My Lottery Dream Home - General Discussion

[Vermicious Knid]

I hate stark white kitchens, which is why I suggested cream or off-white. Painting the cabinets is the easiest and least expensive way to change the look because otherwise they would have to rip most of it out. The countertops were a brown granite, the cabinets and island were brown, the backsplash was brown, I think even the appliances were brown. Bleh.

[Yeah No]

1 hour ago, Vermicious Knid said:

I hate stark white kitchens, which is why I suggested cream or off-white. Painting the cabinets is the easiest and least expensive way to change the look because otherwise they would have to rip most of it out. The countertops were a brown granite, the cabinets and island were brown, the backsplash was brown, I think even the appliances were brown. Bleh.

I'm with you.  The look was dated if you're going by what's in fashion right now.  Right now light, neutral, white, off-white, airy cool grays and blues are in style for kitchens.  Heavy, dark brown woods and granite are as out as "mom jeans".  I thought painting the cabinets an off-white would be an easy update.

[Yeah No]

7 hours ago, seacliffsal said:

If they are buying due to winning a lawsuit, it makes it seem like winning a lawsuit is like winning the lottery which it isn't.  The lost of a child in no way is "winning" anything, so it disappoints me that they are on "My Lottery Dream Home."  However, as I don't really pay absolute attention, I may be wrong and that they did win a lottery.  

Yeah, I agree, it felt wrong for them to be on a show about winning the lottery.  This is supposed to be about happy winnings, not lawsuits involving deaths.  I suppose they've had to branch out because they may not be finding enough lottery winners willing to go on the show due to privacy issues, but this was a little inappropriate if you ask me.  I noticed that David's demeanor was more somber as a result too.  

[MsTree]

1 hour ago, Yeah No said:

Yeah, I agree, it felt wrong for them to be on a show about winning the lottery.  This is supposed to be about happy winnings, not lawsuits involving deaths.  I suppose they've had to branch out because they may not be finding enough lottery winners willing to go on the show due to privacy issues, but this was a little inappropriate if you ask me.  I noticed that David's demeanor was more somber as a result too.  

At first I thought the same thing, but David handled it so respectfully, I actually wound up enjoying the episode. And I really don't mind if there's a similar repeat. I mean how many people actually win the lottery, and then want to announce it on TV...as well as showing their journey buying a house.

I think if we want David to continue hosting this show, HGTV has got to give him more of a variety of people who WANT to work with David....no matter HOW they came into their windfall. In fact, wasn't there a couple on who actually inherited money? 

[Kenzie]

1 hour ago, MsTree said:

At first I thought the same thing, but David handled it so respectfully,

I noticed too that they skipped the usual upbeat, rolling in cash Lotto intro and went straight to the story.

[debraran]

I haven't watched in a long time since dropping cable, but I felt they were getting desperate for people to be on that won a lot and wanted to be on TV. I know most people lose the lottery but the percentage who win who can be talked into the show, probably less. I know I wouldn't want to be on. I like "sensible" people and the show had them but much more boring looking at homes cheaper than mine or wondering the opposite end, how are they going to afford that really expensive home when they have the same job and just won a million dollars. No mention of upkeep and how they would afford the electricity alone.

Edited July 17, 2022 by debraran

[CrazyInAlabama]

On the 100th episode, they had  a lot of background information.    One of the daughters from the Cape mother and two daughters episode works for the production company, they have several employees keeping a database of winners, at that time there were several hundred people listed.   However, many people do not want additional publicity, and have people coming after them with their hand out.    Or they have so many past debts that buying a place is still not possible.    Others simply don't want to be on camera. 

They had another one in Virginia Beach with a former Air Force serviceman who had a settlement, not a lottery win.   Then, the people who bought in Blue Ridge, GA (or something like that), where a great uncle she barely remembered left her a lot of money.    

[Kiddvideo]

21 hours ago, Grrarrggh said:

Why? Why not black/blue/green/red/purple? Why not change the backsplash or floor? Why not just enjoy the wood, as I am assuming that by brown you mean they were unpainted wood not actually painted brown. Not everyone wants an all white kitchen which so relentlessly white. 

Did you see the episode by chance? It’s someone’s opinion not a personal attack on your preferred aesthetic.

Edited July 17, 2022 by Kiddvideo

[Grrarrggh]

2 hours ago, Kiddvideo said:

Did you see the episode by chance? It’s someone’s opinion not a personal attack on your preferred aesthetic.

I did and I didn't attack I just asked why the person felt their preferred aesthetic should be the automatic requirement which was how the comment seemed to be written. Like the people who think if a house isn't open concept white/grey you're living in a cesspit worth nothing. 

[Yeah No]

18 hours ago, MsTree said:

At first I thought the same thing, but David handled it so respectfully, I actually wound up enjoying the episode. And I really don't mind if there's a similar repeat. I mean how many people actually win the lottery, and then want to announce it on TV...as well as showing their journey buying a house.

