Florida's Largest Home Show Podcast Podcast

Strong national housing demand, strengthening economy, increased work from home opportunities, millennials purchasing homes, and low mortgage rates all led to the robust housing market. Most homes are on the market for an average of 17 days.  Median sales price of new homes sold in 2021was $361,000 and the average sales price was $428,000.  Florida has about 4 million single family homes and about one million pools.   Mark and Pat talk everything pool cleaning and keeping your pool water clear and algae free:  alkalinity, when to shock, PH, pool pump, brushing, vacuuming, and chemicals.  Whether you clean your pool or hire a contractor to do it there are many shortages in pool chemicals, shock, valves, and chlorine.  Learn what to use as a chlorine substitute (30:10).  Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show is inside the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th. 

Mark and Pat are joined in studio by Melissa and Ryan Thomas, the franchise owners of Mr. Electric of Land O' Lakes and Mr. Electric of Lakeland.  Mark has been in the electrical industry since he was 18 and they invested in their franchises to bring knowledge, experience, excellent employees,  and quality service to the electrical service industry.  All employees are background checked, drug screened, and have clean DMV records.   Before their Mr. Electric employee shows up at your home in the yellow truck, you will get a text and an email with their picture and bio, along with a tracker letting you know exactly when to expect them.   They provide upfront pricing and no surprises.  Learn how often to replace aging smoke detectors. (29:13).   Find out about GFCI's and why they trip or if you need a circuit added.  What is the best surge protector?  (34:10). www.mrelectricoflandolakes.com or www.mrelectricoflakeland.com Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show is inside the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th. 

Florida's Largest Home Show Radio Show host, Mark Steckman, helps you prepare for a hurricane. (7:30) Make sure you have water and a three day supply of non-perishable food.  Don't forget canned tuna for your hurricane supply kit and make sure you have a can opener that doesn't require electricity!  Every home also needs a battery powered radio along with multiple flashlights, extra batteries, prescriptions, pet food, baby wipes, local maps, cash, infant formula, potty pads, over the counter medications, and a first aid kit.  Then, learn the top flooring trends for 2021. (33:30)    Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show is inside the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th.   

Mark talks about not only the importance of assessing your sprinkler system but he explains how to assess and adjust your system. (9:36)  Mark and Pat update us on the hot Tampa Bay Real Estate Market.  Closed home sales are up 38% in June with prices up 18%.  For a market to be considered a balanced real estate market the marketplace should have about a five and half month supply of homes for sale; Tampa Bay has less than a one month's inventory supply.  There is a healthy home demand in Tampa Bay right now.  Mark lets us know about the hundreds of products and exhibitors you can meet at Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show.  Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show is inside the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th. 

Mark is joined by Katrina Madewell, of Team Madewell, Tampa Home Talk, Keller Williams Realty.  Katrina is the host of the real estate radio show, Tampa Home Talk, airing weekly Fridays @ 8am and 9am on 1010AM Money Talk.  Katrina is a well-qualified real estate professional, has been in Tampa Bay real estate for almost 30 years, and has a mortgage background of over 18 years.  Katrina loves training real estate agents and is known as the realtor's realtor.  Katrina gives a statistical rundown of the hot Tampa Bay real estate market along with tips on selling your home and how to determine the value of your biggest asset.  (25:50) Katrina can be reached at 813 936 2302.     www.tampahometalk.com Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show is inside the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th. 

Florida's Largest Home Show radio host, Mark Steckman, reviews 2021's hottest  home design trends including:  Pantone's color of the year classic blue; the importance of bringing in natural light and elements; indoor plants; rethinking formal rooms; and multi-purpose furniture.  Carlos Ramos of Guild Mortgage joins Mark and teaches us the steps needed to refi and to get a home in today's competitive housing market.  Nationally home listings are down 46%.  Did you know if you already owned a home you may still qualify as a first time home buyer? (29:55).   First time homeowners may run into payment shock when comparing rent to a mortgage payment with:  home owner's insurance, property taxes, HOA fees, and mortgage insurance.  Don't miss the top ten things to ask a mortgage lender before hiring one.  (40:00) www.applywithcarlos.com Mark your calendar for Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show live at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th.   

