Lakeland Fl attract new residents – Makes Forbes Top 10 List of ”U.S. Cities on the Rise” Despite the recent reports that Florida’s population growth slowed down considerable the last few years. There were more accolades for the State of Florida, especially for the City of Lakeland. Forbes.com released its Top 10 list of U.S. Cities on the Rise.  With Colorado Springs, Co snatching up the top spot – no surprise to me, especially after visiting this beautiful city. This statistic was based on the percentage of residents, one year or older, who moved in 2008 into the 100 most populous Metropolitan Statistical area. Equally and no surprise to me, Florida with its top 4 cities of #7 Cape Coral, #8 Lakeland,  #9 Palm Bay, and #10 Bradenton rounding out the “Top 10 List” with most newcomers s... 10/08/2009

  As always the Downtown Lakeland Partnership prides itself of hosting and organizing First Friday.  Expect the unexpected at this month local event’s theme “Art Walk” on October 2nd, 2009 in downtown Lakeland. Art Galleries throughout downtown Lakeland hosting art exhibits and reception and you are invited. Take a moment out of your busy schedule and see what our local artists have to offer and patron our local merchants. We have true talent here in Lakeland showcasing their art work displayed throughout downtown Lakeland – it’s worth checking it out. It all starts at 6:00 p.m. – restaurants, stores, galleries, and coffee shops are open late. What else canyou expect to see? Dance performances Music & Entertainment on the streets Big Tent Sale Mitchells Coffee House – art reception and ... 09/30/2009

The month of September kicks off another 50-week Farmers Curb Market in downtown Lakeland Florida on Wednesdays between 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays between 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Located on 200 N. Kentucky Avenue, right in front in the plaza of the Peterson Building you find so many different and unique products from over 25 vendors at any given day such as: fresh locally grown vegetables   organic herbs, spices and teas bake goods plants homemade soaps Local crafts Parking is easy too; Saturdays are free to park on the north side of Munn Park or the Bay Street lot as well as the yellow zone parking and in bank parking lots.  Driving downtown to the Farmers Curb Market on Wednesdays please follow your parking limits of 2hrs in the yellow zone parking. There is ample parking ava... 09/10/2009

Bi-weekly update for the Lakeland real estate market! Currently, there are 1933 homes for sale throughout Lakeland – as of 09/10/09. The homes newly listed for sale decreased from two weeks ago to 127 homes in Lakeland with an average sales price of $160,907 or $84.66 per square foot with area Realtors®. The types of homes and average prices just listed in Lakeland, Florida according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows: 1 duplex unit listed for $41,085 6 condos listed with an average sales price of $105,075 17 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $84,979 3 Townhomes/Villas listed with an average sales price of $110,466 100 single family homes with an average price of $179,876 The priciest home that came newly on the market here in Lakeland, Florida is a 1... 09/10/2009

We are back in session and to all Polk County school teachers – We Salute You!  So c’mon down to downtown Lakeland and see for yourself what Downtown Lakeland Partnership has in store for you at this First Friday celebration “Back to School – Salute to Educators!”. Bring your badge for special discounts and register to win downtown dollars. It all starts at 6:00 p.m. – restaurants, stores, galleries, and coffee shops are open late. Enter to win prizes at Brooke’s Pottery It has been a tough assignment the past year for teachers around Polk County with budget cuts in which teachers find themselves digging deep in their own wallets to keep the classroom running with necessary supplies. Throughout the month of August, MidFlorida organized “Stuff the Desk” – an opportunity for the community... 09/01/2009

Hi folks! Yes, the price of your Lakeland home is still the #1 reason why your home is still on the market. Reason #1 – Too many sellers are under water while trying to sell their Lakeland, Fl home at a much higher price or as (For Sale by Owner) FSBO, often ignoring the fact they can no longer afford their mortgage payment, due to job loss, medical issues, divorce or other hardship. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Recommendation #1 – Do a short sale! Hire a Realtor® who is proficient and knowledgeable about what it takes to complete a short sale from start to finish – who is on your side every step of the way. Reason #2 - You hired an agent, who promised or agreed to list your house at a higher price.  I have walked away from a listing appointment before, only to see the property go on... 08/28/2009

Bi-weekly update for the Lakeland real estate market! Currently, there are 1942 homes for sale throughout Lakeland – as of 08/27/09. The homes newly listed for sale increased a bit from two weeks ago to 134 homes in Lakeland with an average sales price of $184,796 or $92.49 per square foot with area Realtors®. Although the Lakeland real estate inventory is slightly decreasing from week to week, I noticed an increase of luxurious homes coming on the market. During the first quarter, only 4 homes priced over $1 million entered the Lakeland Real Estate market, while the second quarter produced an additional 10 homes, totaling 22 Lakeland homes for sale priced over $1,000.000. The types of homes and average prices just listed in Lakeland, Florida according to the Multiple Listing Services (... 08/27/2009

