Part 3: Think You Don’t Need Flood Insurance? The Truth Every Florida Homeowner Should Know | Part 3
Tampa Home Talk Radio
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 requires flood insurance. We discuss how new construction, disappearing wetlands, outdated drainage systems, overwhelmed retention ponds, and Florida’s rapidly changing landscape are increasing...
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PART 3: Think You Can’t Qualify for a Home? These Loan Options May Surprise You
Tampa Home Talk Radio
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 Katrina Madewell sits down with mortgage expert Sarah Neher of The Mortgage Firm to uncover home loan options and benefits many buyers never realize exist. They break down: • Why VA loans can offer...
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PART 2: What to Do After a Car Accident: Steps That Could Protect You
Tampa Home Talk Radio
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 careful about what you say at the scene • Photograph the vehicles, road, damage, and surrounding area • Write down everything you remember while it’s fresh • Seek medical attention...
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PART 2: Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs Explained (2026) | How to Buy a Home with Little Money Down
Tampa Home Talk Radio
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 Heroes, plus the income limits, repayment options, and credit requirements you should know before applying. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or helping a family member purchase their first home, this...
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Part 1: Who is Triton?
Tampa Home Talk Radio
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 insurance agencies often find better coverage and pricing ✅ Homeowners insurance mistakes that can void your policy ✅ Hidden insurance discounts many homeowners never receive ✅ Why changing your...
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PART 1: Florida Hometown Heroes 2026: How to Get Up to $35,000 Toward Buying Your Home | Tampa Home Talk
Tampa Home Talk Radio
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, childcare professional, or work in many other qualifying occupations, this episode explains how this program could help make homeownership more affordable. You'll learn: ✅ How the Florida Hometown...
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PART 2: Buying a Home with Cash? Don't Make These Costly Mistakes | Title Insurance, Inspections & Hidden Risks
Tampa Home Talk Radio
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 episode explains why "cash" doesn't always mean "quick" or "risk-free." Whether you're a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, purchasing vacant land, or buying a home for a family member, this...
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PART 1: Probate Explained: Why a Will May NOT Protect Your Home | Estate Planning & Inherited Property
Tampa Home Talk Radio
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 remarriage can impact property ownership, what happens when a homeowner passes away, and why title issues can delay or even prevent the sale of inherited real estate. In this episode, we discuss: • What...
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Part 2: Florida Property Tax Amendment Explained: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know with Hillsborough Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez
Tampa Home Talk Radio
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 discussion about the proposed constitutional amendment, how Florida property taxes are calculated, and the potential impact on homeowners across the state. Topics include: How the proposed Florida...
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Part 1: Property Tax Cut Plan
Tampa Home Talk Radio
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 rising property values have dramatically increased taxable value How thousands of new homes, businesses, and commercial developments have expanded the tax base Where your property tax dollars...
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