Bargain Block - General Discussion

[Gam2]

My experience with people like this is that while they’re happy when the house is cleaned and organized, it won’t last. In a month or so, it will be a nasty mess once again. I’ve helped people before but only once.

[Grrarrggh]

4 hours ago, Gam2 said:

My experience with people like this is that while they’re happy when the house is cleaned and organized, it won’t last. In a month or so, it will be a nasty mess once again. I’ve helped people before but only once.

Whom exactly do you mean when you write "people like this"?

[Gam2]

I thought I was commenting on a hoarder’s show. I must have hit the wrong key somehow.

[absolutelyido]

I thought the Detroit Pride house was nice. Most of the walls were white with just a couple of accent walls that could easily be painted over. Removing the records would be a bit of a pain, along with patching the wall, but overall not a lot of work to remove Keith's decor if a buyer didn't like it.

The Weird House where they color blocked the main floor was horrible. The living room could be painted over but I can't imagine that kitchen was to many people's taste and would be a lot of work to redo.

I didn't mind the lattice and flowers in the bathroom. I think you can go bold in a small room like that. I have given up taping when I paint because no matter what kind of tape I use, it always, always has some paint seepage beneath. I wondered how the guys managed to get clean lines taping the lattice strips. But when they were showing to potential buyers you could see lots of places where the paint had seeped under the tape. It surprised me that they didn't appear to make any attempt to touch up those spots. As a buyer it would make me wonder about the workmanship of the flippers when they didn't even bother to clean that up.

I think these guys would be better off if they let their realtor, Shea, have input on the designs. She is always dressed very stylishly so I think would have much better design ideas than Keith.

Edited June 5, 2021 by absolutelyido

[justdoit10]

On 6/5/2021 at 12:51 PM, absolutelyido said:

I thought the Detroit Pride house was nice. Most of the walls were white with just a couple of accent walls that could easily be painted over. Removing the records would be a bit of a pain, along with patching the wall, but overall not a lot of work to remove Keith's decor if a buyer didn't like it.

The Weird House where they color blocked the main floor was horrible. The living room could be painted over but I can't imagine that kitchen was to many people's taste and would be a lot of work to redo.

I didn't mind the lattice and flowers in the bathroom. I think you can go bold in a small room like that. I have given up taping when I paint because no matter what kind of tape I use, it always, always has some paint seepage beneath. I wondered how the guys managed to get clean lines taping the lattice strips. But when they were showing to potential buyers you could see lots of places where the paint had seeped under the tape. It surprised me that they didn't appear to make any attempt to touch up those spots. As a buyer it would make me wonder about the workmanship of the flippers when they didn't even bother to clean that up.

I think these guys would be better off if they let their realtor, Shea, have input on the designs. She is always dressed very stylishly so I think would have much better design ideas than Keith.

Agree.  Some of these designs are insulting.  You can still add originality without making it a clown house.  

[justdoit10]

So tonight they end up buying the last house they did.  Did you notice it didn't have the crazy designs Keith normally does.  

[buttersister]

I was thinking that last house looked really nice, had improved finishes, was very livable and very different than what they’d previously done—with a much bigger price tag.

So imagine my lack of shock when they moved in—quite the customized deal! Season 2?

ETA: No renewal or cancellation notice yet by HGTV.

Edited June 10, 2021 by buttersister

[CrazyInAlabama]

Since the 5 minute preview after this episode listed it as running next Wednesday, then I guess this was the season finale.   

It was not a surprise that they stayed in the last house.  'We can do higher end finishes' was a total ploy.    They did a lovely job on the last house, and I wish they did the same elegant esthetic on the other flips they do.   I noticed that the house they stayed in was also in a much quieter neighborhood too, and the homes around it looked very nice.   

I don't like the over-the-top design on the other houses this season. 

Edited June 13, 2021 by CrazyInAlabama

[MsJamieDornan]

They really go overboard with curtains and drapes They are much too big for the space, it makes the rooms look smaller.