Welcome to Hello Gorgeous, a full service hair and spa salon - a local business in Lakeland, Florida. At Hello Gorgeous Salon, they are there to pamper you from head to toe. Looking for a quick hair cut, massages, makeup, facials, nails, pedicure, waxing or a complete hairstyle makeover with hair extensions. The salon's experienced talented staff are here to make your makeover a pleasant experience and give you the consultation you need. Located at 620 W. Brannen Rd in Lakeland, Fl 33813, the prices are competitive with specials for guys and gals - call (863) 648-5352 for details.         Meet Luci Hoover, the owner of hair and spa salon "Hello Gorgeous" in Lakeland, FL. She exemplifies the southern friendliness and has over 20 years experience. She opened "Hello Gorgeous" in 2004, outg... 08/26/2009

First-Time Homebuyers calling me are somewhat surprised when I tell them that there is really only a short time left to purchase a Lakeland home. If you're planning on taking advantage of the existing $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit program, you should buy within the next six weeks. This program is scheduled to expire November 30, 2009, and since the financing and closing process on a Lakeland home can take up to 60 days - you may miss the mark if you wait too much longer to sign a home purchase contract. By my calculations, you have about 6 weeks left before you miss the opportunity of the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit window. The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit - A Short History - click here 08/22/2009

July showed that there were some positive signs in Lakeland real estate market that I would like to share it with you. Lakeland Homes sold in July: 188 - previous month:  169 – previous year July 08: 149 sold Which zip codes represents the most sales activities since January 2009? Zip Codes Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Total 33801 20 12 15 21 13 16 17 114 33803 11 10 16 18 16 19 26 116 33805 12 11 12 9 5 10 14 73 33809 13 12 16 11 18 17 16 103 33810 25 31 34 31 46 37 40 244 33811 10 16 17 18 18 22 20 121 33812 10 5 8 13 7 9 16 68 33813 9 25 27 28 26 33 35 183 33815 5 3 7 5 7 6 4 37 Grand Total 115 125 152 154 156 169 188 1059 Lakeland Real Estate average and median home prices Average sales price in July: $147,904 – previous month: $145,767 – previous year July 08: $168,425 Median sales ... 08/14/2009

Bi-weekly update for the Lakeland real estate market! Currently, there are 1952 homes for sale throughout Lakeland – as of 08/12/09. The homes newly listed for sale dropped from two weeks ago to 129 homes in Lakeland with an average sales price of $176,288 or $90.32 per square foot with area Realtors®. Our Lakeland real estate inventory is slightly decreasing from week to week, resulting in a more active market. The types of homes and average prices being actively marketed according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows: 6 condos listed with an average sales price of $93,116 11 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $66,218 5 Townhomes/Villas listed with an average sales price $115,370 108 single family homes with an average price of $193,815 Another home hit... 08/14/2009

When I’m hired as your Listing Agent handling your Lakeland Short Sale, time is of the essence. The lenders may have filed already a Lis-Pendens, which puts the property already in a pre-foreclosure status. Pricing your home is the most crucial step to marketing and selling – the comparative market analysis that I will provide is comprehensive and more emphasis is given to recent sales comparables similar to your home that are in distress as well as condition. My price suggestions are based on facts and statistics. Competitive pricing will generate more showings and a faster offer. Multiple Listing Service (MLS) – Listing your Lakeland Short Sale in the MLS has all the information it requires plus a whole lot more. From the maximum pictures it can hold, to detailed information about roo... 08/10/2009

TODAY, is August's version of First Friday & this month's theme is once again, the popular "Dog Days of Summer." For those of you that resemble your pooches, there is a dog/owner look-a-like contest. This contest will be held at FastFrame on South Kentucky Avenue. There will also be dog obedience skills competitions & training throughout the Downtown area.   Other First Friday events: Local radio personality, Seth Mela from WLKF's Mayhem in the AM will be in Munn Park. The SOFA KINGS will be jamming at the Garden Bistro between 6 pm - 8 pm. Classic Car Show on Tennessee Avenue. Lofty Ideas will be handing out free bandanas for the canines and samples of Italian ice. Arts on the Park will have an art reception between 6 - 9 pm with the theme, "Long Days of Summer." Mitchell's Coffee Hous... 08/07/2009

