House Hunters International - General Discussion

[Grrarrggh]

The South Glous hunters were lovely and quite funny too. Nice place and they seem like they'd actually make good parents. 

[LittleIggy]

Guadalajara: I would love to see that place when they get it renovated. 

[CrazyInAlabama]

Guadalajara was so interesting to see.  The first one with the high rise was so over budget. 

   I hated the second one with the coffee shop, office tenants, and only the one common kitchen, was a train wreck.      I knew right away it was a decoy.    Since it already had a coffee shop, the tenants on the second floor, it was so easy to see it was a decoy. 

I loved the possibilities for the third house, and I bet it will be spectacular.   

The number of employees they added might have been a storyline, where they already had them on board before the filming, but it was great that the business is so successful.     

 

Edited December 31, 2021 by CrazyInAlabama

[aghst]

The budget of the Seattle to Guadalajara couple was way more than $275k because that renovation won't be cheap.  Probably more expensive than the first property.  They're also going to lease separate office space.

Still they must be saving way more money over staying in Seattle or NYC.  Probably when they did their research, they knew they could hire trained people there, at lower labor costs.

Video production means what?  Youtube channels?  Training materials?  Porn?

Realtor said property prices have gone up a lot but property taxes are way lower than in the states and dining out is a fraction of the US.

That seems to be the tradeoff, they've spent time in Europe but chose to be closer to home in a place with much lower costs for living and for their business.

[seacliffsal]

Right after the Seattle couple stated that their company had 3 employees, the narrator's voiceover stated that they were jobless.  Geesch, get the story straight-it's only 20 minutes of show (much of which is repetitive) so it's not that hard to keep everything straight.

Loved the home they bought-but agree that it will be an expensive renovation (but well worth it).

[QQQQ]

On 12/29/2021 at 12:12 PM, LittleIggy said:

Bristol area: I liked the husband. He seemed nice and whimsical. I thought the wife said something about having been in the “hospitality industry” which means she could have been a desk clerk. The dog they adopted had the sweetest face.

It was like looking at a knock-off Harry Potter and the Bee Girl from Blind Melon's No Rain video.

[Grizzly]

Stuttgart, Germany. Yes, it's Kevin! He looks good and as youthful as ever. As always, he is bedeviled by people who want americanized foreign charm in the middle of the city that has plenty of room and outdoor space, all for a song. Can't Carrie appreciate that she married German charm?

[aghst]

11 hours ago, Grizzly said:

Stuttgart, Germany. Yes, it's Kevin! He looks good and as youthful as ever. As always, he is bedeviled by people who want americanized foreign charm in the middle of the city that has plenty of room and outdoor space, all for a song. Can't Carrie appreciate that she married German charm?

She kept going on and on about German charm but she dropped it instantly.  More producer BS.

What do you know, she added some color and knick knacks and she was fine.

I'd like to know what kind of job she got though, not knowing German.

She wanted to be near the town for employment opportunities.  But she didn't say much about it when it came time to choose and in the 3-months later segment, she says she got a job.

No pictures of trips to nearby European destinations, another thing she talked up.

 

[TVForever]

3 hours ago, aghst said:

 

I'd like to know what kind of job she got though, not knowing German.

She wanted to be near the town for employment opportunities.  But she didn't say much about it when it came time to choose and in the 3-months later segment, she says she got a job.

 

 

Being in Stuttgart, maybe something civilian at the military base? Or some local business that caters mostly to the base personnel and families?

[Dewey Decimate]

I realize that macrame is having a retro moment right now, but that dangly beige scrap over the sofa in the "after" video made my heart sad. 

[deirdra]

15 hours ago, Dewey Decimate said:

I realize that macrame is having a retro moment right now, but that dangly beige scrap over the sofa in the "after" video made my heart sad. 

It disappeared for a reason - it is a dust catcher!

[aghst]

My Tivo isn't showing any new episodes for a couple of weeks.

But a lot of new HH episodes during that time.

Hoping it's not a mistake in the scheduling.

[chessiegal]

6 hours ago, aghst said:

My Tivo isn't showing any new episodes for a couple of weeks.

But a lot of new HH episodes during that time.

Hoping it's not a mistake in the scheduling.

There is a new one on tonight, Thursday, Jan 13, 10:30 pm ET.

My online guide is showing a new episode next Tuesday and Thursday.

