At some point in your life, you’re going to make one of two choices – fix your house or buy a new house. Fortunately, for all things home-related, you can always rely on HGTV. It’s the network that broadcasts non-stop programs about home renovations and house-hunting.
As the network has said on its press release, “HGTV delivers families with relatable stories, superstar real estate and renovation experts and amazing home transformations that inspire a passionate audience. For anyone seeking entertaining and aspirational home and lifestyle content, HGTV is the place to be.”
Today, HGTV has several hit shows, including “Love It or List It,” “House Hunters,” “Flip or Flop,” and “Property Brothers.” And while we’re sure that you watch these shows regularly, we also know that there are still some behind-the-scenes secrets you don’t know about.
15 On Love It Or List It, They Record Two Different Endings And The One We See Isn't Always The True Ending
According to a post made by someone on Reddit, “My aunt and uncle were on "Love It Or List It" they had them record both endings and the network chose which one they thought was best. They are still in the house and they love it, but the show says they listed it.”
14 House Hunters Features Homes That Aren't Even For Sale
According to an account by Bobi who appeared in one episode, "when they decided to film our episode we had to scramble to find houses to tour and pretend we were considering. The ones we looked at weren’t even for sale…they were just our two friends’ houses who were nice enough to madly clean for days in preparation for the cameras!”
13 The Love It Or List It Contractors Move On To The Next House Even If Renovations Aren't Done
One user revealed on Reddit, “They shoot a bunch of episodes in one market at a time, so they use one set of contractors for all of the homes. If they get behind on the work on a given home, they pretend that the work is done so they can wrap on the episode, then they take the crew with them to the next house.”
12 On House Hunters International, The House Search Is Totally Fake
Nathaniel M Lambert, who appeared on the show, wrote on Medium, “Yes, the house search is fake, in fact, we’d already been living in the house that we chose for four months before the HGTV film crew came out. Really, this show is a dramatic reenactment of your original search with the house you chose and two others that are selected by HGTV.”
11 It Was A Fan Who Detected The Cancerous Lump On Flip Or Flop Host Tarek El Moussa’s Neck
Ryan Reade, a registered nurse, had been watching the show and while speaking with TODAY, he recalled, “I noticed that at certain angles, at certain times, it just caught my eye that Tarek had a lump on his throat and I thought it was something that needed to be brought to his attention.”
10 Love It Or List Was Sued For Alleged Funds Misappropriation
Couple Deena Murphy and Timothy Sullivan had appeared on “Love It or List It” and for them, the whole experience was such a nightmare that they sued the show’s production company and its contractors. According to Miami Herald, the lawsuit said that the production company “admits that it is in the business of television production, not construction. ... The homeowners’ funds essentially pay the cost of creating a stage set for this television series.”
9 Over Dramatizations Occurred On House Hunters International
According to a participant, “I felt like they made it look like Olya was obsessed with having a modern kitchen and I was obsessed with my ocean views. Naturally, they need to build a little drama and focus on what will produce the highest ratings.” Obviously, drama trumps reality every time.
8 Fixer Upper Featured Homes Already Owned By The Client
During an interview with Fox News, season three participant David Ridley revealed, “You have to be under contract to be on the show. They show you other homes but you already have one. After they select you, they send your house to Chip and Joanna and their design team.” Meanwhile, in the application, you are also asked, “Where are you in the escrow process?”
7 At One Point, House Hunters International Didn’t Feature Any Of The Couple’s Actual Realtors
A participant revealed that he and his wife had worked with four different realtors. However, he explained, “Most of them were Indian and could barely speak English, so none of these guys would have been good on TV.” He added, “Since I was unable to give them any helpful references, thankfully, HGTV found Arvin who spoke good English and did a great job. Even though this part was fake, HGTV is smart for doing it like this.”
6 Most Of The Winners Of The Dream Home Giveaway Can’t Afford To Keep Their Prize Because Of Taxes
If you think the “HGTV Dream Home Giveaway” sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Just ask former winners who discovered that they were in way over their heads. As it turns out, the home comes with a pretty hefty tax liability. In fact, The Wall Street Journal estimates that it amounts to “40 percent of the total prize value.”
5 One Fixer Upper Client Said She Never Really Got To Work With Chip And Jo Gaines
According to Rachel Teodoro who interviewed the Ermoian family, “In the beginning of the show, Chip and Joanna were much more hands on, but as the show has gained popularity season by season, a team of design assistants work closely with the cast and crew on Fixer Upper. The Ermoian family had a direct line to an assigned designer but never direct communication with Chip and Joanna.”
4 On The Show Beachfront Bargain Hunt, One Participant Revealed That She Had Already Purchased The Property Before Producers Contacted Her
According to Starcasm, a former participant named Laura said that she and her husband were contacted by producers because they “had recently purchased a property on the beach that fit the parameters they were looking for.” And once the film crew arrived on location, they filmed inside the couple’s house, along with “two nearby properties.”
3 On Fixer Upper, Homeowners Have To Pay For Some Of The Displayed Accessories, While Others Are Gifted By The Show
Rachel Teodoro revealed on her blog, “Joanna crafted a set of 3 handmade shiplap framed coral pieces for the couples' living room. The homeowner purchased them since she knew they were made with her house in mind.” She added, “Other handmade furniture items are gifted to the clients.”
2 On The Show Curb Appeal: The Block, Renovation Decisions Are Already Made Prior To The Crew Arriving At The House
While speaking with the AV Club, former participant Cenate Pruitt recalled, “They did the build in late April, but we had our first meeting with the designers in maybe March, because it was all shot out of sequence.” He later added, “So when we met to go over the design, sketches, and color palette, we had to act like we’d never met each other even though we’d just met a couple of weeks earlier.”
1 On Property Brothers, Drew Only Handles The Property On Screen And Jonathan Doesn’t Really Do Much Construction Work At All
According to a report from Toronto Life, “Though the brothers would have you believe that they’re doing the work, Jonathan, the long-haired contractor, barely touches the renovation. The heavy lifting is done by the show’s less telegenic construction crew, but he’ll dutifully wear his tool belt and plaid shirt in solidarity.” Moreover, the show’s casting packet clearly states that Drew is only an “onscreen realtor.”