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Lakeland, FL Real Estate News

By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
If you are looking for a (mostly) one story home with a 3 car garage, check out the Barcello Bonus by M/I Homes at Hawthorne Ranch in South Lakeland! All you have upstairs is a bonus room, with the option of adding a bathroom, and even a 5th bedroom if you desire. The master and 3 other bedrooms are downstairs. Why M/I Homes?They offer semi custom options on all of their floor plans, along with an upgraded curb appeal when compared to their competition in the neighborhood. They are also offering very competitive incentives, such as up to $75,000 off, and money towards closing as well as a rate buy down if you are not paying cash. Why Hawthorne Ranch?The Homes for sale in Hawthorne Ranch offer great access to everything South Lakeland has to offer, as well as County Line road for quick a...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Carillon Lakes in Lakeland Florida – Absorption Rate Market Analysis My last featured blog titled Pricing Realistically - Understanding Absorption Rate in Real Estate inspired me to look at the Lakeland Fl Real Estate Market more closely by studying local Absorption Rate. I defined the absorption rate for Lakeland Florida homes and wrote that I would help you understand how absorption rates and housing supply is calculated within a specific community, such as Carillon Lakes in Lakeland Florida. Real Estate is Local! While I have been writing overall market reports for Lakeland, Florida for some time now, I often get asked what the current home prices in certain neighborhoods or subdivisions are.  Creating a Absorption Rate Market Analysis for a specific location, such as Carillon Lakes...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Lakeland FL Real Estate Update – Lakeland Homes for Sale for December 1 - December 15, 2010 Update for the Lakeland FL real estate market! Newly listed homes for the period of December 1 – December 15, 2010.  A total of 142 Lakeland FL homes were just listed with area Realtors®.  The average sales price of Lakeland homes for Sale inched up to $137,475 from my previous report The total inventory of Lakeland homes is 1913 as of 12/20/2010. The types of homes and average prices for sale in Lakeland, Florida according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows: 1 duplex units with an average sales price of $29,900 8 condos listed with an average sales price of $119,688 14 manufactured/mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $48,386 3 townhouse/villas listed with an av...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Pricing Realistically - Understanding Absorption Rate in Real Estate Housing economists and experts use the absorption rate in real estate to predict the housing market, while sellers may heard the phrase through the media but really don’t know what absorption rate represents. Since April 2009, appraisers are required to use absorption rate for all government loans. Absorption rate is an assessment of the current housing inventory, including properties under contract (pending) because a prospective buyer can walk at any time, divided by current rate of sales, expressed in months of supply. In any local real estate market, the absorption rate is generally considered the best indicator of whether the housing is either a seller’s or a buyer’s market. Normal Market - Absorption Rate is bet...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Carillon Lakes  - Lakeland Florida – Home Pricing Report Real Estate is Local! While I have been writing overall market reports for Lakeland, Florida for some time now, I often get ask what  are the current home prices in certain neighborhoods or subdivisions.  Creating a home pricing report for a specific location, such as Carillon Lakes, gives buyers and seller in-depth information. Today, I want to give you an overview of home prices within Carillon Lakes, which is located just minutes from Polk Parkway, this gated community has over 650 homeowners.  What is selling at Carillon Lakes? - Market Snapshot: Currently listed Carillon Lakes  Homes for Sale in Lakeland, Florida: 17 active listings (12/09/2010) - average sales price of $167,850  Pending/Under Contract: 8 homes Jan - Nov 201...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Lakeland FL Real Estate Update – Lakeland Homes for Sale for November 16 – November 30, 2010 Update for the Lakeland FL real estate market! Newly listed homes for the period of November 16 – November 30, 2010.  A total of 124 Lakeland FL homes were just listed with area Realtors®.  The average sales price of Lakeland homes for Sale decreased to $136,906 from my previous report. The total inventory of Lakeland homes is 1890 as of 12/06/2010. The types of homes and average prices for sale in Lakeland, Florida according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows: 2 duplex units with an average sales price of $98,900 5 condos listed with an average sales price of $134,780 14 manufactured/mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $75,600 3 townhouse/villas listed with an...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Just Sold - Lakeland FL Foreclosure in Carillon Lakes and the Story Behind It I just closed recently on a Lakeland Florida foreclosure in this beautiful gated subdivision in Carillon Lakes.  My client called me after he found a couple of my blog posts searching for Carillon Lakes Homes for Sale.  After our initial conversation he told me if I could preview homes for him since he was living out of state, which as a Buyer's Agent is one of my services I offer for all of my clients.  He already had a pre-approval letter from his mortgage broker and was ready to sign a Buyer Broker Agreement.    After I previewed a few Carillon Lakes Homes for sale and did my Comparable Market Analysis, he was ready to move forward for me to write up an offer on this ready to move-in Fannie Mae owned home. ...