Edited January 14, 2022 by chessiegal
more info

[aghst]

Thanks, dumb TiVo.

[Grizzly]

Puerto Vallarta. We've seen this realtor before, I like him. I'm not usually into the industrial look but this one was pretty special and spacious. And the boathouse was unique. Why does she act like her kids are toddlers? The daughter is taller than she is. Aw what a cute dog.

[BAForever]

Hi Kevin! You're so cute. Stuttgart couple was cute. They seemed to not be too whiny. Carrie (more so in the face) reminded me of an actress. Anyone help me think of who? And the charm these people always seem to want would get old fast in a tiny place when they are used to much bigger places. The charm you seek is right outside your door.

[Dehumidifier]

9 hours ago, Grizzly said:

Puerto Vallarta. We've seen this realtor before, I like him. I'm not usually into the industrial look but this one was pretty special and spacious. And the boathouse was unique. Why does she act like her kids are toddlers? The daughter is taller than she is. Aw what a cute dog.

I spent the episode trying to figure out her hair. I finally decided, no, she hadn't just washed it, she had gone overboard with the gel. 

[mojito]

11 hours ago, Grizzly said:

Why does she act like her kids are toddlers?

Yes, wanting their bedrooms to be close to her, worrying about the balcony. Her daughter looked almost as old as she.

You'd think that after visiting PV for so many years and living there for three months, she'd learn how to pronounce "Vallarta" correctly.

[LittleIggy]

Kevin is German charm! 🥰 So great to see him again! 
I like Taniel, too. Yeah, the mother was ridiculous lumping her 14 yo in the same category as a 7 yo who might try to climb over a railing. 🙄

[laredhead]

Stuttgart couple - the husband knew that "German charm" meant small rooms, no open concept, and fewer amenities.  He had lived in the U.S. long enough to like the larger, open floorplans of many American houses.  If I had taken a drink everytime the wife said "German charm", I would have been zonked by the halfway point of the show.  I agree with another poster upthread, open the front door and experience the charm from afar.  Their choice of apartments from what they were offered was the best, IMO.  Kevin must get tired of picky Americans.  There should be a show about people from other countries coming to the U.S. and asking for American charm.

[debbie311]

8 hours ago, BAForever said:

Hi Kevin! You're so cute. Stuttgart couple was cute. They seemed to not be too whiny. Carrie (more so in the face) reminded me of an actress. Anyone help me think of who? And the charm these people always seem to want would get old fast in a tiny place when they are used to much bigger places. The charm you seek is right outside your door.

Walking into an empty apartment, painted white, and complaining that there is no charm, no personality.  One of my pet peeves.  Be happy that it's a blank slate that you can add your own personality to. And I agree - live in an environment that suits your needs, lifestyle, which to me would mean modern amenities, and then go out on the weekends and soak up the German atmosphere and charm.

[mojito]

Stuttgart

These people with their silly fairy tale ideas of living in other foreign places... "German charm". As if you can't step outside your home and be completely engulfed by Germany. 

I related to the wife's use of "grocery store" as opposed to "restaurants and shops".  When you get down to it, you want to know where you can buy your Fruit Loops and Hamburger Helper.

[LittleIggy]

When a HH asks “where’s the [insert country] charm” I always say “Go outside look around, dummy.” 🙄

[MartyQui]

Puerto Vallarta:  between the greasy hair and the ridiculous comments about the glass walls on the balcony, I was ready to shove her over them. I love the realtor, he joins Kevin, Adrian and Richard in the pantheon of favorites.  Loved the dog.

[ML89]

1 hour ago, LittleIggy said:

When a HH asks “where’s the [insert country] charm” I always say “Go outside look around, dummy.” 🙄

What I really love is people, especially in Italy, complaining about the modern looking apartments. Look at the shelter magazines, that's what people BUY from Italy! Look at Million Dollar Listing going on about the European appliances.

I can't remember what agent it was, who got the husband wants "modern" and gave them modern and when the husband balked, they all determined, no, it was "husband wants new with new appliances." That always cracks me up.

 

[aghst]

2 hours ago, mojito said:

Stuttgart

These people with their silly fairy tale ideas of living in other foreign places... "German charm". As if you can't step outside your home and be completely engulfed by Germany. 

I related to the wife's use of "grocery store" as opposed to "restaurants and shops".  When you get down to it, you want to know where you can buy your Fruit Loops and Hamburger Helper.

