Tampa Home Talk Radio

What has changed in Florida's home insurance market in 2026, and when should you ask your agent to review your policy? Katrina Madewell welcomes Mike and Tiffany of Triton Insurance Agency to Tampa Home Talk for a practical conversation about coverage, costs, and choices for Florida homeowners.

They discuss why more insurers are entering the market, how Citizens policyholders are being moved to private companies, and why the lowest premium deserves a closer look. They also explain two options that may come up when insuring an older roof: actual cash value (ACV) coverage and a roof inspection documenting its remaining life. Coverage and eligibility depend on the insurer and policy.

The episode closes with a simple step you can take now: ask your insurance agent for a brief review of your dwelling coverage, belongings, roof terms, discounts, and any changes to your home or household. Business owners can do the same for their buildings, vehicles, and business income coverage.

Tampa Home Talk is hosted by Katrina Madewell of the Madewell Group, a Tampa Bay real estate team with Real Broker LLC. The show helps local homeowners, buyers, and sellers make informed decisions about where they live.

Love where you live—or let Katrina fix it.

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We discuss how new construction, disappearing wetlands, outdated drainage systems, overwhelmed retention ponds, and Florida's rapidly changing landscape are increasing flood risks—even in areas that have never flooded before.

You'll also learn:

• Why homeowners insurance does not cover rising floodwater • What living in Flood Zone X really means • Why a federal NFIP policy may not provide enough coverage to rebuild • How the NFIP's $250,000 building limit compares with Tampa Bay home values • Why decades without flooding do not guarantee your home is safe • How private flood insurance may provide additional protection • The serious health and safety risks hidden in floodwater

Don't wait until water is approaching your front door to find out what your insurance actually covers. Review your policy, understand your limits, and make sure your protection reflects today's Florida—not the Florida of 30 years ago.

Subscribe to Tampa Home Talk for honest conversations about Florida real estate, insurance, homeownership, finance, and protecting what you've worked hard to build.

Love where you live, or let Katrina fix it!

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 eligible veterans 0% down financing • How VA loans may allow more flexibility with credit and debt ratios • Why eligible disabled veterans may be exempt from the VA funding fee • How FHA loans can help buyers with lower credit scores • When gift funds may be used toward an FHA down payment • The difference between VA, FHA and conventional financing • Why the loan with the lowest down payment is not always the best choice • How automated underwriting evaluates the complete financial picture

The biggest takeaway? Do not disqualify yourself before an experienced lender reviews your situation. You may have more options, and be closer to homeownership, than you think.

If you are considering buying a home in Tampa Bay or anywhere in Florida, this conversation could change the way you look at financing.

👍 Like this episode, subscribe to Tampa Home Talk and share it with someone who thinks buying a home is out of reach.

Hosted by Katrina Madewell Guest: Sarah Neher, The Mortgage Firm

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 when needed—even if you think you feel fine

Your photos, notes, and statements may become especially important when the insurance company asks you to explain what happened days—or even months—later.

This is a must-watch conversation for every driver, especially parents of teens and young adults who may be navigating an accident for the first time.

👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with the drivers in your life.

Video production by: Dr. Scarlett Smash, Absolutely Smashing www.absolutelysmashing.com

#CarAccident #AutoInsurance #FloridaDrivers #InsuranceTips #TritonInsurance #TampaHomeTalk #TeamMadewell #TampaHomeTalk #realbroker #real #TampaRealestate #FloridaRealestate #Realestate

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 episode provides practical guidance to help make homeownership more affordable.

They cover:

✅ Florida Hometown Heroes Program ✅ Florida Housing Down Payment Assistance ✅ Standard Bond Program ✅ Standard TBA Program ✅ Plus TBA Program ✅ Income limits ✅ Credit score requirements ✅ Repayable vs. forgivable assistance ✅ FHA, VA, USDA & Conventional loan options ✅ Which program may be best for your situation

If you've been waiting to buy because you thought you needed a large down payment, this episode may change your perspective.

