We are back at it again today. If you've seen my other vlogs showing you around the suburbs, you're gonna love this one. So stick with me showing you around Odessa, Florida right now. Welcome. If you are new here and new to me, my name is Adam, and I make videos all about living in the Tampa area, including the suburbs. Just like today's video about Odessa, Florida. And if you like what consider subscribing and ringing that little bell so you're notified every time we put out a new video. And guys, if you're moving here, I am a licensed realtor. So see that number on the screen? Give us a call, shoot us a text, send us an email, even schedule a private Zoom call with us because my team and I, we love to help you with your transition here. Alright everyone, we are kicking things off here in Odessa, Florida with a fan favorite neighborhood, Starkey Ranch. I am showing you three today, but we're starting right here. This is a very unique community. For many reasons. But as you can see behind me, there's a lot of preserve, wilderness, preserve. And the reason why is JB Starkey is the original owner here. Back in the early 19 hundreds, his family purchased some tons of land and became a cattle rancher. Through that, they were always, over time, they were always approached by developers to sell off the land. But I like what he did. He passed it down generation to generation and grew that cattle farm. And I'm sure they, over time they con connected with the the wilderness and he said, I'll sell it. I'll sell a portion of it, but I wanna sell it off and I want you to keep the tradition and the wilderness and the preserve. I want you to save that and intertwine that with the community. So that was his deal. When he sold it off to a developer they did save. Thousands of acreage to the preserve, said that you cannot build on it. But the portion that they did sell, which is a massive portion they have intertwined here. You can see a bunch of Cyprus trees and oak trees and pines, and even palms. All throughout this community. It's really nice. Animals, deer turtle birds galore. So if that's the stuff you like, wait till you see this community. Somehow they blended it all in. Tile barrel roofs that Mediterranean look somehow it all meshes in. There's parks, there's dog parks, there's everything you can think of. It's a nearly perfect community. Let's show you around. Today I'm doing a little bit different style of vlog. I'm getting in the air. I'm gonna talk about it, but this place is so massive. It's the only way I can show it all to you. So let's go. Starkey Ranch is located in Odessa, which is the furthest west of all the communities in Odessa. This unique community spans over 2,400 acres and butts up to another 18,000 acres of nature with the JB Starkey Wilderness Preserve right next door. Starky Ranch is one of those communities that has it all, and you get a sense that they put in a lot of time, thought and effort into planning this community. You will have a hard time staying indoors with all of the outdoor amenities. You'll find over 12 miles of paved trails, which is part of the community's 20 mile trail system. There are plans to connect the 6.7 miles of nature trails in the JB Starkey Wilderness Preserve, which also connects to the 42 Miles Suncoast Trail, which my wife and I love to bike. Not only could you take your dogs with you on the trails, but there are also four dog parks for some of the off leash Fun. All right. All right. I'm back here. I'm at Whitfield Park, still in Starky Ranch. Did you see the sky? The sun is. Out today, everything looks nice and green and that's how I like it. It's like that 250 something days of the year here, so it's perfect. We're in September. It's nice about 88 degrees, but it doesn't get much better than this. This community is awesome. One of the things I do love about this community is the amount of parks it has. Yes, it's got tons of homes, but it is made for families. It's made for singles. If any aids, any type of person, if you want to get out, hit the trails, hit these parks it's just, there's always something to do. You probably won't wanna leave here. Let's get around. I wanna show you these parks. Show you the pools, show you the dog parks. Let's get back to it. There are numerous parks spread throughout the nine community neighborhoods. Cunningham Park is for gathering, gardening, and getting out on the water. Whitfield Park and Homestead Park have pools, playgrounds, and big lawns for running, tumbling and picnics. There are little pocket parks for sit under a tree, reading and relaxing. Everywhere you turn, there's a park For most anything you feel like doing. And let's not forget about the newest recreational complex, the Starkey Ranch District Park, Pasco County, and Starkey Ranch came together to plan this 150 acre park with plans for the K eight school and a public library and a theater building. The park currently consists of a baseball and softball field. Three lighted multipurpose fields for soccer, lacrosse, and football, and has future plans for four tennis courts, four basketball courts, a running track, a gym, two open play fields, four additional lighted, little league baseball, softball fields. Six additional lighted multi-purpose fields and restrooms. Seriously, this stuff did not exist when I was a kid. They even have a community calendar that is stuffed full of events for every month. The four home builders in Starkey are Taylor Morrison and my homes, Pulte and Homes by West Bay Homes here range from the. Four hundreds to upwards of a million dollars. There are still some options for new builds, but pickings are slim as they are nearing the end of the building phase in Starkey. But it is common to see resale homes in the community. Only a few years old pop up on the market from time to time. So if you're set on Starkey, that may be something to keep your eye on. We made our way east of Starkey Ranch about five to seven minutes to the community of Auria. Now, this community has a really nice quaint feel to it. It does have over 500 homes by three different builders, which tells me there's gonna be nice architecture, a nice mix. So you have a different variety of styles of homes. But it does have a nice quaint feel even though there are 500 homes here. So they also have a really nice clubhouse. They have a fitness center, pools. Parks throughout walking trails. It really does have all the amenities of those larger