In this episode of Tampa Home Talk, host Katrina Madewell—an experienced real estate professional with over three decades in the Tampa Bay market—takes a deep dive into the 2025 real estate year in review. Katrina breaks down key market statistics, pricing trends, buyer and seller activity, and what shaped the Tampa Bay housing market throughout the year. Whether you bought, sold, or simply watched the market in 2025, this episode offers expert insight into what really happened and what it means moving forward. Love where you live or we'll fix it!

Welcome home to Tampa Home Talk with host Katrina Madewell, and in this episode, we're joined by Corey Richardson of Safeline Home Inspections for a real-world look at what a home inspection actually covers (and what it doesn't).

Corey shares how he went from automotive work to inspecting homes, why experience matters, and why "cheap" inspections often cost more later. We break down the most common issues he finds on inspections, like GFCI outlets, small leaks under sinks, clogged AC condensate lines, roof and flashing wear, missing water heater safety piping, and why Florida homes without gutters can end up with avoidable wood rot and damage.

We also talk insurance-driven repairs (roofs, water heaters), what a home inspection means as a "snapshot in time," and when you should bring in specialists like roofers, plumbers, HVAC techs, or engineers. If you own a home and haven't checked key maintenance items in years, this episode is your reminder that a proactive inspection can become a budget-friendly roadmap instead of a painful surprise.

Plus: a fun attic segment, wasp nests, rodents, and the real heat of attic inspections, and why trees and foliage too close to the home create a "bridge" for pests.

Need an inspection or want a home-maintenance inspection checklist? Connect with Tampa Home Talk / Katrina Madewell: (813) 377-2775 (call or text)

Tampa Home Talk, Love where you live… or we'll fix it. Welcome home.

Gasparilla is one of Tampa's most iconic traditions, but it's so much more than beads, pirates, and one big parade.

In this episode of Tampa Home Talk, we pull back the curtain on Gasparilla Pirate Festival to explore what most people never see: the krewe life, the nonprofit missions, and the year-round work that powers Tampa's legendary pirate season.

We talk about how Gasparilla evolved into a multi-month celebration, why many pirate krewes are registered nonprofits, and how these organizations quietly give back to our community through scholarships, charitable donations, environmental efforts, and local outreach.

Whether you're a lifelong Tampa native, new to the Bay Area, or someone who's only experienced Gasparilla from the sidewalk, this episode will give you a whole new appreciation for the heart, history, and community impact behind the invasion.

🏴‍☠️ Inside this episode:

• Why Gasparilla is a season, not a single event

• What pirate krewes really do the other 11 months of the year

• How Gasparilla nonprofits support Tampa year-round

• The traditions, myths, and meaning behind krewe culture

• How Gasparilla continues to shape Tampa's identity

If you love Tampa, tradition, and community, you don't want to miss this one.

🎧 Listen now and discover why Gasparilla is truly pirates with a purpose.

Are Florida property taxes on the chopping block and what would really happen if they were eliminated?

In this in-depth episode of Tampa Home Talk, host Katrina Madewell sits down with Mike Fasano, Pasco County Tax Collector, and Tim Coet to unpack Governor Ron DeSantis's proposal to eliminate property taxes in Florida and why the conversation is far more complex than a headline or soundbite.

Using real tax bills, real numbers, and real-world experience, we break down:

• Why homesteaded properties only account for ~30% of statewide tax revenue

• How Save Our Homes, portability, and reassessments actually work

• Why taxes can triple overnight when a home changes hands

• The unintended consequences of eliminating property taxes without a replacement plan

• How first-time homebuyers and seniors on fixed incomes would be impacted

• What most Floridians don't know about hidden homestead exemptions

• Why local services law enforcement, fire rescue, DMVs, and tax collector offices—depend on property tax revenue

• Practical, realistic alternatives to full elimination that protect homeowners and communities

This episode also highlights critical protections for widows, veterans, seniors, and permanent residents and explains how recent changes now prevent exemption status from being used by scammers or squatters.

If you're a Florida homeowner, buyer, renter, investor, or simply someone who wants to understand how policy decisions affect real people and real communities, this is a conversation you need to hear.

