I confess, I enjoy this show. It can be formulaic with some hiccup the flippers didn't anticipate (no house inspection? the contractor walk-thru didn't catch it?), but somehow overcome by throwing a few thousand at it. Tarek and Christina seem to have a pretty good handle on what type of design appeals to the most buyers. Not everyone wants or can afford super sleek modern design and the point is to sell as fast as possible and make the most profit. You just can't do that with more specific design, folks. Even so, they still go for some higher- end finishes like granite and real tile over linoleum and plastic shower surrounds. You've got to spend money to make money and they seem to know that. They also seem to respect the bones of the house - keeping or reinstating Craftsman details in older homes, going with a mid-century vibe, opening up spaces for modern living, bringing things up to code. Yes, they rely on their contractors a lot, but most people do and, in many cases, are required to. And, since the show's inception, you can see that they've learned a lot. Since I don't live in California, I have to take their assessments for value, location and desirability at face value. I suspect some of these homes go for the high end of the comps just because of the show but it's not my money so what do I care? I am fully aware that many scenarios are embellished or staged. It's ridiculous to think that ANY show on HGTV doesn't do this. You seriously can't tell me that the "problem" that Fixer Upper's Chip and Joanne have to call their client about on every single episode wasn't known from the get-go. My main quibbles are:
1. The "closing costs" at the end of the show. I have to assume these include their real estate agent commission - which should be included in the profit.
2. New sod in almost every remodel. They did install drought- tolerant landscaping in one episode but I don't understand why they're not doing this the majority of the time. It would be a great message to send and make more sense in California.
3. C'mon, Tarek. Putting one tile up in the shower, applying glue for countertops or swinging a sledge-hammer doesn't make you a pro. Let's just stop pretending - the gig is up.
4. I don't have a problem with Christina's clothes or makeup. She's a product of her environment. At least she doesn't pretend she's instrumental in the actual labor. She gets to do the fun stuff like picking out tiles and paint colors and who wouldn't love to do that?
5. I think Israel should get his own show.
6. Pete de Best comes off as an entitled, petulant jerk in every episode he's on. Please do not show him again.
7. Christina's parents can't act. Her dad trying to deliver the line about needing his money back right away was downright painful. And did we really need this storyline? Would rather they show more of the actual remodel.
8. The opening sequence needs to change. They are no longer in dire straits and the housing crash has recovered.
9. They may not show all the flips they're involved in but they have had some flops that they have shown. I'm not sure why some other reviewers haven't seen these episodes??
Overall, this is a good show and I like the hosts. Was sorry to hear they're having personal troubles but hope they can keep the show on track. I love the before and afters, especially with the staging, and would be bummed if it went off the air.
1. The "closing costs" at the end of the show. I have to assume these include their real estate agent commission - which should be included in the profit.
2. New sod in almost every remodel. They did install drought- tolerant landscaping in one episode but I don't understand why they're not doing this the majority of the time. It would be a great message to send and make more sense in California.
3. C'mon, Tarek. Putting one tile up in the shower, applying glue for countertops or swinging a sledge-hammer doesn't make you a pro. Let's just stop pretending - the gig is up.
4. I don't have a problem with Christina's clothes or makeup. She's a product of her environment. At least she doesn't pretend she's instrumental in the actual labor. She gets to do the fun stuff like picking out tiles and paint colors and who wouldn't love to do that?
5. I think Israel should get his own show.
6. Pete de Best comes off as an entitled, petulant jerk in every episode he's on. Please do not show him again.
7. Christina's parents can't act. Her dad trying to deliver the line about needing his money back right away was downright painful. And did we really need this storyline? Would rather they show more of the actual remodel.
8. The opening sequence needs to change. They are no longer in dire straits and the housing crash has recovered.
9. They may not show all the flips they're involved in but they have had some flops that they have shown. I'm not sure why some other reviewers haven't seen these episodes??
Overall, this is a good show and I like the hosts. Was sorry to hear they're having personal troubles but hope they can keep the show on track. I love the before and afters, especially with the staging, and would be bummed if it went off the air.