Bargain Block - General Discussion

[Orcinus orca]

Not sure the point of the Marrs.  I am perfectly happy with just the boys.

Again, we didn't see all of the bedrooms staged. I wonder if they are keeping those unfurnished to keep costs down.

It was a pretty striking house on the outside, that's for sure.  I was confused on the entry doors, though. Were there three?  Why did they keep using the side door instead of coming in off the porch?

[buttersister]

I’m a fan of the boys. Fan of Italy. Not a Marrs fan. So I’m conflicted. And afraid what that upstairs looks like. I dozed at the end, did they sell it yet?

[Orcinus orca]

48 minutes ago, buttersister said:

I dozed at the end, did they sell it yet?

Nothing was said at the end other than they expected multiple offers.  But they pretty much always say that.

[3 is enough]

I suspect Dave and Jenny were there simply because their new season premieres next week. Cross promotion is a thing, especially on HGTV.

Edited November 2, 2023 by 3 is enough

[CalicoKitty]

I was just happy to see there were no swings in the kitchen or any "grass" on the ceiling.  I like the work the two guys do; Jenny's work, not so much.

[Kindred Spirit]

This show has become my happy place. 😉 I adore Keith and his optimism, and his design sense. I find Evan's ability to roll with the punches and, to rein in Keith, delightful. They're a great team and an adorable couple. It actually makes me sad that I worry that they avoid showing any and all overt displays of affection between the two of them so that it doesn't offend anyone's sensibilities.

I've come to the conclusion that Keith's philosophy is, "It only takes one," when it comes to his themes. He isn't designing for the masses: Only one buyer will be able to purchase the home, and there only needs to be one for a successful sale. Now that they have bigger budgets, I've noticed that he doesn't seem to go quite as bold/outrageous with the design. He doesn't have to create headboards of branches or scraps as often, now that they have more money to play with, most of the time. They definitely have larger renovation budgets, these days. But they've always been large enough to cover safety and code compliance. The frequent lack of handrails on staircases has always baffled me, because I wonder how that can pass inspection.

One of my favorite aspects of this show is the fact that they strive to include design and something other than builder-grade finishes in every project. While many people here don't care for Keith's choices, or the execution of some of his flourishes–and I don't necessarily disagree–I love the fact that he's providing style and flair in "starter" homes. Keith and Evan don't do safe, bland or basic! True, some of it might be hard to live with, but I think the people who feel that way about the features of a certain home just don't make an offer. 

The aspect of Jenny and Dave's appearance and advice that I enjoyed the most was the fact that it showed me that their time on Rock the Block resulted in real friendship and appreciation between the two couples. Also, I'm sure it was cross-promotion, but it felt like they were genuinely enjoying spending time together and working with one another. I'd noticed Keith's Berry Patch shirt on many episodes, and didn't realize it was the Marrses' business until I watched their show. It's hilarious, to me, that there will now be a C & C machine purchased by Dave! I hope they hire the technician to build it!

I finally realized that "Help! I Wrecked My House" is going to take over this time slot, next week. I'm sad. I'll miss seeing Keith, Evan and Shea.

[65mickey]

I'll miss this show. I hope it returns  next year.

[Orcinus orca]

35 minutes ago, 65mickey said:

I'll miss this show. I hope it returns  next year.

I think it's pretty popular so I imagine there will be a season five.  Nothing to back that up other than a gut feeling.  I love the boys!

[chessiegal]

I don't normally watch this show, usually see snippets, but today I watched a marathon. Wow, it seems like they spend a lot of time with talking heads. They are fun together, but that means less time seeing renovations.  

[auntjess]

Watching some reruns, and can't remember which house they bought for themselves.

[CrazyInAlabama]

Classy Cape Cod or something like that.    

[auntjess]

https://deadline.com/2024/02/bargain-block-renewed-hgtv-new-orleans-set-spinoff-1235824246/?fbclid=IwAR0eZH-hcfWkXDkklJBaMWgqJ0JTsch1577UmtmZmxf56s4KlZtUJuiaKVc

Renewed, and they'll do some New Orleans shows too.

