Million Dollar Listing LA - General Discussion

[geauxaway]

3 hours ago, dleighg said:

yes there was-- for the "gardener." Wonder why they don't count that as a bedroom?

I think maybe for the same reasons they don’t count below grade (basement) bedrooms.  The gardeners quarters would be an “outbuilding” or accessory unit.  It would be valued as an entire unit, I believe.  And then comped as such.

3 hours ago, TheLastKidPicked said:

Speaking of the Altman Brothers, did you all notice a difference this season?

The agents are just more likable.  Even some agents I didn't like in the past are so much more fun this year.  I'm sure becoming a father has a lot to do with Josh Altman's changes for the better.

 

I think fatherhood has mellowed JA.  He’s soooooo much more likeable!  And a lot less douchey.

[CrazyInAlabama]

I think the extra bedroom apartment wasn't joined to the main house, just over the garage, with the separate stairs.   I'm guessing you can't really count that as an additional bedroom, and bath, because of the separation, and lack of access from inside the house.    That apartment would be great for a live in nanny.   

[Stan39]

15 hours ago, geauxaway said:

I think maybe for the same reasons they don’t count below grade (basement) bedrooms.  The gardeners quarters would be an “outbuilding” or accessory unit.  It would be valued as an entire unit, I believe.  And then comped as such.

I think fatherhood has mellowed JA.  He’s soooooo much more likeable!  And a lot less douchey.

I never thought Altman could become likeable after how he started on this show. The biggest reason Madison left the show was because of how upset he was when Heather started dating Josh, and at the time I agreed with Madison. Josh was sooo sleazy and douchey. He still has some of that used car salesman in him, but he seems much more genuine and human now. 
 

And wasn’t Flagg a real asshole when this show started? I seem to remember when the show started he was still in the closet and seemed really mean toward Chad. I seem to remember he became much more likeable once he came out on the show and didn’t fight as much. 

[TheLastKidPicked]

1 hour ago, Stan39 said:

And wasn’t Flagg a real asshole when this show started? I seem to remember when the show started he was still in the closet and seemed really mean toward Chad. I seem to remember he became much more likeable once he came out on the show and didn’t fight as much.

What I remember about Flagg when the show started was his sense of entitlement.  They showed him wanting to have his dog with him at a luxury hotel, but pets weren't allowed.  So he had his pet dog classified as a service dog so he could take him into the hotel.

And they even showed him parking his Rolls Royce in a handicapped spot!

I think what happened is that Bobby is very grounded and can call Josh on his B.S.  Maybe Bobby has shown Josh that when he does things like this, he is taking something away from somebody else.

[dleighg]

31 minutes ago, TheLastKidPicked said:

I think what happened is that Bobby is very grounded and can call Josh on his B.S.

I was worried that Bobby was something of a gold-digger. Their romance seemed awfully quick, and *seemed* one-sided. But I'm happy to find that he seems like a good match, who, like you say, calls Josh on his B.S.

[CrazyInAlabama]

I suspect the Josh Flagg rotten moments in the first seasons were all for the show.    The physical fights were the same, in my opinion, producer drama.    What the producers don't realize is that I'm guessing most watch for the real estate porn, and seeing the magnificent old houses like the ones Josh F. often sells.   

[geauxaway]

10 hours ago, TheLastKidPicked said:

I think what happened is that Bobby is very grounded and can call Josh on his B.S.  Maybe Bobby has shown Josh that when he does things like this, he is taking something away from somebody else.

Ugh, I just said to my friend the other night that I really cannot stand Bobby.  He seems like such a prissy bitch, I can’t put my finger on it but he’s always got a comment about something and it buggggs me.  I get prissy like Flagg, but Bobby is different to me.  I think he seems like a downer and is always “on.”  I wish I could explain it better, but something about him just does not jive with me.

[seigle]

I didn't know Altman Bros had the New Castle for a week. Listening to the comments of the other brokers this just confirms how pompous and egotistical Scott Gillen is. No wonder it hasn't sold since it came to market in 2016.