I think if we want David to continue hosting this show, HGTV has got to give him more of a variety of people who WANT to work with David....no matter HOW they came into their windfall. In fact, wasn't there a couple on who actually inherited money? 

Perhaps, but in that case they may need to rethink the show's title, especially if most of the people came into their money in ways other than the lottery.

As episodes go it wasn't bad, at least they were looking at nicer homes, not the typical tiny and underwhelming ones the show got into a rut with after a while.  Speaking of that, I've always had a beef with the intro. to this show for setting up the audience to see grand palatial estates, not tiny condos. and starter homes.  So it's needed to rethink itself for a while now.

[MsTree]

3 hours ago, Yeah No said:

Perhaps, but in that case they may need to rethink the show's title, especially if most of the people came into their money in ways other than the lottery.

As episodes go it wasn't bad, at least they were looking at nicer homes, not the typical tiny and underwhelming ones the show got into a rut with after a while.  Speaking of that, I've always had a beef with the intro. to this show for setting up the audience to see grand palatial estates, not tiny condos. and starter homes.  So it's needed to rethink itself for a while now.

Although I've never watched the intro (fast-forwarded), I agree with you that HGTV should rethink the show's title. OR maybe keep the Lottery show, but also allow David to host a sister-show that would be open to anyone who had an immediate windfall and are looking to purchase a new home.

[Kiddvideo]

I agree the pool of big lottery winners has dried-up. I don’t mind the winners who received smaller amounts and looked for middle-class homes. There’s a reason they call lotteries a regressive tax: The people who play it tend to have lower wages, so for these people a $100,000 win can lift them out of payday loan poverty and give them enough money to become home owners and establish financial stability.

I’d be happy if the show wanted to expand the premise to include people who came into unexpected money. I think David has the emotional intelligence to handle a range of buyers. 

[buttersister]

Quote

If they are buying due to winning a lawsuit, it makes it seem like winning a lawsuit is like winning the lottery which it isn't. 

Holy crap, how badly did they want to be on TV? Publicity for her brewery? I mean, condolences to this family, but geez.

Show hasn't been much of a millionaires fantasy in years. They should have broomed that goofy opening years ago and let David find a great home for people and give them decorating ideas to make it their dream.

[CrazyInAlabama]

I would have named it "Finding My Dream Home" from the beginning.

Tonight's (22 July) Philly to Fayetteville, they won $2 million on a scratcher. Yolande and Toni Gamble.    They're relocating to take care of her mom.    They have 7 kids, and  10 grandkids, and want to have big barbecues.  I hope they pick something with acreage, for the BBQ smoke, and all of the parking spaces they'll need. 

They want 2 stories, Prefer 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a huge kitchen, some land open floor plan $350k to $400k.   I'm hoping they go for Hope Mills. 

House 1- Lake Rim, in Fayetteville, new build, 4  bed 2.5 bath2400 sq ft on 1/4 acre, needs back landscaping,  $374900.   Beautiful big kitchen, first floor is great.  first floor main, with huge ensuite and closet.   room for mom on the first floor bath too. 

House 2-Butler's Bluff , Hope Mills , older and needs some updates4 bed 3 bath 3200 sq ft $398k.  on 1/4 acre,  It's empty too.   I love this house.   The kitchen is nice.   Main bedroom has a corner fireplace, and is huge, with a sitting area.   Main ensuite is nice, grandma's room is across the hall, and near the bathroom.  there's another first floor bedroom too,   One kid can take the upstairs bonus room.   Nice back yard, fully fenced.   big back porch, covered, with a huge concrete pad too.   I would have put a covered screened in porch on part of the concrete pad.

House 3-Rockfish Ridge in Hope Mills, 4 bed 3.5 bath 3500 sq ft $370k, .23 acres.  Biggest house they look at.   Lovely open living, dining, kitchen.   Main bedroom is upsatirs, smallest main bedroom of the three houses, bath is spectacular, the other three bedrooms are upstairs, Also, an entire suite with en suite for mom.    There are three floors, with a bonus room.    Big Back yard, with a screened porch, fully fenced.   

They pick #3   , I would have picked #3 also, for the mother's suite, and the larger back yard. 

Edited July 23, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[CalicoKitty]

I came away with the idea that the family that lost their daughter was looking for a house for a new life start after fighting in court for 3 (think they said) years.  Sort of a starting over after working through the loss.  They seemed like a nice family.  The story line was the new house was chosen on the daughter's birthday.

[Vermicious Knid]

Fayetteville episode:

House 1 kitchen showed how you can do monochrome right. I really liked it and it wasn't smacking you in the face with black and white. Unlike the living room of House 3. If you took away the black couch and black curtains it wouldn't be so stark. I noticed they were very careful to show only a part of the kitchen when they did the 'after' at the end, probably because all the furnishings we saw were theirs, already moved in, and they didn't want the audience to realize that. The curtains in the kitchen were still the same so, nice try but no.

