Hoarder House Flippers Review

There is an old saying:

You can’t judge a book by its cover.

Though this phrase is usually used when referring to people, it can also be applied to property. In the world of home renovation, when the average person sees trouble, a flipper sees possibility.

The new Hulu home renovation show, Hoarder House Flippers, takes this concept to the nth degree. The program follows three teams of flippers who buy homes that have a double negative against them: they are in need of desperate repair and formerly owned by hoarders. The goal is to fix up properties and sell them for maximum profit. Along the way (which is par for the course), there will be unforeseen problems and disagreements.

I admire the people who take on projects like this. It takes guts and creativity to see through the mess and the challenge. Though this show is thoroughly predictable, what I take away from it is the vision of a home that needs a family to fill it with love and memories.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Hoarder House Flippers are available for streaming on Hulu.

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Flashback Friday: Love It or Lose It (2004-2006)

When deciding to redecorate your home, it is sometimes forgotten that this choice is a risk. Though the designer will lay out their vision with the customer, the image presented may not match the final product.

Love It or Lose It (2004-2006) was an early entry in the reality television home renovation show subgenre. Hosted by Tamara Taggart, the subjects of each episode are presented by three designers. Upon making their selection, the homeowners have no say in what will be done to their property. When the work is done and the result is presented, they have two choices. They can either accept it or ask that it be undone.

What I liked about this reality show is the twist. But at the end of the day, the predictability got to me. I can only watch so many episodes before I have to either turn off the tv or change the channel.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

Throwback Thursday: Nate & Jeremiah by Design (2017-Present)

The balance between our work lives and our personal lives is, well, a balancing act. Sometimes, priorities have been shifted around to be productive.

Nate and Jeremiah by Design have been part of the TLC lineup since 2017. Designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent are life partners and business partners. While raising their children and maintaining their marriage, their job is to help homeowners whose home renovation projects did not go as planned.

I respect the fact that we get a glimpse into their private lives. I also appreciate the representation of the LGBTQ community that is still sadly lacking on television. However, the narrative is rote as the genre goes. After a certain point, I have to change the channel. I can only take so much before I get bored.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

Flashback Friday: Animal Cribs (2017-2019)

When it comes to our pets, we love them as if they were our own children.

Animal Cribs aired on Animal Planet from 2017 to 2019. Antonio Ballatore is both a respected designer and an animal lover. This reality show followed Antonio and his team as they renovated the client’s homes to fit the needs of the humans and the nonhumans who called the property home.

I enjoyed this program when it was on the air. It was an interesting take on what could have been standard for this genre. I loved the passion that Ballatore had for not only his work, but for the creatures who would call his creations home.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

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.

Throwback Thursday: This Old House (1979-Present)

When we watch home renovation shows, it appears that the process is quick and easy with very little stress. The truth is that it is a process that is time consuming, expensive, and riddled with potential problems.

This Old House has been part of the PBS schedule since 1979. The OG of this genre of television, it was originally hosted by Bob Vila. The program follows the craftspeople as they rebuild a house that appears to be past its prime. Unlike other shows of this nature, it is informational and takes multiple episodes, if not an entire season to give the building new life.

While other reality shows that also focus on property restoration are flashy and Hollywood-ized, This Old House is down to earth. It may come off as boring, but I would wager that someone who is interested in this topic would the show fascinating.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

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.

Throwback Thursday: Sell This House (2003-2011, 2020-Present)

In the world of real estate, first impressions are everything. It is therefore incumbent on either the current homeowner or the landlord/lady to do the work required to ensure that the property is sold and/or rented quickly.

Sell This House (2003-2011, 2020-present) is the OG of home renovation shows. Hosted by Tanya Memme, the premise of the program is that homeowners are unable to sell their home. With the help of Roger Hazard and Daniel Kucan, Memme works with the current residents to fix up the home and hopefully sell it. This means changes that may not be initially welcomed and comments during the open houses that may not sit well those who live on the property.

Back in the day, the show was new and different. But now its as rote and predictable as any program in the genre.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

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.