It's been an extremely busy 14 months for home remodeling and home selling.  There are labor shortages, product shortages, appliance shortages, and real estate inventory shortages.  But everything you need will be at Florida's Largest Home Show, Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th inside the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds.   You will be able to touch the products and talk to the experts in all the home improvement categories.  When the pandemic started people began nesting at home and then started home updates and upgrades.  The federal stimulus payments turned into big screen TV's, painting, and home remodeling.  The most popular home remodeling projects were: kitchen upgrades, outdoor entertaining spaces, replacing windows and doors, updating bathrooms, painting and accent walls, home offices, and kitchen organizing solutions.  Meet all the home improvement experts live at Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show live at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th. 

Many homeowners opt for concrete as a favorite building material.  Michael Travis, owner Concrete Designs of Tampa Bay, joins Mark to talk decorative concrete driveways, pool decks, and garage floors.  Who knew you don't have to tear up the old concrete to renovate?  Concrete Designs can reenergize your space and help you design your own decorative concrete deck, driveway, or garage floor with choices from a variety of patterns, colors and even logos.  (9:50)   Beautiful decorative driveways and pool decks dramatically improve curb appeal and resale value.  And inside, stunning interior concrete floors are a huge new trend due to their beauty, value and ease of maintenance.  Today's concrete surfaces don't need to be power-washed and are even sturdier and stronger.  Decorative concrete is also economical, UV-resistant, and long lasting.  The average pool deck and driveway only take about a week, and a stunning garage floor can take just a couple days.  Free estimates and BBB rated A+.           www.concretedesignstampabay.com Meet Concrete Designs at Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show live at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th. 

The bathroom is a sacred place for many people. It's where we go to prepare ourselves for the world, ensure we look our best, and take a breath.  My Shower Door is a second generation family company known as the experts in custom frameless enclosures. Vice President Keith Daubmann tells the story of the company's origins to becoming the manufacturer, designer, seller, and installer of custom glass shower enclosures. They feature frameless shower doors, swinging shower doors, and sliding steam shower doors with premium quality hardware.  My Shower Door is highly licensed and insured in the glass and glazing category.  They offer generic clear glass, ultra-clear glass, and provide My EZ Care Shield designed to protect and seal the glass pores and repel water.  Frameless shower doors provide beauty, customization, and design simplicity while minimizing the number of places water can collect and mold can grow.  Frameless shower doors are easier to keep clean and give your shower a clear minimalist look.   What is safety glass and why is it important?  (17:05)  Check out My Shower Door's nine locations from Ft. Myers to Orlando with showrooms in Tampa on Dale Mabry and in St. Pete on Park Boulevard. www.myshowerdoor.com Meet Affordable Roofing Systems at Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show live at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th.  Follow Florida's Largest Home Show on Social Media Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube 

For over 20 years, Affordable Roofing Systems has been the exclusive roofing partner of Florida's Largest Home Show.  AFS is certified as a roofing and general contractor serving the Tampa Bay Area and is A+ Rated from the Better Business Bureau along with a GAF Master Elite Excellence Award Winner.  GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America.   A roof is not just a roof it's an entire system and ARS recommends homeowners to always use the manufacturer's recommended components for every element of your roof.  Learn the most important things to know about repairing, replacing, maintenance, and inspection of your roof and the average price of a new roof.  Is soft washing or cleaning your roof a good idea?  (35:30)  Find out about the importance of your roof's warranties:   material (manufacturer) and installation (workmanship) warranties.  95% of all roof failures are due to improper roof installation.  Contractors with higher levels of manufacturer certification can offer stronger warranties.   www.affordableroofingflorida.com Meet Affordable Roofing Systems at Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show live at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th.  Follow Florida's Largest Home Show on Social Media Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube 

