BearCat49

Agree, it appeared that those neighbor's bedrooms had the pleasure of staring into that wire fence plus the backside of that guest house. I, too, hated how they'd filled every square inch of that yard. It felt like a concrete jungle to me. Just thought about it - that guest house was 2 stories, wasn't it? They never revealed the upstairs, did they? Hmmm, more to come? Sorry but I couldn't help noticing their mother's fake, actress cry during the reveal, i.e. covering face with hands, whimpering and then appearing head-on to the camera with perfectly dry, pancake makeup and no smudges in the eye area. All their lines and TH's were about their mother's tears of joy. Too funny ... would love to have heard them off-camera setting that scene up with Mom, hahahaha ...

The Gaines' local newspaper (Waco Trib) has done quite a few stories on them since they began their HGTV adventure. One interesting article indicates that the bball coach who appeared (the $24K house) apparently never intended to occupy that home and probably went along with filming the show to please his wife. Here's the story: http://www.wacotrib.com/news/business/hgtv-fixer-upper-house-soon-to-become-live-in-baby/article_40e120dc-d8d1-5b27-86ae-53baaa08bff7.html And, apparently the Gaines rec'd a tax subsidy ($200K + after requesting about $400K) to renovate an old mill into a retail market plus offices for their operations. Apparently they filmed and will air the work on the upcoming Season 2 of the show. Here's that article: http://www.wacotrib.com/news/business/hgtv-stars-get-board-s-ok-for-century-old-cotton/article_48def25b-0055-5356-9173-5e5a768e7a87.html BTW, Waco Trib published many more articles about them. If you click on the items under "More Coverage" in these 2 articles, you'll link with them.

I'm well aware of the filming locations. Was simply trying to determine which LIOLI "show in Canada" roof episode the previous posters were chatting about. Never rec'd an answer, although am pretty sure I remember it. Don't recall the gritty details so if anyone can respond ... thanks. The double ending taping info (IIRC) came from an actual participant. At that point in time, the outcomes in terms of LI or LI were much more even. Since then, have heard that Canada, later than the U.S., experienced something of a RE downturn and more h/o's were staying put. Also, it was reported (again, IIRC) that Canadian viewers see LIOLI as primarily a "reno" show. Sounds like tptb gave up on trying to even the score, especially since participant friends and neighbors could easily out them, if/when they used that trick. At least one, probably more, of the participants used the excuse that they'd "changed their minds" about listing after filming the episode. No worries - the LIOLI ptb continue to fake the show in that plus a multitude of other ways, lol. WRT HHI, it sounds as if you're referring to the infamous Hong Kong episode. Although the more current HHI episodes are less faked, they're probably all faked at least somehow even though participants' RL stories usually sound more interesting than the HHI standard, repetitive plots. BTW, much of my info was rec'd via participant blogs. Unfortunately, lately, far fewer HGTV participants are sharing details of their experiences. Sounds like tptb tightened up their nondisclosure agreements after HH's filming secrets were widely exposed to the general public when one couple's backstory went viral. (TX participants, IIRC.)

It's no different than the other programs. The clients receive what you see during the episode for the stated budget but that's it. If they want and/or need to continue, it's up to them to finance it. Agree, they'll receive fewer freebies, although I'm sure the costs in Waco are far lower than in major metro areas. Jo's indicated that the items are staging for the show and available for purchase by the homeowners after the taping, if they like. Most of them are from her store from what I understand.

Here's a report of flooding, mudslides and sandbagging in a fire-damaged area of San Diego after the pineapple express storm of early December, 2014: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Harmony-Grove-Mudslide-Wilglen-Drive-San-Diego-Cocos-Fire-284775311.html Anyone interested in a used yurt? We could probably pick up a used one on the cheap in Sunny SoCal.

Oops, this dropped out, apparently, from the post when initially written. It was called the "first" quote or quotation throughout.

The first post refers to "Sunny California" but the second quotation discusses "sunny SoCal" or actually 2 entirely different areas. That doesn't matter, however, b/c even within the Los Angeles area alone, many different microclimates exist. This article discusses the LA microclimates. http://articles.latimes.com/print/1998/feb/27/local/me-23684 Given the differences in microclimates within Southern California, with all due respect, a San Diego area resident may not have enough information to opine about areas of Los Angeles, IMHO. Coincidentally, the microclimate article was written during an El Nino or wet year. Wet and dry years often alternate or clusters of them may alternate. El Ninos may occur every 2-7 years. (For more information on an El Nino: http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/what-is-el-ni-o-definition-effects-quiz.html#lesson ) The LA Almanac dating back to 1877 indicates frequent year over year, significant differences in precipitation totals: http://www.laalmanac.com/weather/we13.htm (Note that this almanac only includes totals for downtown LA so the averages may be fairly low.) The first quotation was written in reference to possible storm damage to a yurt and consequently mentioned that CA's average rainfall often occurs over a few larger storms, scattered during a rainy season. Here's a reference to the "Pineapple Express" storm that happened on or about 12/8/14: http://www.weather.com/forecast/regional/news/california-rain-flood-threat-drought-relief-middec2014 The article mentions mudslides in Ventura County (part of the Greater LA area) about 1/2 way down. (Those people might not call it "Sunny California" or "Sunny SoCal".) Also mentioned, farther down, same article, are atmospheric rivers or "ARs". The article states, "About 30-50% of annual precipitation in the Western states occurs in just a few AR events", i.e. larger storms. Does a "pineapple express" storm fit the "Sunny California" image? Droughts are not always the problem. IMHO, LA area yurt purchasers might want to reconsider their purchase WRT "Sunny SoCal".

They most certainly are misleading the viewers, about a topic that could damage their entire financial futures. If this is merely entertainment, then say so, before someone loses their life savings.

No worries, cathy7304 - snark away! I'm very judgmental if/when I believe the participants are truly offering their own story. That's just my own posting method, however. Even though we know all of them should understand that anything they say can and will be used by the editors, I'm sure many of them either don't read the fine print and/or don't understand! (The Sugar Daddy episode on HHR is a prime example. Those two were proud of their situation and immediately announced it to millions of viewers!) It's really funny but I don't remember the SD woman that well. I remember her basic appearance and the homes they toured. WRT her personality, I do remember her as generally annoying so I think I just tuned her out! Perhaps that's how her husband survives, lol! I agree - it'd be fun to see her kitchen. Hopefully she'll love it (no matter how it turns out) and we can snark away on her design choices! And, if her personality does a 180 in a WATN episode, that'll tell us she either had that awakening or at least became attuned to the magic of editing! Merry Christmas!

I can't make any representations about their entire audience but the viewers who post on their FB, twitter and other pages don't apparently know the truth. Without far more information, none of us can make representations about what their opinion would be if they did. I'll continue telling the truth about their program. Their viewers and fans can make up their own minds. It's a shame they refuse to be honest. Why do they need to put one over on the viewers? If it's simply honest "entertainment", then why can't they admit that?

It's not breaking news to you or I but it seems to be to many, if not the majority of their viewers and fans. They continue the charade by lying repeatedly in interviews, claiming that they're RE experts, implying that they do 100% of the RE work (truth be told, they do none) and implying that reality television is more documentary than drama. Since you don't believe me, try reading the comment sections on their FB pages or twitter. Alternatively, I suggest you read any and all interviews they've given. Then, please proffer testimonials from any and all of their satisfied RE clients. We're not talking about some sort of disclaimer at the beginning of a program. Why can't they simply be honest in interviews? What's wrong with that? Honesty is insulting? They'd be thrilled to take out a billboard and announce themselves as "Real Estate Experts" b/c they've publicly stated how important they believe promotion is and that they're trying to build a brand. I believe acting is a noble profession and not something to be ashamed of. It's too bad they apparently don't. ETA: Do the RH present themselves as experts in anything? As experts in something that can affect consumers' entire financial future, including retirement?

Scott Bros Entertainment ("SBE") is not the RE business that popped up in the NV records when this was researched a year or two ago, sskrill. That's their production company with JD. JD lives in Vegas and works behind the scenes on the family business - entertainment, including writing, producing and for the twins, (primarily) acting. They registered another business in NV, a real estate firm, and that one's been inactive. Or, I should say to be careful, it was inactive when researched and never had been active, IIRC. If Drew actually talked about where he lives and (supposedly) works as a realtor, that'd be Vancouver, IIRC. Sounds like he's finally coming clean about working as a realtor when not filming, however. That's a step forward so good on him! Now, what about the main issue: did he mention that he doesn't work as a realtor on either PB or B/S or any of their other zillion HGTV shows (lol) b/c the participants are required to have already closed on their property? Wait for it ... crickets, right? Hahahaha ... Or, did he? Not trying to mislead anyone. Do you have a link to the article, sskrill? Was it recent? Sounds like they've figured out that they can no longer maintain the Vegas charade b/c they're filming there and drawing attention to their own living situation. I've always had the impression they were trying to minimize their Canadian roots so they wouldn't be lumped in with the rest of the group as just another one of those Canadian RE shows. BTW, PB and B/S are produced by a Toronto production company. In addition, they use a Toronto design firm. (So much for SBE, lol!) Now, it's time for Drew to speak with their publicist and correct the information submitted to Wikipedia. (See "All Episodes Talk", the other PB thread on this forum, BTW.) That's the thing about lying, right? Must be tough to remember who you told which lie to, hahahaha ...

Agree, Pickles. It'll be interesting to see a selling program somewhere when a few of these people start unloading them. Somehow, I have a feeling they might need to focus on the land value!

Good point, Andyourlittledog2. That's how it worked for me, too - the TV Guide online worked best with the proper cable provider. We have multiple services here but selecting the right one made the channels pop on the Favorites tab, stewedsquash. Good luck! I believe the Panama women are great examples of HHI participants who used their appearance on the program to its best advantage and didn't lose focus WRT their main goal, i.e. promoting the murder book! As we saw above, like pretty much all the HHI participants, there's more to their story, too. They stayed on task, however, and accomplished their goal, IMHO. edited b/c this is the HHI thread not HH! Hahaha, hohoho ...

Thanks, WendyCR72. I obviously agree. As I said above WRT speculating about HH participants, "It's what we do here." And, as everyone knows, I certainly do more than my share, lol! Happy Holidays, everybody!

Agree, as viewers, we're allowed to speculate. It's expected. It's what we do here. That said, the WI episode contained the familiar old saw: one spouse prefers the country but the other spouse prefers the city. JMHO but HH's use of the familiar plot signals manufactured drama, to me. For that reason, I try to give the participants the benefit of the doubt and temper my reactions to the drama unless it's obvious that they've created the situation themselves. HH participants should understand that their words will be used against them by both tptb and the viewing public. They signed up for their 15 minutes of fame and ceded complete control over the situation. Unfortunately, like many viewers, some participants believe HH is more documentary than drama. They don't understand that tptb can and will edit the numerous hours of footage provided to depict maximum drama and tension, even within their relationship. These people have regular lives, including work colleagues and kids. They're not Kim K., purposely creating that tension and drama to financially benefit their family. If the WI wife hadn't been shocked by their treatment on HH and faced subsequent consequences, I doubt she would have appeared on WATN, speaking repeatedly about her "sweet, sweet husband." JMHO

Wow, even the pawn guy - I'm genuinely impressed, sskrill! You're obviously correct, IMHO. If they'd done anything more than paid the fee to obtain a business name, we'd hear from happy clients, discussing their experience working with the so-called RE "experts", Jonathan and Drew! Jonathan also claims to perform as a magician or illusionist in Vegas. Sounds like he successfully makes himself disappear when he visits the Vegas home! IIRC, they've been filming their various HGTV productions in Atlanta & TX for most of the past two years - Toronto before that. Given that, it's not surprising they're rarely seen in Vegas. Don't see how they could run a RE business anywhere. (Incidentally, one magic show Jonathan was involved in popped up during the research but it's rarely, if ever, performed, from what I could see.)

Nothing wrong with that, MyAimIsTrue - if you enjoy it as entertainment, continue watching it! Yes, they're actors and that's all. Nothing more, nothing less. For one thing, production companies don't take on the risk of RE transactions or liability from construction jobs. That's one of the main reasons the participants have all closed on the home prior to filming and the construction work's performed by local g/c's. Neither of them have responsibility for anything more than showing up and reciting their lines. For example, if an episode includes footage of Jonathan installing a single piece of molding on the ceiling, it's a safe bet that he installed a grand total of 1 piece of molding in that home! To produce 44 minutes of television requires approximately 80 hours of filming b/c they'd shoot Jonathan installing that same piece of molding from each and every angle. It's a shame the 2 guys can't simply admit that they're actors and the show's a drama. What's wrong with that? Why do they need to insult the intelligence of their audience by claiming the show's more documentary than drama and they're experts in fields they don't actually work in or have RL experience in?

Sounds like Mariska's pretty busy IRL so perhaps they wrote in an easy out plotline for her.

This information has been researched over years, in great detail. It's no secret and not breaking news. If it isn't a problem to viewers such as yourself, then why won't they simply admit they're actors instead of attempting to sell PB as more of a documentary instead of a drama? Have to assume they're ashamed of their background as actors or they'd simply admit it. (They don't.) Sorry but I have to disagree about one of your major points - they're not "naturals", IMHO. Both of them are poor actors, again IMHO. I've seen the show - many times, in fact! They recite their lines in an extremely wooden fashion. If they were good actors, somehow I don't think they'd be doing reality television and scratching for an occasional bit part in a Hallmark drama. If you enjoy watching it, there's nothing wrong with that! And, nobody's ever heard me say anything to the contrary, BTW. You're correct, chessiegal. It's an easy exam, IMHO. Plus, in multiple municipalities in Canada, you obtain a g/c license by paying a small fee and filling out an application form. Apparently, the local governments assume that the g/c hires subs who are qualified in their various specialty areas and is merely fulfilling a management role on construction jobs.

The current WATN format requires some add'l footage from the participants. Would anyone return if their situation post-HH was anything but rosy? Possibly to correct a bad edit, if that's their perception of the episode? What do you think, cathy7304?

Your realtor friend says they "seem to be taking tips from HH's"? So she doesn't know for sure that they're have HH viewers? None of her clients actually fessed up, spontaneously (lol), to viewing HH as a guilty pleasure? I'm curious, laredhead. Does she specialize in first-time buyers or working with a certain demographic? If so, do they happen to be an age group where their parents may have coddled them, e.g. no winners or losers in life, everybody gets a prize, helicopter parenting, etc.? Wouldn't actual HH viewers enjoy comparing notes, for fun, about HH with their RL realtor - anybody agree? Or, would they avoid admitting that they're hooked on a cable reality television program? HH isn't a documentary but wouldn't most HH viewers at least understand that RE prices vary significantly, depending on location?

No way, lol! So this means he doesn't spend all of his time away from HGTV-related business working as a realtor? Just for kicks, I did a quick search on Hallmark. Some person who watches all of those programs and blogs about them described that movie/episode as "okay". Even though Drew was listed third, it sounded like only a small part. Something about the girl at the beginning of the drama learning that her bf (Drew's character) was cheating on her so she left the area for the holidays, leaving him behind and meeting someone else, i.e. the lead male character. They described the profession of Drew's character as RE Finance. Does that mean someone wasn't confident in Drew's acting skills so Hallmark's production company made it easy for him? (They're both very wooden on PB, IMHO, even though they should have all those ridiculous lines down pat by now after how many boilerplate episodes?) This reviewer described Drew's character as a "douchebag"! Too funny! No comment, lol. Watched the first episode of their latest boondoggle, "PB At Home", i.e. the main house episode. For some reason, it bothered me the way Drew said a few times that his gf lives "in my room". Just the way he said it and the line used bugged me. Does she have kitchen privileges? "My" room - not "their" room or wing of the house or ... ??? Or how about saying, "My gf and I live together.) Sorry but his verbiage ("my room") sounds like the way you'd talk about your childhood room from your parents' home, assuming they still live there after you're long gone, working on your own family and career. JMHO. Anyone else notice that? And, I'm sorry to say it but another thing bothers me. This woman worked on the show? Hmmm, they don't have any fraternization policies? Again, JMHO.

Agree, realtors have always complained about moronic house hunters, long before HH first appeared on the scene. Personally, I believe anyone who deals with the public on a regular basis must have the patience of Job. (Unfortunately, full-time realtors can't typically exist by only working with their own tight-knit group of f&f* so they're forced to deal with the public, including a certain % of morons.) *OTOH, it's not always easy doing business with family, is it? lol ...

Just a bit more (ok, call it a ton more!) about the WI episode: Very surprised that nobody seemed to notice (or post?) about the WI woman's biggest design faux-pas (IMHO) or choice (to some home owners) to forgo painting out the woodwork. I love woodwork, too and wouldn't always decide to paint it out. For this house, however, all they basically did was paint. (The HH narrator kept implying they'd reno'd the entire home but it wasn't much more than a paint job, IMHO.) Instead of painting it out, they simply cut in around all the old, honey-maple oak woodwork. Ugh! I'm sorry - the house looked like an old home with an incomplete paint job. Say what you will about painting woodwork - if you want your house to feel new, fresh and clean and compete with new home subdivisions (if you plan to sell at some point ), I'd seriously consider painting out all woodwork., preferably in an appropriate shade of white. WRT the blue color, she didn't use it in every room. (BTW, her blue shade appeared fairly warm in tone, on my screen at least.) Although I don't believe the camera panned every room, it appeared they'd used blue on about 1/2 the rooms' walls and yellow on the other 1/2. (To be clear, that means about 1/2 the rooms were 100% blue and the other 1/2, 100% yellow.) No, in general, she didn't use accent walls. One wall in the nursery may have had something special but that's it. I'm not a matchy-matchy person but, for example, in the master, that gave them blue walls, honey-maple woodwork, a newly purchased dark wood bedroom set plus one add'l shade somewhere that escapes me. (??) Thinking about it now, it almost makes me wonder if they painted to get on the show, claiming this complete reno when the true purpose was to correct her "sweet" husband's foul image, lol! Their major project, that "spa" bathroom, was incomplete, IMHO. That's the best, nicest way to describe it. If you'd invested in a plumber to install a spa tub and separate shower, gutting the previous tub/shower combo, why not gut and update the rest of the bathroom? Yes, perhaps the paramedic, sweet husband, did the work but it's doubtful. That'd be a large, complex plumbing job, IMHO. So, on one side of the bathroom, you had the Japanese style spa tub plus typical walk-in (IIRC), updated shower. Both had some sort of dark wood or dark tile surround. Then, on the other side of the fairly small mbr, the honey-maple oak vanity, old fixture, sink, countertop, large mirror, retro (but prob not in a good way) light and used toilet all remained. Nope, nothing, absolutely nothing on that entire side of the small bathroom, was changed. Well, at least the two tones of wood kinda' coordinated with the mismatched mbr itself, right? !! Hey, it's fine if they're comfortable cleaning and using the sellers' toilet but if it's more than a few years old, why not update to low-flow while the plumber's on site? It's an easy job, usually and the new toilets are inexpensive, too. And, let's face it, most couples their age want double sinks if nothing else but to separate the wife's lotions and potions. Also, again, it helps the home compete with newer homes. This will probably not be their forever home. The kitchen, unfortunately, was more of the same. Yes, they'd updated the appliances (that is, purchased them) to the vaunted stainless steel. To their credit, IIRC, they did select nicer, larger, more expensive models. (They weren't the cheap, knock-off versions to allow someone to boast about their s/s!) So, they'd done the old kitchen, right? Nope, you guessed it. They retained the ceramic sink (awful) with some sort of red, plastic fixture (even more awful). The old, existing cabinets appeared to be stock but that's o.k. - they looked alright. But that kitchen sink fixture? Please, please people. Again, you had the plumber there. Or, the guy certainly could have handled that. Why not change out the sink while you're at it? Ok, how about updating the island countertop? If they'd done those few things besides purchasing the appliances (it had none, BTW), that kitchen would feel o.k. for another 5 years or so. Throw in painting out the stock cabinetry and updating its hardware and it'd probably feel great and completely updated for 5 years, IMHO. But leaving that red, plastic kitchen sink fixture? No, a thousand times, no. If anyone knows these WI people, please, please, send them a message. Ok? I didn't doubt their relationship, right? So, they can do at least one thing - please, please. And, during the postscript, i.e. final scene of WATN, they discussed add'l projects the wife wanted to place on "sweet" husband's list. You're right - it didn't include completion of the bathroom or a minor update to that kitchen. In fact, they didn't mention those rooms, IIRC! End of design rant. I realize she had a baby and that they're certainly not required to do anything (that I know of) to appear on WATN. No, this wasn't HHR. It's just - why claim you've done the entire house? No problem if they wanted to simply discuss their work-in-progress. Have to conclude that yes, that's all they intend to do. Their choice - whatever. The final analysis - meh, just meh. If nothing else, I'm glad they apparently like it. And if their main goal is focusing on their family, that's terrific, too. Good luck to them. If they need to sell at some point, I hope it's a terrific RE market! Otherwise, they'll be known as the old house with the red, plastic fixture and nice tub ... lol