📞 Questions about buying a home? Call or Text: 813-377-2775

🏡 Tampa Home Talk with Katrina Madewell Helping Tampa Bay buyers and sellers make smarter real estate decisions.

Subscribe for weekly episodes covering: • Buying a home • Selling your home • Real estate investing • Mortgage tips • Florida housing market updates • Homeownership strategies

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 home to an LLC or trust requires updating your insurance ✅ Primary residence vs. investment property insurance differences ✅ How insurance companies evaluate your risk and insurance score ✅ Builder's Risk Insurance explained after renovations and storm damage ✅ Umbrella insurance and who actually needs it ✅ What happens if information on your insurance application is incorrect ✅ Florida homeowners insurance tips to help you save money while protecting your biggest investment

Whether you're buying your first home, own rental properties, investing in Florida real estate, or simply want to make sure you're properly insured, this episode is full of practical advice that could save you thousands.

Guest: Mike Hills & Tiffany Firlick, Triton Insurance Agency

🎙️ Subscribe to Tampa Home Talk for weekly expert interviews covering:

• Florida Real Estate
• Home Buying & Selling
• Mortgage Tips
• Homeowners Insurance
• Home Maintenance
• Investing
• Local Tampa Bay Market Updates

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 Heroes Program works ✅ Who qualifies in 2026 ✅ How to receive up to $35,000 in down payment assistance ✅ Income limits and occupation requirements ✅ First-time homebuyer rules explained ✅ Military and veteran eligibility ✅ Credit score requirements ✅ How the 0% interest assistance loan works ✅ Common misconceptions that keep buyers from applying ✅ Why this is one of Florida's best homebuyer programs

If you've been renting because you think you can't afford a home, this episode could change your perspective.

📞 Questions about buying a home in Florida?

Call or text 813-377-2775

Hosted by Katrina Madewell Real Estate Expert | Tampa Home Talk

Love Where You Live… or Let Katrina Fix It!

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 conversation could save you from making an expensive mistake.

✅ Why title insurance is still essential—even for cash buyers ✅ The hidden dangers of quitclaim deeds ✅ Why skipping inspections can cost you later ✅ Common title issues that delay closing ✅ Why surveys matter when purchasing land ✅ How HOA requirements can delay even cash transactions ✅ What title companies actually do behind the scenes ✅ Real stories of deals that almost fell apart

Before you wire hundreds of thousands of dollars, make sure you understand what you're actually buying.

Questions about buying or selling in the Tampa Bay area?

📞 Call or Text: 813-377-2775

🏡 Love Where You Live... or we'll help you fix it.

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 probate actually is (in plain English) • Does a will avoid probate? • How inherited property is transferred • Why title matters after someone passes away • The difference between probate and estate planning • How remarriage affects ownership rights in Florida • What happens when minor children inherit property • Why bank accounts, vehicles, boats, and other titled assets can also require probate • Common mistakes that delay real estate closings • Estate planning strategies that may help avoid probate

Whether you're a homeowner, planning your estate, recently lost a loved one, or simply want to protect your family, this episode could save your heirs months of stress, thousands of dollars, and costly legal complications.

📞 Have questions about probate, title, estate planning, or selling inherited property? Call or text the Tampa Home Talk team at 813-377-2775.

🎙️ Hosted by Katrina Madewell 🤝 Featuring Jennie Restrepo, Insured Title Agency

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 property tax amendment works
• Will property taxes actually decrease?
• The impact on first-time homebuyers
• Homestead exemption changes explained
• Why local governments are concerned
• Police, fire, roads, libraries, and public service funding
• Property tax "reset" proposals and phased-in increases
• Guardrails on government spending
• The future of Florida home affordability
• What voters should understand before Election Day

Whether you're buying your first home, own investment property, or simply want to understand where your tax dollars go, this conversation provides valuable insight into one of Florida's most significant proposed tax reforms.

Guest: Bob Henriquez Hillsborough County Property Appraiser

📍 Learn more about Tampa Bay real estate and homeownership at Tampa Home Talk with Katrina Madewell.

If you have questions or topics you'd like covered in a future episode, contact The Madewell Group at 813-377-2775.