Think your home is safe because it isn't in a "high-risk" flood zone? That assumption could cost you everything. In Part 3 of our flood insurance series, Katrina Madewell sits down with Triton Insurance Agency to uncover what Florida homeowners need to understand before the next major storm. The truth is, every Florida property is located in a flood zone, the real question is whether your lender…
Many future homeowners quietly count themselves out before they ever speak with a lender. Maybe their credit score is not perfect. Their debt-to-income ratio feels too high. They do not have a large down payment saved. Or they assume every mortgage follows the same rules. But the loan program you choose can completely change what is possible. In Part 3 of this Tampa Home Talk conversation, host…
One second, you're driving home like any other day. The next—impact. You're shaken, your adrenaline is racing, and you may not be thinking clearly. Would you know what to do next? In this episode of Tampa Home Talk, Katrina Madewell talks with Mike Hills and Tiffany Firlik of Triton Insurance Agency about five important steps to take after a car accident: • Get yourself safely out of traffic • Be…
Think you need 20% down to buy a home? Think again. In this episode of Tampa Home Talk, Katrina Madewell sits down with mortgage expert Sarah Nair to break down Florida's most popular down payment assistance programs. Learn how Florida Housing can help qualified buyers purchase a home with little money out of pocket, the differences between Standard Bond, Standard TBA, Plus TBA, and Hometown…
Are you paying too much for homeowners insurance—or worse, risking a denied claim without realizing it? In this episode of Tampa Home Talk , host Katrina Madewell welcomes Mike Hills and Tiffany Firlick of Triton Insurance Agency to uncover what every Florida homeowner, homebuyer, landlord, and real estate investor needs to know about protecting their property. You'll learn: ✅ Why independent…
Can you really get up to $35,000 to help buy a home in Florida? In this episode of Tampa Home Talk , host Katrina Madewell sits down with mortgage expert Sarah Nair from The Mortgage Firm to break down one of Florida's most valuable homebuyer programs—the Florida Hometown Heroes Program . Whether you're a first-time home buyer, a teacher, nurse, firefighter, military member, healthcare worker,…
Think paying cash for a home makes the process simple? Think again. In this episode of Tampa Home Talk , Katrina Madewell sits down with Jennie Restrepo of Insured Title Agency to uncover the biggest misconceptions surrounding cash real estate transactions—and why skipping important steps could cost you thousands. From title insurance and property surveys to home inspections and HOA delays, this…
Do you think having a will means your family can automatically inherit your home? Think again. In this episode of Tampa Home Talk , host Katrina Madewell sits down with Jennie Restrepo of Insured Title Agency to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in real estate— probate and inherited property in Florida . You'll learn why a will alone may not keep your home out of probate, how…
Florida homeowners could be facing one of the biggest property tax changes in decades. But what does the proposed Florida Property Tax Amendment actually mean for homeowners, first-time buyers, investors, local governments, and the future of public services? In this episode of Tampa Home Talk , Katrina Madewell sits down with Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez for an in-depth…
Property taxes are climbing—but why? In this episode of Tampa Home Talk , we take a closer look at Pasco County's property tax growth and what the numbers really mean for homeowners. Between 2018 and 2025, Pasco County's property tax collections increased approximately 143% , while the county's population grew only 25% . So where did all the additional tax revenue come from? We break down: Why…
Could a home built in 2026 be viewed differently by inspectors and insurance companies than a home built just a few years ago? The answer may surprise you. In this episode of Tampa Home Talk, Katrina Madewell sits down with Eric George, Owner and Operator of Bay Life Home Inspections, to discuss Florida's upcoming 2026 Building Code changes and what they mean for homeowners, buyers, sellers, real…