House 2 had one of the strangest master bedrooms I've ever seen. It's like they put in the other bedrooms and carved out the master from the space left over, and then stuck in a fireplace for the hell of it.

[Yeah No]

8 hours ago, Vermicious Knid said:

Fayetteville episode:

House 1 kitchen showed how you can do monochrome right. I really liked it and it wasn't smacking you in the face with black and white. Unlike the living room of House 3. If you took away the black couch and black curtains it wouldn't be so stark. I noticed they were very careful to show only a part of the kitchen when they did the 'after' at the end, probably because all the furnishings we saw were theirs, already moved in, and they didn't want the audience to realize that. The curtains in the kitchen were still the same so, nice try but no.

As soon as I saw house #3 I knew it was theirs already.  It just screamed "older couple that just came into money and just moved in with their cheapo curtains that don't match the wall color".  They had warm toned curtains in a room with blue-gray tones.  To my amateur designer's eye it was like chalk on a blackboard.  Those black curtains, too.  Just not done right at all.  Plus, the fish tank and all the awkward exposed wires on the TVs were a giveaway too.  They were a lovely couple, though, just not together in the designer department.  Maybe in time they'll improve it.  They have the money now for better window treatments!

Usually they don't show parts of the house they buy we've seen in the walk through because it gives away that it was their house all along.  When they did it looked generic enough to have been staged that way and David would throw in a lie about how it "was a good thing the furniture was also for sale".  But this time they didn't even try to cover it up, LOL.

[CrazyInAlabama]

I'm wondering if the window treatments in Hope Mills, (Fayetteville), were used until the ones they ordered came in?     It can be a long delay for window treatments, appliances, and furniture now.   

I agree about the main suite in House #2.  That was a very odd space on the side, and I see no use for it.  

I really liked the couple, and hope they're very happy in their new home.  

Edited July 24, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[MrPissyPuppy]

9 hours ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

I agree about the main suite in House #2.  That was a very odd space on the side, and I see no use for it.  

Private sitting area for a couple, office, dressing room/makeup center, library/reading nook?    I'd find a use for it. 

They seemed like a sweet couple. 

[CrazyInAlabama]

New "Million Dollar Angel"  $2 million lottery win in Massachusetts for Christine,  Plymouth is the city.    She's 31, and has two adorable kids.  Christine is the guardian for her sister with special needs.  David's wearing his skinned Muppet coat.  She wants 3 bed, 2 bath, fenced back yard, close to water or with a pool, her budget is $500k to $550k max. Realtor says .5 acre lot is small, and most lots are 1 acre plus in that area. 

House 1-Cedar Shore single family, near a lake.  $499k , 3bed, 2.5bath, 1859 sq. ft. almost 1/2 acre.  lovely hardwoods on the first floor, a Cape Cod, kitchen is lovely with dark cabinets, and an island, main bedroom 1st floor, huge, nice en suite, guest bath, 2 more bedrooms are big.  finished basement, big yard with a play set/slide, gazebo.  David says he'll buy this house if she doesn't.   House needs a few updates, like the kitchen counters. 

House 2-Hayden Cover, 10 minutes from town, single family, cranberry bogs nearby, $460k , 3 2 bed, bath, 1456 sq. ft. , 1.38 acres, wood floors, living room looks small to me.  kitchen is nice with granite counters.  full bathroom on 1st floor, and 3 beds and 1 bath upstairs, no en suite, bedrooms aren't huge, yard is huge. One of the neighbors has a rooster. and cows.   I don't like the steep side yard, adn cloped back yard.   

House 3-Sunny Meadows , Town home, $500k and up to $575k with upgrades available ,3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1600 sq ft. Community has banks, dentists, restaurants, etc. in the area.  main floor suite and lovely en suite wutg a huge shower, a half bath on this floor too, kitchen is wonderful, just a dining nook that could fit a regular table, 2nd floor 2 bedrooms with a beautiful guest bath, and an area that could be turned into a bedroom,   Hardwood are on the first floor, carpets on the stairs and second floor.   

She chooses #1.   Cedar Shores, on a flat 1/2 acre.   I hope she'll be very happy.   I knew she would pick this when I saw the giant play set. 

Edited July 30, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[Vermicious Knid]

Figured she wouldn't go for the townhouse because it didn't have a backyard for the kids.

[Yeah No]

On 7/30/2022 at 1:20 AM, Vermicious Knid said:

Figured she wouldn't go for the townhouse because it didn't have a backyard for the kids.

