In this episode of Selling St. Pete, host Nicole Saunches sits down with home warranty expert Tina Romanik from Home Warranty of America to discuss how sellers can leverage home warranties as powerful negotiating tools. Whether you're listing a property with aging mechanicals or simply want to stand out in a competitive market, learn how offering a home warranty up front can protect you from costly repair negotiations, give buyers peace of mind, and potentially help you close deals faster.

This episode is essential listening for sellers, listing agents, and anyone preparing to list a property in St. Petersburg or the Tampa Bay area.

Tina Romanik is a home warranty specialist with Home Warranty of America, where she works with real estate agents and homeowners throughout Florida to navigate home warranty coverage strategically. With deep expertise in how home warranties intersect with real estate transactions, Tina helps sellers protect their listings and buyers secure their investments through comprehensive service agreements.

• Nicole introduces the topic: home warranties as a negotiating tool for sellers
• Overview of what listeners will learn in this episode

• [01:21] Definition: Service agreement covering plumbing, electrical, appliances, HVAC
• [01:40] Key difference: Home warranties cover normal wear and tear
• [01:58] Homeowners insurance vs. home warranty: What each covers
• [02:10] Example scenarios: AC thermostat failure vs. water heater explosion damage

• [02:39] Four plan tiers: Gold, Platinum, Diamond (buyer plans) and Seller's Coverage
• [02:54] Buyer plans: 13-month terms with various add-ons
• [03:09] Seller's coverage: 6-month term with focused protection
• [03:23] Available add-ons: Guest houses, pools, outdoor kitchens
• [03:44] Core components covered in seller's plans

• [04:12] How warranties work for investors with multiple properties
• [04:34] Payment options: Closing integration or post-close credit card
• [04:43] Payment plans available at no additional cost
• [05:02] 30-day waiting period for non-transaction purchases
• [05:08] Why the waiting period exists: Preventing known issue coverage

• [05:44] Think of warranty purchase as a "reservation" in the transaction
• [06:01] Invoice process: Title agent, buyer's agent, and buyer notification
• [06:07] Payment happens at closing, not upfront
• [06:26] Strategic marketing advantage in competitive markets
• [06:53] Using warranties as backup strategy for inspection negotiations

• [07:22] Signals quality: "Certified pre-owned" positioning for homes
• [07:38] Shows seller commitment to protecting the buyer
• [08:00] Creating a psychological edge in the market
• [08:15] Practical example: Declining HVAC repair credit for warranty coverage
• [08:54] Leveraging warranties in multiple offer scenarios
• [09:05] Using as tiebreaker when offers are financially...

In this inspiring episode of Selling St. Pete with Nicole Saunches, Nicole sits down with Sandy Bean, founder of the St. Pete Girl Boss Network — a 10,000+ member community of women entrepreneurs who are redefining what collaboration and connection look like in business.

Together, they explore how Sandy transformed personal challenges into a powerful movement centered around belonging, psychological safety, and abundance. The conversation dives into how the Girl Boss community empowers women to build authentic relationships, grow thriving businesses, and even reshape the local economy through collaboration and real estate investment.

• The divine inspiration behind St. Pete Girl Boss and how it became a citywide movement.
• Why belonging and psychological safety are the real foundations of success.
• How women can transform competition into collaboration — and build stronger businesses together.
• The connection between wealth, real estate, and women’s empowerment.
• The post-Hurricane Helene recovery: how the Girl Boss community came together to rebuild and protect homeowners.
• Innovative building solutions reshaping waterfront living in St. Pete.
• The shared mission of empowering women to own, invest, and lead in every arena.

Sandy Bean – Educator, Consultant, Founder of St. Pete Girl Boss, and advocate for inclusive, purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

🌐 stpetegirlboss.com

📧 sandy@stpetegirlboss.com

📸 Instagram: @stpetegirlboss

🎧 Listen to more episodes: Selling St. Pete Podcast

🏡 Explore listings: SellingStPeteFL.com

📸 Follow on Instagram: @SellingStPeteFL

Join host Nicole Saunches in this powerful conversation with business coach and trauma expert Shakti Rios, founder of Phnx Legacy. Discover how human design and emotional freedom technique (EFT) can revolutionize your approach to business, helping you work in alignment with your natural wiring rather than against it.

