Closing with Confidence, Clear Legal Insight for Central Florida Real Estate Deals

About Closing with Confidence, Clear Legal Insight for Central Florida Real Estate Deals

Closing With Confidence is the real estate law podcast from The Metka Law Firm—built for buyers, sellers, agents, landlords, and tenants who want deals done fast, clean, and without surprises. Each episode delivers practical guidance on contracts, timelines, costs, title/closing questions, and the real-world issues that can derail a transaction—so you can move from offer to closing with confidence. You’ll also hear straight talk on the common mistakes we see in the Central Florida market: inexperienced representation, misaligned incentives, and professionals operating outside their wheelhouse. Our goal is simple: replace confusion with clarity—and help you protect your deal, your money, and your peace of mind.

Publisher

Chelsea Metka

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Mar 2026

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Oct 2026

   014: Florida Family Property Transfers: Protecting Your Homestead Exemption and Save Our Homes Cap

   Chelsea Metka takes on one of the most common do-it-yourself tasks in Florida real estate: transferring a home to a family member. A parent adds an adult child to the deed, or a couple moves the house into a trust using an online form. Later, a tax bill or a letter from the Department of Revenue shows the homestead exemption is gone or documentary stamp taxes are due. Chelsea walks through each Florida deed type, from quitclaim to lady bird deeds, and explains why a recorded deed is so hard to undo. She also covers how an existing mortgage can trigger stamp taxes when no money changes hands, what the Save Our Homes cap protects, how tenancy by the entireties shields married couples, and three practical ways parents can help an adult child buy a home in Central Florida. Families thinking about a transfer will find clear, practical answers here. In this episode, you will hear: Common problems DIY deeds create for Florida families How quitclaim, warranty, special warranty, and lady bird deeds differ Why an existing mortgage can trigger documentary stamp taxes on a gift Protecting the homestead exemption and Save Our Homes cap during a transfer How tenancy by the entireties shields married couples from one spouse's judgment Why a deed into your own trust must be recorded to take effect Three ways parents can help an adult child buy a home in Central Florida Resources from this Episode Resources - (https://metkalawfirm.com/deeds-easements-title-issues/)https://metkalawfirm.com/deeds-easements-title-issues/ (https://metkalawfirm.com/deeds-easements-title-issues/) Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

2. 

   1 Oct 2026

   013: Does Your Spouse Have to Sign the Mortgage? Florida Homestead Rules Explained

   Chelsea Metka welcomes back Eric Putt, branch manager at Waterstone Mortgage, to tackle a question that lands in her inbox on a near-weekly basis: does the spouse have to sign? A husband's name sits alone on the deed. Does his wife still have to sign the mortgage? Chelsea and Eric dig into that exact scenario, and the answer comes down to Florida's homestead protections, which extend rights to a non-owner spouse regardless of who holds title. Chelsea and Eric break down the difference between the mortgage and the promissory note, why signing one doesn't always mean taking on the debt, and how the same homestead rules apply when a homesteaded property is sold. The takeaway: being on title, being on the loan, and holding homestead rights are three separate things, and mixing them up can create last-minute closing surprises. For anyone buying, selling, or lending in Florida, this episode lays out exactly when a spouse's signature is required and when it isn't. In this episode, you will hear: Florida homestead protections and why they extend to non-owner spouses The classic scenario, one spouse on the deed, the other left off title entirely Why a lender needs the non-signing spouse's joinder to enforce the mortgage The real difference between the mortgage and the promissory note Signing the mortgage doesn't always mean taking on personal liability for the debt How homestead rights come into play when selling, not just buying Why title, loan status, and homestead rights are three separate legal concepts Resources from this Episode Eric Putt (Waterstone Mortgage) - (https://www.waterstonemortgage.com/originators/eric-putt)https://www.waterstonemortgage.com/originators/eric-putt (https://www.waterstonemortgage.com/originators/eric-putt) Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

3. 