About Flagg, Yeah Flagg being Flagg. Bobby seems to be a really nice guy. I miss Colton though. I wonder how is he doing right now. And yeah Godzilla!

Can't wait to see the next episode. We finally get to see 9133 Oriole Way again which has been on and off the market for quite some time.

 

[Marley]

I like Bobby. I don’t know why but I like him and Josh's relationship and their banter on the show. 

[retired watcher]

On 7/23/2020 at 3:50 PM, CruiseDiva said:

Regarding Flagg's Long Beach house with three bedrooms... when he did the walk-through I seem to remember another room with an outside staircase--for the chauffeur?  Couldn't that be "converted" to a 4th bedroom? Or was I dreaming or maybe I've got the million dollar houses mixed up.

He said it could be used as a bedroom suite.

[CrazyInAlabama]

The chauffeur or gardener's apartment was over the garage, and had a separate outside staircase.   It's not an official bedroom included in the house number because I don't think there was a direct access from the main house.    You could still use it, but it's not an attached fourth bedroom.  

[oakville]

On 7/24/2020 at 10:31 AM, Stan39 said:

And wasn’t Flagg a real asshole when this show started? I seem to remember when the show started he was still in the closet and seemed really mean toward Chad. I seem to remember he became much more likeable once he came out on the show and didn’t fight as much. 

Flagg had some legal problems when the show started but I am sure the charges were dropped.

https://www.tmz.com/2008/08/01/bravo-star-ought-not-to-be-in-pictures/

[Surrealist]

10 hours ago, oakville said:

Flagg had some legal problems when the show started but I am sure the charges were dropped.

https://www.tmz.com/2008/08/01/bravo-star-ought-not-to-be-in-pictures/

Whoa

[oakville]

1 hour ago, Surrealist said:

Whoa

It's bizarre that Josh Flagg would steal valuable artwork from his clients.

[sugarbaker design]

11 hours ago, oakville said:

It's bizarre that Josh Flagg would steal valuable artwork from his clients.

Charges were dropped, so it's unclear if he did steal anything.

[CrazyInAlabama]

Since charges were dropped, my guess is some homeowners sold items that their children or grandchildren thought they were inheriting, so as soon as he proved ownership, the charges went away.   Just a guess on my part.   Or they were fakes, and he bought them as fakes.   

I don't believe he is any kind of thief.   

Edited July 29, 2020 by CrazyInAlabama

[Surrealist]

44 minutes ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

Since charges were dropped, my guess is some homeowners sold items that their children or grandchildren thought they were inheriting, so as soon as he proved ownership, the charges went away.   Just a guess on my part.   Or they were fakes, and he bought them as fakes.   

Given what we've seen of (and know about) Josh, that kind of charge seems unreal, and you think, why would someone in his position need to steal artwork? 

I'm glad the charges were dropped. 

Edited July 28, 2020 by Surrealist

[jrzy]

1 hour ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

Since charges were dropped, my guess is some homeowners sold items that their children or grandchildren thought they were inheriting, so as soon as he proved ownership, the charges went away.   Just a guess on my part.   Or they were fakes, and he bought them as fakes.   

 I can't see Josh Flagg doing that,  his grandmother was so important to him and he had too much respect for her to do something to bring shame on the family.  

[SunnyBeBe]

Does anyone know if they have shown Flagg's home recently?  It seems as if he did buy a house, but, I recall how he was so adamant about living in a hotel.  I never understood that and lately, he's so positive talking about older homes and about hating big white boxes.......

I think all the agents are doing a good job on this show right now. For personal preference, if I hired one......I think I'd relate the most to James.  I'm not sure why.  I just think he thinks more the way I do.  I do think Flagg has a way of gauging what you want pretty well.  I'm just not into older homes.  