[akg]

I was really disappointed when the guys talked about how excited they were to be moving into a higher price range for their houses in this last episode. One of the things I enjoyed about this show was (what I thought was) the basic premise: fix up houses that desperately need help to improve neglected neighborhoods and sell them at a reasonable price for first time home buyers.

If we do get a season 2, I hope they stick with houses that need their help. And that they dedicate the time they wasted showing us the shopping cart, attempts at cooking, etc. this season to more home improvement related behind the scenes. More details on meeting codes and who they're hiring as support would be a better use of that time.

14 hours ago, MsJamieDornan said:

They really go overboard with curtains and drapes They are much too big for the space, it makes the rooms look smaller.

Keith was so excited about the windows next to the Craftsman's fireplace and then he covered them with opaque curtains. 

Did they mention selling the Craftsman?

I wish HGTV would post pictures. It would be nice to go back and look at some before and after shots. 

[Motor City]

FYI:

From WXYZ (ABC) Detroit:

https://www.wxyz.com/news/2-men-who-moved-to-detroit-to-transform-dilapidated-homes-get-hgtv-show

 

 

[justdoit10]

On 6/10/2021 at 3:11 AM, CrazyInAlabama said:

Since the 5 minute preview after this episode listed it as running next Wednesday, then I guess this was the season finale.   

It was not a surprise that they stayed in the last house.  'We can do higher end finishes' was a total ploy.    They did a lovely job on the last house, and I wish they did the same elegant esthetic on the other flips they do.   I don't like the over-the-top design on the other houses this season. 

Yep.  It is insulting to think the poor  want to live in those other weirdo  designs when they wouldn't live in them themselves., like a headboard full of branches, a room completely color blocked, spray painted gold cabinets, and on and on. They hurt their credibility.  They can make nice designs without making them cringe worthy.

Edited June 12, 2021 by justdoit10

[akg]

On 6/11/2021 at 11:18 PM, Motor City said:

FYI:

From WXYZ (ABC) Detroit:

Nice to hear from one of the neighbors in this but it's weird timing considering the finale just aired and HGTV hasn't said anything about a season 2 (yet).

 

[MsJamieDornan]

21 hours ago, justdoit10 said:

Yep.  It is insulting to think the poor  want to live in those other weirdo  designs when they wouldn't live in them themselves.,

Well, they sold almost all of them, so someone liked them.

[Grrarrggh]

11 hours ago, MsJamieDornan said:

Well, they sold almost all of them, so someone liked them.

Or someone was so desperate to find something under $100k that wouldn't fall down on them while they slept. 

[Cetacean]

On 6/12/2021 at 8:50 AM, justdoit10 said:

Yep.  It is insulting to think the poor  want to live in those other weirdo  designs when they wouldn't live in them themselves.

If I made minimum wages and I was able to get a fully furnished place as a starter home, there would be a lot I'd overlook.  Paint can be changed, geegaws removed.  But a house with functioning electric, plumbing, and appliances is a dream for a lot of people in that area.

[Grrarrggh]

2 hours ago, Cetacean said:

If I made minimum wages and I was able to get a fully furnished place as a starter home, there would be a lot I'd overlook.  

You mean if you worked 3 minimum wage jobs..... 

[Back Atcha]

• I like this show.
• I love the two guys.
• The show has been renewed for 2022.

[Back Atcha]

On 6/12/2021 at 5:50 AM, justdoit10 said:

Yep.  It is insulting to think the poor  want to live in those other weirdo  designs when they wouldn't live in them themselves., like a headboard full of branches, a room completely color blocked, spray painted gold cabinets, and on and on. They hurt their credibility.  They can make nice designs without making them cringe worthy.

If the guy is an artist...he's an ARTIST!--not the norm.  He purchased the properties and is achieving his dream--his way, which seems unique and successful. Unique enough to get his own television show. It took decades for him to reach this point. Every home seems to sell and the neighbors are happy with the improvements.  (I sound like his mom.)

[akg]

I would love to get some follow up on what the houses look like after the new owners have moved in. Do they immediately have a garage sale and redecorate? Is any of the "art" worth something?

