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Most buyers shop for a home before they understand what actually drives their mortgage payment, and it's costing them.

Heather Hitz, host of Real Hitz of Real Estate and REALTOR® with RE/MAX Realty Group in Southwest Florida, sits down with mortgage broker Mike Steele, whose take is that all lenders are really just selling money. They unpack what that means for buyers weighing renting versus owning, plus the real difference between VA, FHA, and conventional loans.

Hosted by: Heather Hitz

Guest: Mike Steele Mike is a mortgage broker with Edge Home Finance LLC in Southwest 

Mike Steele is a mortgage broker with Edge Home Finance LLC, bringing over 30 years of industry experience. Formerly with the Ritz-Carlton and trained at the Culinary Institute of America, he specializes in helping clients navigate the Southwest Florida home financing market.

What You'll Learn

• Why a rent payment builds someone else's equity instead of yours

• How to budget for a mortgage payment beyond principal and interest

• The real difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval

• Why your monthly payment matters more than the purchase price

• How a broker shopping 100+ lenders can save you thousands

• What VA, FHA, and conventional loans require, and who fits each one

• The hidden costs of homeownership most buyers forget until it's too late

Connect with Mike Steele 

🌎 Website → http://mikesteeleloans.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/mike.steele.9843

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/mikesteeleloans

Connect with Heather Hitz:

🌎 Website → https://hitzhomes.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/heatherhitzRealtor

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/heatherhitzrealtor/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherhitzrealtor/

#RealHitzOfRealEstate #HeatherHitz #SWFLRealEstate #FortMyersRealEstate #SouthwestFlorida #MovingToFlorida #CapeCoralRealEstate #NaplesFL #FloridaRealEstate #RealEstatePodcast

Confused about Florida property taxes?

In this episode, Heather Hitz sits down with Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell to discuss how property values are determined, how Homestead Exemption works, what homeowners should know about their TRIM Notice, and the proposed property tax changes that could impact homeowners throughout Florida.

Matt explains how homeowners can challenge assessments, maximize tax savings through portability, avoid common mistakes with trusts and ownership transfers, and better understand the relationship between local government funding and property taxes.

Whether you're a homeowner, investor, or considering a move to Florida, this episode provides practical guidance to help you better understand your tax situation.

🎧 Hosted by: Heather Hitz

👤 Guest: Matt Caldwell

Matthew Caldwell is the Lee County Property Appraiser and a former member of the Florida House of Representatives. He has an extensive background in real estate valuation, tax policy, and land use. He holds the highest state certification in his field, serves as an expert witness in state and federal courts, and has taught Sustainable Real Estate at Florida Gulf Coast University.

💡 What You'll Learn:

✔️ How property taxes are calculated

✔️ Understanding your TRIM Notice

✔️ How Homestead Exemption works

✔️ Portability and tax savings opportunities

✔️ Property tax appeal options

✔️ How trusts affect property ownership

✔️ Proposed Florida tax reform explained

✔️ Long-term strategies for homeowners

💼 Connect with Matt:

🌎 Website → https://www.leepa.org/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/MattCaldwellFL/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/mattcaldwell_fl/

🎙 Connect with Heather:

🌎 Website → https://hitzhomes.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/heatherhitzRealtor

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/heatherhitzrealtor/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherhitzrealtor/

🔖 Don't forget to FOLLOW

⭐ and SHARE this episode with fellow Florida homeowners.

Can protected wildlife stop a development project?

In this episode, Heather Hitz sits down with Michelle Miller-Weissenberger of IVA Environmental Services to discuss environmental permitting, protected species, wetlands, development planning, and the critical role environmental due diligence plays in Southwest Florida real estate.

Michelle explains how builders, developers, and property owners can navigate regulations involving gopher tortoises, burrowing owls, Florida scrub jays, and wetlands while keeping projects on schedule and protecting Florida's natural resources.

From permitting timelines and wildlife relocation to wetland identification and future development trends, this episode provides practical guidance for anyone involved in land development or property investment.

🎧 Hosted by: Heather Hitz

👤 Guest: 🌿 Michelle Miller-Weissenberger

Michelle Miller-Weissenberger of IVA Environmental Services specializes in environmental due diligence and permitting for builders, developers, and realtors. Operating in Southwest Florida, she identifies constraints early, including wetlands and protected species, to keep development projects on schedule. 

💡 What You'll Learn:

✔️ Why environmental due diligence matters

✔️ How protected wildlife affects development projects

✔️ The permitting process for gopher tortoises and burrowing owls

✔️ How wetlands are identified and regulated

✔️ Common mistakes developers make

✔️ Why planning ahead saves time and money

✔️ How conservation and development can coexist

✔️ Future trends in environmental regulations

💼 Connect with Michelle Miller-Weissenberger:

🌎 Website → https://ivaenvironmental.com/

🎙 Connect with Heather:

🌎 Website → https://hitzhomes.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/heatherhitzRealtor

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/heatherhitzrealtor/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherhitzrealtor/

🔖 Don't forget to FOLLOW ⭐ and SHARE this episode with someone buying land or developing property.

