Happy Thursday!

From classrooms to closings, there’s movement all around Pasco this week. ✏️

A brand-new K-8 school in Lutz is almost ready to open, with a STEM and aviation twist that’s seriously exciting for local families.

Meanwhile, the housing market just posted its biggest jump of the year—yep, even with rates still high.

We’ve also got fairy tale lore, a Father’s Day market, and a pirate bar you’ll want on your weekend radar.

Let’s dive in. ⬇️

—Sean

🏫 Inside Skybrooke: A STEM-Focused K-8 School Opening Soon in Lutz

Driving the news: Pasco County's newest K-8 school, Skybrooke Elementary, is almost ready to welcome students, and there are still open seats for families interested in enrolling for the 2025-26 school year.

Details:

• Located in Lutz, Skybrooke Elementary is built to house up to 1,800 students, with ten classrooms per grade.

• The school is introducing an aerospace and aviation pathway for middle schoolers, part of a broader STEM-focused curriculum.

• Michele Boylan, a seasoned principal from Bexley Elementary, will lead the new campus.

• Hallways ditch traditional lockers for classroom-based storage, aiming to lighten students’ loads and keep materials organized.

Why it matters: Skybrooke offers a fresh education model right in Pasco County’s backyard—providing relief from overcrowding and more choice for local families.

The focus on STEM and aviation opens doors early for students interested in future-ready careers.

What’s next: Families have until the close of the final application window to secure a seat. This is the last chance to join Skybrooke for its inaugural year.

MORE→

🏠 Real Estate Rebound?
Signs Point to Yes

Driving the news: Purchase application activity surged 20% year-over-year—the biggest jump of 2025 so far—despite mortgage rates hovering between 6.8% and 7.1%.

Details:

• Week-over-week growth hit 10%, per the latest MBA Purchase Application report.

• This is the 19th consecutive week of annual growth, with the last six weeks all posting double-digit increases.

• The upswing comes off a low base from 2024, but momentum remains real.

Why it matters: A growing number of buyers are stepping back into the housing market, even as borrowing remains expensive. That’s a win for local real estate agents, lenders, and municipalities that benefit from home sales activity.

With housing inventory at its lowest since 2019, sellers also gain new leverage.

The big picture: Historically, mortgage rates in the 6.0%-6.64% range support stronger sales. If rates fall closer to 6%, home sales could accelerate sharply.

Current trends show buyers aren’t waiting for “perfect” conditions—they’re adapting.

By the numbers:

• 2024: 14 negative week-to-week reports; no annual growth.

• 2025: 11 positive, 8 negative, and 3 flat prints YTD.

• A brief downturn followed a spike in Treasury yields tied to trade tariff fears, but markets have since stabilized.

Between the lines: Cash buyers appear to be pulling back slightly, making room for mortgage-financed purchasers to rise.

The recent data indicates this isn’t just a blip—it’s a shift in momentum.

What’s next: Expect existing home sales to show annual growth from July through November, as current application trends work their way into finalized transactions over the next 30 to 90 days.

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📊 Our Current Local Market Data:

The Tampa Bay housing market is entering a more balanced phase. As of May 2025, the median home price in Tampa is around $431,000, up just 5.1% year-over-year, much slower than in previous years. Inventory has climbed over 30%, giving buyers more choices and leverage, especially on homes listed for 45+ days.

Homes are spending more time on the market, and over half are selling below asking price, signaling a shift toward buyer-friendly conditions. Still, Tampa remains a strong market thanks to job growth, steady population gains, and investor interest.

Sellers should focus on competitive pricing and strong presentation. Buyers, on the other hand, can benefit from expanded options and room to negotiate in 2025’s more stable market.

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:

• Top things to do in Tampa Bay this week, Father’s Day, laser Taylor Swift, Fringe Fest

• Pasco County Breaks Ground On Fire Rescue Station No. 2 On S.R. 54

• Rosebud Continuum adds welcome center, little library

• Shilo Sanders celebrates Tampa Bay Buccaneers contract by surprising University of Colorado football players with Apple Watches Worth $39,501

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

• 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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