Yes, and it was obvious the first house was hers by the way it was furnished, etc.  The other one was obviously a model home and looked very staged.  I appreciated that David went up to New England again for a change - my neck of the woods.  I know he lives in FL so it's easier for him to film there but I am very tired of FL episodes by this time.

[CrazyInAlabama]

I knew house #1 was it when I saw the flat back yard, and the giant playset.    I hope she's very happy, she takes care of so many others, and now it's time she had something to enjoy.  That house is the only one with a decent yard, and space for the kids and visiting relatives.   She can make a few changes gradually, and it will be just as nice as the townhouse.   Did David mention the HOAs on the third place?       

The second house yard was ridiculous for her to maintain, and not usable for her kids, and for anything.   

New, "Second Chance Lottery"  Bettyann and Jerry, they have a settlement after a motorcycle accident (Jerry), and watching marathons of Dream Home got them through his rehab.   St. Augustine,  Jerry watched the show constantly.   They have a settlement.  

Current home in NY is a big farmhouse. 

They want 3 bed, 2 bath, pool or room to build one, 1 story only.    This will be their retirement home when they're ready, and winter in Florida until then, $500k bedget. 

House 1-Marsh Landing, new build (I don't think it's totally a new build, but very recent)-$470k , 4 bed, 2bath, just over 1/4 acre,  just over 2,000 sq ft, 3 car garage. Great kitchen, living/dining, bedrooms on the front of the house.  3 guest bedrooms are huge, two for guests, and one craft room, main is big, bath is huge, lots of closet space. back yard doesn't have a pool, but lots of room for one, and fenced. nothing can be built behind the house, it's a preserve. 

House 2- Juniper Springs-all redone, $415k , 4 bed, 2 bath, 1917 sq ft, great kitchen.  main bedroom is huge, ensuite is spectacular, great closet. back yard is decent size. no pool but room for it. 

House 3- Spud's Cove- $535k ,4  bed, 4 bath, 2268 sq ft. almost half an acre, has everything they want.  beautiful landscaping.  kitchen is big, and open, I love this house,  foyer to guest suite, 3 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, one bathroom close to the pool entrance, pool is fantastic.   It will cost a lot to maintain that pool, and landscaping.     House needs interior paint.  

They pick #3, I would have picked #3.

Edited August 6, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[Grizzly]

Was that butterfly tattoo on his left hand new?

[Kenzie]

1 hour ago, Grizzly said:

Was that butterfly tattoo on his left hand new?

I think so. I just noticed it in last week's episode.

Edited August 6, 2022 by Kenzie

[CrazyInAlabama]

Remember the hairdresser, Kelly McFarland who moved from a trailer in California, to Las Vegas?   She's on Judge Mathis, a rerun from this season.  She met a man online, moved him is as a roommate, with a signed lease.   Things went very bad, very quickly.   I hope she learns from this, and stays safe and happy.   

I really liked her, and wasn't happy to see someone try to take advantage of her.    I wonder if he knew about the lottery win? 

Tonight's new episode, "Quick Cash in Cedar Rapids"  They won $100k on a scratcher, are looking for a famliy home for the family of six (four adorable little kids),  in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, near schools and golf courses. Kati and Chauncy are putting the down payment on the house.   They're adding the winnings, to their down payment.   

They want  3-4 beds, 2 baths, big kitchen, No basement laundry, unfinished basement will work , and 2 living areas.  $160k to $180k budget. 

House 1- Twin Peaks in Cherryhill  , $173,900 , 4bed, 2bath, 1776 sq ft., a main suite in the basement.   I like there are railings all along the front wall near the steps.   big galley kitchen, and eat in space, 3 kids rooms are nice, basement is nice with a big bar, and a kitchenette (full kitchen size), 3 tvs on the basement family room wall, main suite in the basement is nice, en sutie, laundry down there, but it's so nice.    2 car detached garage, they back up to a big school athletic field. needs more back fencing. 

House 2- Otter Creek, , $165k, 4 bed, 1.5 bath, 1500 sq ft.  2 car garage on lower level.looks like a split level, love the floors, big dining room, kitchen looks great and redone, full bath is on the first floor, main bedroom is nice and bigger than yesterday, 2 bedrooms across the hall, basement is totally finished, with a family room, and another bedroom and 1/2 bath down there, also a 3 season porch, and full fenced back yard.  

House 3-Elm Crest,  $184,500, 4 bed, 2bath, 1540sq. ft. nice size living room, eat in kitchen, really nice kitchen and back splash,   a very wide galley kitchen, kids rooms are nice, and guest bath is nice,   main bedroom is decent size, basement needs a little finishing , backyard is huge, all fenced,  Their back neighbor is a golf course.   However, it's over budget, especially in today's market where you have to worry about bidding wars.  

They pick #2 . I would have picked #1 for the yard, and the basement kitchen and finishes.   But #2 has an attached garage. 