It's possible some House Hunters want local charm.

But it's far more likely the producers have them say that and repeat it throughout the filming, given that we've seen it over and over again.

The way you know this person didn't really care that much about "German charm" despite uttering the phrase repeatedly is that she dropped it instantly and went for the modern apartment, which she decried lacked "German charm."

She didn't even care enough to try to change up the phrasing for varied.

[LittleIggy]

5 hours ago, MartyQui said:

Puerto Vallarta:  between the greasy hair and the ridiculous comments about the glass walls on the balcony, I was ready to shove her over them. I love the realtor, he joins Kevin, Adrian and Richard in the pantheon of favorites.  Loved the dog.

Yeah, Taniel is one of my faves, too. He seems like he would be fun to hang out with like the others you mentioned. But Kevin has my  !😏

[cinsays]

14 hours ago, MartyQui said:

Puerto Vallarta:  between the greasy hair and the ridiculous comments about the glass walls on the balcony, I was ready to shove her over them. I love the realtor, he joins Kevin, Adrian and Richard in the pantheon of favorites.  Loved the dog.

Well, I am not sure if it was greasy or just really thin, fine hair, which is really hard to deal with.

And, as lovely and charming as the boathouse was, no, i would not want to deal with all those stairs everyday.  But then I don't have the agility she obviously has.

[aghst]

5 hours ago, cinsays said:

Well, I am not sure if it was greasy or just really thin, fine hair, which is really hard to deal with.

And, as lovely and charming as the boathouse was, no, i would not want to deal with all those stairs everyday.  But then I don't have the agility she obviously has.

All the properties were in the hills, so far away from the beach and the town?

Great views overlooking the city and the ocean but would they have to go down to town and back uphill for things like groceries and such?

Maybe they had a car or planned to have a car.

Does Taniel work all of Mexico or only the resorts on the Pacific Coast?  Did he do the Mexico City episodes or the Riviera Maya ones?

Such a contrast from resorts to Mexico City.

[LittleIggy]

8 hours ago, aghst said:

All the properties were in the hills, so far away from the beach and the town?

Great views overlooking the city and the ocean but would they have to go down to town and back uphill for things like groceries and such?

Maybe they had a car or planned to have a car.

Does Taniel work all of Mexico or only the resorts on the Pacific Coast?  Did he do the Mexico City episodes or the Riviera Maya ones?

Such a contrast from resorts to Mexico City.

I’m pretty sure Taniel covers just PV and the surroundings area. 

[Thumper]

I liked that realtor very much.  I think the househunter just had very fine, thin hair.

[Grizzly]

Miami, Australia. Love the give and take between Maxine and Johan. Can understand why he doesn't want a roommate.  The places all seemed nice, fairly priced for being that close to the beach.

[pep4]

Was Idiot to Australia the first episode of House Hunters Idiocracy?

[Olliesmom]

Miami, Australia dude was an absolute, obnoxious, overgrown creep.

[buttersister]

Wow, Maxine the realtor’s friend must have really needed a paying roommate for her to introduce him to Johan the perennial juvenile.

You are neither that cute nor charming, slick. Bet his photo was on the Do Not Lease list at resort #2.

[aghst]

Maxine didn’t like the guy but she liked another guy on a different episode.

Maybe if she found him more charming she’d have shown him some better options.

I thought the Gold Coast was north of Brisbane.

[QQQQ]

Unless Johan is living off of a trust fund, I predict he is evicted for non-payment of rent within 3 months. I also imagine the corporate job he mentioned multiple times lasted a less than a week.

Update: Johan Danno's Resume

Edited January 20, 2022 by QQQQ

[cinsays]

56 minutes ago, QQQQ said:

Unless Johan is living off of a trust fund, I predict he is evicted for non-payment of rent within 3 months. I also imagine the corporate job he mentioned multiple times lasted a less than a week.

 

yeah, he wasn't impressive.  wonder what the corporate job actually was - in the pics he's dressed more like a mechanic than a businessman.  why maxine would want to saddle her friend with a somewhat iffy dude is beyond me.

[mojito]

Miami, Queensland

I would think that Johan must have some employment good skills if he was permitted into Australia. I wonder what those are.

Hope Maxine didn’t sprain her sockets rolling her eyes so much. She was a good sport. Having TV cameras in your face probably helped a lot.

