Homeowners Be Aware

April 16, 2024

131.  From Ruin to Recovery A Survivor's Tale of Hurricane Sandy with Doug Quinn

Get ready to explore the often-overlooked aftermath of natural disasters—battling insurance. Doug Quinn, a Hurricane Sandy survivor, shares his harrowing seven-year journey through the bureaucratic labyrinth of insurance claims, emphasizing the vital need for readiness. Doug's background in insurance adds a layer of iro...

Are you equipped to navigate the maze of hiring a competent plumber or confronting a plumbing issue in your home? This episode dives into the essential world of plumbing, featuring Matt O'Rourke, a veteran with over 25 years of experience in the industry. We will sort out the complexities of plumbing, from understanding the importance of hiring the right person for your specific needs to distinguishing between different types ...

April 2, 2024

129.  Don't Build or Remodel with the Wrong Team

Listeners are in for a wealth of knowledge on assembling the perfect team for any home building or remodeling project. George Siegal welcomes Blake Sutton, president of Est Est Interior Design. With Blake's extensive background in construction, interior design, and home staging, he emphasizes the critical importance of a cohesive, well-commun...

March 26, 2024

128.  Navigating Foundation Repairs and Real Estate Challenges with Bob Brown

As anyone who's owned a home knows, foundation issues are a nightmare, marked by cracked walls, uneven floors, and malfunctioning doors and windows. In this episode of "Homeowners Be Aware," George Siegal sits down with Bob Brown, a leading figure in foundation repair diagnosis and author of "Foundation Repair Se...

March 19, 2024

127.  Revolutionizing Home Emergency Preparedness with Firefighter Andrew Leith and the Dwell Secure App

How prepared are you if a disaster strikes your home? Andrew Leith is a seasoned firefighter with 25 years under his belt, who's observed firsthand the chaos that ensues when homeowners are caught unprepared. Andrew introduces us to Dwell Secure, an innovative app designed to keep essential home infor...

March 12, 2024

126. Turning Life's Struggles into Stand-Up Material

Ever think buying your dream home is all sunshine and rainbows? Think again!" In this eye-opening episode of "Homeowners Be Aware," host George Siegal gets real with Mike Knox, a stand-up comedian with a past life as a prison guard and a homeowner who's seen it all. From the highs of snagging a house during the 2008 crash to the low...

March 5, 2024

125. Navigating Home Inspections What Every Buyer Needs to Know

This episode dives into the critical world of home inspections with expert Mike McLendon, unveiling the often-overlooked secrets behind the walls of a house, Mike shares invaluable insights that could save potential homeowners from the unseen pitfalls that lurk in properties, whether brand new or decades old. This episode explores why home inspect...

February 27, 2024

124. From Devastation to Preparedness Floodplain Consultant Del Schwalls helps you Get Ready

This week we delve into a topic that's often overlooked until disaster strikes: the risk of flooding. With a blend of expert insights and personal experiences, including a firsthand account of Hurricane Michael's impact on his family's home, Floodplain consultant Del Schwalls talks about the importance of...

February 20, 2024

123. Disaster Prep Essentials for Every Homeowner with Roy Wright

In today's eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the critical importance of preparing homes to withstand the wrath of severe weather and wildfires. George Siegal's guest is Roy Wright, CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Roy talks about practical steps homeowners can take to fortify their homes against natural disas...

February 13, 2024

122. You Could Be Saving Big Bucks on Your Heating and Cooling with Dennis Stinson

Industry expert Dennis Stinson shows us the world of energy-efficient home comfort systems. Learn ways to save money without having to spend a fortune. From demystifying heat load analysis to uncovering the benefits of zoning techniques and ductless heat pumps, there are ways to transform your living space into a cozy oasis while...

February 6, 2024

121.  Trees in Your Yard Can Be A Major Problem with Thomas Hall

In this podcast episode, delve into the intricacies of tree management with Tampa's renowned tree expert, Thomas Hall. Thomas shares invaluable insights into the significant impact trees have on property safety and legal compliance. From dispelling common myths to navigating pruning protocols, he provides actionable advice for maintaining...

January 30, 2024

120. Sanibel's Story of Survival and the Road to Recovery with James Evans

Hurricane Ian left its mark on Sanibel Island, and today, we're diving into what comes next with James Evans, CEO of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. 

Through personal narratives and community resilience, we explore the challenges of rebuilding post-disaster. From redevelopment disputes to the emotional...

January 23, 2024

119. You'll Love Lucy After She Teaches You to Organize

Professional organizer Lucy Milligan Wahl shares invaluable insights on conquering the chaos of home organization. Lucy's no-nonsense approach begins with tackling paper clutter, urging listeners to scrutinize documents with suspicion and create a system for easy retrieval. Transitioning to garages, she prompts a thoughtful evaluation of item rele...

January 16, 2024

118. Reducing My Flood Risk with Jack Krolikowski

Explore the complexities of homeownership in the face of increasing flood risks in our latest podcast featuring Jack Krolikowski from the American Flood Coalition. In this episode, we delve into the financial challenges and highlight the importance of proactive data and clear communication during home sales. From the impact of home elevation strategies on communi...

January 9, 2024

117.  You Thought You Were Covered with David Murray

In this episode, attorney David Murray spills the beans on the wild world of home insurance claims. Murray doesn't just scratch the surface; he dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster homeowners face post-disaster. Murray articulates the profit-centric motives shaping insurance policies, underscoring the importance of understanding your policy well bef...

January 2, 2024

116. The Secret to Homes that Last with Barry Capps

In this week’s podcast, we discuss how to create homes that look great and stand strong over time. Tampa builder Barry Capps gets into the core of home construction, focusing on quality and smart choices for long-lasting homes. Barry talks about the significant issue of flood risks and the importance of being upfront about it when buying a house. Barry shar...

December 26, 2023

115. After You've Lost Everything the story of Trixie Parkes

Hear the heartbreaking story of Trixie Parkes, a Fort Myers Beach, Florida resident, who lost everything during Hurricane Ian.  Trixie vividly recounts the devastation, revealing the emotional toll and challenges she faced after her home, possessions, and even insurance were swept away.  As Trixie navigates the aftermath, she discusses the u...

December 19, 2023

114. What’s Flood Got to Do With It with Rebecca Jones

What if the house you're about to close on has a hidden secret that could turn your dream home into a nightmare? Join me and my guest Rebecca Jones, owner of EcoAdapt Strategies LLC, for an enlightening conversation that might save your biggest investment from falling victim to flood risks. From understanding your flood zone to asking th...

December 12, 2023

113. Built to Last, Not in Southwest Florida

Today we take a closer look into the eye-opening world of homeownership risks, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in Southwest Florida.  My guest is Aris Papadopoulos, a construction expert and my partner in our documentary film, Built to Last: Buyer Beware. As we witness the extensive aftermath of Hurricane Ian, we discuss the shocking disparities in rec...