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Lakeland Florida Short Sale and Foreclosure Market Report – October 2010   For the month of October, the Lakeland real estate market of short sales and bank-owned (REO) properties market share decreased to 60% from the previous month, reasoning the recent foreclosure moratorium. There were a total of 100 distressed homes sold, compared to 130 in September and 92 distressed Lakeland homes sold the year prior, according to Mid-Florida Regional MLS.   Currently there are a total of 1882 Lakeland FL homes for sale and 462 homes under contract (11/27/2010). By calculating total inventory, homes that are under contract which are included in my inventory share because these properties have not closed in which a buyer could walk away at any given time.   Bank owned properties – Inventory share...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Lakeland Fl Real Estate Update – Overall Home Sales for October 2010 Overall Lakeland Florida home sales decreased to $114,532 for the month of October, down 4.67% from the previous month.  The number of Lakeland homes sold was the third lowest this year to 166 homes sold, reasoning the recent foreclosure moratorium from. October market share of distressed homes decreased to 60% from the previous month. Distressed properties continue to be a major factor in determining overall market values for Lakeland FL homes for the remainder of this year and 2011.     Lakeland overall homes sales in October:  166 - previous month:  195 – previous year October 09: 178 sold October – average sales price $114,532 Previous month: $120,143 (-4.67%) – previous year October 09: $115,971 (-1.24%) October ...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Holiday Events and Entertainment in Lakeland Florida Lakeland Florida is the place to be when it comes to Holiday Events and Entertainment.  There are so many events going on that I want to share with you and hope you will take the time out of your busy schedule and attend some Lakeland's wonderful family events.  "What is your favorite Christmas Story?" To get you in the holiday spirit, the Junior League of Greater Lakeland hosts its 30th Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. The theme for the parade is "Christmas Stories" and it will start with a spectacular firework show over Lake Mirror.  The parade will start at the Lakeland Center through downtown Lakeland and around Lake Mirror.  It is always wonderful to see children's laughter and holiday ...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Lakeland FL Real Estate Update - Lakeland Homes for Sale for November 1 - November 15, 2010 Update for the Lakeland Real Estate market!  Newly listed homes for the period of November 1 - November 15, 2010.  A total of 145 Lakeland FL homes were just listed with area Realtors®.  The average sales price of Lakeland homes for Sale increased to $171,941 from my previous report. The total inventory of Lakeland homes is 1865 as of 11/17/2010. The types of homes and average prices for sale in Lakeland, Florida according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows: 7 condos listed with an average sales price of $96,929 14 manufactured/mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $61,086 1 townhouse listed with an average sales price of $89,900 123 single family homes with an av...
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By Bryant Tutas, Selling Florida one home at a time
(Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC)
Dear Fannie Mae, I am writing on behalf of Mr Sell M. Short. Mr Short has hired me to sell his property and to assist with negotiating a short sale with Bank of America. We have been diligently working on this since May of this year. In July we submitted a complete short sale package through the Equator system and have been going back and forth with our negotiator since then. First, Bank of America wanted a higher purchase price and the buyer agreed. Then they wanted a cash contribution from the seller of $2,500. Even though he has to borrow these funds he has agreed. Now they are asking him to sign a promissory note in the amount of $15,000 with payments of $100 per month. Unfortunately, the borrower does not have the financial means to make these payments. So of course he is not able...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Lakeland FL Homes For Sale - Just Sold in Less Than 30 Days! Lakeland FL has an abundance of homes for sale and with distressed properties dictating the market, it is not an easy task to list and sell a traditional home in less than 30 days in any price range. The home I just sold in the North Lakeland area was not a short sale and not a foreclosure, however, my clients were ready to price it right and do whatever necessary to get their home sold fast.  I provided my clients with a detailed comparable market analysis, including making the home show ready with their effort and guided them through my online marketing presence in which they never looked back. The buyer took advantage for 100% USDA financing which also allowed for more than the average 3% of seller's contribution of buyer'...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Sprinkling Good News for Lakeland Florida - Why Do They Call It That? When good news is happening in Lakeland Fl, I can't resist to sprinkle the good news and write about who is coming to Lakeland FL with an episode of "Why Do They Call It That?  From a selection of names Munnville, to Redbug and finally to the chosen one "Lakeland" - Lakeland is a far better choice any any other. I have been living in Lakeland Fl for over 17 years now and love every minute of it that Lakeland and its surrounding places has to offer.  Our local television region covers the Tampa area and I have been an avid watcher of the CBS 10 News morning show with a cup of coffee in hand where I get about an hour of the morning show.  One of my favorite installments of CBS 10News morning show is Wednesday's episode...