I'd also like to know more about who the new owners are. A report was just released that found Black homebuyers in metro Detroit were twice as likely to be denied mortgages compared to white homebuyers. Not the focus of the show, of course, but it might be good to highlight things like that. How difficult is it to get a mortgage in that neighborhood for a house at those low prices. Are the BB houses mostly being bought by white people? Based on what I could find on zillow (which I know isn't necessarily accurate), some of the sales mentioned on the show fell through. What happened there?

Basically, I really want a behind the scenes, after-show where they focus on the nuts and bolts and not the design and relationship stuff.

[HotHW]

On 10/7/2021 at 3:44 PM, akg said:

I would love to get some follow up on what the houses look like after the new owners have moved in. Do they immediately have a garage sale and redecorate? Is any of the "art" worth something?

I'd also like to know more about who the new owners are. A report was just released that found Black homebuyers in metro Detroit were twice as likely to be denied mortgages compared to white homebuyers. Not the focus of the show, of course, but it might be good to highlight things like that. How difficult is it to get a mortgage in that neighborhood for a house at those low prices. Are the BB houses mostly being bought by white people? Based on what I could find on zillow (which I know isn't necessarily accurate), some of the sales mentioned on the show fell through. What happened there?

Basically, I really want a behind the scenes, after-show where they focus on the nuts and bolts and not the design and relationship stuff.

Not one other house flipping, house selling show focuses on the buyers and what happens after the "sale". Its on HGTV so it's safe to assume most of the "final outcomes" are fake. Unless otherwise proven by tax records. What difference does it make what color the buyer is/was? That's a show for another channel and viewer demographic.

Edited October 29, 2021 by HotHW

[Back Atcha]

11 hours ago, HotHW said:

Not one other house flipping, house selling show focuses on the buyers and what happens after the "sale". Its on HGTV so it's safe to assume most of the "final outcomes" are fake.

A friend of mine was asked if his very expensive apartment could be featured on "House Hunters" some years ago--"featured," but not a purchase option.  The SALE is real.  The "final choice" was an original choice--having nothing to do with the other "tours."  The other two "options" are fake.  At least that's what it was 10+years ago in Chicago.    So...the "final outcomes" are real--there were just no other "real" competitors shown on TV.

Edited October 30, 2021 by Back Atcha

[akg]

3 hours ago, HotHW said:

What difference does it make what color the buyer is/was? That's a show for another channel and viewer demographic.

Yeah, I know this isn't something HGTV would be interested in but I would like to know more. Keith and Evan's goal is to revitalize these neighborhoods for the benefit of new homeowners and the people already living there. Most, if not all, of the neighbors we've seen have been Black. If the improved homes are all being bought by white buyers who have an easier time getting mortgages, the neighborhood is going to change. Again, I know this stuff is too much for a decorating show but there are a lot of layers to what these guys are doing that we're not seeing.

I'm especially curious about the mortgages going through since Keith and Evan claim to be on such a tight schedule of having to sell one house to buy another. Based on everything I've seen about Detroit real estate, their pace isn't realistic and I don't believe all of their sales have gone through with no issues (unless they have a whole team behind the scenes, maybe?).

[NanaKnows]

I'm done with this show. At first I thought it was great buying homes in neighborhoods that are abandoned to help revitalize the area and not knocking down the homes and pricing everyone out of the market, The designs are hideous, look cheap and this isn't helping buyers. Imagine needing to buy paint and remove trees from walls? It defeats the purpose. Also, many of the houses are listed on Zillow with the caveat " furnishings available for $2500"...this is used furniture and very misleading when saying " fully furnished ". 

 

[Back Atcha]

STILL A FAN!   I don't see anything misleading because I'm not a buyer.  I'm sure there are ethical and legal considerations that these two GREAT GUYS adhere to.  Viewers know the furniture isn't always new--and that SOME of it is an original creation.

[sskrill]

I don't necessarily love the show, or either guy, but I like what they're trying to do here.

I don't think it would be a bad idea to give us all the information either.  Buying is part of the H in HGTV, and maybe if there is bullshit redlining, unnecessary red tape, or government interference, let it be seen nationally.  Force their hand to fix the processes, and eliminate unnecessary hurdles for qualified buyers.

