Send us a textJune 11, 2024139. The True Cost of Superficial House Flipping with Scott WachterBuying a newly renovated home can be a thrilling experience, but the shiny surfaces and modern fixtures might be hiding a multitude of problems. In our latest podcast episode, we dive into this issue with Scott Wachter, a Toronto homeowner who faced unexpected challenges after purchasing what seemed like a dream home. Scott's story is a cautionary tale for all potential homebuyers, emphasizing ...

Send us a textJune 4, 2024138. Navigating Family Relocation and Home Renovation with Maria Maldonado SmithIf you are like millions of people who will have to relocate where you live today we have some great advice from a working mom with extensive experience in corporate moves.Maria Maldonado Smith shares her expertise in transitioning to new communities, from real estate transactions to the emotional aspects of settling in. Learn strategic tips for acclimating quickly and understanding...

Send us a textMay 28, 2024137. From Confusion to Clarity: Insurance Insights Unveiled with Dick TutwilerUnravel the mysteries of homeowner's insurance with industry expert Dick Tutwiler. This conversation empowers you with critical knowledge, guiding you from confusion to clarity. We explore the evolution of insurance contracts, especially in Florida, where policy changes often disadvantage homeowners. Dick, a seasoned public adjuster, shares essential steps for mitigating damage and na...

Send us a textMay 21, 2024136. Repairing Drywall the Right Way with Ted SpeersEver wondered why that tiny dent in your wall seems to draw your eye every time you walk past it? Ted Speers, the drywall whisperer and president of the Patch Boys, joins me to shed light on the surprisingly significant world of drywall repair. We peel back the layers of this often-overlooked craft, discussing the meticulous artistry required to make even the smallest imperfections vanish. Ted shares tales fro...

Send us a textMay 14, 2024135. Breathing Clean: Transforming Your Home into a Healthier Haven with Tee Forton-BarnesUnlock the secrets of a healthier home with the help of Therese Forton-Barnes, an advocate for green living who's dedicated to helping families breathe easier. Together, we uncover the sobering fact that the air within our walls might be teeming with more pollutants than the world outside. This episode isn't just about identifying problems; it's a treasure trove of actiona...

Send us a textMay 7, 2024134. Things You Need to Know Before Buying Your HouseImagine buying your dream home, only to find it’s a nightmare in disguise. Bob Thompson shares his eye-opening experience as a new homeowner in Portsmouth, Virginia, where his excitement quickly turned to dismay. Discover the harsh realities of outdated electrical systems, problematic neighbors, and endless repairs. Bob's story is a stark reminder of the crucial need for thorough pre-purchase inspections and t...

Send us a textApril 30, 2024133. Breathe Better with Key HVAC Insights from Jessica WicksDiscover essential home maintenance tips that could save you from costly repairs and ensure your living environment remains safe and efficient. In this informative episode of Homeowners Be Aware, host George Siegal is joined by Jessica Wicks, brand president of Ductz. From the often-overlooked air ducts to the critical dryer vents, Jessica details the potential dangers of neglect and provides ...

Send us a textApril 23, 2024132. Unlocking the Complexities of Property Insurance Claims with Ron Snouffer Unlock the secrets of battling insurance companies and securing rightful claims with Ron Snouffer, an expert public adjuster, in this eye-opening episode. Host George Siegal delves into the murky waters of homeowner insurance with Ron, who shares his journey from insurance carrier insider to a staunch advocate for property owners. This episode sheds light on the deceptive tact...

Send us a textApril 16, 2024131. From Ruin to Recovery A Survivor's Tale of Hurricane Sandy with Doug QuinnGet 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 irony to his struggle as he unveils the harsh realities many homeo...

Send us a textAre 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 of plumbers and their areas of expertise. This episod...

Send us a textApril 2, 2024129. Don't Build or Remodel with the Wrong TeamListeners 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-communicated, and competent team to navigate the complexities of construction a...

Send us a textMarch 26, 2024128. Navigating Foundation Repairs and Real Estate Challenges with Bob BrownAs 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 Secrets: Learn How to Protect Yourself and Save Thousands." Brown emphasize...

Send us a textMarch 19, 2024127. Revolutionizing Home Emergency Preparedness with Firefighter Andrew Leith and the Dwell Secure AppHow 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 information organized and accessible. This episode is a must-li...

Send us a textMarch 12, 2024126. Turning Life's Struggles into Stand-Up MaterialEver 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 lows of floods and faulty roofs, Mike spills the beans on what owning a house really e...

Send us a textMarch 5, 2024125. Navigating Home Inspections What Every Buyer Needs to KnowThis 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 inspections are not just a step in the buying process but a pivot...

Send us a textFebruary 27, 2024124. From Devastation to Preparedness Floodplain Consultant Del Schwalls helps you Get ReadyThis 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 preparation and building resilience against floods. From discussing...

Send us a textFebruary 20, 2024123. Disaster Prep Essentials for Every Homeowner with Roy WrightIn 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 disasters. Discover the innovative testing methods used to simu...

Send us a textFebruary 13, 2024122. You Could Be Saving Big Bucks on Your Heating and Cooling with Dennis StinsonIndustry 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 keeping your energy bills in check. Discover the fin...

Send us a textJanuary 30, 2024120. Sanibel's Story of Survival and the Road to Recovery with James EvansHurricane 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 toll on residents, our conversation exposes the complexities faced by Sa...

Send us a textJanuary 23, 2024119. You'll Love Lucy After She Teaches You to OrganizeProfessional 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 relevance, distinguishing between necessities and relics. Lucy delv...