Edited August 13, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[Grizzly]

A bit disappointing to have such a small budget. At least there were decent houses to choose from. And the couple had a much better attitude about things then our typical HH episode. They oohed and ahhed over everything instead of picking it apart for not being perfect or updated. With 4 kids, my choice would be whichever had the most bathrooms.

[Vermicious Knid]

David, hon, a blanket isn't enough for 33 degree weather. The skinned muppet would be much warmer.

I thought house 1 was cramped and dated. Anyone else slightly horrified by the carousel horse coffee table? The laundry room leading into a bedroom is weird. The finished basement was nice though. House 2 was more open and airy. The kitchen was better but white cabinets + four kids = constant cleaning. Basement has a bedroom and family space, rooms with windows. House 3 was the most money. Another white kitchen, another finished basement. Big backyard. It was okay. They go with #2. I was wondering if it would be #3 since she complimented the owner's taste.

[CrazyInAlabama]

New episode, Mike and Barbara, Publisher's Clearing House sweepstakes, $1 million.   They already have a house in Colorado and one in Florida, and now buying a house in Columbia, SC near the new grandchild,  3-4 bedrooms, 2 + bath, open floor plan, 2000 sq ft or more, $300k to $350k.,  Maybe a FROG (finished room over the garage) or bonus room. 

Is this our first PCH winner?  

House 1- Timber Trail near Lake Murray,  $319k ,4 bed, 3 bath, 2630sq ft., I love the living/great room, dining, kitchen, all bedrooms are on the first floor, main bedroom and en suite are lovely, and big.   FROG is only part upstairs, but it's set up as a bedroom with a full bath.  Lovely pool in the community, back yard is small but nice.    newer house 5 years old.

House 2-Charwood Circle, $275k , 3 bed, 2.5bath, 2400sq ft., 1980's house, needs some updates, but Barbara is a general contractor.  main bedroom is huge, ensuite is only a big shower, no tub. kitchen isn't huge, family room is really nice.  upstairs has 2 bedrooms, back yard is huge, with a walking trail right behind the back yard.  (It didn't look like the back yards were fenced, and some CC&Rs don't allow fences, so always check that before buying if having a fence is important to you). 

House 3- Persimmon Place, $325k , 3   bed, 2.5 bath, 1737 sq ft bedrooms are all upstairs, and it's near a lake.   kitchen is nice, lots of cabinets, big dining room, not first floor bedroom, main and en suite are nice, 2 guest bedrooms, and bath are nice.   there's a nice outdoor second floor balcony.    Some passing fans tell David her mom loves him.   Back Yard with a pool and spa is spectacular.  Husband suggests they put a main suite on the side of the back yard. 

They picked # 1, I liked #1 the best.   Lots of room, first floor bedrooms. 

Edited August 20, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[Vermicious Knid]

All three houses were nice. Any of them would have worked I think. Although I do question the taste level of whomever owns house 2 and used a giant ampersand as a decoration.

[Grizzly]

Loved the FROG acronym. I had never that before. David was so impressed that she was a GC. You don't need a big backyard where there's community space. And you don't have to care for the pool. Wonder if they were selling the Colorado or Florida home?

[CrazyInAlabama]

5 minutes ago, Grizzly said:

Loved the FROG acronym. I had never that before. David was so impressed that she was a GC. You don't need a big backyard where there's community space. And you don't have to care for the pool. Wonder if they were selling the Colorado or Florida home?

I think they were selling the Colorado house, since the adult kids, and grandchild lived in or near Columbia.  

I'm so glad they didn't buy the second house, with so many bedrooms upstairs, or the third where the buyers didn't even have a main floor suite.   I did like the pool though.   With the community pool for the 1st house, they didn't need a big back yard, because I bet there were other amenities besides the pool. 

[Kiddvideo]

I love David (and this was the first episode I saw all season bc Friday nights mean baseball), but his voiceovers were breathier and more dramatic than usual, like whispered exclamations where random !!! were added to the script. His VOs have always been enthusiastic, but these were…hyper?

I liked the people, but three homes (no matter how modest) made me not really care. I guess I’m a snob when it comes to the winners I can invest in emotionally.

[CrazyInAlabama]

Moving to a New Hampshire, from Burlington, Mass.    $2 million won by the woman, and Becky (winner), Elizabeth (her daughter),  and Greg (fiance).  They want something halfway between their two jobs.  They have five kids between them. 

House 1- Breakfast Hill, outside of Millford., on an acre, 4 bed, 1 bath, 761 square ft, not counting the basement $285k.   It's a split level ranch, a splanch.    The partly unfinished basement isn't included in the square footage.   2 bedrooms on the upper level, and the only bathroom.    Basement has a lot of space for another bathroom, with 2 bedrooms with egress windows, great deck.  