📞 Have questions about your property taxes, homestead exemptions, or buying in Florida? Call or text we're happy to help.

Scammers are getting way too good at making texts, letters, and "official notices" look legitimate, and Floridians are paying the price. In this episode of Tampa Home Talk, Katrina Madewell sits down with Mike Fasano and Tim Coet to break down the most common government-looking scams hitting our community right now, and what to do to protect yourself.

We start with a real-world example: a scary "Florida DMV" text that claims you have an outstanding traffic fine, threatens license/registration suspension, and pushes you to click a sketchy link (spoiler: it's not Florida). From there, we unpack the scams we see repeatedly in real estate and public records like "pay for your deed" mailers, fraudulent deed transfers, rental scams tied to vacant homes, and the rise of title and property fraud.

You'll also learn about a free tool you can use to protect yourself: signing up for fraud alerts through your county Clerk of Court so you're notified if anything gets recorded in your name. We also cover why homestead fraud penalties are no joke (back taxes, major penalties, and interest), and practical reminders around driver's license and insurance issues that can trigger real suspensions plus how to check your status the right way.

If you live in Tampa Bay (or anywhere in Florida), this episode is a must-listen to help you stay one step ahead of the scammers.

Need real estate help? Call or text 813-377-2775. Katrina Madewell, Love where you live, or we'll fix it.

On this episode of Tampa Home Talk, host Katrina Madewell welcomes back fan-favorite guest Jenny Restrepo of Insured Title Agency—and yes…they accidentally showed up twinning in navy while recording during Hanukkah (a fun, unplanned moment you'll hear right away).

Then they get into the real stuff that's impacting Florida homeowners right now:

• Florida's legislative session + Great American REALTOR® Days (Jan 20–22, Tallahassee): what it is, why advocacy matters, and how Realtors help educate lawmakers on real-world impacts to homeownership.

• Property taxes in Florida: the current push to eliminate property taxes on primary residences, what people are feeling financially, and why "big swings" in policy can create big unintended consequences.

• Property Fraud Alert: the free tool every Florida property owner should activate to help protect themselves from deed/title fraud—and why title insurance doesn't protect you from fraud that happens after you buy.

• Foreclosures in Tampa: why the headlines matter, who may be most impacted, and the most important takeaway—if you have equity, all hope is not lost. Don't ignore the mail. Don't wait until it's too late. There may be a path forward that protects your next chapter.

Need help, resources, or want to connect with Katrina and her team? 📲 Call or text: 813-377-2775 If you're a Realtor and want details on Great American REALTOR® Days, text GARD to 813-377-2775.

Tampa Home Talk — Love where you live…or we'll fix it. Welcome home.

Tampa Home Talk is back with a clear, data-driven November 2025 market update for the Greater Tampa Bay area — and host Katrina Madewell cuts through the noise to tell you what's actually happening (not the fear-based headlines).

In this episode, Katrina breaks down real numbers from Florida Realtors® across Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando Counties, covering both single-family homes and the condo & townhome market — with plain-English explanations you can actually use.

You'll learn:

• Why Tampa Bay is still in a seller's market for single-family homes (yes, really)

• What a 3.8-month supply means for sellers and buyers heading into 2026

• Where most homes are selling — and which price ranges are slowing

• Why cash buyers are declining, but not disappearing

• How long homes are really taking to go under contract and close

• The truth behind foreclosure headlines — and why the "sky is falling" narrative is misleading

• Why condos and townhomes have shifted into a balanced market

• How recent condo legislation continues to impact pricing, inventory, and buyer behavior

Katrina also explains why real estate is hyper-local, how market conditions vary neighborhood by neighborhood, and why relying on national headlines can cost homeowners real money.

If you're thinking about selling, buying, investing, or simply staying informed, this episode gives you accurate, local insight you won't find anywhere else.

📞 Want numbers specific to your home or community? Call or text Katrina Madewell at 813-377-2775 for a personalized market analysis.

Tampa Home Talk — Love where you live… or we'll fix it. Welcome home.