Detroit should want these neighborhoods revitalized - it increases the tax base.  Looking at zillow it looks like even after the renos, taxes are only about $100 month, so most buyers should be able to afford that.  With a 100k mortgage that would only be about $650/m for PIT.  I would think its mostly couples buying 3 bd houses, so it would only cost $325 per person.  Or if you're sinlge and can afford to purchase a 3bd allows for a roommate to help offset costs.

I don't care for the designs, but its the easiest thing for a homeowner to fix on their own.  Given the condition of most of what they buy, I would think plumbing/electrical would have to be replaced - and doesn't that have to be inspected before they can move on?

 

[CrazyInAlabama]

Season 2, starts Wed. 8 June, on HGTV.     I missed the time, but I bet it's coming on at 9 Eastern, 8 Central. 

[CrazyInAlabama]

I love the Cape house they redid and kept to live in.  This house is beautiful, tastefully done, and is so classic. Their adorable little dog is so cute.       I didn't think I'd like the commentary show about the first season,  before the new season opener, but with the comments it's spectacular.    

Keith, Evan and the realtor are hysterical showing what it's like going into the awful potential remodels is so funny.    

The warehouse they have for the stuff they grab from the bulk trash, thrift stores, and garage sales is full of some 'interesting' stuff.   Since they sell the houses furnished, they have a lot of very odd items they try to refurbish.    The stuff they find in the houses they buy is bizarre.   

Season 2, episode 1 ""The Hamptons and Gatsby"   First house is $1,000, and looks it.   The Gatsby house is next door, also abandoned.    House cost $7,000. 

Evan says the first house is so shaky that all three of them can't be in most of the house at once.  He doesn't want the realtor, Shea falling through to the basement.   I worry about that on the hideous homes on some of these shows.  From being abandoned 12 years, water damage, etc. the place is nothing but some framework.   I think this is the biggest disagreement between Evan and Keith, it's not that big either.  It's about moving the kitchen to the front of the house.   Turns out the plumbing change is only $1,000, to move the kitchen.   

Gatsby house living room isn't too bad, but it gets worse when they get further into the house.   One bedroom is full of junk, and nastiness.  

They're turning a big one-story building into a work space, retail space, and storage.  Now when they find something that might be useful, they have room to store it.  

I love how the Hamptons house came out, beautiful finishes, lovely kitchen, and bathroom is so nice.   The upstairs main bedroom is huge.   Matilda, the neighbor's little girl is so adorable.  She watched them remodel, and her parents brought her over to visit a lot.    House sells for over asking.

The Gatsby house dresser repaint is so interesting.   The kitchen looks great.   The blue walls everywhere is a little much for me, but compared to where it came from is amazing. 

I prefer the Hamptons house, but Gatsby is spectacular too. 

I love little Matilda touring both houses. 

Edited June 9, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[Mahamid Frauded Me]

These guys crack me up. Overall, I think they are doing great things for homes in the area. Can't say I am a fan of some of the design/decor. I see the finally got themselves a warehouse, but I miss them moving in with the old shopping cart (even though I am pretty sure that was just for show) I hope they stick with their plan to help fix neighborhoods and not let the fame get to them. Matilda was the cutest thing evah!  

[RowdyCam]

These guys have really grown on me. I was surprised how much I enjoyed their commentary about last year's episodes. Their design choices are not my style but I'm glad they are able to save these homes and help the neighborhood.

[Cetacean]

I really enjoyed the retrospective. I have always liked the guys and truly appreciation their altruism.  Detroit has so many neighborhoods that need exactly this type of rehab and give young families the chance to buy a house even though they have low paying jobs.  The fact that they come furnished is definitely a huge help as well.

Do I like the sometimes bizarre designs - well, no.  But so much of that can be changed over time;  the idea is to fix up a foundering neighborhood and bring it back to life.

And there is a lot to be said for them moving into a home in the area that they are renovating.  I think that shows true devotion to their vision.