   17 Sept 2026

   012: Mortgage Myths & Real Estate Truths

   Closing with Confidence welcomes Eric Putt, branch manager with Waterstone Mortgage in Winter Park, for a conversation on financing a home purchase (https://metkalawfirm.com/residential-real-estate/buying-a-home/) without the surprises that derail deals late in the process. Eric walks through the assistance programs buyers overlook, including Hometown Heroes, and clears up the confusion around what actually counts as a first-time homebuyer under Florida versus conventional guidelines. He also details the red flags lenders watch for between loan approval and clear to close (https://metkalawfirm.com/escrow-closing-services/), from untraceable cash deposits to buy now, pay later withdrawals that never show up on a credit report. With more than 20 years serving Central Florida buyers and a career built on construction to permanent lending, Eric brings a grounded, practical view of what keeps a closing on track. For anyone eyeing a purchase in the next year, this episode offers a clear place to start. In this episode, you will hear: Florida's Hometown Heroes program and the surprisingly wide range of eligible professions How first-time homebuyer status differs under conventional lending guidelines versus Florida's own definition The real breakdown between down payment funds and closing cost assistance Common red flags that can stall a loan between approval and clear to close Why buy now, pay later withdrawals are drawing more scrutiny from lenders Smart ways to renegotiate price or terms late in a contract without jeopardizing financing Three concrete steps to take now for anyone planning to buy within the year Resources from this Episode Hometown Heroes - (https://www.floridahousing.org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page/hometown-heroes)https://www.floridahousing.org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page/hometown-heroes (https://www.floridahousing.org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page/hometown-heroes) Eric Putt (Waterstone Mortgage) - (https://www.waterstonemortgage.com/originators/eric-putt)https://www.waterstonemortgage.com/originators/eric-putt (https://www.waterstonemortgage.com/originators/eric-putt) Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

4. 

   27 Aug 2026

   011: Private Lending in Florida: Legal Protections Every Investor Needs to Know

   Private lending is a fastest-growing path to funding real estate deals across Central Florida, and Chelsea Metka breaks down what makes those transactions work, and what makes them collapse. She walks through who's actually funding these loans, why banks are leaving gaps that private investors are stepping in to fill, and the legal documents that separate a protected lender (https://metkalawfirm.com/lender-legal-counsel/) from an exposed one. Chelsea covers promissory notes, mortgages, personal guarantees (https://metkalawfirm.com/commercial-real-estate/lender-financial-documents/), and the paperwork lenders skip at their own risk. She digs into Florida's usury cap, the danger of an unrecorded mortgage, and why construction loans demand a tighter draw schedule and stronger lien waivers than a standard purchase. Anyone lending money on Florida real estate, or thinking about it, will walk away with a clearer picture of where the real risk hides. In this episode, you will hear: Who's actually funding private and hard money loans in Florida, and why banks are leaving room for them The legal documents every private loan needs, from promissory notes to personal guarantees What happens when a mortgage doesn't get recorded properly UCC filings and why they matter for loans secured by personal property Draw schedules, lien waivers, and the risks specific to construction lending Cross-collateralization and cross-default provisions explained Florida's usury cap and the penalties for lenders who cross it Resources from this Episode Lender Legal Counsel - https://metkalawfirm.com/lender-legal-counsel/ (https://metkalawfirm.com/lender-legal-counsel/) Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

5. 

   6 Aug 2026

   010: What Your Title Company Isn't Telling You About Settlement Fees

   Chelsea Metka opens up about the questions buyers rarely think to ask before choosing a title company, and the answers could save thousands at closing. Two companies can charge the same title insurance premium and still leave a buyer with wildly different settlement fees. Chelsea walks through why requesting a settlement statement before signing a contract matters, what a title examiner actually searches for, and why she avoids relying on a prior policy during a title search. She also breaks down Schedule B-2, the exceptions buyers have just five days to challenge, and clears up a common myth: title insurance does not cover unpermitted improvements. From land leases buried in agricultural properties to the rise of deed fraud across Central Florida, Chelsea covers the blind spots that catch buyers off guard. Title insurance protects for as long as someone owns their home. This episode explains what that protection actually covers. In this episode, you will hear: Why requesting a settlement statement before signing a contract can reveal hundreds, even thousands, in hidden fees What a title examiner actually searches for during a chain of title review The risk of relying on a prior policy instead of a full MRTA search Schedule B-2 exceptions and the five day window buyers have to object The most common misconception about what title insurance actually covers Title chain issues surfacing on former agricultural land in West Orange and Lake County Rising deed fraud in Central Florida and how buyers can protect themselves Resources from this Episode https://metkalawfirm.com/title-escrow-closing/ (https://metkalawfirm.com/title-escrow-closing/) Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

6. 