It's the most magical time of the year on Tampa Home Talk, and host Katrina Madewell is bringing you a festive holiday edition you won't want to miss!

In this special episode, Katrina welcomes back Tammy Peters, founder of North Pole Productions, celebrating 25 years of producing unforgettable Christmas experiences across Central Florida. From its beloved roots at the Florida State Fairgrounds to its spectacular new home in Auburndale, the Wonderland of Lights has grown bigger, brighter, and more immersive than ever.

Tammy pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to create a world-class holiday light show revealing the year-round planning, the rotation of 40-50% of displays annually, and the magic behind more than 1.35 million lights, animated scenes, and synchronized music.

🎄 What you'll learn in this episode:

• What to expect when you arrive at the Wonderland of Lights

• How long to plan for your visit (and the best time to go)

• Details on the drive-through light show, dedicated Christmas radio station, and expanded attractions

• Information on the circus tent, petting zoo, Animals of Bethlehem, and Wolves of the World experience

• Why every year delivers a completely new experience for returning visitors

📍 Event Details:

• Location: 1052 US-92, Auburndale, FL

• Dates: Open nightly December 18 – December 28

• Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Website: thewonderlandoflights.com

• Drive-Through Tickets:

  • $30 online

  • $25 cash at the gate

  • 🎁 $5 OFF when you mention Katrina Madewell or Tampa Home Talk

  • Online promo code: THANKKATRINA

Whether you're planning a family tradition, a date night, or a festive outing with friends, this episode gives you everything you need to know to make the most of this holiday season.

✨ Listen now, share with a friend, and go experience the magic for yourself. Because at Tampa Home Talk, we believe you should love where you live—or we'll fix it.

🎄 Merry Christmas from Tampa Home Talk!

What happens when a self-proclaimed "weather nerd" accidentally builds one of the most trusted hurricane pages on the internet? In this episode of Tampa Home Talk, host Katrina Madewell sits down with Mike Boylan, creator of Mike's Weather Page, to talk about hurricanes, storm surge, spaghetti models, and how he became a full-time weather powerhouse.

Mike shares how a few HTML lessons and the crazy 2004 hurricane season turned into a one-stop shop for hurricane graphics loved by NASA staff, meteorologists, and millions of everyday Floridians. They dive into:

• Why spaghetti models matter and which ones Mike actually trusts

• How storms like Ian and Helene surprised even seasoned forecasters

• The real difference between category and impact (and why storm surge is so deadly)

• How AI models like Google's DeepMind are changing hurricane forecasting

• Florida's evolving evacuation strategies, drought, wildfire risk, and what "Bermuda High" really means

• The truth about cloud seeding, contrails, and that new Florida weather manipulation law

• Building a massive online following, handling haters, and storm chasing in his fully kitted-out truck

If you live in Florida (or any hurricane-prone coast), this episode will help you understand the storms you're watching and why having reliable, down-to-earth voices like Mike's matters more than ever.

🎧 Listen now and be more prepared for the next storm before the cone shifts.

GLP-1s, Ozempic & Real-World Weight Loss—What Really Works Katrina welcomes Stephanie Moore, APRN (Dr. Pacholok Wellness & Weight Loss Center) to break down GLP-1 vs dual incretin meds, how to avoid muscle loss, why protein timing is everything, and root-cause fixes for menopause, insulin resistance, and thyroid.

Plus: practical movement, smart food swaps, and skin tightening options after big losses.

• Why GLP-1s are everywhere (and what they actually do)

• GLP-1 vs GLP-1/GIP (dual incretin) explained simply

• Side effects: why most are behavior-driven—and how to avoid them

• Protein timing to protect muscle & boost metabolism

• "Breakfast of champions" shake blueprint

• Menopause, insulin resistance & rapid regain risk

• Thyroid done right: TSH vs T3/T4 & real-world symptoms

• Supplements that matter (CoQ10, ALA, resveratrol, NAD+)

• Movement made easy: walking, chair yoga, 4D vibration plates

• Loose skin: slow loss, muscle, and non-invasive tightening

• Three simple changes to start today

Disclaimer: Educational only, not medical advice.