communities, but it'll give you that nice quaint feel and a little bit modern too. So you're gonna have that modern clubhouse, really nice mix of architecture. As far as location, we are further east, which gets you closer to the Veteran's Expressway without being right on top of it. There is a Publix and grocery store on both sides of us here. And so you have access to restaurants and shops that are hugged up on the Veterans Expressway. You can also catch the the biking trails that are close by there. So the other thing is if you want to go to massive shopping, if you want those premier outlets check out the Wesley Chapel Vlog. I did, because I did cover all three of those areas. But about 20 minutes east of here, you can hit all those shops, which is right over in Westley Chapel. Just keep going east on 54. Either way, let me show you around this beautiful community of Auria. We're gonna do it. Right now Auria offers a kid-friendly, family-oriented lifestyle surrounded by plentiful green space to run, play, and grow in one of the latest new home subdivisions located in Odessa, Florida. Explore miles of multi-use trails speckled with dog parks and pocket parks. Kids will love the playground and everyone can enjoy the amenities center. With its expansive lawn areas, resort style pools, and state-of-the-art fitness centers, Auria is home to 550 single family homes, 200 town homes, and close to 350 square feet of commercial space. The community's award-winning builders include Ashton Woods Homes, I c I Homes, and David Weekly homes, which are all well known for their quality architecture and energy efficient homes. You will find town homes starting in the mid 300 thousands and single family homes starting in the low 400 thousands. Okay, so I've shown you Starky Ranch. I've shown you Asteria. We are on the last neighborhood here in Odessa. This is Van Dyke Farms, and I brought you here for a specific reason. I like to give you variety 'cause there are a bunch of communities throughout Odessa. These aren't the only three. The reason I brought you here is we saw the master plan communities. We saw Starkey, which is like a mini city. Then we saw Auria, which is a little bit quaint, 500 homes, but gives, has that quaint feel. Now we're in a community, van Dyke Farms. That'll give you a little bit more room to stretch out. Not exactly, touch your neighbor. This community was built in the nineties, so this is gonna be a little bit of an older style, but great homes in here. What I do is that there are little quiet parks like right behind me. Sit out here on the water, on your walk. There's sidewalks on both sides of the street through the entire community. And everything here is a little more spread out. Okay? You have half acre lots you have 3000 square foot homes here. You have smaller homes too, but there are some, if you like those larger ones for those big families. The best thing, and I'm gonna show you in a second, is the sports area. They've got racquetball court's, a older type of community. So they have the outdoor three wall racquetball court. I love playing racquetball with my pops. But in here, They have the basketball courts, tennis courts, racquetball area. They have little parks throughout. They even have access to an equestrian center down the road. So the other thing I wanted to mention is it's a big difference between this community and the other two. It does not have a c D fee. There is a small h o a because you gotta keep up with the grounds and make sure everything still looks pretty, but there's no c D fee. That's a nice little savings and that's something that you may find in some of the older communities. With that said, let's get back up in the air. I'm gonna show you everything. Let's go. Van Dyke Farms is located in the northwest rural section of Hillsborough County and consists of over 400 single family homes. You'll find sidewalks and treeline streets throughout most of the community, as well as multiple lakes and ponds if schools are important. Take note that Van Dyke Farms is located in one of the premier school districts in the region, served by Hammond Elementary. Martinez Middle School and Steinbrenner High Schools getting around as easy as its minutes from the Veterans Expressway. 20 minutes from the Tampa airport and only 10 minutes from the Citrus Park Mall. There is a low H o A and no c D fee, but that doesn't mean you don't get all the bells and whistles. There are eight tennis courts, a soccer field, two basketball courts, racquetball, and a playground for the kids and multiple areas You can. Fish you can enjoy walking around the neighborhood or explore one of the many nearby preserves where there's hiking and biking trails. Van Dyke Farms has spacious lots and homes here. Start in the mid to upper 400 thousands. Jumping to the map. Odessa is located just north of Tampa. If you're a beach person or you need access to Tampa Airport, you'll find it easier than let's say Wesley Chapel to jump on the Veteran's Expressway and travel south into Tampa, or to the bridges that connect us to St. Pete, Clearwater, and our beautiful beaches. The airport is only 25 minutes away and our beaches are just over 45 minutes. Heading East on Highway 54 can take you over to Wesley Chapel for some great shopping and entertainment. Or you can go west and visit the Tarpon Springs Sponge dot. All along Highway 54, you'll find plenty of restaurants and grocery stores for your everyday needs. I also want to quickly mention the schools here, because Odessa is known for having some amazing schools. When looking at a specific neighborhood, make sure to check out niche.com or great schools.org to see what the assigned schools are for your area. Some of my favorite things to do in the area include taking my girls to the petting zoo at Old Mc Mickey's Farm, biking the upper Tampa Bay Trail. Visit the mermaids or visit the springs at Wiki wci. Check out the sponge docks at Tarpon Springs and explore the beaches at Honeymoon Island. CSI Island and an cloak key. Odessa, Florida is a fan favorite suburb of Tampa, and now you can see why it truly has great communities, schools, and plenty of things to do nearby. If you're thinking of moving to the area and want more information, please give us a call, shoot us a text, or send us an email, even book a private zoom call. My team and I are happy to help with your transition to Tampa Bay Area until the next video. I'll catch you later.  