[CrazyInAlabama]

Bargain Block comes back for a new season Wednesday 4 September. 

[CrazyInAlabama]

"Once Upon a Time in Detroit".   New, 9/04/2024,  Season 4 / Episode 2 (actually first episode of the season). 

"Keith and Evan play fairy godmother as they transform a crumbling and decrepit house into a dream home straight out of a fairytale".

2 fairly tale houses, side by side, 1068 sq ft each, 2 bed 1 bath, only $6500 each.  So nice to see Keith, Evan and Shea back in action.   

Fairy Tale house #1.   Lots of peeling interior paint.  Dining window is huge, and faces the neighbor's window, and they actually wave at each other.   There's an attic, and it has potential.  Keith wants to finish the attic and adding another bedroom and bath upstairs, meaning $65k more in sale price with $50k from the added square footage. 

House 1, galley style kitchen by taking down an unused chimney, and finish the upstairs. Upstairs will be the Princess Royal Tower theme. I love the rounded top front doors in both houses, replacements can be made with the C&C machine. They're taking the chimney down from the attic down, works about as well as we all thought it would, but safer than climbing on the roof.   House progressing very nicely, and Princess Shea came to help with her pink toolbelt.   She's helping them put the arched attic window in.   Some of the jewelry in the house is worth something, $400 bulk price.    They're using that red marble that looks like meat, I'm not a fan of marble or red meat look.   

The finished counter tops look nice, more brown than bright red.  C&C machine is fixed, and the two front doors will be done. Doors would have been $4,000 so C&C machine saves the day again. 

I like the first floor bathroom wall brown with gold swirls on it.  Finished house is lovely, and on the market for $175,000. It's worth every penny of $175,000. I actually like the marble now, with the black back splash, and fixtures.  It may be a long galley kitchen, but it's very big, and adorable.   Main floor bath is beautiful.  Upstairs is beautiful, with a huge bedroom, and big bathroom.  I love the unique bathroom shower tile.   Once they finish the next door house, there are no more abandoned houses on the block.        

 

House #2, next door is a little bigger upstairs, , $6500, currently 2 bed 1 bath.  Love the fireplace in this one.  Arch in living room looks like butt cheeks.   Nicer kitchen than the first house.  Upstairs could have 2 bedroom, and another bath. (This is next week's episode 1, shown in reverse order, the twin to Fairy Tale cottage). 

$175,000 possible list for each house.   

 

 

From what I've read, this season is  5 episodes in Detroit, 5 in New Orleans, and 5 more in Detroit.   

(Next week is episode 1.  "The Crumbling Cottage"

New, 9/11/2024,  Season 4 / Episode 1, Reality, Home & Garden, Real Estate  Guessing this is the next door cottage. 

Keith and Evan channel a crumbling home's cottagecore aesthetic to transform an abandoned property into a cozy dream home.)

Edited September 5 by CrazyInAlabama

[65mickey]

So happy that they are back. Finally something to watch other than reruns.

[Orcinus orca]

Love that the boys are back!  That little fairy tale build is actually pretty common in areas of Detroit, my grandparents had a door just like that as did many houses in their neighborhood. 

Not a fan of the marble countertops but I always enjoy their staging.

[CrazyInAlabama]

The Fairy Tale House reruns today at 6 pm central time on HGTV.  

I loved this house, even the countertops after I saw the finished kitchen.   I can't wait until next week when they show the house next door remodel.  

[salvame]

I would have liked the arched window in the front of the house to balance out the door. The octagon looke underwealming, especially with the shakes.

[CrazyInAlabama]

 "The Crumbling Cottage"  New, 9/11/2024,  Season 4 / Episode 1, Reality, Home & Garden, Real Estate  

Keith and Evan channel a crumbling home's cottagecore aesthetic to transform an abandoned property into a cozy dream home. 

House #2, looks a little bigger upstairs, bought for $6500, currently 2 bed 1 bath.  Love the fireplace in this one.  Arch in living room looks like butt cheeks.   Nicer kitchen than the first house.  Upstairs will have a huge main suite and bath.  . (This is actually episode 1, shown in reverse order, the twin to Fairy Tale cottage, that was shown last week and is Episode 2).   Both houses are the last abandoned houses on the block.  

This house is going to require extensive work, more than for last week's house.  Front arch is brick and crumbling.  A bunch of the brick on the front is falling off, and will have to be changed to cedar shakes.   

Keith explains cottagecore, and I still don't understand it, but I'm sure it will be spectacular.   The attic bedroom window is low, but will be left in place.  Apparently, Cottage core is cottage amped up. 

Painting the round table to look like light green moss isn't something I could live with.  Keith is trying to patch the lady on the front of the fireplace's chest.  Shea, and the men trying to figure out the matching, right chest size is hysterical.   

The winter snow, and cold makes everything harder to finish on time.   I agree with Evan, I don't like metal flower art.  Everything is taking longer to finish, paint won't dry, mud won't dry.   House is finally finished. Not a fan of the coffee filter flowers in the attic nook.   House is cute, but a little over floral for my taste.   The wall art is cute.  I love the finished fireplace.  The kitchen is adorable.  Bathrooms look fantastic.  The upstairs main suite with ensuite is spectacular. 

 

Fairy Tale house on market for $175,000.  House sold.

 

Cozy cottage on market for $175,000.  House has an offer. 

 

Keith and Evan are talking about their New Orleans five episode series, starting soon.  They're going to visit, and evaluate the possibilities.  They show a sneak peek at the Bargain Block New Orleans limited series, starting October 9. (My understanding is five Detroit episodes, followed by five New Orleans episodes, and five more Detroit episodes). It makes sense to go to a warmer climate for a while during the worst of the winter weather.   

 

Edited September 12 by CrazyInAlabama

[Orcinus orca]

The Cottagecore house had me cracking up over the "surgery" on the fireplace focal point.  I think Keith is a hoot anyway.

I am surprised no one mentioned the height of the mirror in the new upstairs bath.  You'd have to get on your knees to see yourself!

[buttersister]

Hoping that floral paper art came down cleanly and easily.

[Orcinus orca]

1 hour ago, buttersister said:

Hoping that floral paper art came down cleanly and easily.

Thank heavens he didn't have enough money for a wall of silk flowers. Ugh.

And that moss is going to dry up and stink.

Edited September 12 by Orcinus orca

[buttersister]

LOL, reminds me of Hilda. Don’t go there, Keith.

[CrazyInAlabama]

I would like Cottage Core better if there weren't competing florals everywhere.    The moss art can be removed quickly, but a bunch of different upholstery patterns will be harder to fix, unless you want to buy slipcovers.   

[Orcinus orca]

55 minutes ago, buttersister said:

LOL, reminds me of Hilda. Don’t go there, Keith.

I remember the home owners recoiling in horror and complaining about the smell.

[LoveIsJoy]

2 hours ago, buttersister said:

LOL, reminds me of Hilda. Don’t go there, Keith.

 

1 hour ago, Orcinus orca said:

I remember the home owners recoiling in horror and complaining about the smell.

IIRC, Hildie was responsible for the flowers and hay on the walls.  Genevieve had the bright idea of moss on the walls and stone pavers on the bedroom floor.  Trading Spaces was appointment tv for me back in the day. 😆

[buttersister]

I know!
I’d forgotten about Genevieve’s special projects. 🤮

When BB started, Keith skirted some of that TP hideousity, but I hadn’t noticed anything like that in later seasons. So either he backed away or I’ve been hyp-no-tized.

[Back Atcha]

On 9/12/2024 at 4:41 PM, CrazyInAlabama said:

I would like Cottage Core better if there weren't competing florals everywhere.    The moss art can be removed quickly, but a bunch of different upholstery patterns will be harder to fix, unless you want to buy slipcovers. 

Is decor/furniture included in the sale?  If yes, I missed that info. I've seen the same dining table/chairs "staged" in separate homes on the show.

[CrazyInAlabama]

4 hours ago, Back Atcha said:

Is decor/furniture included in the sale?  If yes, I missed that info. I've seen the same dining table/chairs "staged" in separate homes on the show.

They often include the furniture, if the buyer wants it.   But it's an additional price if they want everything, with items made specifically for the house staying, such as some artwork and furniture items made just for the house.   Their usual market is first time homebuyers, and they often need furniture for the entire house.    It's also a way to elevate the appraisal price by staging the decor and furniture.   

However, the two houses in question, were $175,000 list, and the last abandoned homes on the block, so they probably had comps.    $175,000 might have been the price with furniture too.   Sometimes the majority of the furniture is an additional cost.   

[Back Atcha]

13 hours ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

They often include the furniture, if the buyer wants it.

Thanks CIA. I should have been more clear, like:  Is the decor/furniture included in the listing price?  It might be nice when they tell us that a house was sold for $________, to add that the buyers paid an additional $_______for furniture and decorations.

[buttersister]

I may be mistaken, but in the beginning, the furniture was included as a way to ease first-time home buyers in. Of course, the top prices were five figures! Guess it changed?

[CalicoKitty]

That's what I remember, too.  Houses sold furnished.

[Orcinus orca]

6 hours ago, CalicoKitty said:

That's what I remember, too.  Houses sold furnished.

That's how I  understood it.

[CrazyInAlabama]

Yes, at the beginning selling furnished was a way to help first time buyers, and to increase the appraisal price.    Some homes were sold without furnishings, and prices reduced because the home owner already had furniture.   

So, the first two houses this season, $175,000 was the price with a sale for the first house, Fairy Tale Cottage, and an offer for Cottagecore.    Apparently, the appraisal happens with furniture, and if the home owner doesn't want the furniture the price is reduced.   

However, Detroit takes months to complete and close a sale, so we don't get the final price on recent sales, just the list price for the offer.   Some of the homes must not sell with the furniture, so the men use the furniture in other homes, where the furniture may go with the house.    The table with the leather dining chairs was in two homes.   

[BAForever]

On 9/13/2024 at 9:51 AM, buttersister said:

When BB started, Keith skirted some of that TP hideousity, but I hadn’t noticed anything like that in later seasons. So either he backed away or I’ve been hyp-no-tized.

Hubby and I watch together, but we both dislike reno shows.  Love the relationship between Keith and Evan. And no, @buttersister, not hypnotized. Keith has pulled way back on his funky designs after S1. Miss it.

[CrazyInAlabama]

"Tropical and Trendy"  Season 4, Episode 3 • New, 9/18/2024

"Keith's design instincts are on full display as the team revitalizes a Detroit home and transport it to the heart of the Amazon rainforest with vibrant colors and animal flair."

This house is such a wreck.  $4,500 purchase price, which is overpriced for the condition.   There's a tree growing on the porch out of a pile of dirt. Lots of water damage, and moss growing in the living room. Stairs to second floor look very dangerous, fortunately Keith and Evan decide not to trust the stairs.  The downstairs bedroom has a moss carpet.  Reno will be $130,000, and list price should be $170,000.  Demo should be minimal, but still disgusting. 

The Rainforest House, lots of green, and wood.  Upstairs is in surprisingly good shape.  Keith finds a rattan table base on bulk trash day.  

Trip to New Orleans, to look at redoing some houses there.  I love seeing the old houses that are in such bold colors.  They meet with Pam, a local realtor.  They're considering the 7th Ward.  However, even abandoned houses cost a lot more than the ones Keith and Evan buy in Detroit.   The house purchase prices in New Orleans prices are much higher, but so are sale prices.  Pam advises the double shotgun houses are a better deal for buyers, they can live on one side, and rent the other side.  Homes sell for $170 per sq ft.  

Rainforest house is coming along.  The rattan table is looking good, and Keith wants to find some other rattan pieces at used furniture shops.  I agree with Evan, the corbels look lavender, not the gray Keith says it is.  Vintage Eastern Market has a printed red and white stuffed elephant, and some fabulous fake fur accented coats.   Kitchen cabinets are a medium olive green.  I love the bathroom tiles.  I love the green kitchen backsplash tiles.   I love the wooden grid for the stair railings.      The finished house is lovely. I love the fabric elephant in the living room.   I like that there's a first floor bedroom and full bath. 

Bought for $4,500 ; reno was $130,000, house is now 4 bed 2 full bath. List price for house is $170,000.  $169,900 was the offer price, less than two weeks on the market. 

 

[Orcinus orca]

That place was just dreadful!  The transformation was really amazing.

What I did not like was the the two greens in the kitchen.  They were not at all compatible!  Just because they were both "green" doesn't mean they went together.

I thought the ongoing opinions on the color of the downstairs bathroom tile was hilarious. 

[buttersister]

There we go—the trellis staircase—eccentric design that is aesthetically pleasing and useful.

[CrazyInAlabama]

"Betting on Detroit" new, 9/25/2014, Season 4, Episode 4

"Keith, Evan and Shea bring the Las Vegas strip to Detroit! Inspired by the flash and fun of the casinos, they infuse elements of the gambling spirit and turn a dilapidated home into an ace in hole."

House is all brick two story.  House lists for $25,000, block has nice houses.  3 bed 1 bath 1004 sq ft.  Men explain that Detroit has realty companies sell blocks of houses for the city, and Shea lost a bet at the office, so she gets to try to sell this listing. Lots of water damage.  No first floor bath. small living room, kitchen is tiny. take down the wall to dining room to enlarge the kitchen.  Keith says "Casino Royale" is the theme in honor of Shea's bad bet. Steep stairs will move, and have a half bath added. Upstairs has 3 bedrooms, and one bath.   Keith and Evan won't pay $25,000.   Shea says they can list for $137,500. 

Purchased for $10,000, Shea is a great negotiator.   House will list for $139,000 at 1004 sq ft.   They're going to swap the dining room and kitchen, for a better layout. Leaving the stairs in the same place. The porch needs to go, and will be expensive to replace.   I love the new porch and wooden railings. 

The bathtub tile is dark green, but looks like charcoal. There's now a first floor half bath, and it's gorgeous.   I really like the finished house.  

Purchase was $10,000, $90,000 reno, and listed for $150,000.   I like the gray shutters.  I like how light and bright the house is, and the decorating is so luxurious.  I like the round revolving table in the kitchen.  I like the chocolate brown back splash and the counter tops.  I like the chandelier in the dining room, and the table.  No offers yet. 

 

They bought a double house in New Orleans for $111,000.  (I think the 5 New Orleans episodes start after next week's fifth Detroit episode, then after the Nola ones finish, they have 5 more Detroit episodes.) As the local Nola realtor explained, doubles sell very well, the buyers live in one side, and rent the other side out. 

Edited September 26 by CrazyInAlabama

[Mollywolly555]

I LOVE Keith and Evan and Shea, and her family. So glad they're back. 

In-laws are from Louisiana so I've seen alot of different styles down there. They should have a fun time with the possibilities, although the humidity may wreak havoc with some style choices. 

The decor in the casino house was not one of my faves, although the new configuration was awesome. Would have liked to see the  backyard to see if the steps were as steep as the front. That's a problem for many folks, especially as they age, or anyone carrying in groceries, kids, baby carriers and assorted kid sports paraphernalia, etc. 

I really want them to spruce up the landscaping also because it adds so much to the curb appeal...remember that show? But I get that it's winter in Detroit, still sums rocks, mulch, an evergreen, etc., would enhance the home. They will have no problem with landscape in tropical New Orleans, I hope.  

[Orcinus orca]

It will be interesting comparing the NOLA houses and those in Detroit.  As a Detroit-area "born and raised" I absolutely love the shots of Detroit and it really makes me homesick sometimes.  Love what they have done with the city which is rebounding. 

Glad Shea managed to make a good deal on that place!  Love the old brick houses and am so glad they were able to revive this one.  But honestly did not care for some of the design elements - the chocolate brown backsplash with black and white counters just didn't make sense to me.  I am not sure how that screamed casino.

Keith comes from Texas so the NOLA heat may not hit him as hard as it will Evan.

[akg]

6 hours ago, Mollywolly555 said:

I really want them to spruce up the landscaping also because it adds so much to the curb appeal

I've noticed in the last few episodes that they pretty much just spread mulch around in a few places around the front door or porch. I think it was one of the fairy tale houses that had a couple of evergreens in the front that disappeared by the final reveal which was disappointing.

