Happy Thursday!

If you commute or interest rates have been stressing you out, I’ve got good news for you this week.

Hillsborough County’s 20-year transit plan could bring major changes to your commute, and BayCare is investing $12M in Pasco County for a brand-new HealthHub facility.

We're also looking at how fall 2024 is shaping up to be the perfect time to buy a home!

—Sean

🏥 BayCare Invests $12M in Pasco County for HealthHub Facility

Driving the news: BayCare Health System has purchased a 15.7-acre parcel of land in Epperson, Pasco County, for $12 million. The Clearwater-based health provider plans to build a HealthHub facility offering a range of healthcare services, including a freestanding emergency department.

Details:

• Partnership: BayCare will collaborate with Metro Development Group, Epperson’s master developer, to integrate healthcare into the community.
  

• HealthHub features: Besides primary and acute care, the facility will include a "TechDeck" to assist residents with wellness devices and apps.
  

• Expansion: This comes after BayCare opened a new hospital in nearby Wesley Chapel, part of a larger competition among Tampa Bay's health systems to capture more market share in Pasco County.

Why it matters: The rapid expansion of healthcare services in Pasco County reflects the area's growing population and demand for accessible medical care. Residents will benefit from enhanced healthcare options, including virtual and in-person services tailored to their needs.

BayCare's collaboration with Metro Development Group also offers a unique health concierge service, boosting community wellness.

The big picture: Pasco County is becoming a focal point for healthcare development as providers race to attract commercially insured patients. BayCare's investment in the area signals confidence in its continued growth and the importance of integrating healthcare into everyday living.

What’s next: With this purchase, BayCare is set to further establish its presence in the Tampa Bay area, meeting the increasing demand for comprehensive healthcare solutions in fast-growing regions like Pasco County.

🏡 Embrace Florida Living in this $679,900 Gem!

No Flood Zone! A charming 3 bed, 2 bath pool home on a prime Largo lot with mature landscaping and a long driveway.

📍 3750 Avocado Rd, Largo, FL 33770

🛏️ 3 Beds | 🛁 2 Baths | 📐 1,804 sq ft

🔑 Highlights:
☀️ Light-filled open floor plan with ranch-style layout
🌴 Two living areas, including a family room overlooking the pool
🚪 Oversized owner's suite with walk-in closet and en-suite bath
🏊 Private fenced yard with resort-style pool and extended lanai
🌳 Lush tropical landscaping
🚶 Minutes from Gulf Beaches, shops, restaurants, and boat ramps

Experience Florida living at its best! 🏡

💰 $679,900

🚏 New Transit, Less Traffic: Hillsborough's 20-Year Plan Takes Shape

Driving the news: Hillsborough County is moving forward with its long-term transportation strategy, set to prioritize key projects through 2050. The Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) opened a 30-day public comment period for the Access 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) on Wednesday.

Details: The community was engaged earlier this year to share input on transportation priorities, including:

• Enhancing transit services, building multi-use trails, and improving road safety.
  

• More than 4,600 residents participated in the survey, with 88% of them residing in Hillsborough County.
  

• “Newer, faster transit” was ranked the highest priority by 1,024 respondents, followed by reducing traffic congestion and road maintenance.

The proposed plan projects $18 billion in transportation funding between 2030 and 2050, though the county has identified $47 billion in project needs. This funding forecast is lower than the previous LRTP, which anticipated a boost from a one-cent sales tax for transportation.

Why it matters: Hillsborough County’s transportation infrastructure needs to keep pace with its rapidly growing population. With an expected increase of nearly 500,000 residents by 2050, maintaining efficient transit, reducing traffic, and improving safety will be critical for both residents and businesses.

The population surge, especially in unincorporated areas, underscores the need for a robust, forward-thinking transportation plan.

The big picture: Tampa will see a population increase of over 100,000, while Plant City’s population is expected to double.

Major projects on the horizon include a bus rapid transit system connecting downtown Tampa with the University of South Florida and road-widening initiatives in key areas such as Anderson Road and Lumsden Road.

What’s next: The TPO board will review public feedback and finalize the Access 2050 plan at a public hearing on October 16. This will guide Hillsborough County’s transportation priorities for the next two decades, with the next update scheduled for 2029.

🏡 Why This Fall Is the Best Time to Buy a Home in 2024

Driving the news: Zillow’s August 2024 market report reveals a boost for homebuyers this fall with lower mortgage rates and increasing inventory. These trends give buyers more listings to choose from and greater negotiating power.

Details:

• Mortgage rates: At 6.15% as of September 12, mortgage rates are at their lowest since February 2023, saving buyers on monthly payments.
  

• Inventory growth: Active listings rose 0.2% month-over-month, with a 22.1% increase compared to August 2023.
  

• Home values: The typical U.S. home value is $362,143, with the biggest declines in cities like San Francisco and Austin.

Why it matters: Buyers who've been holding off because of high rates now have a chance to qualify for more homes. With rates dropping, the average buyer could save over $100 a month.

Plus, with the highest inventory since 2020, waiting until spring could bring more competition and higher prices.

The big picture: Homebuyers across the U.S. are entering a unique period where conditions are favorable. However, regional trends still vary, with some cities seeing declining values while others, like Buffalo and New York, are on the rise.

What’s next: As mortgage rates continue their downward trend, buyers should act before spring competition heats up. Sellers, meanwhile, still have an advantage in many markets, but more negotiating is expected this fall.

📊 Our Current Local Market Data:

The Tampa and Pasco markets are still hot as fall approaches.

I am happy to help you create a real estate strategy that will allow you to navigate the current market.

If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

If you’re curious how much your home could sell for now, then reply “What’s my home value” or you can get an estimated value here.

Or if you’re just curious about how the current market affects your situation & what’s going on in your specific neighborhood, just reply & ask.

📰 In Other News:

• Lightning announces roster & schedule for training camp
  

• Tampa high school preparing students for college: 'It's been amazing'

That’s all for today, I hope you have an amazing week!

If there’s ever anything you need:

• a custom market or home value report

• a home services list for a reliable contractor or services professional

• feedback or a professional opinion on a home project

Just let me know! We’re here to help with all your home needs.

Talk soon,

- Sean, and the Bello Home Team

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