House 2-Lochmere Lane, in Nashua, built in It's a townhome, the two units share utilities, a condex I think David called it.  built in 1900, but fully remodeled.  3 bed, 3 bath,  just under 2,000 sq. ft, $340 k, has a copper sink in the kitchen,  Main bedroom has a lovely fireplace, with an ensuite that's lovely.   Back deck is nice, with a smaller yard.  

House -Bolduck Park Merrimac, another townhouse,  - 3 bed, 2.5bath, 1460 sq. ft., $325k, central air, 2 car garage, outside landscape maintenance, hardwood floors, great kitchen, bedrooms are upstairs and are big, main bedroom is huge, with lots of closets.   Basement is fully finished, and wonderful. with a workshop, storage, family room.   out back there's a nice deck.  no yard work.  

They buy #1, I would have bought #3 with the garages, and enough bathrooms.    (I liked #2, but the shared utilities would be a deal breaker for me.   To split the utilities would be super expensive. )    Fiance will finish the basement when the weather cools off.   I wonder if it's on septic, and they'll have to replace the septic system to add more bathrooms, and other drains?  Some places, basements don't count for square footage totals, I'm not sure why, even if they're finished.

Edited August 27, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[Vermicious Knid]

A bedroom the color of calamine lotion. Ew.

I'm sure they moved from Mass to New Hampshire for the same reasons my cousins who grew up outside Boston did when they got married and bought homes. One got a townhouse, in fact. NH has no state income tax or sales tax. But they make up for it by having reaaallyy high property taxes. Most people still work in Massachusetts, which is why they stick close to the border.

I wonder; they aren't married, he's going to be doing all this work but I bet the deed is entirely in her name since it's her money.

[buttersister]

Quote

Four-bed, one bath, 761 sq. feet

I saw it but am still struggling because my one-bed, one-bath condo is larger than that! And while the rooms are nice sized, the bath is small. Four bedrooms?!

 I wonder if handyman fiancé is working for free—or has any expenses while he’s building out the basement (with tradespeople)? They seemed nice. Albeit when I saw #3’s workroom …😂

[Irlandesa]

I liked the family.  And I appreciated that the houses were different and in areas with trees.  I think that get lost with all the FL episodes. 

23 hours ago, buttersister said:

I saw it but am still struggling because my one-bed, one-bath condo is larger than that! And while the rooms are nice sized, the bath is small. Four bedrooms?!

It's because the basement, where two of the bathrooms were, wasn't included because it was unfinished.  So technically not countable yet but will be once it's finished.

On 8/27/2022 at 2:43 AM, Vermicious Knid said:

I wonder; they aren't married, he's going to be doing all this work but I bet the deed is entirely in her name since it's her money.

It might not be all her money.  Just because they tied buying a house to the lottery win doesn't mean he's not contributing to the house purchase.  For instance, I could come up with half of a down payment for a house right now but I'd struggle to do it for a full house. 

But even if she bought it, from what I understand, he'd be able to claim some of the increased value if he's putting work into it.  So if she bought the house at 285,000 and he puts in the renovation work to turn it into a 4 bedroom house that then might be worth 350,000, he'd be entitled to half of that 65,000 increase in value should they split. 

Edited August 28, 2022 by Irlandesa

[javajeanelaine]

I live in Florida and I have trees! But I do get the sameness of the architecture.

[Irlandesa]

6 minutes ago, javajeanelaine said:

I live in Florida and I have trees! But I do get the sameness of the architecture.

But so many of the FL houses they show don't. 

[CrazyInAlabama]

New episode "Tri-State Scratch King" In Sioux City, Iowa.  Single dad Cody needs a home to share with his 5-year-old son Brooks.    Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota   meet in the corner, so they call it Tri-State.  Cody won $600k total, he won $500k and bought a fixer 5 years ago,and a year ago won anothe, $100k.   Now he's buying a new home that he won't have to fix up.    Before he bought a fixer after   1500 sq ft 2-3 bath 2 bath, nice back yard.   Budget is $350k, and he's willing to look in any of the three states.  He's a contractor, so he wants an unfinished basement. 

House 1- Quimby Place, in South Dakota,  $330k , 4 bed, 2 bath, 1680 sq ft. unfinished basement. nice family/great room, nice kitchen, not a white kitchen (I may have one, but it's not my choice), split bedroom plan all on one level, with the unfinished basement.   Mainbedroom is nice, ensuite is big but needs an update. Unfinished basement has a picnic table in it.   Backyard is great, with a big patio, but no fence, are fences allowed? So, I'm guessing the current homeowners use the unfinished basement a lot, during the long cold winters there.     

House 2- Bellevue Bluff in Sioux City, Iowa, townhouse, a new build,  $335k , 2 bed, 2 bath, 1520 sq ft.  Townhouse looks pretty turnkey.   kids bedroom is nice, great walk-in closet.    Main bedroom is nice, en suite has double sinks, huge shower.    Unfinished basement is 1520 sq. ft,  No mention of HOA fees.   I think there's a 2 car garage.   Very modern home, with great finishes. 