   23 Jul 2026

   009: Title Insurance Explained: What Florida Buyers Actually Pay For

   Title insurance shows up on almost every closing statement, but most buyers have no idea what they're actually paying for. Chelsea Metka breaks down what the policy covers, why it protects against past defects instead of future risk, and why the one-time premium works differently than any other insurance product buyers own. Chelsea walks through the split between owner's and lender's policies, explains why skipping owner's coverage almost always costs buyers more in the end, and unpacks Florida's promulgated rate system, the state-mandated pricing table that keeps premiums identical no matter which company issues the policy. She also flags the one document every buyer should request before signing a contract: an estimated settlement statement. Buyers walk away knowing exactly what question to ask before they pick a title company. In this episode, you will hear: What title insurance actually covers and why it protects against past defects, not future risk The difference between a one-time premium and ongoing insurance payments Owner's title insurance versus lender's title insurance and who each one protects Why skipping owner's coverage almost always costs buyers more in the long run Who typically pays for which policy in a Central Florida transaction Florida's promulgated rate system and why premiums don't vary between companies The one document buyers should request before signing any contract Resources from this Episode https://metkalawfirm.com/title-escrow-closing/ (https://metkalawfirm.com/title-escrow-closing/) Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

7. 

   9 Jul 2026

   008: Commercial Lease Basics Every Florida Tenant Should Know

   Commercial leases operate by their own rules, and getting them wrong costs real money. Chelsea Metka breaks down what separates a commercial lease from residential rentals, why Florida statute leaves most of the negotiating power to the parties themselves, and where landlords and tenants most often trip up before they ever sign. The conversation covers triple net versus gross lease structures, what actually falls under CAM charges, and why an option to purchase differs sharply from a right of first refusal. Chelsea also walks through real situations from her practice, including a landlord who lost negotiating leverage simply because a lease was missing one key clause. Anyone eyeing space along Central Florida's busiest commercial corridors will walk away with a clearer sense of what to ask for, and what to put in writing before signing anything. In this episode, you will hear: Core differences between commercial and residential leases under Florida law Anatomy of a commercial lease, from base rent to personal guarantees Triple net vs. gross vs. modified gross lease structures explained What CAM charges cover and how they change as a property develops Option to purchase vs. right of first refusal, and why the distinction matters Landlord leverage trends across Central Florida's busiest commercial corridors Why every lease term needs to be in writing and enforceable before signing Resources from this Episode https://metkalawfirm.com/commercial-real-estate/commercial-leases/ (https://metkalawfirm.com/commercial-real-estate/commercial-leases/) Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

8. 

   25 Jun 2026

   007: Commercial Real Estate Closings in Central Florida: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

   Commercial real estate closes on a different clock, with a different rulebook, and a lot more moving parts. In this episode, Chelsea Metka sits down with Eileen O'Hara, Metka Law Firm's firm administrator, who sees every transaction from the inside out, to answer the questions buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders ask most. Together they walk through what separates commercial closings from residential ones, why timelines can stretch to 120 days or longer, and how issues like zoning, environmental phases, and entity structure can reshape a deal. Chelsea breaks down each stage from letter of intent through post-closing, covering due diligence, financing contingencies, appraisals, title, and insurance. If a commercial purchase or sale is on the horizon, this episode is the clearest map available before signing anything. In this episode, you will hear: Why commercial closings are fundamentally more complex than residential transactions The letter of intent, contract negotiation, due diligence, and post-closing phases explained How zoning, environmental assessments, and permitting can push timelines past 120 days What buyers need to know about financing contingencies, appraisals, and insurance quotes How entity structure, personal guarantees, and operating entities affect commercial lending Why working with an experienced title company or law firm can make or break a closing The single most important piece of advice for first-time commercial buyers in Central Florida Resources from this Episode https://metkalawfirm.com/real-estate-law/ (https://metkalawfirm.com/real-estate-law/) Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

9. 