What are the warning signs buyers should never ignore when touring a home?

In this episode, Heather Hitz sits down with veteran home inspector Todd Riley to discuss home inspections, buyer red flags, four-point inspections, property maintenance, and the hidden issues that can cost homeowners thousands.

Todd shares practical advice for buyers, Realtors, investors, landlords, and homeowners while revealing behind-the-scenes insights from nearly two decades in the inspection industry.

From suspicious paint touch-ups and moisture problems to condo inspections, vacant land evaluations, and the importance of AC maintenance in Florida, this conversation is packed with actionable information for anyone involved in real estate.

🎧 Hosted by: Heather Hitz

👤 Guest: 🏡 Todd Riley

Todd Riley is a Florida native, Marine Corps veteran, and the founder of Sherlock Home Inspections. Leveraging a diverse background in security, sales, and the mortgage industry, he established his company to provide comprehensive residential, commercial, and vacant land inspections throughout Florida. Recognized as an industry leader, his team of state-licensed and InterNACHI-certified inspectors exceeds standard industry practices.

💡 What You'll Learn:

✔️ The biggest home inspection red flags buyers miss

✔️ What a four-point inspection actually covers

✔️ Why some inspections cost buyers unnecessary money

✔️ How technology helps inspectors uncover hidden issues

✔️ Property maintenance tips for Florida homeowners

✔️ Why landlords and condo owners should schedule inspections

✔️ What inspectors evaluate on vacant land

✔️ The future of the home inspection industry

💼 Connect with Todd Riley:

🌎 Website → https://www.sherlock-inspections.com/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sherlockhomeinspectionsflorida/

🔗 LinkedIn → http://linkedin.com/in/todd-riley-65a00938

🎙 Connect with Heather:

🌎 Website → https://hitzhomes.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/heatherhitzRealtor

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/heatherhitzrealtor/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherhitzrealtor/

🔖 Don't forget to FOLLOW ⭐ and SHARE this episode with someone preparing to buy a home.

What does it take to get a real estate transaction successfully to the closing table?

In this episode, Heather Hitz sits down with mortgage expert Tracy VanLandschoot to discuss condo financing, credit score changes, underwriting strategies, and the realities facing today's homebuyers.

Tracy shares practical advice for buyers looking to strengthen their financial position, explains why condo approvals have become increasingly important, and reveals how strong communication and local expertise can help prevent costly surprises during the mortgage process.

This conversation is packed with insights for first-time buyers, investors, Realtors, and homeowners throughout Southwest Florida.

🎧 Hosted by: Heather Hitz

👤 Guest: 🏡 Tracy VanLandschoot

Tracy VanLandschoot is a top-producing mortgage professional with Mortgage 1 in Lee County, Florida. With extensive experience across processing, sales, leadership, and underwriting, she anticipates challenges to expertly guide clients and partners through complex transactions. A proud Florida native, Tracy is deeply rooted in the Southwest Florida community and actively supports local charities.

💡 What You'll Learn:

✔️ Condo financing challenges in today's market

✔️ New credit score changes coming to the mortgage industry

✔️ How buyers can improve their credit profile

✔️ Common mortgage roadblocks and solutions

✔️ Why communication matters throughout a transaction

✔️ The future outlook for Southwest Florida real estate

💼 Connect with Tracy VanLandschoot:

🌎 Website → https://mortgageone.com/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tvlandmortgage1/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-vanlandschoot-2884541a/

🎙 Connect with Heather:

🌎 Website → https://hitzhomes.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/heatherhitzRealtor

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/heatherhitzrealtor/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherhitzrealtor/

🔖 Don't forget to FOLLOW ⭐ and SHARE this episode with someone preparing to buy a home.

What inspired a successful Realtor to start a podcast about real estate, community, and Southwest Florida living? In this debut episode of Real Hits of Real Estate, Heather Hitz introduces herself and shares the story behind the show.

Heather reflects on her journey from Michigan to Florida, the experiences that shaped her career, and why she believes real estate is ultimately about people, relationships, and helping clients build lives they love. She also offers a preview of upcoming episodes featuring local businesses, market insights, relocation advice, and community stories from across Southwest Florida.

If you love real estate, local discoveries, and learning from real-world experiences, this episode is the perfect introduction to the journey ahead.

🎧 Hosted by: Heather Hitz

🎤 Host Bio:

Heather Hitz is a Southwest Florida Realtor with over 14 years of experience helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals. She is passionate about community, local business, and creating exceptional client experiences through education, strategy, and service.

💡 What You'll Learn:

✔️ Why Heather started the podcast

✔️ How her background shaped her real estate career

✔️ The philosophy behind "I sell sunshine"

✔️ What listeners can expect in future episodes

✔️ Why relationships matter in real estate

✔️ The value of local community connections

🎙 Connect with Heather:

🌎 Website → https://hitzhomes.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/heatherhitzRealtor

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/heatherhitzrealtor/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherhitzrealtor/

🔖 Don't forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 and leave a COMMENT 💬 below.