The Hidden Risks of Marketing a Property as an Airbnb (When It's Not Allowed) | Tampa Home Talk

Short-term rentals are everywhere in today's market — but are buyers actually protected when they purchase a property under the assumption it can be used as an Airbnb? In this episode, Katrina Madewell sits down with Danielle Evans of Gateway Appraisal Services to unpack one of the most misunderstood risks in Tampa Bay real estate: buying — or marketing — a property as a short-term rental when it simply isn't allowed. What you'll learn: - Why "great Airbnb opportunity" in an MLS listing can be a legal and financial landmine - How HOA rules, city ordinances, and zoning restrictions are three completely different layers — and all three must be verified - Why appraisers like Danielle cannot use STR income in their valuation unless the use is legally permitted - The financial, legal, lending, insurance, and reputation risks buyers and agents face - Real red flags to watch for before you ever make an offer - Actionable steps to protect yourself — in writing Key takeaway: "Don't buy potential income — buy confirmed use." Whether you're a buyer, seller, investor, or agent working the Tampa Bay market, this episode could save you from a very costly mistake. Visit TampaHomeTalk.com | Call or text Katrina at 813-377-2775

Guest: Danielle Evans | Gateway Appraisal Services Host: Katrina Madewell | The Madewell Group at Real Broker Show: Tampa Home Talk | TampaHomeTalk.com ───────────────────────────── IN THIS EPISODE ───────────────────────────── Katrina and Danielle walk through the hidden risks that come with buying or marketing a property as a short-term rental — and why the assumption that a property "can be Airbnb'd" is one of the most dangerous assumptions in today's market. ───────────────────────────── KEY TOPICS COVERED ───────────────────────────── • Why agents advertising "Airbnb opportunity" without verification creates real liability • The difference between zoning, HOA rules, and city/county ordinances — and why all three must be checked separately • How misleading income assumptions distort appraised value • Why lenders may not support income-based valuations on STR properties • Insurance risk: standard policies may not cover short-term rental use • What appraisers actually look at — legal use, not hypothetical use ───────────────────────────── MEMORABLE LINES FROM THIS EPISODE ───────────────────────────── "If it's not verified in writing, it doesn't exist." "Don't buy potential income — buy confirmed use." "What you can legally do with a property determines its value." ───────────────────────────── ACTION STEPS ───────────────────────────── Buyers: ✔ Verify STR rules with the HOA (if applicable) ✔ Contact the city/county zoning office directly ✔ Ask specifically about minimum rental periods ✔ Get everything in writing before closing Sellers & Agents: ✔ Do NOT advertise Airbnb potential unless it is confirmed and documented ✔ Use compliant MLS language: "Buyer to verify rental restrictions" ✔ Provide documentation upfront if STR is allowed ───────────────────────────── RED FLAGS TO WATCH ───────────────────────────── 🚩 Listing says "Airbnb allowed" but no documentation exists 🚩 HOA community with vague or untested rental rules 🚩 Condo or townhome (typically stricter STR restrictions) 🚩 Properties near beaches or tourist areas (higher regulation likelihood) ───────────────────────────── CONNECT ───────────────────────────── Katrina Madewell | Madewell Group at Real Broker 📞 813-377-2775 🌐 TampaHomeTalk.com 📧 [e-mail] Facebook: @YourTampaRealtor | Instagram: @tampahomes