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Lakeland, FL Real Estate News

By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Warning Signs That You Need to Repair the Foundation of Your Carillon Lakes Home For Sale   It is important to address problems with the foundation of your Carillon Lakes home for sale as soon as you see these warning signs.   A shifting, settling, or failing foundation can cause major structural damage to your Carillon Lakes home. The sooner you are able to fix any problems in your home’s foundation, the less damage it can cause.   The problem with foundation issues is they don’t show up right away. Your home’s foundation shifts, settles, or fails gradually and the simple telltale signs of foundation problems could be easily overlooked by homeowners.   Here are warning signs of foundation problems: 1. Cracks in floors 2. Misaligned garage doors, exterior doors, and windows 3. Bulging f...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Buyers of Sandpiper Lakeland Homes for Sale: Tips In Transitioning Into an Active Adult Community    Buyers of Sandpiper Lakeland homes for sale: Tips in transitioning into an active adult community   From selling your old home to settling into your new Sandpiper Lakeland home, there’s a lot of adjustments when moving into an active adult community for the first time.   Though you are looking forward to the benefits in living in a community like Sandpiper Lakeland Fl, the process of moving and adjusting can be demanding if  you are not prepared.       Here are some tips to help you have an easier and more simplified transition into an active adult community:   1. Make a checklist. Staying organized is the key to relocating. Write down your “to do’s,” make a checklist of your inventory t...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Top 9 Tips In Buying a Carillon Lakes Home for Sale   Top tips in buying a Carillon Lakes home for sale   Buying a home in an active adult community like Carillon Lakes is not too different from buying a home in a regular neighborhood.   The best thing to do is to hire an agent who is experienced in buying or selling Carillon Lakes homes for sale and who understands 55+ communities.   Here are some more tips in buying a home in Carillon Lakes:   1. Arrange your financing. Talk to your lender and get a preapproval letter before you make an offer on a home.   2. Get a home inspection. This also applies even for brand new homes.   3. Talk to the neighbors and find out what they like or don’t like about living there.   4. Ask the seller about cost of utilities and other costs associated wit...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
What Do Retirees Look for in a Sandpiper Lakeland Fl Home For Sale? (Part 2 of 2) What do retirees look for in a Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home for sale? In the previous article (Part 1), we talked about why retirees prefer to move to Florida and what they are looking for in a Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home for sale’s interiors. Now we will talk about what 55+ buyers are looking for when it comes to a home’s exterior and the neighborhood they will be moving into: 1. Low maintenance exterior. Options that are popular with retirees include stucco on concrete block, cement board, and brick. 2. Energy efficiency. Triple-pane, insulated, low-UV windows help keep utility bills low. Solar panels, solar water heaters and good insulation are also popular not only with retirees, but most homebuyers in ge...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
How to Prepare Your Carillon Lakes Fl  Home for Storm Season     How to prepare your Carillon Lakes Fl home for storm season.   It’s that time of year to get ready for storm season in Florida. You’ll never when or how strong a storm would be, so it’s better to prepare as early as possible.   Here are some tips how to prepare your Carillon Lakes home for hurricane season:   1. Take a walk around your home and look for anything that is damaged or could get damaged in a storm. Make sure the eaves are up in place and not hanging down. Check the fascia for damage. If it’s loose, repair it. Check for loose nails as they tend to pull out as they expand and contract with the changes in temperature.   2. Check your windows and screen enclosures for damage. Never underestimate a small tear as thi...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
7 Ways Not to Sell Your Carillon Lakes Home for Sale   7 ways not to sell your Carillon Lakes Home for sale   If you are selling your Carillon Lakes Home in Florida, make sure you avoid these 7 ways of how not to sell your home:   1. Overpricing Price is almost always the main factor in why homes do not sell. It’s either price for condition or price for location. How do you know if you have the right price for your Carillon Lakes home for sale?  It’s when you start getting offers from multiple buyers.  To find out how what the best price for your home is that will attract many buyers, hire an agent who has experience in selling Carillon Lakes homes. 2. Bad location No matter how great your house is, it will never compensate for a bad location. Homes that are close to a busy freeway, a w...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