The beautiful State of Florida is known for it's great retiree population and according to The Ledger article today "Lakeland's Location Brings Honors As a Good Place for Retirees" is proof in the pudding that Lakeland is a great place to live for our senior citizens. I always say that Lakeland is a great place to live and a lot of my clients say the same thing. While Lakeland's population reached over 93,000 recently, the majority of the population is over 55 years of age, making it a great place to live for Lakeland retirees according to the Lakeland Economical Council's web site. What brings retirees to Lakeland? Location, location, location.... centrally and conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa - white sandy beaches all within an hour drive, affordablility in housing with ... 08/06/2009

It may get hot “downtown Lakeland”, but surely a cool place to be for First Friday’s event of “Dog Days of Summer”. So come on down to Munn Park and bring your family, friends and pooches too. Let the fun begin with a costume contest, dog-owner look-a-like contest. Dog obedience exhibitions will be held throughout downtown locations with plenty of cool water to drink for your fury friends. It all starts at 6:00 p.m. with restaurants, coffee shops, stores and galleries open late. Arts on the park with an art reception, YMCA, Lofty Ideas, Garden Bistro, Mitchells Coffee House, Lifestyle Family Fitness, J. Rowman Galleries, South Florida Baptist Association, Florida Blood Services for blood donation and Fast Frame will be there to offer activities and showcase art work.     Don’t forget to... 08/04/2009

Bi-weekly update for the Lakeland real estate market! Currently, there are 1967 homes for sale throughout Lakeland – as of 7/30/09. The homes newly listed for sale dropped from two weeks ago to 138 homes in Lakeland with an average sales price of $229,481 or $100.38 per square foot with area Realtors®. But why the drastic increase for the average price for Lakeland homes newly listed? Within the last two weeks, there were 4 Lakeland homes listed for over $1 million, which resulted in an increase of the average sales price for Lakeland Real Estate. The types of homes and average prices being actively marketed according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows: 1 duplex listed for $160,000 7 condos listed with an average sales price of $120,714 8 mobile homes listed with an a... 07/30/2009

For Lakeland housing report for the month of June, I thought I share it with you in pictures. Lakeland Homes sold in June: 169 - previous month: 156 – previous year June 08: 148 sold Which zip codes represents the most sales activities since January 2009? What are the various average prices in each Lakeland zip code? Take a look at my spreadsheet below. I’ve separated the report by zip code instead of school zones; it gives you a more accurate report in my opinion. The data and graphs for this report were obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include “For Sale By Owner”. The numbers highlighted in pink represents the zip codes where average sold prices have exceeded. Lakeland Real Estate average and median home prices ... 07/22/2009

After a little sabbatical from doing my weekly market report for Lakeland because of time constraints, due to other commitments personally and professionally; I’m back to keep Lakeland residents and those interested in Lakeland real estate up-to-date. The only thing that will change, the report will come to you every two weeks – bi-weekly. The most important factor happening with the Lakeland housing market is ” supply”. Currently, there are 1981 homes for sale in Lakeland. The last time I saw our inventory drop below 2000 was July 2006 – wow exactly 3 years ago. Lakeland Homes for sale bi-weekly update! There were 146 homes newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price of $181,430 or $95.71 per square foot with area Realtors®. Please continue to read for a more detailed report b... 07/16/2009

Lakeland Local Events – First Friday, Red White and Kaboom, Independence Day Lakeland Florida is the place to be for this weekend’s 4th of July holiday celebration and local events are the best Family Entertainment. First Friday is celebrated on the first Friday of every month and this free event is themed “Sundown Celebration”. It’s happening downtown Lakeland around Munn Park (Kentucky and Tennessee Avenue) July 3rd, 2009 starting at 4 p.m. – an hour early this time just because it is a holiday and you should have an early start to share this wonderful celebration with your family Downtown Lakeland. A classic car show will also take place, just like every month with some great looking cars. Kentucky Avenue will be closed for bounce houses, kiddie train, and cake eating contests, face ... 06/30/2009

The average sales price of $124,689 ($71.01 per sq.ft.) continues to dive for May at 23% from the previous year for Lakeland Real Estate. However, last month sold prices dropped only 2.66% from the previous month.  The good news is that the number of homes sold is steady for the past three months, increasing at a small rate to 156 Lakeland residential real estate sold in May compared to 154 homes sold the previous month.   Analysis of the type of homes being sold shows Lakeland’s primary real estate market is single family homes with median sales price of $125,000. This pricing trend makes Lakeland with it’s centrally location between Tampa and Orlando very affordable when comparing to Florida’s median price of $144,400.       Let’s break it down for you to see the supply and demand for... 06/29/2009