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Petra Norris
"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
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Polk County, FL Real Estate News

By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
The Winter Haven Chain Of Lakes draws boaters from all over Central Florida. It offers fantastic fishing, boating, birding, skiing, and so much more.Being born and raised right here in Winter Haven means I've spend most of my life enjoying the lakes. When I bring it up with people moving to the area from out of state, they always ask "What Is The Chain Of Lakes?"The Chain of lakes is 20 lakes that were connected via canals years ago for the citrus growers to move oranges from one side of town to the other. They no longer move citrus here, but the canals are maintained and used daily by recreational boaters, kayakers, and paddle boarders. Many people call the Chain Of Lakes their back yard and enjoy being able to walk out and jump in the boat and ride to one of several waterfront restaur...
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
Looking to make the move to Winter Haven? In this video I go over 3 of the newest communities in the area!These neighborhoods are all pretty close to each other, and each have unique offerings. The newest, Peach Crossings in Winter Haven, will be a smaller community with NO CDD! And with prices starting in the $330,000's! Harmony At Lake Eloise is going to offer the greatest amenities, including a lakefront amenity center on the Chain Of Lakes! There are currently two builders working here,  D.R. Horton and Casa Fresca. They offer two styles of homes in, the alley homes and the traditional single family homes, each with multiple floor plans available.VillaMar, the oldest of the three featured in this video, is going into its 8th phase and includes 5 different builders offering single fa...
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
Lake Juliana Estates in Auburndale offers a beautiful gated luxury community with private access to Lake Juliana. Homes For Sale in Lake Juliana Estates. Lake Juliana Estates is a NO CDD community with great amenities! The list includes Boat ramp and dock, pickle ball court, half basketball court, pool, playground, fitness center, and clubhouse. It is located in Auburndale, just South of I-4 making the commute to Tampa or Orlando that much shorter! There is a brand new publix right outside of the entrance of the community. The HOA is $183/Month and there is NO CDD. Students living in Lake Juliana Estates are Lena Vista Elementary, Stambaugh Middle, and Auburndale High Schools. Adams Homes is building on the remaining non lakefront lots and will likely be done by the end of 2026. There a...
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
Bartow is getting nearly 2250 new homes starting later this year! A major developer is working on putting in a new community, named Emilie Springs. Check out our Blog Post for more info on Emilie Springs Bartow!Emilie Springs will be constructed in four phases over two parts, Emilie Springs East and Emilie Springs South. While the name is not 100% approved, the company planning the community chose it in homage to Émilie du Châtelet, a mathematician and physicist whose work contributed to the development of roller coasters, like those at Disney, Busch Gardens and Legoland. Legoland is just a short 15 minute drive from the community.They are hoping to break ground by the end of 2025, so check our website for Homes For Sale in Emilie Springs then, but if you can't wait that long you can br...
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
I get calls, texts, and emails from people just like you considering making the move to Central Florida and have answered all sorts of questions on the areas, and even help people decide that Central Florida was NOT the place for them. Check out all of the Homes For Sale in Davenport! 🏡Why Davenport?Davenport, Florida is a smaller (but rapidly growing) community that is 30 minutes South West of Orlando with I-4 splitting the city, making it very popular for commuters or families that love that Orlando attractions but don't want the higher cost of homes that the Orlando area brings, but more on that in a minute. Disney, Universal Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, SeaWorld, and so much more are all within 45 minutes. AffordabilityDepending on where you are in Davenport, home prices typicall...
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
If you are looking to live in one of, if not the best neighborhood in Davenport, check out the homes for sale in Providence! A gated, guarded golf community with multiple builders and many choices. Providence is a large community that is home to 2200 residences. Ranging from townhomes to luxury golf course view pool and courtyard homes. In this video I give you a tour of several of ABD Development Company's homes. The three models offer high ceilings, beautiful finishes, upgraded kitchens, wonderful master suites, and prices start in the mid $700,000's and go to $1,300,000. ABD does have semi custom options so you can make some changes. If this sounds perfect for you give us a call at 863-33-5053 and lets go over whats available. Providence HOAProvidence only has an HOA of $143/Month, n...
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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 Alan Brown, 35 Years of Real Estate Experience .
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Top 5 Must-Read Books for Realtors to Boost Their BusinessBeing a successful Realtor requires more than just knowledge of the housing market. It demands excellent communication, negotiation skills, and the ability to build lasting relationships with clients. To thrive in a competitive industry, continuous learning is key—and what better way to learn than through books written by experts in real estate, sales, and personal development?Here are five essential books that every Realtor should read to elevate their business and grow as a professional:  Maybe you have some others that you like? Be sure to suggest other books in the comments below.1. “The Millionaire Real Estate Agent” by Gary Keller This book, often referred to as the “real estate bible,” provides a step-by-step guide to buil...
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By Alan Brown, 35 Years of Real Estate Experience .
