What’s the most fun and easy way to learn more about real estate? Watch some TV about it! There are tons of television programs about real estate, DIY renovations, home improvement and more that can teach you the basics of home buying and selling. I’ve chosen some of the most popular real estate shows on TV and what lessons you can learn from simply chilling on your couch at home. So tune in and listen up!
House Hunters (HGTV): House Hunters gives a behind the scenes look at home buying, each episode following a couple, family or individual through the process of finding and purchasing a new home. An agent shows buyers 3 different properties and then they decide which best fits their wants and needs. While the show doesn’t exactly mirror reality – most home owners view an average of 10 homes before making a purchase – it gives a good idea of the decision making process and emotional journey involved in home buying.
Lessons Learned: Buyers, one take away from the show is how important it is to have a good real estate agent who understands your wants and needs. It’s also important to take your time deciding what it is exactly you’re looking for in a home. For ideas on what’s right for you in a home, check out this infographic. Sellers, pay attention to what it is that buyers are looking for so you know what to highlight in your listing add or renovate in order to attract more potential buyers. Think storage, location and curb appeal.
Property Virgins (HGTV): In this show, first-time home buyers search for their dream home to match their budget. Host Egypt Sherrod helps buyers through the roller-coaster ride that is the home-buying process acting as realtor, advisor and therapist.
Lessons Learned: If you’re a first-time home buyer this show can teach you a lot about home buying expectations. For more help on first-time home purchases, check out these tips. The show is also full of great tips for buyers in all different stages because it’s always helpful to practically assess your real estate options. Property Virgins helps bring to light the inevitable compromise on a mile long wish list that buyers need to face in order to stick to their budget.
Love it or List it (HGTV): In this show, discontented home owners have the choice between renovating their home so they love it again or list it and start looking for something better. Sellers looking to renovate and remodel, pay attention to the renovations host Hilary Farr works on for home owners. They sit down together and make a list of changes that need to be made in order for the house to meet their needs, like an up to date kitchen or more storage space.
Lessons Learned: Almost each and every episode reveals renovations are not as easy as they look. The budget is not big enough to support intensive changes and electrical problems, water damage or some other problem arises that was not foreseen. Sellers, you can learn the realities of home renovations and maybe some ideas about what to change in your own home so you can love it again. Educate yourself with more home renovation lessons too so you’re ready when it’s time to remodel. Buyers, you can learn how to tailor your home wish list to decide what you should be looking for in a property purchase.
Property Brothers (HGTV): Twin brothers Jonathan and Drew Scott work with families to buy and renovate homes. First the buyers share their wish list with the brothers and real estate agent Drew shows them a house with everything they want – usually well above their budget. Then the brothers show fixer-uppers with the potential to fulfill the homeowner’s wish list if they invest in some renovations. The show focuses on realistic price expectations for home buyers and shows the benefits of putting in a bit of renovation work to make a good home the perfect one. Contractor Jonathan and his crew work with the buyer’s budget and remodel the fixer upper into their dream home.
Lessons Learned: Consider choosing a cheaper home and using your extra house funds to remake it into the home of your dreams. It’s hard to find the perfect house, especially in Southern California, so putting the time and effort into a fixer-upper might be just the trick to getting exactly what you want. Don’t be afraid to put a little elbow grease into your dream home!
If you’d like to learn more about real estate or have questions about buying and selling, call or email us now at First Team. We’re here to help buyers and sellers navigate the real estate waters with ease.
Email us at clientservices@firstteam.com
Call us at 888-870-1142