[Stan39]

I don’t even live in LA and I thought Becca was being unreasonable with her wishlist. I’m amazed Josh found three good houses for them to choose. Wish she was a little more appreciative of Josh getting her a house under budget that they could pretty easily renovate. And the Girl Gang is insufferable. You could watch Zac rethink his decision to marry this woman as the episode progressed. But I really liked Josh’s line that people think they want old fashioned charm, just not authentic. 
 

Looking at the Marguerita house all I could think about are the lucky snots that are going to grow up there and never realize how good their life is. Lol. That house and backyard were amazing for that location. 

[bichonblitz]

2 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Does anyone know if they have shown Flagg's home recently?  It seems as if he did buy a house, but, I recall how he was so adamant about living in a hotel.  I never understood that and lately, he's so positive talking about older homes and about hating big white boxes.......

Yes, they did buy a house last season. An old home in a great neighborhood. Josh was going to practically gut the place costing several more millions in renovations. Bobby was not happy about it, he wanted a newer home. Josh got his way. We haven't gotten any updates on the show about how that's progressing. It would be very interesting to see.  

[TV Diva Queen]

1 hour ago, bichonblitz said:

Yes, they did buy a house last season. An old home in a great neighborhood. Josh was going to practically gut the place costing several more millions in renovations. Bobby was not happy about it, he wanted a newer home. Josh got his way. We haven't gotten any updates on the show about how that's progressing. It would be very interesting to see.  

I think they compromised  Josh wanted hotel living, Bobby wanted a home.  They bought a home they will rehab to both their tastes.  Hold on for unpopular opinion.........Its Josh's money too.  He should get a weighted vote.  

[Grrarrggh]

On 7/28/2020 at 2:07 PM, Surrealist said:

you think, why would someone in his position need to steal artwork? 

For some people there is never enough of anything. How else would the world have tens of thousands of people with more money than they could spend in 10 lifetimes?

[Stan39]

6 minutes ago, Grrarrggh said:

For some people there is never enough of anything. How else would the world have tens of thousands of people with more money than they could spend in 10 lifetimes?

There’s also the rebellious or “getting away with it” that people like. Wynona Rider famously shoplifted just for the rush of it. I could see a young, entitled Josh Flagg thinking he could do anything he wanted. 

[Cheyanne11]

6 hours ago, Stan39 said:

Looking at the Marguerita house all I could think about are the lucky snots that are going to grow up there and never realize how good their life is. Lol. That house and backyard were amazing for that location. 

Right?  There wasn't anything about that house I didn't love.  Talk about ticking all the boxes.

I really like David and James.  They seem relatable.  Flagg is a handful, but I find him amusing.  Altman...I just cannot warm up to.  He's always so smug to me.

ETA: The Marguerita house is still on the market with a reduced price of $16,995,000.00.  David and James still have the listing.

Edited July 29, 2020 by Cheyanne11

[lynxfx]

1 hour ago, Stan39 said:

There’s also the rebellious or “getting away with it” that people like.

Also the plot of movies like Entrapment and The Thomas Crowne Affair. 

I would like to see what Flagg's house looks like now. They were planning quite the reno.

[pally]

On 7/28/2020 at 3:20 PM, jrzy said:

 I can't see Josh Flagg doing that,  his grandmother was so important to him and he had too much respect for her to do something to bring shame on the family.  

We forget that Josh was pretty young when this show started.  In 2008 he would have been 24.  He may be an old soul but he was awfully immarture in some ways.

[dleighg]

That house on Oriole-- I'm trying to figure out why you need a "service" kitchen when it's obvious that the owner of this house is never going to do their own cooking! I guess so that the real food can be made and stored back there and the show kitchen can continue to look completely unused, with just the proverbial bowl of fruit on the counter and champagne and sparkling water in the show refrigerator!

[CruiseDiva]

Just now, dleighg said:

That house on Oriole-- I'm trying to figure out why you need a "service" kitchen when it's obvious that the owner of this house is never going to do their own cooking!

My thought was that the service kitchen is for caterers to use. 