Whenever someone makes a point of telling me what kind of person he is (Johan pushed his zaniness), I usually learn later that he overbilled himself. 

I give credit to people who seem to be a bit socially delayed when they’re following their heart and not involving a spouse and dependents. Go for it, Johan. You have the rest of your life to grow up. If you want to, that is.

[CoppersMom2021]

On 1/14/2022 at 3:59 PM, LittleIggy said:

When a HH asks “where’s the [insert country] charm” I always say “Go outside look around, dummy.” 🙄

“It just doesnt have that Venezuelan charm”… every house does not have aspects that scream “HI I WAS BUILT IN _____! CANT YOU TELL?” 
You can bring in “charm” by shopping local businesses and learning more about the culture. 

[ECM1231]

On 1/14/2022 at 10:53 AM, mojito said:

You'd think that after visiting PV for so many years and living there for three months, she'd learn how to pronounce "Vallarta" correctly.

🤣And also PUERTA (PWERTA). I hate when folks say PORTO or PORTA. They say that with Puerto Rico too.

[buttersister]

LOL! According to Johan's little profile, "Recently starred in a paid, main role for a House Hunters International TV Show (episode airing this season)." 

And he lists that he was in the drama club in high school. I can't even make this shit up.

I maintain that Nick, Maxine's friend, had to be HARD UP to make the rent by himself.

[Grizzly]

Belgium. At least they admitted they knew going in that closets were not common. The daughter was cute wanting a small room so she didn't have much to clean. Can she quickly grow up and be on HH? I am so shallow, Nabil is not making my hot list.

[LittleIggy]

On 1/18/2022 at 11:43 PM, Olliesmom said:

Miami, Australia dude was an absolute, obnoxious, overgrown creep.

I can’t imagine him having a corporate job! Was he consulting on how to be a self-centered dick?

[aghst]

12 hours ago, Grizzly said:

Belgium. At least they admitted they knew going in that closets were not common. The daughter was cute wanting a small room so she didn't have much to clean. Can she quickly grow up and be on HH? I am so shallow, Nabil is not making my hot list.

Maybe they decided on the basis of budget?

First place had more bathrooms but the difference is $350, though it would have been $250 out of pocket.

Sometimes children who move around because one of their parents is in the military don't like leaving friends they make behind.  But they're young and enthusiastic -- do they even eat pear or do they prefer candy?

[Koalagirl]

13 hours ago, Grizzly said:

Belgium. At least they admitted they knew going in that closets were not common. The daughter was cute wanting a small room so she didn't have much to clean. Can she quickly grow up and be on HH? I am so shallow, Nabil is not making my hot list.

Surely they could have found a more telegenic “realtor” for this episode. 

[proserpina65]

On 1/19/2022 at 2:45 PM, mojito said:

Hope Maxine didn’t sprain her sockets rolling her eyes so much. She was a good sport. Having TV cameras in your face probably helped a lot.

I could practically hear them rolling from my couch.  How she manage to not slap Johan upside the head is beyond me.

[BAForever]

Liked the Belgium couple, cute kids too. Sharing a bathroom with a 9 and 8 year old wouldn't be great, but thought they were smart to save the $. And I thought Nigel said warm house was close to dad's work. Loved Nigel's French accent. 

[aghst]

5 minutes ago, BAForever said:

Liked the Belgium couple, cute kids too. Sharing a bathroom with a 9 and 8 year old wouldn't be great, but thought they were smart to save the $. And I thought Nigel said warm house was close to dad's work. Loved Nigel's French accent. 

Guess it depends on how long they plan to stay there.

If they're still there and the kids are like 13 or 14 or older, it would be very trying living situation, sharing one bathroom among two adults and two teens.

But if they plan to move again, either in Belgium or some other city, they can probably deal with it in the short term.

 

 

[mojito]

Belgium

Nice couple. If kids were enthusiastic and open-minded like these kids were (I was surprised how much they liked the second home after the son declared that it looked  old when they were outside), I think I'd like seeing more kids throwing in their two cents on the show.  Not a whole lot of "me, me, me" from the kids or the parents, which was nice.  Loved the daughter's rationale for a smaller space. No "shops and restaurants" and "walkability" demands. I know they were military and  their lives will probably be intertwined with other military people. Still, it was a refreshing change of pace with a couple having no major dislikes of the three places they were shown and all of the homes seemed to be in an acceptable location. How often does that happen?