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
As a Realtor with 34 years as a full time Realtor I would Love to be your Realtor of choice when you are looking to buy your next home. I have closed over 1200 properties over that time.  I have taken the time to take the ABR course so that I may better represent you as a buyer during the home buying process.The Benefits of Working with an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) When Buying a HomeBuying a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced purchaser, having a knowledgeable and dedicated professional on your side can make all the difference. That’s where an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) comes in.ABR® designees are specially trained to advocate for homebuyers, making the home-buying process ...
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By Alan Brown, 35 Years of Real Estate Experience .
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Understanding the Homestead Exemption in Florida: A Guide for HomeownersThe Homestead Exemption in Florida is a vital benefit available to homeowners that can significantly reduce property taxes. Beyond the financial savings, it also provides legal protections for residents, making it a cornerstone of Florida's real estate laws. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or considering purchasing a property, understanding the Homestead Exemption can help you make informed decisions and maximize your savings.What Is the Homestead Exemption?The Homestead Exemption is a property tax benefit offered to permanent residents of Florida who own and occupy their primary residence. This exemption reduces the assessed value of your home, which is the basis for calculating property taxes. For eligible h...
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
I was going through my phone photos to clear up some space since I have so many community videos and photos that I've already done highlights on, I stumbled across this one that I took before a hurricane when I went to get some diesel for the tractor, and maybe a 12 pack of cold beers. Here in Polk County you can drive farm equipment on public roads *IF* you meet a few requirements. Hazards, a slow moving vehicle orange triangle on the back, and a seat belt. Oh and you have to be doing "Farm Work" Like getting fuel? Probably. Oh, Yes, it was me. I'm the redneck. The thing is I'm about a half mile from this gas station and I normally just fill the yellow diesel jugs, but this time the tractor was almost empty too so why not top everything off before a hurricane incase we need to do a lot...
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By Alan Brown, 35 Years of Real Estate Experience .
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Here are the Single Family Home Sales numbers for October 2024 as compared to October 2023.  This for the Davenport Florida zip code 33837. As you can see the number of Closed sales, median price, new pending sales is down. The active inventory grew by 21% .. We are definitely in a buyers market now. I expect this trend to continue for the next few months. I am fairly optimistic once we get into early spring that the market will improve. Of course much of this will alos depend on what interest rates do in the next 3 months.If rates could improve to between 5 and 6% it would definitely benefit the housing market. If youa re looking to buy or sell a home in the Davenport, area of Florida, which is close to Disneyworld here in Central Florida, I would Love to be yoru Realtor of Choice.    
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
Welcome home to the gated Village At Lake Highlands in South Lakeland. These townhomes offer easy living with a community pool just south of the Polk Parkway in Lakeland Highlands, just south of the new Orlando Health Hospital they are building by the Polk Parkway. We have an end unit listed for sale at $275,000! 2051 Winterset Drive - This one is a 3 bedroom 2 bath unit with a 1 car garage. The roof, AC, and stainless steel appliances in the unit are only 4 years old. Hot water heater is 1 year old, making even easier living! The location is even harder to beat, being South of the parkway and on Lakeland Highlands Boulevard, it gives easy access to shopping, entertainment, healthcare facilities, and being minutes to the Polk Parkway for quick access to I-4. 
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
Looking for a BRAND NEW home in Winter Haven with No CDD? Then you are in luck! As of this post there are 29 actively listed new construction homes in Winter Haven, Florida with no CDD.Why such a specific search? I get asked a lot by people calling from my YouTube channel asking for homes with No CDD because they do not want the extra fee on their annual tax bill. They may also not want the community amenities like a Pool, Clubhouse, walking trails, and playgrounds that a CDD offers, just the new home. So we made this list of brand new homes that do not have a CDD especially for them!
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
Are you looking for a home e sale on the Winter Haven Chain Of Lakes? You are not alone!The Winter Haven Chain of lakes is a total of 24 lakes that are connect via canals that were originally dug in the 1920's and 1930's to help transport the local citrus crops. Today it is a hot spot for people boating skiing, tubing, fishing, bird watching, and just enjoying the outdoors. If you want to read more about the lakes check out this blog post: Winter Haven Chain Of Lakes. There are 5 restaurants on the chain, with most of them being on Lake May. They offer dining, bar service, and entertainment in the way of live music on the weekends and even events, especially at Tanners Lakeside. Homes for sale on the Chain typically range from $700,000 to over $2,000,000, depending on the lake they are ...
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
Looking for brand new homes in Haines City, Florida without a CDD? We've got you covered. All builders, all price points! Many of these builders are currently running aggressive incentive packages, including mortgage rate buy-downs, closing costs, and more! Give us a call at 863-333-5053 to learn more about how much we can save you!Haines City is a growing community that is South West of Orlando, located along Highway 27, giving easy access to I-4 for commuters to Tampa or Orlando. Many people are moving to Haines City as the home prices are more affordable than some of the larger cities like Orlando, Davenport, and Dr Phillips. These builders are building the same floor plans, but the homes are often up to $100,000 less than the other cities!Wait, what is a CDD?The short answer is a ne...
