, Finanzierung, Anzahlung, Inspektionen, Titelnachweis, Eigentumsnachweis, Besitznahme, etc.
Fuer weitere Informationen und erster unverbindlichen Beratung rufen Sie mich an unter der Telefonnummer 001/863 61 9691 8 oder senden Sie mir ein Email an petra@petranorris.com oder ueber Skype: petranorrislkld
I have been a Real Estate Broker since 1998, serving sellers and buyers in the Lakeland Fl communities, Polk County and Southwest Florida. In the ever changing Real Estate Market, it has become more apparent that more focus is in the distressed housing market.
As a Lakeland FL Short Sale Agent, I'm committed to continue my education. I completed my SFR Certification (Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource) which focuses on helping Lakeland FL homeowners who are in hardship situations and owe more on their homes than the value in today's market. Short sales in Lakeland FL and the surrounding cities in Polk County are a major challenge, and knowing what to do to protect client's interests is key. If you are in a situation or facing soon the situation of a hardship with your home, please don't wait - get some guidance right away so you know what your options are. Don't ignore your lender's letters, get in contact with the lender right away. Seek a real estate agent who is knowledgable about the whole process.
Liebe Petra,
Vielen Dank für die sehr professionelle Suche, Betreuung und Abwicklung unseres Hauskaufs. Danke ebenso dass du unsere endlosen Fragen immer wieder geduldig beantwortet hast. Du warst immer so weit wie möglich für uns erreichbar.
Erleichtert wurde unsere Suche, die Beantwortung unserer Fragen und die Vorbereitung des Kaufs durch die vorbildliche Kommunikation per Skype , Fax und Telefon. Trotz Zeitverschiebung von Deutschland zu USA hat die Kommunikation hervorragend geklappt.
Durch deine aussagekräftigen Bilder und der ausführlichen Beschreibung der angefragten Objekte konnten wir uns sogar von Deutschland aus schon entscheiden.Erstaunt waren wir das alles so schnell und unkompliziert ging. Nun sind wir stolze Besitzer „unseres“ Florida-Vacation-Home.
Danke nochmals. Wir sind froh dich gefunden zu haben und können deinen Service nur wärmstens empfehlen.
Grüße aus Deutschland
Petra & Erich
English Translation:
Thank you for your outstanding professionalism and support throughout our home buying process. We appreciated your patience answering our questions tirelessly over and over again. You were always so far possible attainable for us. You were always available for us when possible. Despite the different time zones between United States and Germany, your communication was outstanding through telephone, skype, email and fax. The significance of your picture taking and your detailed description of the properties you viewed enabled us to decide on which home to purchase from Germany.
Surprisingly to us the whole buying process was done smoothly and fast as we are now proud owners of our “Florida Vacation Home”.
Thank you again. We are so happy that we have found you and would highly recommend you to anyone who is seeking your service.
Greetings from Germany
Petra & Erich
Petra Norris helped me when I needed help selling my house. After much searching in the Lakeland, FL area for short sale real estate agents, Petra's name kept coming up. I contacted her and we set up an appointment for 2 days later. She was on time and very friendly. I figured the sale was going to be a year long thing but she had a buyer for my property in 3 months time. She stayed with me and answered all of my questions no matter how trivial they were. Petra even stayed in email contact with me while she was on holiday. Short sales are not fun as they usually come from a "bad thing that has happened". In my case, it was a lay-off. Petra made the process "not" bad at all. She always has a smile, she is upbeat and just a wonderful person to be around. She is professional and gets the job done. Do business with her. I promise you won't be disappointed. Petra, I'm still indebted to treat you and your husband to dinner. :-) Take care, Benjamin White
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Petra assisted us greatly with the purchase of our first home. She was there every step of they way. Explaining fully and clearly the process from beginning to end and we feel she worked with us not just professionally but also on a personal level. On many occasions she went out of her way to assist us and help make the process move on quickly and efficiently. We would highly recomment Petra to anyone who may be looking for a Realtor. Peter Stuart
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My Husband and I were looking for a house on the north side of Lakeland, and when we spoted a house we wanted to look at Petra was always there to help and support us. Once we found the home we had been looking for, Petra made the entire home buying experience seamless. I highly recommend her. Lynn Haynes
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I presently live in New Mexico and from the very first day I called Petra we were able to begin the "Home Purchase" process. Throughout the entire process I was completly informed of our progress, also of when and what to do. After we closed on my home Petra continued to help me get the Home ready to move in. Without her Professional help none of this would have been posible. Allready decided that "if and when" I sell this Home, she will be the Realtor I contact to list my Property. Good luck to all !! Philip L Howell - November 26, 2010
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Dear Petra,
Thank you so much for all the help you gave me on the sale of my house and the purchase of my new home. Your suggestions on what to do to make the house more attractive to buyers obviously worked. I was really shocked when we got so many offers in the first few days. All of the offers came with different terms and down payments. It was great to have someone who help sort through all the jargon to pick the offer that was not only generous, but the safest option.
As I had heard that it could takes weeks for a house to sell, I was not mentally or otherwise prepared to move out as quickly as I ended up having to do. But again you helped so much, showing me a variety of homes to choose from in different parts of Lakeland. Each one had interesting qualities. When I fell in love with this house, you stayed on top of the bidding processes and worked through a couple of glitches with the home owner to see it through, timing the two closings so that everything worked out smoothly. I especially appreciate that there was such a good line of communication. You kept me informed as to the progress of the sales and you were always available if I had any questions.
Sincerely.
Marilee S.
Dear Mrs. Norris:
I would like to take this opportunity today, since all my properties in Texas have been successfully sold, to express my gratitude for your excellent, professional and loyal service. You have managed nearly 200 properties in Texas with diligence and acumen for over 12 years. I had always the feeling that your profession was led by the maxim that my interest were to 100% entrusted in each and every way.
Sincerely,
Professor Dr. D. Uthoff Germany
Dear Petra,
We were very satisfied with your service regarding the purchase and sale of our property in Venice, FL. At that time, when we asked you to look for a suitable property, we were nevertheless quite surprised how quickly you could present us a suitable object. Moreover, the condo corresponded completly to our desires. And we have enjoyed ourselves there for over seven years. When our first son was born we had to separate us from our beautiful condo. Once more, you were very helpful with the handling of the sale and again, the sale of our condominium to find a buyer so quickly was very surprising to us - and more importantly with great results. Should we return to Florida, and you can be certain of that, and when our two sons will be old enough, then we are certainly again "yours". We are already looking forward to this day.
Greetings from Germany send you
Christian und Manuela Voss
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