A local doc-in-a-box is offering a rapid testing for COVID-19 for those who have symptoms and don't want to wait around for their results.

Urgent Team Walk-in Urgent Care announced the addition of Rapid Antigen testing, a nasal swab test that returns same-day results, much like a flu test (but not as bad, I promise).

Only patients who are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, that began less than five days ago, are eligible to receive the rapid test. Rapid testing is available at Urgent Team centers in the following middle Tennessee cities: Clarksville, Cookeville, Franklin, East Nashville, Hermitage, Madison, Murfreesboro, and Springfield.

Results of the Rapid Antigen test will be received during your office visit. Urgent Team uses the Sofia 2 Rapid Antigen test which can detect specific select proteins found in the virus. This means a positive result is highly accurate.

"However, a negative test result does not rule out infection (a false negative result) – thus, it's still possible to have the COVID-19 infection with a negative Rapid Antigen test," explained Urgent Team Chief Medical Officer Matthew Browning, M.D. Your provider may discuss the need to perform additional backup testing after a negative rapid antigen test.

In addition to the rapid test, Urgent Team also offers PCR Molecular testing and Antibody (Serology) testing, to determine if a person has antibodies from a past COVID-19 infection. Additional information about the types of COVID-19 testing offered is available at UrgentTeam.com/Coronavirus-Covid-19.

For additional center information and hours, visit UrgentTeam.net.

State Farm cuts Tennessee auto rates 9.5%

Because we've mostly been staying home for the past forever, driving behaviors have changed and State Farm has noticed. Based on current trends, State Farm is working to reduce auto insurance rates in Tennessee by an average of 9.5 percent. This rate reduction will save more than 1 million State Farm customers a total of $86 million. This applies to current customers at policy renewal, as well as new and returning customers.

"Current State Farm driving data and claims experience show a considerable decline in miles driven and fewer accidents," said Dan Krause, Senior Vice President. "As a result, we're looking for ways to continue supporting our Tennessee customers while we monitor and adjust to trends."

Customer rate reductions will vary based on their individual renewals. Customers are encouraged to visit with their State Farm agent about individual policies, coverage and any opportunities for discounts, including Drive Safe & Save.

Middle Tennessee Home Sales

Late summer was good for Middle Tennessee home sales, according to the Red Report.

For Rutherford, Wilson, Davidson and Williamson counties, the number of sales inched up 3 percent from August 2019 to August 2020 after a downward trend for a few COVID-inspired months. The number of pending sales jumped 33 percent in August too. The downside is that prices were also up by about 10 percent.

Steven Dotson, president of Red Realty and issuer of the Red Report, sees a light at the end of this recession's tunnel.

"The trend continues with home sales rebounding. Davidson appears to be a delayed rebound, but pendings show Davidson may catch up with the other counties to also have a nice recovery soon," Dotson said.

September looks to be another good month. Pending sales for August 2020 vs August 2019 are up across the Nashville MSA. Davidson is 34 percent higher, Rutherford is 37 percent higher, Williamson is +29 percent higher, and Wilson is +31 percent higher.

"Pendings are very strong, which tells us this rebound will continue in the foreseeable future. Low inventory continues to be an issue. Interest Rates are lower than we thought was possible," Dotson said.

The increasing prices has put pressure on existing property, which saw a $1.4 billion increase in real property value, according to Rutherford County Property Assessor Rob Mitchell.

"That's about $306 million in assessments for tax purposes and about $6.7 million new tax dollars," Mitchel said.

The Property Assessor's Office is responsible for quantifying Rutherford County's growth and placing a value on that growth tox county and municipal tax purposes. As of June 2020 Rutherford County has 131,845 assessable parcels for tax purposes and we are creating around 3,500 new parcels per year.