What Do Retirees Look for in a Sandpiper Lakeland Fl Home For Sale? (Part 1 of 2) What do retirees look for in a Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home for sale? Retirees who are planning to relocate to Sandpiper Lakeland Fl are looking for specific things in their new homes and neighborhood. As a seller of a Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home for sale, it is important for you to know their reasons and motivations for buying and what they want in a home so you can make a fast sale. Why do they want to move to Sandpiper Lakeland Fl? In a recent survey at an Ideal Living Resort and Retirement Expo, 56% of respondents said the main reason they want to move to Florida is the warm weather. The next main reason is the lower cost of living in Florida, according to 36% of the respondents. Finally, 33% of the respo...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
4th of July Celebrations for Carillon Lakes Homeowners   If you are living in or have recently purchased a Carillon Lakes home and are making plans for celebrating the 4th of July with loved ones, here are some suggestions on how you could celebrate Independence Day in and around Lakeland Fl:   4th of July Celebration hosted by the Lakeland Flying Tigers - 5:00PM Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805   Purchase tickets in advance to get the best seats and avoid long lines. Tickets are available by calling the Flying Tigers at  (863) 686-8075 or by visiting www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com.   A spectacular fireworks show will start at around 9:15PM. Be dazzled by two amazing, choreographed fireworks displays that will brilliantly light up the night sky. ...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
3 Must-Dos for First-Time Buyers of Lakeland Fl Homes for Sale   I have recently closed on a home with a first-time home buyer who had done all the right things. But before he hired me as his Lakeland FL real estate agent, he had a budget, paid down his debt, saved for a downpayment and watched his credit score. But not everyone knows what must be done when it comes to buying a home, so let me explain the must-do's:   There will always be a first time for everyone when it comes to home buying. Because this is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make, and since many have gone through the same process, it helps to be aware of the most common to dos your checklist should have to ensure that you’re off to a good start.   Make sure to make your first ever home buying experience less t...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Top 6 Tips To Cool Your Lakeland Fl Home For Sale This Summer Even Without AC   Since it is summer, it is very common for electric bills to shoot up. Most homeowners will use their air conditioner longer hours to keep their homes cool. Do you know that there are other ways to keep the temperature in your Lakeland Fl home for sale cool without using your AC? Read on and follow the simple tips below. 1. Monitor the temperature The best way to maintain the cool air inside your home is monitoring the weather and the temperature both inside and outside. Check the TV or the internet either on your PC or your smart phone in order to know the forecasted temperature for the day. Knowing how hot or cool the air will be can help you prepare. If it will be cool the whole evening, you can go without...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
  Common Mistakes That Can Reduce Your Sandpiper Lakeland FL Home Value     Sellers want to get the most profit when selling their  Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home.   Unfortunately some commit these common mistakes that can reduce the value of their home.   You may already know the things that can boost the value of your home like staging it, cleaning it, keeping it smelling nice, and keeping your pets and kids away during showings. What about the things you are NOT doing that can cause buyers to pass up your home or offer less than what you listed the home for?   Here are some of the common mistakes sellers do or don’t do that affect the value of their homes for sale in Sandpiper Lakeland Fl:   1. Selling in an area with several foreclosures. If your Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home for sale is i...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Top 4 Things to Check in Your Carillon Lakes Home for Sale This Summer     Each season has its fair share of little damages brought to homes. Your Carillon Lakes home for sale is not an exception this summer season. So before the heat brings stress in your home, be sure to check out the top 4 items we listed below. Pay more attention to these things to make sure that your house is still looking all great despite the summer’s scorching heat.   1. Air conditioning unit This season your AC will be working double time so make sure that it is working perfectly. Check and clean the filters. Experts say that it is actually a good idea to change your filters once a month if you are using it daily. Moreover, the AC’s refrigerant level, wiring, and fan need to be inspected to make sure that there...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Top 3 Summer Energy Saving Tips for Your Carillon Lakes Homes for Sale   Summer is finally here. You may be purchasing a home this summer since research shows 60% of all homes are bought between May and August.  Once you’ve closed the deal on your Carillon Lakes home for sale try some of these energy saving tips.   1. Unplug unused electronic devices Some electronic devices still use up  a bit of electricity even if you are not using them, as long as they are plugged in. Chances are, you tend to leave appliances plugged in even if they are not used. Statistics say that around 5% - 10% of household energy consumption are from plugged in but unused devices. That’s probably the reason why they are called phantom load, idle current, vampire power, or shadow load. It makes you pay for someth...
