Top 10 Behind the Scenes Secrets About HGTV Shows
We’re getting real about real estate. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets about HGTV Shows.
For this list, we’ll be looking at what reportedly goes on under the polished marble counter of your favorite home design shows. Eligible series don’t need to have originated on HGTV, but they do have to have spent time on the channel.
#10: The Concept for “Property Brothers” Was Originally Completely Different
“Property Brothers” (2011-)
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It seems that the hit HGTV program “Property Brothers,” was bound to launch twins Drew and Jonathan Scott into real estate stardom. It’s hard to imagine that the reality show’s production company originally wanted it to be called “My Dream Home” with a female co-host! The producers first approached Drew to star in a competition show that never actually aired, but their plans changed when they found out about his equally charming and home improvement savvy twin brother. The brothers took over the show’s spotlight but definitely did not abandon the idea of a dream home with their epic remodelling feats.
#9: Chip & Joanna Solicited Their Friends to Be on the Show
“Fixer Upper” (2013-18)
Though we know “Fixer Upper” today as one of HGTV’s most popular programs of all time, its beginnings were humble to say the least. Stars of the show Chip and Joanna were only interested in renovating homes in their hometown of Waco, Texas, which initially proved to have slim pickings in terms of reno-hungry couples. In dire need of homes to fix up, the design duo reached out to their personal circles, begging their Waco friends to appear on the show. With the show’s major success and the duo’s undeniable talent for renovation, it’s hard to imagine that they were so desperate for participants in the beginning!
#8: Some Plots Are Made Up
“House Hunters” (1999-)
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Chances are your reasons for moving are not exactly thrilling. On the iconic HGTV show ‘House Hunters,’ producers spice things up a bit by tweaking or entirely fabricating its buyers’ storylines. Bobi Jensen’s hunt was featured on an episode during a special Texas week, which portrayed her desperate search for a larger home for her family. However, she revealed that she and her family were actually just looking for a home to replace their former one, which they were turning into a rental. Though her exposé makes us wonder how many “House Hunter” tales were made up, we can still all probably agree that the producers have made for some engaging television over the years… real or not.
#7: Homeowners Are Sometimes Left in in Half-Finished Homes
“Love It or List It” (2008-)
Asking homeowners its titular question, “Love It or List It” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as they wonder if the show’s guests will keep their newly renovated home or opt for a new one. Well, after an exposé by a Reddit user, it seems that the ‘love it’ option might more aptly be called ‘just deal with it.’ The Redditor reveals that the show will often leave homeowners in unfinished homes due to their tight schedule. If contractors are taking too long on one home, the crew will simply move onto the next home, and the next episode. If you thought a free renovation was too good to be true, well— you were right!
#6: Most Winners Can’t Afford to Keep Their Prize
“HGTV Dream Home” (1997-)
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Who would turn down a free brand-new fully-furnished home valued at over a million dollars? A lot of people, and for good reason. Since 1997, the network has held their HGTV Dream Home sweepstakes annually, giving away a luxurious home to a lucky winner. Turns out this extravagant prize is not as free as they claim, as the tax liability that is attached to it can reach up to 40% of the prize value, leaving most winners unable to afford it. But don’t worry – this dream is no nightmare: many winners have opted instead for the cash prize that is typically just under the value of the home.
#5: Homeowners Don't Keep the Furniture
“Fixer Upper” (2013-18)
Fans of ‘Fixer Upper’ are familiar with Joanna Gaines’ keen eye for interior design and penchant for all things ‘farmhouse-chic.’ How many times have you admired the furniture in the big reveal, wishing it was yours? It seems that guests of the show are in the same boat as you, as exposés have revealed that the show’s participants aren’t allowed to keep the amazing furniture Joanna uses to stage the home. It’s not the end of the world though – the furniture is available for purchase and some specially designed items are indeed gifted by the production.
#4: The Scott Brothers Are Hands-Off
“Property Brothers” (2011-)
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If you thought Drew and Jonathan Scott got all the work done on “Property Brothers” while also being the charming and handsome television personalities that they are, you’re in for a rude awakening. We’re sorry to break it to you but although the twins are really real estate professionals, most of the real estate and construction work is actually done off-screen by local contractors. Producers hire an off-screen realtor along with a construction crew who do most of the heavy lifting, so the twins can focus on flaunting it for the cameras. But hey – they do a good job of it at least!
#3: They Feature Homes That Aren't for Sale
“House Hunters” (1999-)
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Home owners and real estate agents who appear on “House Hunters” should be given acting awards after this shocking reveal – some of the homes considered on the show aren’t even on the market! A house hunter in the episode “Spreading out in San Antonio” revealed that two of the houses they supposedly viewed and considered on the series were actually just her friends’ houses – and NOT for sale! We must admit everyone puts on a convincing act though – the final decision between the three houses is often a nail-biter.
#2: They Feature Homes Already Owned by Clients
“Fixer Upper” (2013-18)
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We all want to witness the magical moment when prospective buyers finally discover their dream home. Unfortunately, as much as we’d love to share in the joy of a successful search for a house, these moments on “Fixer Upper” are totally fabricated. A past guest of the show revealed that the producers seek out people who already own homes - or at least are under contract - to participate in the renovation process. And if you’re looking elsewhere for the euphoria of a successful house hunt, we hate to tell you that this moment has also come to pass for “Beachfront Bargain Hunt’s” participants – who have also already purchased their properties. Some hunt!
#1: They Record Both Endings
“Love it or List it” (2008-)
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We guess HGTV never clarified who they’re asking whether they want to “Love it or List it.” The popular home design show allegedly asks homeowners if they want to keep their newly renovated home or put it on the market but, according to a Reddit user, it’s not up to them what appears on the show. Both outcomes are filmed and the decision on what is aired is ultimately decided upon by the show’s producers. The Redditor’s family members appeared on an episode of the show, which showed them listing their property, when in reality they stayed! We’re not sure we’ll ever be able to appreciate the show the same way again.