About Human Design:

• What human design is and how it combines ancient wisdom systems like astrology, the I Ching, chakras, and the Kabbalah
• How understanding your unique energetic architecture can unlock your path to success
• Why trying to follow everyone else's business strategies drowns out your originality and success potential
• The difference between living "correctly" (aligned with your design) versus operating against your nature

Business Strategy & Positioning:

• The critical difference between marketing your services versus presenting a transformational offer
• How to stand out in a crowded market and stop competing on price alone
• Why positioning determines the quality of clients you attract
• Real-world example: How specialization can make you incomparable in your industry

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT):

• How EFT can clear years of baggage in a single session
• The neuroscience behind tapping and how it regulates your stress response
• Remarkable success stories including helping clients with PTSD, brain injuries, and even Lou Gehrig's disease
• Why EFT doesn't require you to relive traumatic experiences to heal from them

Shakti Rios is a first-generation Cuban-American entrepreneur, homeschooling mom of two, and master EFT practitioner with over 16 years of entrepreneurial experience. After spending over a decade as a trauma-focused massage therapist working with complex cases, she founded Phnx Legacy to help entrepreneurs understand their unique design and achieve success in alignment with their natural wiring.

"When you learn how to sell according to your nature, it's a game changer. They're just all of a sudden excited about it."

"Every type is really designed to succeed differently... one of the biggest mistakes we make is that we try to be like everybody else, especially when we're building businesses."

"Selling is a sacred experience when you are selling something that's really worthwhile and you're doing it in a way that is super full of integrity—you are changing someone's life in an instant."

Connect with Shakti Rios:

• Instagram: @shakti.rios
• Website: phnxlegacy.com

Mentioned in This Episode:

• St. Pete Girl Boss networking group
• Human Design System
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Hosted by Nicole Saunches, the Selling St. Pete Podcast explores the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem of St. Petersburg, Florida—a mecca for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Each episode features conversations with local business leaders, coaches, and innovators who are building authentic, purpose-driven businesses.

Here’s a polished set of show notes that align with the style of your previous Selling St. Pete with Nicole Saunches episodes and integrate the transcript details you provided:

Guest: Clive Gavin, State Farm Insurance Agent (FL)

Contact: (727) 799-4665 • Clive@DriveWithClive.us

Homeowner’s insurance has become one of the hottest—and most confusing—topics in Tampa Bay real estate. In this episode, Nicole sits down with returning guest Clive Gavin of State Farm Insurance to break down exactly what you need to know about protecting your home. They dig into what a standard HO policy covers (and what it doesn’t), why liability limits matter more than most people think, flood insurance realities even in X-zones, and the biggest coverage mistakes that cost homeowners thousands.

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, investor, or snowbird, this episode is packed with insights on reducing risk, saving money, and staying properly insured in a rapidly shifting market.

• What a Standard Policy Covers (and Doesn’t)
• Fire, theft, vandalism, wind/hurricane, sudden pipe breaks—and where riders or endorsements fill the gaps.
• Replacement Cost vs. ACV
• Why you should insure your dwelling and personal property at replacement cost, not depreciated value.
• Liability Blind Spots
• From dog bites to pool accidents—why Clive recommends $300K–$500K+ liability limits and when an umbrella policy is worth it.
• Primary vs. Rental Properties
• Why landlords need higher liability coverage, Loss of Rents protection, and renters insurance requirements.
• Seasonal & Snowbird Risks
• How to prevent small maintenance issues from becoming massive claims when you’re away.
• Condo vs. PUD Policies
• Confirming classification with the county appraiser before buying coverage—and reviewing HOA master policies carefully.
• Flood Insurance Realities
• The 30-day wait, X-zone myths, and why NFIP vs. private market options matter (plus ALE limitations).
• Hurricane & Wind Deductibles
• Understanding 2–10% deductibles and how they can impact your pocketbook after a storm.
• Inspections that Matter
• 4-Point and Wind Mitigation reports can make or break eligibility—share clean reports with buyers.
• Roof Age & Drones
• How carriers monitor roof condition, why permits matter, and how to get discounts for upgrades.
• Premium-Reduction Tips
• Tree trimming, soft-washing roofs, updating your agent after upgrades, and when shopping around makes sense.
• Must-Have Riders
• Water/sewer backup, mold remediation, increased water-damage limits, personal articles coverage, and umbrella liability.
• Policy Right-Sizing
• Re-run replacement cost after renovations—don’t rely on market value for coverage.

Bottom line: Preventive maintenance + right endorsements + adequate liability = protection for your biggest asset.

• 00:00 – Welcome & why insurance is so confusing right now
• 01:05 – What a standard HO policy covers (cause & effect)
• 02:20 – Replacement cost vs ACV; liability blind spots
• 04:15 – Citizens vs. private carrier liability recommendations
• 05:10 – Rentals, Loss...

In this episode of the Selling St. Pete Podcast, host Nicole Saunches sits down with Clive Gavin, a seasoned State Farm Insurance agent with over two decades of experience, to demystify the world of auto insurance. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a seasonal resident, or someone trailering a boat across Florida, understanding your coverage is essential—especially in a no-fault state like Florida.

Clive shares his journey from Ohio to Florida insurance management, and now running his own agency in St. Pete. Together, Nicole and Clive tackle the most common questions drivers face:

• Why Florida’s no-fault system drives higher rates—and how lawsuits play a role.
• The key differences between liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
• What uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage really means for your family.
• How seasonal residents (“snowbirds”) can adjust their policies effectively.
• The discounts and programs many policyholders overlook—like multi-car, multi-line, and good student savings.
• Why shopping your policy at renewal can be smart, but loyalty may pay off more long-term.
• Quick tips to avoid costly mistakes when filing claims.

Plus, Clive explains how classic cars, boats, and even golf carts fit into the insurance equation, and what you should always check before buying a used vehicle in Florida.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with practical knowledge to help you avoid surprises, protect your assets, and potentially save money on your auto insurance.

Clive Gavin – State Farm Insurance Agent

📞 Call/Text: (727) 799-4665

📧 Email: Clive@drivewithClive.us

📍 Office: 5505 Park St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709

• Subscribe to the Selling St. Pete Podcast for more insights on real estate, lifestyle, and living well in Tampa Bay.
• Visit SellingStPeteFL.com for show notes, real estate resources, and more.

Boating in Tampa Bay is a lifestyle—but it comes with its own set of challenges. From saltwater corrosion to keeping up with modern electronics, local boat owners often find themselves juggling repairs and upgrades at the worst possible times.

In this episode of the Selling St Pete Podcast, host Nicole Saunches sits down with Max McNary, owner of First Time Marine, a mobile marine service company.

Max brings years of certified expertise with Yamaha, OXE Marine, SeaStar, and more, and he’s passionate about helping Tampa Bay boaters get it right the first time. We cover:

• What makes mobile service so convenient (and often less expensive than dealerships)
• Common mistakes boat owners make with maintenance in Florida’s climate
• Pre-season prep every boat owner should schedule before hitting the water

• The latest trends in marine electronics—from chartplotters to trolling motors

• Tips for extending the life and value of your vessel in Tampa Bay’s salty, sunny conditions

If you own a boat in Pinellas, Pasco, or along the Gulf Coast, this episode will give you actionable advice to save money, avoid breakdowns, and spend more time on the water.

Thanks for tuning in! Connect with Max on Instagram here or on Facebook here or visit his website, www.firsttimemarine.com and share this episode with boaters you know!

In this episode of the Selling St. Pete Podcast, host Nicole Saunches welcomes back Andi Menaul from Goodwin Mortgage Group to discuss the impact of hurricanes Helene and Milton on the Tampa Bay area. They focus on the challenges faced by displaced families and explore the FHA 203h loan as a financial lifeline for those affected by the disasters. Andi explains the eligibility criteria, which allows both homeowners and renters in presidentially declared disaster zones to purchase new homes with zero down and more flexible credit requirements. The episode aims to provide crucial information and hope to those looking to rebuild their lives after such devastating events.

If you or someone you know would like to connect with Andi or Nicole to see if you are elgible for the FHA 203h loan, you can call or text Andi at  (727) 667-5936 or Nicole at 719-201-5022.

Thanks for listening!

Join Nicole Saunches as she sits down with Austin Weaver from My Easy Mortgage to uncover the common pitfalls and mistakes that could cost you more money or even prevent you from obtaining a mortgage. In this insightful episode, Austin shares expert advice on navigating the mortgage process, ensuring you're well-prepared for one of the most significant financial decisions of your life.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Understanding the Mortgage Process:

2. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

3. Costly Pitfalls:

4. Expert Tips from Austin Weaver:

   • How to improve your credit score before applying
   • Steps to take to ensure a smooth mortgage approval process
   • The importance of working with a trusted mortgage advisor
   
   

Why You Should Listen:

• Gain insider knowledge from a mortgage expert
• Learn how to avoid costly mistakes
• Empower yourself with the tools to make informed decisions about your mortgage

Connect with Us:

• Follow Nicole Saunches on Instagram at @sellingstpetefl
• Follow Austin Weaver on Instagram at @atwmortgage

• Subscribe to Selling St Pete with Nicole Saunches for more expert advice and tips

Call to Action:

• Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review and share it with your friends!
• Have questions about mortgages? Reach out to Austin at https://myeasymortgage.com/team/austin-weaver/
• Have a question for Nicole or a show topic to recommend? DM Nicole on Instagram or call/text her at 727-282-4335

Closing Thoughts:

• Thank you for tuning in!
• Stay tuned for more insightful episodes with industry experts

Keywords:

• Mortgage tips
• Mortgage mistakes
• Home loan advice
• Austin Weaver
• My Easy Mortgage
• Mortgage approval
• Financial advice
• Credit score improvement
• Mortgage rates