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By Highland Homes, Building Dream Homes in Florida Since 1996
(Highland Homes)
When it comes to selling new homes, a big selling point can be the ability for the buyer to design their home to their wants and needs.  On June 19, 2014 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Highland Homes invites Realtors to join them for an open house and tour of the Highland Homes Personal Selection Studio. During the open house, Realtors will have the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of selling new versus used. One of the best benefits to buyers is the opportunity to design their dream home by picking out the design finishes and features that suit their needs, style and budget. During the tour of the Highland Homes Personal Selection Studio, Realtors will see firsthand the hundreds of design options available to Highland Homes’ buyers.  Additionally, Realtors will discover the financi...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Think Before You Click: Advantages and Disadvantages of Searching for Homes Online   Nowadays, almost everything is possible with the help of technology. Even searching for your ideal Sandpiper Lakeland home for sale is made easier and faster through the Internet.   Before you search for your future home online, consider the pros and cons of searching through the internet versus searching using traditional methods.   The advantages of searching for homes online:   The internet allows a potential homebuyer to evaluate the 'vital statistics' of a large number of homes. For example, you can find out which homes are within your budget with a simple click of the mouse.   Many online listings by developers and resale homeowners feature photographs of the home which helps buyers in the visual ...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
How Can Seller Incentives Help Your Lakeland Fl Home Sell Faster?   Whether you are listing your Lakeland Fl home in a buyer’s market, seller’s market or balanced real estate market, you may want to consider giving your buyers incentives to motivate them to make an offer on your home. What are the Best Seller Incentives? Most Lakeland Fl agents say that the best incentive that can sell your house quickly is a home that is in good condition and is priced just right. If you find that you don’t have enough money or time to make improvements on your home, then you can try to sell it “as is” – but don’t expect to get the best price for it. You will have to set a price just below what comparable homes in your area are selling for when you sell a home “as is” without improvements and/or deferr...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Why Buy a Lakeland Fl Home for Sale This Summer 2014   Summer is rolling in and temperature changes make people feel the heat even more. Meanwhile, changes also take over the business scene, which can be a good sign for home buyers. If you haven’t decided on buying a Lakeland Fl home for sale yet, you might want to consider making a move this summer season, both for good old reasons and for new and exciting ones. Check out the list below to help you decide on why buying a home in Lakeland Fl this summer is a good idea.   1. Location This is precisely why Lakeland Fl is one of the most popular places to settle, and probably one of the best places to visit during summer. There are numerous pristine beaches anyone can enjoy to beat the heat. Moreover, main attractions like Universal Studio...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Top 3 Reasons to Get A Home Inspection Before Buying a Sandpiper Lakeland FL Home For Sale   Before buying a Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home, it is very important to visit the home personally and inspect it thoroughly to make sure you are making the right choice. Relying on your own two eyes may not be enough since there are some items that you may overlook. To avoid making a decision on buying a home you might regret later on, it is be best to hire a professional home inspector. Here are the top three reasons why you need to hire a home inspector before buying a Sandpiper Lakeland FL  home for sale:   1. The inspector will check for visible problems that could be overlooked by a real estate agent, a buyer, or a seller – and that is why you need to consult them. Your inspector will check eve...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Seller’s Guide to Preparing Sandpiper Lakeland FL for Home Inspection   As today’s buyers are getting savvier, they hire a professional home inspector to inspect their perspective home before closing the deal. This is to protect their interest of getting a “great” home within their budget. There's no hiding a home inspector's findings. The best way to head off potential problems is to prepare your home before you even list it on the market. Here are some tips on preparing your home for the home inspection:   Basement. Make sure to point drainage downspouts away from the foundation because buyers and home inspectors will surely look closely at the walls and floors for patches of mildew and signs of dampness. Moisture deteriorates building materials and attracts insects. Roof. This is one...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Top Reasons Why  You Should Buy A Carillon Lakes Home for Sale Why should you buy a Carillon Lakes homes for sale?   Carillon Lakes in Lakeland Fl offers an active lifestyle community, resort-style amenities, proximity to excellent entertainment and culture, convenient travel options, and easy access to the best golf courses in Southwest Florida. Many active adults choose to buy homes for sale in Carillon Lakes because of the year-long tropical climate and low-maintenance lifestyle. Carillon Lakes Amenities Active adults will enjoy living in Carillon Lakes with its clubhouse that has a state-of-the-art fitness center complete with weight-training and cardiovascular equipment. Residents also have access to an outdoor pool, two tennis courts, and two pickleball courts. Biking and walking ...
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