   4 Jun 2026

   006: What Actually Happens at a Real Estate Closing? A Step-by-Step Guide for Florida Buyers and Sellers - Part 2

   Closing day looks simple from the outside. Sign the papers, get the keys. But the process running underneath that moment is where deals survive or fall apart. In this episode, Chelsea Metka walks through the full arc of what happens after everyone signs, from lender authorization and wire verification to e-recording with the county. She covers the real differences between cash and financed closings, why FSBO transactions tend to collapse during the inspection period, and how commercial deals operate on an entirely different timeline than residential ones. She also addresses what surprises buyers who haven't closed in a decade, why mobile notary signings carry trade-offs most people don't consider, and what to request from your title company 30 days before closing. If you are buying, selling, or just trying to understand the process, this episode is worth your time. In this episode, you will hear: What happens after everyone signs, from lender authorization to county e-recording Cash vs. financed closings and why cash deals can close in as little as three days Where FSBO transactions most commonly break down during the inspection period How commercial closings differ from residential, from contract negotiation to title review The most common reasons Florida closings get delayed, and what buyers can actually do about it Mobile notary vs. in-person attorney signing and the trade-offs most buyers don't consider What to request from your title company 30 days before closing day Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

10. 

    22 May 2026

    005: What Actually Happens at a Real Estate Closing? A Step-by-Step Guide for Florida Buyers and Sellers - Part 1

    Real estate closings confuse almost everyone. Buyers show up expecting keys. Sellers expect a check. Neither happens the moment the paperwork is signed, and that gap between expectation and reality is exactly what Chelsea Metka, founder of the Metka Law Firm, breaks down in this episode. Chelsea walks through the full closing process, from contract execution to post-closing wires and recorded documents. She covers what happens during intake and processing, why title commitments require careful review, what Schedule B-2 actually means for a buyer, and how tools like surveys, municipal lien searches, and estoppel certificates protect everyone at the table. Chelsea also explains the three-day TRID rule, who shows up at the closing table and why, and what can quietly derail a deal if nobody catches it in time. In this episode, you will hear: Why buyers expect keys and sellers expect checks the moment signing ends, and why neither works that way The four phases of a closing, from intake and processing through post-closing wires and recorded documents What the title commitment actually promises, and why objecting to the right items expands a buyer's insurance coverage How Schedule B-2 works, and what surveys, municipal lien searches, and estoppel certificates each reveal Why cash contracts closing in 10 days require immediate action on HOA estoppels and title orders The three-day TRID rule, what triggers a reset, and why the first closing disclosure is almost never the final one Who sits at the closing table, what each person is responsible for, and where the line is on legal advice Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

11. 

    7 May 2026

    004: Closing Myths That Cost Florida Buyers and Sellers Thousands of Dollars

    Real estate closings cost buyers and sellers far more than they expect, and most of that money walks out the door because of myths. In this episode, Chelsea Metka breaks down the most common and costly misconceptions she sees at the closing table, from what real estate agents are actually authorized to do, to why cash buyers need title insurance more than financed buyers do. Chelsea covers title insurance, documentary stamp taxes, homestead exemptions, CDD fees, and the builder contracts that quietly put buyers at a disadvantage before a single negotiation begins. For anyone currently under contract or heading toward a closing in Central Florida, this episode is the checklist they didn't know they needed. In this episode, you will hear: What real estate agents are and aren't legally authorized to do during a transaction Why cash buyers actually carry more title risk than financed buyers The difference between a title search and title insurance, and why a clean search isn't enough Who the lender's attorney really represents at closing (hint: it's not the buyer) Closing costs that are fixed by Florida statute and the fees that aren't How CDD fees work and why the wrong checkbox can cost buyers or sellers thousands The one myth Chelsea considers the most dangerous in Florida real estate Resources from this Episode Title, Escrow & Closing Services - https://metkalawfirm.com/escrow-closing-services/ (https://metkalawfirm.com/escrow-closing-services/) Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

12. 