2020 was a record breaking hurricane season with 30 named storms.  Hurricane season starts June 1st and runs through November 30th.  Now is the time to get a head start on plans for protecting your home.  We all remember Hurricane Irma and going for days without power in Tampa Bay.  Local franchise owner, Greg Whitworth of Generator SuperCenter Tampa Bay, talks everything generator:  fuel source, home installation, power surges, deed restricted communities, permits, service & relationship, warranty, load calculation, elevation, generator shortages, and what's the appropriate size generator and fuel tank for your home.  Generac is the largest manufacturer of generators in North America and 80% of all whole home/automatic generators installed in houses in North America are Generac.  What should home owners be looking for when selecting a generator dealer?  (9:46)  What are the dangers and challenges of portable generators? (42:07) Check out the Generator SuperCenter showroom on Gunn Highway in Tampa.      www.generatorsupercenteroftampa.com Mark your calendar for Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show live at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th.  Follow Florida's Largest Home Show on Social Media Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube 

It's a natural instinct to protect what we love.  A home security system offers that protection for your loved ones and your property.  Today's home security systems can also act as a hub for home automation.  Luke Swindell, General Manager SafeTouch Tampa and Orlando, fills us in on the importance of home security and the difference between SafeTouch and DIY home alarm systems.  SafeTouch has been in business for over 30 years, is an expert in protecting Florida homeowners, and has the fastest guaranteed response with verified alarms.  Find out what burglars look for when they are casing a home and do those signs work.  (10:17)  SafeTouch owns and operates its command center, monitoring station, backup systems, and licenses.  Each SafeTouch system comes equipped with a two-way communicator, next-generation technology, smart cameras that can detect differences between a person/animal/vehicle, My SafeTouch app, expert professional installation with their background checked employees, lifetime parts, and labor warranty.   SafeTouch advanced surveillance packages start at $29.95 per month. www.safetouch.com Mark your calendar for Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show live at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th.  Follow Florida's Largest Home Show on Social Media Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube 

In 1985, John Turner started Florida's Largest Home Show bringing together hundreds of vetted experts in the home improvement industry.  Scott Keathley is co-owner of West Shore Construction with founder Chuck Nelms.  West Shore Construction is a state-certified building contractor constructing anything brand new up to three stories and remodeling anything in the state of Florida.  WSC has been in business since 1984 and is a proud partner with Florida's Largest Home Show since 1985, with 30-35% of West Shore's closed business coming from leads generated at Florida's Largest Home Show.  Scott and Chuck personally work each home show to educate homeowners, build trust, set appointments, and then be there to do the work.   Find out how to save on your home insurance. (16:52)  WSC focuses on specialty remodeling:  kitchens, baths, floors,  custom cabinetry and windows.  WSC is also the leading hurricane protection company with automated and motorized hurricane solutions, remote-operated hurricane screens, hurricane windows, motorized screens/shutters, and hurricane fabrics.  Learn the largest failure points in your home during a hurricane.  (15:02)  www.westshore-construction.com    Mark your calendar for Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show live at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th.  Follow Florida's Largest Home Show on Social Media Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube 

In 1985, John Turner started Florida's Largest Home Show bringing together hundreds of vetted experts in the home improvement industry to help homeowners get the job done right the first time.  Tackling DIY projects creates unique opportunities for accident and injury.  Over 50% of preventable injuries happen around the home, with falls and ladders specifically extremely dangerous.  Dr. Nektarios Demetriou from Millennium Physician Group talks about DIY projects that can cause injuries, why men aren't great at going to the doctor, and the importance of prevention and check-ups before starting DIY projects.  Millennium is Florida's largest independent physician group and they specialize in preventative and health care optimization.   Many people think they are in great health but haven't been to the doctor in years or been evaluated with a basic screening so they don't really know how their health is or how to optimize it.    Millennium is hiring very qualified doctors who are extremely conscientious about preventive medicine and health optimization.  (33:02) www.millenniumphysician.com    Mark your calendar for Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show live at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th.  Follow Florida's Largest Home Show on Social Media Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube 