County Commission approves Town Centre, then its first mixed-use community. Back in the day, the southwest corner of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway was known for its massive flea market overflowing with everything from produce and fishing gear to jewelry and furniture. But Pasco County leaders have been working on a new plan for the spot, one of the last large swaths of undeveloped property in the area, turning it into a mixture of apartments next door to businesses where residents can shop, eat and work. This week, the County Commission approved a change in their long-term development plan creating the Odessa Town Centre, 86 acres in three distinct “villages” tied together with a road and trail system. Those separate areas would be geared toward high-density residential, commercial and industrial uses. Also on Tuesday, they approved the first major portion of that development, the Gaeto project, which will include 12,000 square feet of commercial and office space on the ground floor and apartments on the upper floors in the entrance buildings. Indoor and outdoor amenities are also planned. There will be 320 apartments in the development spread over approximately 17 acres. The development plan includes multiuse trails along the western border from that development south to Interlaken Road, with another leg of the trail running east to connect in the future with Gunn Highway and eventually tie into other trails in the area. The project is in Commissioner Kathryn Starkey’s district. She said she did not want that large land area along a major roadway become just another stretch of strip commercial centers and fast food restaurants. In the works for the last two years, the planning district was developed with help from those involved with the Gaeto project and through a series of meetings with many of the approximately 20 local land owners. While the development plan will guide future projects, it will not require existing owners to do anything until they are ready to change the existing use of their property. Herbert Heap, who owns nearly 12 acres in the area on Old Gunn Highway, said he was concerned that the county’s plan for the district included two new roads running through his property. He said he has had dozens of interested buyers reach out to him to make offers. To create a cohesive project, the planning district designates three areas of development. The first, to the far western side of the zone, is set aside for a mixture of uses like the Gaeto project. The middle section is focused on employment-generating uses, and the eastern side along Gunn Highway for light industrial. The new Odessa Town Centre planning district is divided into three separate areas. The area on the western side is planned for mixed use. The central portion for employment generating uses and the eastern section along Gunn Highway for light industrial. The large corner parcel where the flea market used to be is slated for a Lowe’s Home Improvement store. Starkey said she wished that the development zone had been set up before then so that the parcel could have also been included in the overall district. Joel Tew, representing the project, said that the developer is Altis Cardinal, an upscale building development company based in Miami that has been building similar projects throughout the region. The Gaeto project will be the first in Pasco County. He said the hope is that the first project will “be a kind of catalyst” to get the planning district started. Tew also defended the developer’s requests to reduce the amount of land set aside for parks and to remove the distance requirements between land uses that provide alcohol and schools and churches. Starkey said that the idea of the project is to create a village atmosphere with multifamily residences rather than single-family homes, with nearby businesses to attract the residents to enjoy outdoor seating areas and activities. Starkey said Tuesday that her advice to the developer was, “You need to build a place I can go hang out on a Saturday night.”   Original story appeared here, credit to source Tampa Bay Times and Pasco County Reporter Barbara Behrendt

Home renovation can be a costly affair, but did you know that you can actually renovate your house yourself? DIY home renovation is a great way to save money and unleash your creativity. Whether you are a seller looking to increase the value of your property or a buyer looking to create your dream home, here are some DIY home renovation tips to help you get started.SellersFor sellers, renovating your house yourself is a great way to increase its value and attract potential buyers. Here are some tips to help you get started:1. Focus on the kitchen and bathroom - These are the rooms that buyers are most interested in, so focus your efforts on renovating them. Consider updating the countertops, cabinets, and fixtures to give them a modern look.2. Paint the walls - A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room. Choose neutral colors that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.3. Improve the lighting - Good lighting can make a room feel bigger and more welcoming. Consider installing new light fixtures or adding more lamps to brighten up the space.BuyersFor buyers, renovating your new home yourself can be a great way to personalize it and make it your own. Here are some tips to help you get started:1. Set a budget - Before you start renovating, set a budget and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure that you get the most bang for your buck.2. Start with the basics - Focus on renovating the basics first, such as the flooring, walls, and lighting. Once these are done, you can move on to more cosmetic changes like painting and decorating.3. Get creative - DIY home renovation is all about unleashing your creativity. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, textures, and materials to create a unique and personalized space.How to renovate your house yourselfIf you are new to DIY home renovation, here are some tips to help you get started:1. Do your research - Before you start any renovation project, do your research and gather as much information as possible. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that you get the best results.2. Invest in good tools - Investing in good tools is essential for any DIY project. Make sure you have the basic tools like a hammer, screwdriver, and drill, as well as more specialized tools like a tile cutter or saw.3. Take your time - DIY home renovation can be time-consuming, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to complete each project. Rushing can lead to mistakes and can compromise the quality of your work.In conclusion, DIY home renovation is a great way to save money and unleash your creativity. Whether you are a seller looking to increase the value of your property or a buyer looking to create your dream home, these tips will help you get started. Remember to do your research, set a budget, and take your time to ensure that you get the best results.