I think it was a Mean Girls move to invite Keith and Evan to participate on Rock the Block.  It's like the producers selected them to be the buffoons against the teams more used to working with huge budgets.  Yet those teams never failed to turn out bland, interchangeable designs.  The guys deserved better.

[CrazyInAlabama]

I just keep wondering how many of these shows I'll watch the initial walk through, and someone crashes right through the floor?  

[akg]

I really liked how the Hamptons house turned out. The styling was nicely subtle and it wouldn't take much to redecorate to better match the new buyer's personality. 

The Gatsby house, on the other hand, was overwhelming. It might be better after you ditched all of the feathers and the awful, ugly couches but the inspiration just didn't match the house. I get the 1920s = art deco connection but that house was not built with that lifestyle in mind. I do have to say I loved the kitchen though (minus either table (the first one screamed conference room to me) and the weird chairs).

I also wish they'd done more to differentiate the 2 houses from the front. Anyone driving past will know someone redid those places at the exact same time and they won't blend as well with the rest of the street. My neighborhood is a mix of homes built in the 1900s through the 1950s and there are 4 random, almost identical houses that were built more recently (90s?) that stick out like a sore thumb. And why wouldn't they paint the sides of the Gatsby house white to match the front instead of leaving them dirty tan?

Matilda was adorable and it was nice to see how excited her parents were to have the last two abandoned houses on their street fixed up. 

I just checked a couple of the houses from last seasons that I managed to track down on zillow and one is now worth (according to zillow's mystery math) $36k more than what they paid (which was $16k less than the show told us (listed price was $110, sold for $94 after 9 months on the market)). I wish HGTV left the pictures up so I knew which house this was (I'm assuming they're responsible since it's consistent across all the BB listings I've found).

[mojito]

Saw the Gatsby House and the Hamptons House. I guess allowing Keith to do design is the price we have to pay for affordable homes in a neighborhood trying to rebound. He's got to make it fun for himself.

I like the cast. They're all believable to me. Not too much laughter or silliness. Shea powers through some pretty horrendous house tours with minimal squeamishness. They come off as likable people who like each other. 

[CrazyInAlabama]

With the announced possible sales price, and the actual price being lower, there are a lot of reasons a sale falls through.  They're selling another house, but that doesn't happen, financing doesn't work out, or a lot of other factors.   

One thing I like is that the houses on this show are sold furnished.  Their furniture and decorations are usually the right size for the rooms, saving a lot for the homebuyer.     I bet a lot of first time buyers are happy to get the furnishings with the house.    There are so many expenses furnishing a house for first time buyers, or someone going from an apartment to a single family house.   I really loved the Hamptons house, Gatsby was a little much for me, but both looked like lovely homes.    

I can see keeping quiet about the house locations.   Other shows have had huge issues with people showing up at the homes and expecting tours and photos, and making the homeowner's lives miserable.    On this show, I can't imagine trying to work on the house, film the show, and have a bunch of onlookers show up wanting to treat it like a tourist attraction.  (Some of the first and second season homeowners on Fixer Upper had horrible issues, with obnoxious visitors treating they house as if the owners should welcome people knocking on the door demanding tours, wanting them to pose, talk about the process, and other things). 

Edited June 12, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[Marthavmuffin]

Hoping to find out the streets they worked on on the west side near Southfield road. I used to live over there. Does it seem like they don’t want the public to know where the houses are?

[Cetacean]

6 hours ago, Marthavmuffin said:

Does it seem like they don’t want the public to know where the houses are?

I wonder if it has to do with HGTV policies.  Scott of Vacation House Rules never gives locations for his work, either. 

[akg]

23 hours ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

With the announced possible sales price, and the actual price being lower, there are a lot of reasons a sale falls through.  They're selling another house, but that doesn't happen, financing doesn't work out, or a lot of other factors.   

I definitely understand why there would be a difference between a listed price and the actual amount paid and that's something I wish they covered more. How many of these mortgages fall through? The woman we saw in season 1 who had a house remade for her worked at a bank and still had a ton of trouble getting everything finalized. Mortgage companies in Detroit are not eager to spend time on houses in this price range or (with some buyers). 