Brian Santos is a fourth generation painter and wall papering contractor and the Director of Education for Fresh Coat Painters.  Brian is known as the “Wall Wizard” and has been part of Florida's Largest Home Show for 25 years.  Brian tours the country giving expert tips in home improvement education, is an author for Better Homes & Gardens, and has written 14 books.  Brian teaches not only the how to but the why behind the how to.  Find out wall wizard tips:  in hiring a professional painter; rolling, brushing or spraying; two thin coats or one heavy coat of paint; how often to paint your home; how to store paint.  Is it a good idea to use tooth-paste to fill holes in the wall? (24:43)  What's your time worth vs hiring a professional painter?  Brighter and pastel paint colors are back with white trim as the new classic and your front door is the new pop of fad with ultra-deep navy, green and burgundy as the trend.  Learn Wall Wizard tricks on using chap-stick, saran wrap and fabric softener when painting. www.thewallwizard.com Mark your calendar for Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show live at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th.  Follow Florida's Largest Home Show on Social Media Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube 

What feels better to unwind and escape than soaking in a hot tub?   Spas are great for body aches, relaxation, better sleep, fun for the whole family and exercise.  If you've ever thought about getting a hot tub or swim spa, Spa Manufacturers is the expert spa manufacturer selling direct to the public and has been in business for over 39 years in the same location in Clearwater.  They have inside and outside showrooms and they ship hot tubs all over the world.   Their hot tubs and swim spas are USA made and they're A+ rated from the BBB.  Spa Manufacturers has been a great partner with Florida's Largest Home Show for 35 years.  They offer discounts for current and retired first responders, military, veterans.  Spa Manufacturers is the home of the big yellow duck.  Find out about their hot water therapy spa donation program for veterans (12:26). www.spamanufacturers.com Mark your calendar for Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show live at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th.  Follow Florida's Largest Home Show on Social Media Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube 

Tim Converse, is the Founder and President of Solar Solutions and 24 year partner with Florida's Largest Home Show.   Tim started Solar Solutions in Tampa Bay in 1997 and now services eight Tampa Bay Area counties.   Tim built his business by having a great presence at home shows and building a rapport talking with homeowners face to face.  Solar Solutions specializes in solar pool heating, solar hot water and solar electricity.  Once your solar system is installed and paid there's no on-going cost and a good solar pool heating system will give you a nine to ten month swim season.   Solar panels actually protect your roof and are environmentally friendly.  New solar technology includes app monitoring system, 25 year warranties, better quality and higher wattage panels and online previews of  how solar panels would look on your roof.  Find out about the Florida 26% solar tax credit (15:30). www.solarsolutionsinc.net Mark your calendar for Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show live at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th.  Follow Florida's Largest Home Show on Social Media Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube 

In 1985, Tampa native, John Turner was building a new home and became completely frustrated in finding the best contractors and service providers in the home services industry.  He wanted to be able to go to one place and meet multiple contractors from the same and all the home services categories.  This magical place did not exist, so John founded and created Florida's Largest Home Show 36 years ago.  John spent a year finding and meeting the top 250-300 experts in building, remodeling, servicing, and providing home goods and services. The show has grown to become the largest and best-recognized home show in Florida - rated one of the Top 30 Home Shows by Better Homes and Gardens in the nation. Find out how to not make a mistake on your home that could cost you a lot of money (17:00). Mark your calendar for Florida's Largest Labor Day Home Show live at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall Friday – Monday, September 3rd – September 6th.  Follow Florida's Largest Home Show on Social Media Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube