Home buying doesn’t have to feel like decoding a secret language. We sit down with mortgage pro Carlos Ramos to unpack what has changed since 2021, why lenders ask for so much documentation, and how to position yourself for a payment that fits real life. If headlines about “rate cuts” leave you wondering why your mortgage quote didn’t budge, you’ll get the clean breakdown of the 10-year Treasury, short-term vs long-term rates, and what actually moves mortgages in Tampa Bay and beyond.

We get practical fast: how seller concessions can beat a small price reduction, when a 2-1 temporary buy-down makes sense, and why paying big points right now may not be worth it if a refinance window opens within a year. Carlos walks us through the math mindset that matters—starting with credit checks to catch errors early, building a budget using minimum monthly payments (not balances), and accounting for full ownership costs like taxes, insurance, HOA, and potential flood coverage. We also highlight the expenses buyers forget: moving, furniture, and the surprise repairs that show up even in newer homes.

To keep you out of the “house poor” trap, we outline five steps: pull your credit, set a real budget, trim recurring spending, stack savings and gift strategies, then secure a strong preapproval before touring. For many offers today, requesting concessions and applying them to a temporary buy-down or closing costs can lower monthly payments more effectively than negotiating a small price cut. If the numbers say “not yet,” we help you design a timeline so six months from now you’re shopping with confidence instead of guesswork.

If you found this helpful, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend who’s gearing up to buy. Your support helps more Tampa Bay buyers get clear, calm, and ready to close.

If you are in need of a great lender, please feel free to reach out to Carlos Ramos with The Ramos Mortgage Team at (813) 767-1887‬ and let him know you heard him here!

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

What happens when a life built on movement finds a new stage in real estate? We sit down with Lisa to follow her arc from Spring Hill to Disney entertainment, onto the Olympic floor in Atlanta, through a brutal knee reconstruction, and into a ballroom career that taught her timing, trust, and poise under pressure. The story is part grit, part artistry, and fully human—rooted in family, community, and a deep need to help people feel at home.

We unpack the pivots that shaped her path: choosing Atlanta for creative opportunity, discovering ballroom by chance at a salsa and swing club, rising fast to win Ohio Star Ball, and partnering with her now-husband both on the dance floor and in life. When the pull of living by the water, taking care of parents, and a better rhythm for their kids called, the family left landlocked Atlanta for Tampa Bay. That move sharpened Lisa’s understanding of relocation—from military moves to senior living decisions to finding the local spots that make a neighborhood feel like yours.

What makes her approach to real estate different is everything that came before it. A builder father taught her how homes are made. Coaching figure skaters gave her a language for flow and balance. Costume design honed her eye for fit, finish, and story—skills she now uses for staging and marketing. Most of all, performance trained her to manage nerves, read the room, and keep the experience warm, clear, and steady when the stakes feel high. If you want a people-first guide who knows Tampa Bay and believes preparation beats panic, you’ll find practical takeaways and a lot of heart here.

If this story resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s navigating a big move, and leave a quick review—what part of Lisa’s journey inspired you most?

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Craving the October vibe without the jump scares? We pulled together a warm, welcoming Halloween game plan across the Tampa Bay Area—one that works for allergy-aware families, sensory-sensitive kiddos, and anyone who wants more delight than dread. From teal pumpkin tips to a pirate cruise on the bay, consider this your easy-to-use map for a sweeter, calmer season.

We start with a verified resource for kid friendly events in the area. Then we dig into standouts: an allergen-friendly party at Steinbrenner Stadium with non-food trick-or-treating, and sensory-friendly options at the Florida Aquarium and Glazer Children’s Museum where lights and noise are dialed down. Prefer motion over lines? Hit costume jams at Carrollwood Village and Jackson Springs skate parks, or glide through a Halloween session at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

If you’re chasing unique experiences, Weeki Wachee’s Wicked Nights blends a carnival vibe with iconic mermaid shows at 8, 9, and 10 p.m., perfect for family memories that don’t require a tolerance for terror. Nostalgia more your speed? The Florida Railroad Museum’s Pumpkin Patch Express in Parrish delivers hayrides, crafts, and the simple joy of a train day. For grown-ups and older kids, the Lost Pearl Halloween pirate adventure cruise adds skyline views, complimentary drinks, and easygoing pirate fun without the chaos.

Want more Tampa Bay finds like these? Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and tell us which event you’re trying first so we can feature your picks next time.

Links to all events mentioned:

General Information for the area: www.Fun4TampaKids.com

Allergen Friendly Halloween Party at Steinbrenner Stadium

The Florida Aquarium - a sensory-friendly Guppyween

Glazer Children’s Museum Sensory Friendly Halloween Spree

Carrollwood Village Skate Park Halloween Skate Jam

Halloween Skate Jam at Jackson Springs Skate Park

Advent Health Center Ice Hallowrink Themed Skate

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Wild N' Wicked Nights

Florida Railroad Museum Pumpkin Patch Express

Lost Pearl Halloween Pirate Adventure Cruise

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Spookquarium

Busch Gardens Kandy’s Sweetacular

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Tampa Bay's music scene stretches far beyond stadium headliners, with a rich tapestry of venues that many locals don't even know exist. Candace and Lisa pull back the curtain on these hidden gems, sharing their personal concert adventures and insider knowledge about spaces that transform live music from spectacle to experience.

The conversation begins with Ruth Eckerd Hall, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architectural marvel established in 1983. This nonprofit venue anchors a trio of performance spaces in Clearwater, including the beautifully preserved Capitol Theater – a 1921 movie palace and vaudeville house that breathes history into every performance. With its renovated boxes and rooftop area, this theater offers the perfect setting for catching beloved artists from yesterday and today in an atmosphere that feels almost like a private show.

For those who prefer sunshine with their soundtracks, Baycare Sound delivers concerts right on the Intracoastal waterway. This outdoor amphitheater located on Coachman Park combines assigned seating with lawn spaces where you can spread out and soak in performances against a stunning waterfront backdrop. Meanwhile, downtown St. Petersburg offers Jannus Live, an energetic open-air courtyard surrounded by buildings that creates an electric atmosphere for standing-room-only shows. The hosts also explore other options like the Seminole Hard Rock's 1,500-seat venue and Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheater, which accommodates up to 20,000 fans.

Whether you're a longtime Tampa resident or planning your next visit, these venues provide doorways into the region's vibrant music culture. Each space carries its own personality, history, and concert experience waiting to be discovered. Subscribe to Snapshots Tampa Bay for more local insights and let us know which Tampa Bay hidden gem you're most excited to explore!

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Are you turning down qualified buyers just because they're using a VA loan? As a seller, you might be leaving money on the table and we are going to show you why you shouldn't be afraid of a VA buyer. In this eye-opening conversation, Candace and Lisa tackle the persistent myths surrounding VA loans that continue to disadvantage military families in today's real estate market.

Candace shares her personal experience of losing out on a townhome despite offering $15,000 more than the winning bid—all because the seller didn't want to work with a VA loan. This practice continues despite significant modernization of the VA loan process. Today's VA loans focus on practical concerns that benefit both buyers and sellers: electrical systems, termite inspections, roof integrity, plumbing, and air conditioning.

The hosts explain why VA requirements can actually protect sellers in an increasingly litigious real estate environment. By addressing potential issues upfront through required inspections, sellers reduce their risk of post-sale disputes. For older homes, a simple four-point inspection (often under $200) can reassure buyers that while a property might need cosmetic updates, its fundamental systems are sound.

Military buyers bring unique strengths to real estate transactions. The rigorous pre-approval process for VA loans often exceeds conventional loan standards. Their ability to purchase with 100% financing doesn't indicate financial instability but rather enables service members to build wealth through real estate despite frequent relocations. Many follow a strategic pattern: buy at their first station with a VA loan, later refinance to conventional, then use their VA benefit again at their next station.

Ready to expand your buyer pool and support those who serve our country? Join Candace and Lisa as they demystify VA loans and showcase why military buyers might be the most organized, prepared, and motivated clients you'll encounter. Leave your questions in the comments or reach out directly—we're here to help Tampa Bay's military families find their perfect homes.

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

How do we protect our aging loved ones from those who might take advantage of them? This question sparked a heartfelt conversation about the unique challenges seniors face in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world.

Lisa shares a revealing story about her mother nearly falling victim to predatory sales tactics when shopping for a whole-home water filtration system. What started as a $7,400 quote mysteriously dropped to $3,100 overnight after repeated rejections – a classic high-pressure sales approach targeting vulnerable seniors. This experience highlights why having trusted advisors around our aging loved ones is more crucial than ever.

The conversation expands beyond this single incident to address broader challenges seniors face. From navigating digital real estate transactions to managing home transitions when families live far away, our elderly community often needs specialized support. Candace details a remarkable service called Caring Transitions that completely transformed an inherited home situation for distant family members, handling everything from estate sales to donations and cleanout.

We're building a network of trusted service providers specifically vetted for their integrity when working with seniors. From attorneys specializing in elder law to companies assisting with home transitions, these relationships form a safety net for our community's most vulnerable members. If you know exceptional vendors serving seniors in the Tampa Bay area (from Wesley Chapel to Sarasota), please share them with us – because everyone deserves advocates who genuinely care.

Subscribe to Snapshots Tampa Bay for more conversations about navigating life's transitions in our vibrant community, and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next!

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Ready for a taste of Disney magic without leaving the Tampa Bay area? Join Candace and Lisa as they take you on a virtual journey to Walt Disney World's spectacular fall festivities - all just a quick drive away!

We're diving into the not-so-spooky world of Mickey's Halloween Party that kicks off in mid-August (yes, August!) while temperatures still soar above 100 degrees. Learn about this special ticketed event where families can experience the Magic Kingdom transformed with unique character experiences, trick-or-treating, and a Halloween parade unlike any other. As Tampa locals with Disney connections, we share insider tips on planning your visit around these special event nights.

Food lovers won't want to miss our breakdown of EPCOT's International Food and Wine Festival running from late August through mid-November. Discover the strategic approach to "drinking around the world" (never start in Mexico!), sample culinary delights from global cuisine stands, and experience special chef demonstrations. For the fitness enthusiasts, we also cover the Run Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend in late October - though we freely admit we'll only be cheering from the sidelines with our "0.0" stickers proudly displayed!

Whether you're planning a move to Tampa Bay, checking out the area, or a local looking for seasonal fun, these Disney experiences offer magical memories just a short drive away. Subscribe and follow for our upcoming episodes, including our holiday special where we'll share how to experience Disney's Christmas magic without paying park admission!

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!

Ready to dive into the vibrant world of Tampa Bay through the eyes of two passionate locals? Meet Candace and Lisa, real estate partners with a shared love for the diverse neighborhoods, hidden gems, and rich culture that make this Florida paradise so special.

Candace brings a unique perspective as someone who understands the challenges of military relocations. After growing up in Orlando and spending time in Oregon, she was drawn back to Florida's sunshine and shorelines. She's now dedicated to helping military families not just find houses, but build communities in their new surroundings.

Lisa, a Tampa Bay native who returned after stints working at Disney and then living in Atlanta, offers deep knowledge about the region's evolution and exciting growth. She explores the cultural shifts and hidden gems that make Tampa Bay a truly unique and thriving place to live.

Together, we're exploring everything from St. Petersburg's artistic enclaves to Clearwater's coastal charm, Wesley Chapel's family-friendly neighborhoods to the emerging communities of Parrish and Palmetto. But we go beyond real estate – as self-proclaimed foodies, we're on a mission to uncover the best restaurants, bars, and even secret speakeasies throughout the region. And yes, with our Disney connections (Lisa worked in entertainment there, while Candace's husband was a Disney chef for 20 years), we've got insider tips for the theme parks that are just a short drive away.

Whether you're planning a military move, researching senior living options, visiting on vacation, or simply curious about what makes Tampa Bay special, join us for conversations that capture the authentic spirit of Florida's west coast. Subscribe now and let us know in the comments or text us directly what Tampa Bay topics you'd like us to spotlight in future episodes!

Have questions about the area or suggestions on a topic, send us a text here!

Thank you for tuning into "Snapshots Tampa Bay with Candace and Lisa." We're thrilled to share our insights and adventures with you. To keep the conversation going and explore more about Tampa Bay and Central Florida real estate, connect with us on social media and other platforms!

Ways to Connect with Us: Visit our Linktree for all the links to our social media pages, latest episodes, and more information.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep loving and exploring Tampa Bay!