I'm sure they're doing it to make things simpler but it's also weird to me that they never appear to offer anything but asking on the houses they're purchasing. I know $7k isn't much but did they try for less after seeing the massive trash piles?

23 hours ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

I can see keeping quiet about the house locations.   Other shows have had huge issues with people showing up at the homes and expecting tours and photos, and making the homeowner's lives miserable.    On this show, I can't imagine trying to work on the house, film the show, and have a bunch of onlookers show up wanting to treat it like a tourist attraction. 

I would hate to buy one of these houses and then end up with a ton of people on my lawn so I understand not sharing addresses. I do wish HGTV would post at least interior pictures somewhere.

[MsJamieDornan]

On 6/10/2022 at 11:22 PM, Marthavmuffin said:

Hoping to find out the streets they worked on

The zillow link posted above gives the street address.

[MsJamieDornan]

On 6/10/2022 at 10:12 AM, akg said:

 I wish HGTV left the pictures up so I knew which house this was

https://www.trulia.com/p/mi/detroit/19953-ohio-st-detroit-mi-48221--2050742140

[CrazyInAlabama]

(I think the reason HGTV doesn't give the address, or in the case of early Love it or List It, and Scott McGillivray homes was they didn't want to admit they were in Canada.  However, now I bet it's so people don't come out and bother then while filming, and after they sell don't bother the buyers).   Someday I'll keep Keith (shorter and reddish blonde) and Evan (taller, brunette), figure out who is who, I really like both of them. 

New episode "French Country and Chez Shea".   I love this, they're doing a house for their realtor Shea.  The first house 3 bed 1 bath 1180 sq ft, and $25k purchase price.  Strong stench of eau de kitty kat, the cat was later named Soupy, and one of the producers adopted her.   She looks so good in the update.

The French Country roof is so hideous with multiple colors and styles of shingles.  Their goal is to sell it for $110k.   Upstairs is really awful, and I'm not discussing why, and you don't want to know.   $50k to $60k rehab. They can now afford to contract out some of the job.   Keith is doing a first coat of a clay color to make the living room wall look like limestone blocks. I actually like the faux limestone. kitchen redo looks good.  I love the French Country house.  For once I like the nook, ,and little table in the kitchen, I love the bathroom, great tile choices and coordinated colors.  The third/main upstairs bedroom is lovely.  House sells for $? have no clue about the sale price.  

Second house is Chez Shea, it's a real beauty outside,  $55k, with new vinyl, new windows, cute house from the outside.  Shea wants to partner with Keith and Evan on this house, with Shea's husband Terry.   Keith and Evan will do the reno, and Shea and Terry will buy it. Shea's husband is so adorable, he grew up about a mile from the house.  It will be an investment property for Shea and Terry. 3 bed 1 bath, $55k, might list for $100k.   Interior looks good, some cosmetic issues, sloppy kitchen work, bad interior paint, needs new kitchen cabinets.  Bathroom is the same sloppy work.  Upstairs bedroom looks OK.   Unfinished plumbing. 

The men and Shea keep wondering why the house is about half price, in the basement it needs a structural post, furnace, and hot water heater.    Evan says only buy if she can get the house for $45k.    Evan and Keith will do the reno as the contractors.  Terry and Shea will pay for the house, and the reno, and they'll split the profit.  

Shea and Terry bought the house for $10k under the asking price. Asking was $55k, so they met their goal,   They're hoping for $28k profit.    Watching Terry, Keith, Evan and Shea doing demo is so funny.  keith wants to do a mural on the tile tub surround, I hate that idea. I'm not very trendy, or innovative.  The tile mural was interesting, but will it last? 

They had to spend $6k on sewer lines in the basement, plumbing budget went from $1000 to $6,000.    The reason the plumbing lines were so bad is because someone poured concrete in the floor drains in the basement.   

I love the kitchen, even the green and that matches the green exterior.  I love the way they furnished it.  The upstairs bedroom is spectacular, the two downstairs bedrooms are lovely. 

I love the way the Shea house turned out, and love the big portrait of her. 