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
If you are looking for a smaller no CDD neighborhood here in Central Florida, Check out Taylor Groves homes for sale.  D.R. Horton has begun construction here just off of Highway 60 in Lake Wales. They are building one story homes, their Aria and Cali models. The Cali is one of their most popular single story floor plans and starts under $300,000 here in Lake Wales. All of them have 2 car garages, and you can have either 3 or 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The Aria starts at $255,990 and offers 1672 square feet of living area. The Cali starts at $294,990 and offers 1828 square feet of living area. Taylor Groves is a smaller community but offers great access to the outdoors lifestyles so many love in Lake Wales. There is many great fishing lakes, walking trails, parks, nature preserves, and...
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
Stop on by my Living In Central Florida | With Ben DeHaven YouTube Channel tonight at 7:00 EST and join Vince and myself for over an hour of talk about the local real estate market, whats been going up and down in the market, and anything else you want to know more on! Feel free to pick our brains on everything Central Florida Real Estate!We will also be talking more about the Davenport area, as it's proximity to the Orlando area attractions have been a major draw for people relocating from out of state. Hope to see you tonight!
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By Alan Brown, 35 Years of Real Estate Experience .
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
  Memory updated Here are the pros and cons of buying a home in the Orlando area now versus waiting until 2025, specifically considering the local market conditions: If you are looking to buy now or in 2025 I would Love to be your Realtor of Choice. Put my 34 years of experience to work for you. Contact me at 970-209-8436 Cell  AlanBrownRealtor@gmail.com  Pros of Buying Now (2024) Rising Home Prices: Orlando is a high-demand market with limited inventory, meaning prices may continue to rise. Buying now locks in a price before potential increases. Growing Rental Demand: Orlando's rental market is strong due to tourism, job growth, and population influx. If you decide to rent your property, it could generate a good return in the near future. Favorable Timing for Relocation: If you plan to...
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By Alan Brown, 35 Years of Real Estate Experience .
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
I recently SOLD this home to some buyers I represented that relocated here to the Orlando area, more specifically Davenport Florida. Davenport is just 8 miles from Disneyworld here in the Orlando Metro area. This home was built in 1994. It had recently had the kitchen and bathrooms all remodeled along with a new roof and some other upgrades. Here is a a quick walk through video that shows what $375,000 could buy you. This home even has a swimming pool which, in this price range is hard to find.  Short Term Vacation Rentals are allowed in this neighborhood.With interest rates at 18 month lows this is a good time to consider buying a home. If you are looking to move to and buy a home in the Orlando metro area, I would love to be your Realtor of choice. I have 34 years of experience listin...
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
In todays post I'm sharing with you my video tour of Reserve at Forest LakeBeing constructed completely by KB Homes, Reserve At Forest Lake offers Townhomes and Single Family homes. There will be over 200 single family homes for sale and 60 townhomes. The exciting part? NO CDD the HOA covers the community pool and playground, so your tax bill is not increased, making this one of the MOST AFFORDABLE Lake Wales New Construction homes for sale, maybe even in all of Central Florida!Located just off of 27 on Chalet Suzanne road, you are close to shopping, yet still away from huge traffic and congestion all the time. KB homes also offers the option for some customizations and even modifications to the floor plans on the single family homes, so give us a call at 863-333-5053 to go over your op...
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
Come check out these brand new homes in Mabel Place in Lake Wales!Mabel Place is located just off of Highway 60 in Lake Wales and is very popular for people relocating to the area that prefer a quieter, more out in the county feel. Lake Wales is a smaller city that is home to Bok Tower, a beautiful bell tower perched on one of the highest points in Florida on the Lake Wales Ridge. Near Mabel place there is shopping at Walmart, Publix, and Winn Dixie. There is a historic downtown that is definitely worth checking out. If you are considering a move to Lake Wales reach out and we can help you put a plan together to make one of these beautiful homes your very own! If you enjoy fishing, there is Camp Mack nearby with access to world class freshwater fishing in multiple lakes, including the K...
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
Check out these brand new homes by Taylor Morrison right here in Lake Alfred! With super easy access to I-4 This a a great community for the commuters traveling to Orlando, or the family that wants to be ~30 minutes to Disney, Sea World, and all the other Orlando area attractions! Check out these Eden Hills Homes For Sale.Eden Hills is a multi-builder community, with 5 different builders offering several different floor plans each, giving you plenty of options, but in this video I go over the Taylor Morrison models, which are some of my favorites lately! This area is exploding with new growth, with Silverlake being right down the road as well as Gum Lake Preserve. There are several other developments on the horizon as well. 
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