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Worried about Buying a Lakeland FL Foreclosure or Short Sale? - Don't Be! Are you still hesitant buying a Lakeland FL foreclosure or Lakeland FL short sale because of the recent news of the robo-signing mess and fraudulent foreclosure documents filed in Florida? Don't be! There are currently an abundance of Lakeland homes available being marketed as bank-owned(REO) and short sales. With an instant equity of anywhere from 5-20%, however, buying a Lakeland foreclosure is not for the faint at heart and it requires preparation and great amount of due diligence. I have written articles before on how to buy a Lakeland FL Short Sale and keep in mind when buying a short sale, it is a three-way negotiation between the seller, lender and buyer, whereas the seller's lender has agreed to short sal...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Lakeland FL Real Estate Update - Lakeland Homes for Sale for October 16 - October 31, 2010 Update for the Lakeland Real Estate market!  Newly listed homes for the period of October 16 - October 31, 2010.  A total of 124 Lakeland FL homes were just listed with area Realtors®.  The average sales price of Lakeland homes for Sale increased to $166,086 from my previous report. The total inventory of Lakeland homes is 1862 as of 11/02/2010. The types of homes and average prices for sale in Lakeland, Florida according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows: 1 duplex listed with an average sales  price of $69,900 4 condos listed with an average sales price of $134,225 6 manufactured/mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $62,783 3 villas/townhouses listed with an ave...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
  Lakeland Florida Short Sale and Foreclosure Home Sales – September 2010  For the month of September, the Lakeland FL real estate market of short sales and bank-owned (REO) home sales increased to 67% from the previous month. There were a total of 130 distressed homes sold, compared to 108 in August and 99 distressed Lakeland homes sold the year prior, according to Mid-Florida Regional MLS. Currently there are a total of 1867 Lakeland FL homes for sale and 491 homes under contract (10/26/2010). By calculating total inventory, homes that are under contract which are included in my inventory share because these properties have not closed in which a buyer could walk away at any given time.   Lakeland FL bank-owned homes – Inventory share is 14,21% Lakeland FL Short Sale homes – Inventory ...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Lakeland Fl Real Estate Update – Overall Home Sales for September 2010 Overall Lakeland Florida home sales increased to $120,143 for the month of September and the number of Lakeland homes sold increased from as well to 195. Average and median prices, however, declined from the previous year.   Distressed properties continue to be a major factor in determining overall market values forLakeland FL homes. September market share of distressed homes increased to 67% from the previous month.   Lakeland overall homes sales in September: 195 – previous month:  187 – previous year September 09: 184 sold September – average sales price $120,143 Previous month: $115,431 (+4.08%) – previous year September 09: $128,976 (-6.85%) September – median sales price $100,000 Previous month: $98,000 (+2.04...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
  Lakeland Florida Holiday Event – Holiday Walkabout 2010 Imagine this!  Horse–drawn wagon rides, holiday music, kiddy train ride, pony rides,  pictures taken with Santa and Mr.s Claus, Grinch, holiday decoration throughout downtown Lakeland near Munn Park on November 30, 2010, and much more… This is going to be a fun-filled event for the whole family to enjoy – Holiday Walkabout 2010 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. There will be three villages; all decked out in holiday decorations: Santa’s Village  (located on the block of Pine Street) – photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and holiday treats for guests. Who-ville (located on the block of Kentucky) – look out for Grinch Munn Park:  Holiday Central will be filled with holiday music from schools and local churches.  Surely will get you in the ho...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Lakeland FL – Arts & Entertainment - Harrison School for the Arts presents “Camelot”Theater lover, music lover, arts lover listen up – it is time again for the curtain to rise at Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts annual musical presentation.   You don’t want to miss this captivating tale of Lerner & Loewe classic “Camelot”, which won six Tony Awards in 1961.  Experience the mystical romance and dazzling excitement of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, Sir Lancelot, Morgan LeFey, Mordred and the Knights of the Round Table. May you be set back in time to charm, romance, and majesty as the Harrison School for the Arts talented cast will give it a new spin on this classic with a score that includes “What Do the Simple Folk Do,” “If Ever I Would Leave You, “Camelot,”...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Lakeland FL Downtown Farmers Curb Market - Halloween Favorite - Pumpkin Carving Exhibition October 30, 2010 The Downtown Farmers Curb Market in Lakeland, Fl is located on 200 N. Kentucky Avenue in front of the Peterson Building.  It is open throughout the year (50 weeks) every Saturday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Wednesdays between 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  You will find so many products from organic fruits and vegetables that are grown locally to oils, soaps, flowers and a lot more from our local vendors. On Saturday October 30, the Downtown Farmers Curb Market is proud to sponsor this fun-filled Halloween favorite: "The Dr. Scissorhands Pumpkin Carving Exhibition".  Local doctors use their scissor skills performing surgeries creating fantastic jack-o-lanterns that patrons can bid on...
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