I hope the editing around finding a realtor in New Orleans is misleading and Shea ended up working with the woman Keith and Evan met with a couple of weeks ago. She seemed really nice and helpful and I'd hate to find out she was only around for that one appearance.

I was also not a fan of the styling in this house. Except the green/charcoal tiles in the upstairs bath.

[CrazyInAlabama]

New, 10/02/2034, Season 4, Episode 5 "Casa Frida"

"Inspired by Frida Kahlo, the team brings a Detroit home to life with vibrant colors and artistic flair. Keith, Evan and Shea look to infuse Mexican charm into a West Detroit house and blend a tapestry of hues into a Motown makeover like no other!"

The new house is awful, even for the houses the men redo.  The porch is falling off. $4500, 2 bed 1 bath with bonus room, 900 sq ft.  Front facade is brick tile, and it's awful.  Inside is gross according to Shea, and she's definitely an expert at that.   The ceiling inside the house is falling, lots of water damage, stairs to attic scare me. kitchen is tiny. bedrooms are very small. attic is low, sloaping ceiling. Keith wants to bump out the attic, for a main suite with bath. Shea says $140,000 if it's 3 bed 2 bath.   Brick facade came off easy.  The nice thing about water damage inside is it wall board and walls come down easy.  

Keith wants to do a house in the style of Frida Kahlo who lived in Detroit briefly with her husband Diego.  

The house looks so much better with the siding installed. House is really looking good, interior and exterior.   New porch looks wonderful.   I love the new kitchen.  Bold colors Keith chose are nice. I love the cabinet color and the backsplash.   Hardware in the kitchen is nice. The new main suite is huge and spectacular, the pop up was worth it, with three closets, and one is big enough for a home office.   House is now 1800 sq ft, can now list for $175,000. 

Beau, Shea and Terry are visiting the men's home.  Beau's adorable.   Of course, Terry, Shea and Beau will stay in Detroit, but will visit New Orleans.  Shea will also video chat, and call them too. 

The staging and art is so Frida style.  I love the colors, especially the blue.  I love both bathrooms, and their spectacular floor tile.  

Bought for $4,500, remodel $`30,000 , listing price $174,900.   They have five offers, including the top one, $179,000. 

(Next week, 9/09/2024, is Season 1, Episode 1 of Bargain Block New Orleans.)

Edited October 3 by CrazyInAlabama

[Orcinus orca]

I am confused.  Isn't Shea staying in Detroit? But wasn't she in the bonus scenes at the end with the boys in NOLA?  And it sounded like her voice to me.

[MsJamieDornan]

7 hours ago, Orcinus orca said:

Isn't Shea staying in Detroit? But wasn't she in the bonus scenes at the end with the boys in NOLA?

I'm sure she will visit.

[chessiegal]

I'm looking forward to NOLA. We have family who live in Uptown near Tulane. A house across the street from my stepdaughter was a decoy house on House Hunters many years ago.

[buttersister]

The Frida house was a significant before/after. Did they ever figure out how recent that fire was? Is it possible to make that wreck truly and safely livable? Cosmetically, it was amazing. I know bad old walls were gone and framing and drywall was new, but what about wiring and plumbing?

And did anyone see that turquoise piece Keith insisted on buying? I kept looking for if. 😂

[CalicoKitty]

I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that the house has to have updated plumbing and electrical. They have to be up to code to pass inspection.  I love this show!

[Orcinus orca]

3 hours ago, CalicoKitty said:

I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that the house has to have updated plumbing and electrical. They have to be up to code to pass inspection.  I love this show!

They would have to pass inspections in order to put it up for sale.

I love these guys!  I never fail to get a laugh.

[Back Atcha]

15 hours ago, chessiegal said:

A house across the street from my stepdaughter was a decoy house on House Hunters many years ago.

I like your use of "decoy house." A friend of mine in Chicago was asked if they could use his very nice apartment for that same reason.  The offer wasn't good and the HGTV demands were many.