Flashback Friday: Flip or Flop Nashville (2018)

When an IP is successful, the expectation is that there will be a continuation of it of some sort. That does not guarantee, however, that it will be as successful as its predecessor.

Flip or Flop Nashville (2018) aired on Hulu. As with its HGTV reality show originator, the purpose of the program was to follow a couple who purchased, rehabbed, and then resold homes that desperately needed a makeover. This spin-off, it took place in Nashville. Formerly married couple (now business partners) Page Turner and DeRon Jenkins took on the task of revitalizing properties that needed much more than a cosmetic update.

As expected, there are unforeseen problems that may delay the project’s completion and drive up the costs. The hope is that when all is said and done, the house will be sold for a profit.

Like all reality television (and television in general), the program is formulaic. As much as I enjoyed the show and the buildup to the final product, it becomes repetitious and boring after a while.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

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Throwback Thursday: Hidden Potential (2017-2019)

The design of one’s home is a personal decision. It can be simple, out there, or somewhere in between.

The HGTV series, Hidden Potential, was on the air from 2017 to 2019. Meeting with a new homeowner every week, designer Jasmine Roth transforms each property according to the needs of the owner(s). Along the way, there may be a few bumps in the road. By the end of the episode, the building is as unique as the people who call it home.

The narrative of the program is standard for the genre. As much as I appreciate the show, it was merely ok. It comes down to the question of how many episodes you can watch before the repetitiveness becomes too much.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

Flip or Flop: Fort Worth (2017-2018)

Getting into real estate as a profession is a gamble. The potential of earning more than a reasonable income is more than compelling. But, the risk is that if things go south, those involved could lose their shirt.

Flip or Flop: Fort Worth aired on HGTV from 2017-2018. A Texas offshoot of the original California-based series, the show follows married couple and military veterans Andy and Ashley Williams as they buy, renovate, and sell run-down houses. As with every show within this genre, there are always problems and the possibility of not being able to sell the finished product is always there in the background.

Unfortunately, some shows are not meant to last. As much as I enjoyed it, my opinion was not enough to keep it on the air for more than a year.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Cash in the Attic Review

Its amazing how much stuff we collect once we get settled. It maybe something that is financially worthless, but has a emotion connection to someone or something in our live. It can also have a decent dollar amount attached to it, allowing us have an experience we would not otherwise have.

The new HGTV series, Cash in the Attic, asks this question. Based on the British series of the same name, the viewers follow an family or couple opens their doors to experts who will help them go through their belongings. These experts assign a potential dollar value and then send some of these product to an auction house. The proceeds are used for something the participants have wanted to do, but due to money constraints, have not been able to do.

*I apologize that the video is from the UK series. I could not find one for the new US series.

I watched a couple of episodes and really enjoyed them. Instead of their usual home renovation shows, this program delves into other aspects this genre that is not normally seen.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Cash in the Attic airs on HGTV on Friday night at 9PM and 9:30 PM.

40 Year Old Property Virgin Review

When we get to a certain age, the expectation is that we will leave the nest. But for a variety of reasons, many adults still live with their parents long after childhood has ceased.

The new HGTV show, 40 Year Old Property Virgin, premiered last night. Each episode follows an individual or a couple who is looking for their first home after living for years with Mom and Dad. But as with every show on this channel, there are opinions given by family, friends, and even well meaning real estate brokers.

A riff on The 40 Year Old Virgin, this program is unique. It is not your standard home renovation or looking for a new home show that is the hallmark of this channel. What it speaks to is that the professional and financial security that previous generations took for granted no longer exists. Between rising home prices and extremely inflated student loan debt, the standard hallmarks of adulthood are not as guaranteed as they once were.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

40 Year Old Property Virgin airs on HGTV at 9PM on Wednesday.

Bargain Block Review

Anyone in the world of real estate can tell you that having one long standing empty property on a street brings the value of the entire block down. Multiply that by many streets in a neighborhood and a city and that is much bigger issue to contend with.

On the new HGTV series, Bargain Block, the audience follows Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas as they bring Detroit back to life by buying run down homes, renovating them, and then selling at an affordable price.

Starts at :19

Though the format is standard for this channel and this genre, I like that Keith and Evan are giving back to the community instead of just running a business.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Bargain Block airs on HGTV on Wednesdays at 9PM.

No Demo Reno Review

Anyone who is fan of the home renovation show knows that a major part of the process is taking the property down to the studs before rebuilding it.

The new HGTV show, No Demo Reno, is out to prove otherwise. Hosted by Jennifer Todryk (whose is known for her trademark red hair half down and half up in a bun), renovates her client’s homes without the hassle and stress that comes with demolition.

I find the premise of fixing up one’s home without completely destroying it first is interesting. But the truth is that after a couple of episodes I was bored. As much as I enjoy this type of show, it is a little too formulaic for me.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

No Demo Reno airs on Thursday Night at 8PM on HGTV.

Throwback Thursday: Holmes and Holmes (2016-Present)

Living with family can be hard enough sometimes. Working with them, depending on the situation, has the potential to be ten times harder

The HGTV show, Holmes and Holmes follows the Mike Holmes and his son, Mike Jr., as they rebuild their client’s homes. Sometimes joined by Mike’s daughter Sherry, the viewer follows the family as go through the sometimes arduous process of creating their customer’s ideas of housing perfection.

At the end of the day, this is just another reality home renovation program. What makes it stand out is the unique dynamic that only comes from family.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

Flashback Friday: Extreme Homes (1996, 2012-2015)

One of the ways we can know a person is by the way they decorate and add personal flourishes to their home.

The HGTV show, Extreme Homes (1996, 2012-2015), took that idea and blew it up times 100. Each episode tells the story of the building of what can only be described as a unique house and how the owners make use of the space within their home.

I find this program to be fascinating. It doesn’t take a genius architect is create your average three or four bedroom house with a garage and a backyard. It does, however, take imagination and ingenuity to color outside of the lines when it comes to home building.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Flashback Friday: Love It or List It, Two (2013-2019)

Home ownership, as great as it is, has its own unique set of challenges.

Love It or List It, Two (otherwise known as Love It or List It Vancouver) aired from 2013-2019. An offshoot from Love It or List It, the premise of the show has not changed. A couple of homeowners are fed up with their current home. One wants to move, the other argues they only need to do a renovation. Interior designer and former Bachelor contestant Jillian Harris will remodel the home. Real estate agent Todd Talbot‘s job is to show them possible new home. At the end of the episode, they will decide either to stay in their current home or move.

The thing about Love It or List It is that after watching a few episodes, it become background noise. The spinoff is fine, but at some point, it is likely that I will change the channel.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.