(Poor David has a ton of pollen allergies, so he sounds awful.  He's 48, and didn't develop allergies until two years ago).

House 3- Plum Creek, in South Dakota, $289,500 ,they're duplexes, brand new corner unit.   2 bed, 2 bath, 1700 sq. ft. beautiful kitchen, dining, and family room.   Lots of kitchen storage,  bedrooms are bigger than house #2, great bathroom ensuite, basement is ready to finish.   back yard is nice patio, and some dirt ready to finish.    Only 1 egress window, so you can only add one more basement bedroom.  (Since there is a lot of lumber and sawhorses in the basement, I guess this is the one Cody bought)  No mention of HOA either.  he'll do his own landscaping. 

He chooses #3, he  says there are great schools in that city. I hope Cody and Brooks are very happy.   I bet finishing the basement will be spectacular.   

Edited September 3, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[Vermicious Knid]

Suspected it was the last house from the pile of lumber. The first house was nice but the wood accents didn't seem to go with the other surfaces.

I like they replaced the full opening with just a title card.

[Grizzly]

21 hours ago, Vermicious Knid said:

I like they replaced the full opening with just a title card.

Agree with you for the most part. But I miss saying along with one winner, "Ohh, David."

[Yeah No]

I knew he picked the last house too but because they gave us a clue when the realtor showed David the listings.  The camera focused in on them enough this time for me to see very clearly on my 60 inch TV that one of the houses was "pending" (so I knew it wouldn't be that one), one was "active" and one was blurred out.  So I figured why would they blur out the status of that one if it wasn't already sold to the house hunter in this episode?

BTW, I am not liking how flirty and inappropriate David was with him.  If a man were doing that to a woman everyone's knickers would be in a twist over it.  But somehow because he's doing it to a man nobody cares and that makes it OK?  Not in my book.  And I've been a fan of David's since before he was famous, so it really pains me to say that.  This isn't the first time he's done that, too.  The guy looked a lot uncomfortable when he took his hand so he made funny faces to the camera as if to show he was taking it in stride and finding it humorous.  But I could tell that was his attempt to "save" the situation and he was actually a little uncomfortable with it.  I think David was probably wacked out on allergy meds. but that still doesn't make it OK.

[Irlandesa]

1 hour ago, Yeah No said:

If a man were doing that to a woman everyone's knickers would be in a twist over it.

I'm not sure how David was inappropriate. I didn't see anything much different here than David is with all of his house seekers.

[Yeah No]

4 hours ago, Irlandesa said:

I'm not sure how David was inappropriate. I didn't see anything much different here than David is with all of his house seekers.

He was inappropriate with the innuendo and double entendre a few times in this episode:

• Cody:  "I'm just nervous". 
  
  David:  Don't be nervous, it's just me, I'm just a "regular old queen" (pats him on the shoulder and laughs).
  
  What is that supposed to mean?  Does he assume Cody needs to know he's "harmless"?  Why does he even have to mention that?   That's in my opinion out of place to the situation and inappropriate.  It also makes me wonder if he doesn't on some level know that the person he's dealing with feels uncomfortable with some of his behavior.  It doesn't matter if that person is right or wrong, it's how they feel about it that matters. 

• Cody:  "I don't know what to do with my hands".

  David:  Do you want to hold my hand?  Cody obligingly takes his hand and makes a face to the camera.
  
  This was the instance I felt Cody made that face to cover over his discomfort with how David was treating him.  He was trying to be a sport about it and look "cool" but I felt it was a cover.  It was at the very least embarrassing for him.  He's thinking about how his guy buddies are never going to let him live that down forever now.....

• David:  Do you want to check out the house?  Cody:  "Yeah". 
  
  David, "Come on cutie pie.  Come on darling, come on in".
  
  David is here using terms of endearment that are usually reserved for either romantic relationships or family.  They feel too familiar and paternalistic and again out of place to the situation.  Cody is not his "cutie pie" or "darling".  Cody is not a romantic prospect.  Women don't want to be called these things by men and I'm sure men, especially straight men don't want to be called these things by gay men.  It doesn't matter how "harmless" David thinks he is, treating someone that way can make them feel uncomfortable so he shouldn't presume he can do it.  It's also one thing for him to treat women that way because the presumption is he's not looking for anything, but when he does it with men it's a different story because they may not understand what his intentions are and feel uncomfortable with it.  So for the same reason it's not right for a straight man to do that with women it's not right here either.

• Cody (about long faucet with pull-out hose):  "Oh, look at this, it's even got a little thing on here". 
  
  David:  "You love those hoses, don'tcha?"  Makes big eyed mischievous grin to someone off camera.
  