$99,000 selling price.  LIst is $95k, changed to $98k.  with a profit of $20k. (I think it was $20k.)

I love the update on Soupy the cat they found dumped in the French Country house.  

Edited June 23, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[Cetacean]

1 hour ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

Shea's husband is so adorable,

Isn't he?  They seem like a really sweet couple.

I think you will like the final product.  The bathroom is, well, unusual but I have to say I like what he did with the shower.

[windsprints]

I love that they gave an update on the cat:

[CrazyInAlabama]

I really liked the finished houses.   I hope that Shea and Terry keep on using the men as contractors, they can all do even more projects.    

I like that the homes are finished, now updated mechanically, and still affordable.   I like that the homes come furnished too.    A new homeowner may not be able to furnish a home immediately, and having appropriately sized, and coordinated furnishings takes a lot of burden off of the buyer.   You can always add items you want, but a first time buyer having to furnish from scratch might not be possible due to cost.       Also, not everyone can run around thrifting, and reupholstering, and finding cheaper options in furnishings. Their idea of selling affordable, furnished homes is such a contribution to the community.   

One thing I dislike about other flip shows is the houses aren't affordable, but the under $100k house is turned into a home that costs two or three times that, pricing many people out of home ownership.     

I agree with buttersister, I think they have stopped doing the quirky, outrageous projects this season.    The exteriors are much more subdued, and fit into the neighborhoods better.    I really like the upstairs third bedrooms this season too.  

Edited June 16, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[buttersister]

Are their houses less “out there” than last season’s? Are they growing on me? Am I happy to see Detroit neighborhoods being rehabbed and still affordable? Is all this heat melting my cold dark heart? Whatever the reason, I’m really enjoying this season.

[akg]

22 hours ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

the cat was later named Soupy, and one of the producers adopted her.   She looks so good in the update.

Thanks for sharing that (and the video, windsprints). I was worried about the poor kitty.

I was surprised at how much I liked both houses too. I hope Keith sticks with the not overdoing his themes.

Who pours cement down a drain?

[CrazyInAlabama]

On 6/16/2022 at 7:20 PM, akg said:

Thanks for sharing that (and the video, windsprints). I was worried about the poor kitty.

I was surprised at how much I liked both houses too. I hope Keith sticks with the not overdoing his themes.

Who pours cement down a drain?

Owners or tenants who are being evicted, and want to totally screw up a house do all kinds of things to ruin them.   I've also heard of blocking drains, and turning the faucets on, putting seafood in curtain rods, or in the walls, or the heat ducts, and the place becomes a disgusting mess.     Also, they leave before the eviction, leaving the front door wide open for copper thieves, or vandals to destroy the house.   Then, there's the nasty trick to turn the furnace off in cold weather, leave all of the doors and windows open,  and the pipes burst and ruin everything.  

Edited June 23, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[Cetacean]

I keep hoping we don't read something scandalous about these two, I really like them and their determination to make a difference.  I sincerely doubt that they are in it for the bucks or they wouldn't have gone this route.

They are still young so they won't be able to do most of the work themselves as time marches on.  I'm impressed to see what they actually do but also glad that they are willing to contract out work they either cannot do or cannot do well.

I think of young people in those areas being excited to be able to afford a fully furnished, updated home on a limited income.  Keith can go overboard on his designs but most of are cosmetic and can be easily changed over time.

Kudos to those two for walking the walk in improving neighborhoods and lives!

[mojito]

I must admit, I smiled a lot through this French episode. The chuckles and facial expressions all seemed real and not forced and once again, Shea powered through a walk-through of a disgusting house. Her husband was a nice addition to the group. I liked his comment about the gold sink being "Coming to America" over the top.

The Home Town Kickstart series ain't got nothin' on the improvements these three are making to a portion of Detroit.

[auntjess]

On 6/3/2021 at 12:48 AM, justdoit10 said:

You would know better than me, being from the area.  The only thing I am leery about is the electric and plumbing since many of the houses have sat abandoned for so long. 

I'm new to this show, but one I saw, they had plumber replacing pipes under the basement flooring, when they found it cracked.