Buying a home is a dream for many people, and it's a significant milestone in anyone's life. However, one of the most significant hurdles to achieving this dream is qualifying for a home loan. It's an essential part of the home buying process, and it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. But with a little bit of knowledge, you can ensure that you're well-prepared to take on the challenge of getting approved for a home loan.First and foremost, you need to know what kind of buyer you are. Are you a first-time homebuyer, or are you a repeat buyer? Your status as a buyer will play a significant role in determining the type of loans and programs for which you may qualify. First-time homebuyers, for example, may be eligible for special loans and programs that offer lower down payments and more flexible credit requirements, whereas repeat buyers may have access to a wider range of financing options.Next, you'll need to consider your mortgage options. There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to home loans, so it's essential to explore your options and find out which one works best for you. Some of the most common types of mortgages include conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans. Each loan type has its own set of requirements and benefits, so be sure to discuss your options with your lender to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.One of the most critical factors in qualifying for a home loan is your credit score. Your credit score reflects your financial history and indicates your ability to repay your debts. Lenders will use your credit score to determine your creditworthiness and the interest rate they'll offer you. Generally, a score of 620 or above is considered good, but a higher score can help you qualify for better loan terms and lower interest rates.Another key factor in loan approval is your debt-to-income ratio. This is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. Lenders want to see that you have a manageable level of debt and can comfortably afford your mortgage payments. Ideally, your debt-to-income ratio should be below 43%. If it's higher than that, you may have trouble qualifying for a loan.Finally, you'll need to consider the down payment. The down payment is the amount of money you'll need to put down upfront when you purchase a home. This amount varies depending on the loan type and the lender, but in general, you'll need to put down at least 3% of the purchase price. A larger down payment can help you qualify for a lower interest rate and reduce your monthly payments.In conclusion, qualifying for a home loan can be a complex and challenging process, but it's an essential step in achieving your dream of homeownership. By understanding your options, working to improve your credit score, and keeping your debt-to-income ratio in check, you can increase your chances of getting approved for a mortgage. With the right preparation and guidance, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect home and starting the next chapter of your life.

Buying Your First Home - Tips and InsightsBuying your first home can be an exciting and daunting experience at the same time. As a first-time home buyer, there are many things to consider, and you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. However, with the right guidance and information, the process can be smooth and stress-free. In this article, we will provide some tips and insights to help you navigate the process of buying your first home.Guide to First Time Home BuyersOne of the first things you should do as a first-time home buyer is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will help you determine your budget and narrow down your search to homes that fall within your price range. A pre-approval will also show sellers that you are serious about buying and can give you an advantage in a competitive market.When looking at homes, it is important to consider your long-term needs. Are you planning on starting a family soon? Do you need a home office or space for hobbies? Think about what you will need in a home five, ten, or even fifteen years from now. This will help ensure that you choose a home that will meet your needs for years to come.It is also important to work with a real estate agent who has experience working with first-time home buyers. A good agent can help you find homes that fit your criteria and negotiate an offer that is fair and reasonable. They can also guide you through the process of inspections, appraisals, and closing.When making an offer on a home, consider more than just the price. Think about the terms of the offer, such as the closing date and contingencies. In a competitive market, a seller may choose an offer that has a shorter closing date or fewer contingencies, even if it is for a slightly lower price.Finally, don't forget about the additional costs of owning a home, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Make sure to budget for these expenses and have a plan for how you will afford them.In conclusion, buying your first home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it is important to approach the process with the right mindset and preparation. By following these tips and insights, you can make informed decisions and find a home that you will love for years to come.