  I don't think I even have to explain what is all kinds of wrong about this....It should be obvious.  If he was a straight man saying that to a woman the world would be turning itself inside out about it.  I don't see why it's OK for him to say that just because Cody is a man.  The fact that the suggestion is being made to a straight man makes it all the worse....Positively cringeworthy.....

• 2 instances where David "advertises" Cody to "the ladies out there" and lists his desirable pluses, such as being available and his job, etc.
  
  Again, he is treating Cody paternalistically.  Now he thinks he's going to advertise Cody to romantic prospects?  Unbelievable.  It's not his place to do that, especially not in front of a TV audience.  Again, if a man did this to a woman the world would be in an uproar about it.  It's the kind of thing I remember seeing on 1960s and 70s TV but died out thankfully because it made women uncomfortable and became seen as inappropriate behavior.  All of the above would be seen as inappropriate today if he were a straight man saying these things to and about a woman.  He shouldn't be saying them to and about a man either.  Just my opinion!    After all of the above I have to wonder what was motivating David with this guy.  Add it all up and it makes me think he was reacting to something about him that either brought out his hostility or turned him on in some way or both.  Just the psychologist in me talking there. 

Edited September 5, 2022 by Yeah No

[Soapy Goddess]

Agree Cody was definitely uncomfortable. To me, it seemed that way from the get-go. 

Most times when people are sitting at a table across from one another, they will lean in a bit, but Cody seemed to be leaning way back. The rest was perfectly listed by Yeah No.

[CrazyInAlabama]

I think David was so over the top last week on the Tri-State episode because he was zonked on allergy medicine.    You could tell he was really out of it.  

New episode, "Must Love Goats"  Joe, a single man, looking in California's Central Valley.  You have to admit, the title is certainly different.  Joe lives near Sacramento, in Madera or Fresno area.   $500k, windfall. not lottery, but a windfall and we're not discussing that.  2,000 sq ft, 3-4 bedrooms, maybe on land, maybe a fixer.  His budget is $500k.  Central Valley is $400k to $500k for a 3 bed 2 bath, with maybe some acreage.   

House 1-Bronson's Bend, 1/3 acre,  in Madera , $477k , 3bed, 3 bath 1742 sq ft.  Single story ranch, with a curved fireplace in the living room. Large, fenced pool, guest bath, main suite is huge, the ensuite has a weird sunken tub/ shower.    covered patio is nice.   I would leave the tub in the guest bath for visitors, and if he has a family that will be useful.  Needs a lot of work

House 2-Dragonfly Drive in town, turnkey,  $525k, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, Spanish style, single story,  2029 sq ft. great kitchen lots of granite, smaller back yard.   Much smaller than first house property and yard. 

House 3- Greenhorn Grove , $495k , 4 bed, 3 bath, over 2 acres, There's a main house, and a guest house.  bedrooms are nice, 3 guest bedrooms, and main bedroom is huge, with a giant closet, great shower and very nice, kitchen is fantastic.   Guest house has big kitchen, bath, huge bedroom.    Property 2.14 acres, garden, firepit, and the goats come with the property.  

He chose #3 , I would have chosen #3.  The 'goats come with the property' was a total clue that even I caught. 

There coastal prices are usually $800k to $900k and up, so in Central Valley the same place, or even better is $400k to $500k. 

I wish they would change the name of the show to : My Dream Home.  

Edited September 10, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[Grizzly]

If you're on the show, we get to know how you got the money. None of this won't discuss it bs. Was he wrongly imprisoned and got a settlement from the state? Did he come by it illegally? He seemed like a nice guy. I knew he wasn't choosing #1 since he said he'd now like a pool at his house, meaning his house doesn't have a pool. The goats were cute.

[Soapy Goddess]

5 hours ago, Grizzly said:

If you're on the show, we get to know how you got the money. None of this won't discuss it bs. Was he wrongly imprisoned and got a settlement from the state? Did he come by it illegally? He seemed like a nice guy.

Since he mentioned something to the effect of turning a bad situation into something good (not verbatim), I got the feeling his money came from a lawsuit settlement. And maybe one of the stipulations was that he's unable to speak about it...whether it's for x amount of years, or at all.

[seacliffsal]

David can just shut it with his "we don't have to talk about it" regarding how the house hunter got his money.  The whole premise of the show is 'lottery winner.'  First they had the loss of a child giving the family the financial ability to buy a home and now this.  Change the format of the show if there aren't any lottery winners who want to be on it.  This guy could have just been on House Hunters and it would have been fine IMO as we don't really know where those participants get their money.  But, this show is supposed to be different.  I know it shouldn't bother me so much but it does-especially as they wouldn't talk about how he got his money. If one doesn't want other people to know their business, then, here's a crazy thought, don't go on t.v.!   He should have gone on House Hunters.