    23 Apr 2026

    003: One Office, One Attorney, Full Legal Protection: The Smarter Way to Close in Florida

    Most people assume hiring an attorney means paying more. Chelsea Metka, board-certified real estate attorney and founder of the Metka Law Firm, sets that record straight in this episode of Closing with Confidence. She breaks down what actually happens between contract and closing, why survey reviews catch more than boundary lines, and how a missed tax proration clause can cost a buyer thousands after the keys change hands. This episode covers the difference between attorney-led firms and traditional title companies, what out-of-state buyers consistently get wrong about Florida closings, and why rapid growth in Central Florida is generating a wave of title problems that most buyers never see coming. If you're buying, selling, or advising clients on Central Florida real estate, this episode is required listening before you sign anything. In this episode, you will hear: Why hiring a real estate attorney in Florida typically costs no more than a traditional title company What attorneys catch in survey reviews that title companies routinely miss How a waived tax proration clause can leave buyers on the hook for thousands after closing The real difference between an attorney-owned title company and an attorney-led law firm handling title Why rapid growth in Central Florida is producing a surge in title defects and chain-of-title problems What out-of-state buyers consistently get wrong about how Florida closings work The one contract paragraph every Florida buyer should read before signing anything Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

13. 

    9 Apr 2026

    002: What Your Title Company Isn't Telling You: How Florida Real Estate Attorneys Protect Your Investment

    In this episode of Closing with Confidence, Chelsea Metka breaks down one of the most misunderstood aspects of Florida real estate — the difference between using a title company and hiring a real estate attorney. While Florida doesn't legally require an attorney at closing, Chelsea makes a compelling case for why skipping one could be a costly mistake, from overlooked zoning risks on million-dollar properties to title defects buried in easement language that most title companies never even look for. Chelsea pulls back the curtain on what title companies actually do — and more importantly, what they don't do — including why Schedule B-II of a title commitment is so often ignored and how that silence can expose buyers to serious risk after closing. This is essential listening for anyone buying, selling, or investing in Florida real estate. In this episode, you will hear: Why Florida doesn't require a real estate attorney at closing — and why that doesn't mean you shouldn't have one The critical difference between what a title company does versus what a real estate attorney brings to the table Why Schedule B-II of a title commitment is routinely overlooked and what buyers stand to lose because of it How outdated easement agreements can create serious unanswered questions that put a deal at risk The growing threat of wire fraud and the verification safeguards that protect buyers' funds Real-world zoning surprises that can turn a quiet neighborhood purchase into a costly mistake Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

14. 

    9 Apr 2026

    001: Introducing Closing With Confidence: What Every Central Florida Home Buyer Needs to Know

    In this debut episode of Closing with Confidence, Chelsea Metka — founder of the Metka Law Firm — shares the story behind her path into real estate law, from growing up immersed in her father's development and homebuilding world to building a firm rooted in precision, integrity, and client empowerment. She reflects on how early experiences shaped her understanding of what property ownership truly means to people, and why that drives her work every day. Chelsea opens up about what it takes to navigate Central Florida's fast-moving, high-stakes real estate market — including the costly mistakes she sees most often, what really happens between contract and closing, and why inexperienced representation can derail even the most straightforward transactions. She also shares the bigger vision behind this podcast: leaving the Central Florida real estate community better than she found it — one informed client at a time. In this episode, you will hear: Growing up in a real estate family and how it shaped Chelsea Metka's understanding of property ownership Chelsea’s path to law school and why real estate law was a natural fit Building the Metka Law Firm around quality, precision, and high personal standards What makes Central Florida's real estate market uniquely fast-paced and complex The most common, and avoidable, mistakes buyers and sellers make at the contract stage Why the real work begins after the contract is signed, not before The vision behind Closing with Confidence and why education is Chelsea's long game Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-with-confidence/id1883094655). Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com (https://emeraldcitypro.com/) Let them know we sent you.

15. 

    6 Mar 2026

    Welcome to Closing with Confidence!

    Closing With Confidence is the real estate law podcast from The Metka Law Firm—built for buyers, sellers, agents, landlords, and tenants who want deals done fast, clean, and without surprises. Each episode delivers practical guidance on contracts, timelines, costs, title/closing questions, and the real-world issues that can derail a transaction—so you can move from offer to closing with confidence. You’ll also hear straight talk on the common mistakes we see in the Central Florida market: inexperienced representation, misaligned incentives, and professionals operating outside their wheelhouse. Our goal is simple: replace confusion with clarity—and help you protect your deal, your money, and your peace of mind.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Contact Closing with Confidence, Clear Legal Insight for Central Florida Real Estate Deals

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.