[dleighg]

1 minute ago, CruiseDiva said:

My thought was that the service kitchen is for caterers to use. 

My point was that the owner of that house is only going to have a private chef/caterers. Ever. 

[dleighg]

How can Flagg ethically advise the buyers on a price for a house he is also the listing agent for? I honestly don't really understand how this works. 

[lynxfx]

1 hour ago, dleighg said:

How can Flagg ethically advise the buyers on a price for a house he is also the listing agent for? I honestly don't really understand how this works. 

Yeah I thought they always needed to bring in a different agent even if it is the same agency to avoid conflict of interest. You saw that with the Razor house when Altman became the buyers agent. He still got both commissions but wasn't acting on behalf of the seller during negotiations.

[dleighg]

16 minutes ago, lynxfx said:

Yeah I thought they always needed to bring in a different agent even if it is the same agency to avoid conflict of interest. You saw that with the Razor house when Altman became the buyers agent. He still got both commissions but wasn't acting on behalf of the seller during negotiations.

that's what I was thinking about. I mean, Flagg could certainly already know that the sellers are really aiming for "X." Just the fact that he knows this means that he shouldn't be advising the buyers on a price point. Someone else should do that.

[pally]

2 hours ago, lynxfx said:

Yeah I thought they always needed to bring in a different agent even if it is the same agency to avoid conflict of interest. You saw that with the Razor house when Altman became the buyers agent. He still got both commissions but wasn't acting on behalf of the seller during negotiations.

They are supposed to receive written permission from both parties before doing so.  Ryan form MDLNY was sued for failing to disclose duel agency last year.  If I were a seller there is no way I would want my agent negotiating with himself.  It is impossible for the agent to fairly represent each party.  

[CrazyInAlabama]

In the current state I live in, and the one before that, for dual agency (I was the buyer in both states), then you have to sign that you realize the sellers are represented by the same company that is acting as the buyer's agent.   I was OK with that, in a lot of cases.       In smaller towns that can be a problem, since usually one real estate company has a lot of the listings. 

It's a rookie move not to disclose the agency relationship to buyer and seller.    

Edited July 31, 2020 by CrazyInAlabama

[Marley]

I think Josh is still renovating that house him and Bobby bought. I thought I saw on ig renos were delayed again cause they changed their mind on something again. Or maybe I’m imagining that lol.

[TV Diva Queen]

On 7/30/2020 at 11:34 AM, dleighg said:

My point was that the owner of that house is only going to have a private chef/caterers. Ever. 

that's not entirely true - a lot of people enjoy cooking.  Chrissy Teigan comes to mind.  

[TheLastKidPicked]

On 7/29/2020 at 9:20 AM, Stan39 said:

I don’t even live in LA and I thought Becca was being unreasonable with her wishlist. I’m amazed Josh found three good houses for them to choose. Wish she was a little more appreciative of Josh getting her a house under budget that they could pretty easily renovate.

I bolded the last sentence for anybody who has ever worked in sales.  

It's amazing how many people have no idea how much work goes on behind the scenes when they are buying a house, a car, or even a refrigerator.  If you've ever been on the service side of these sales, you know what I mean.

 

[Surrealist]

On 7/29/2020 at 7:52 PM, pally said:

We forget that Josh was pretty young when this show started.  In 2008 he would have been 24.  He may be an old soul but he was awfully immarture in some ways.

That's fair. I missed seeing the first couple of seasons, so I'm not entirely certain what he was like back then. This season he seems fine. Before he was all right. Has his snobby moments, but I love his knowledge of architecture. Also, I loved seeing Edith.

[Grrarrggh]

3 hours ago, TV Diva Queen said:

that's not entirely true - a lot of people enjoy cooking.  Chrissy Teigan comes to mind.  

But how many of those people only cook for TV/Instagram? 

[Lizzing]

Bravo has been re-airing the original Million Dollar Listing, where the show was focused on the house/deal, rather than the agents.  Yeah, the agents were involved, but the plot followed the home sale more than anything.  I LOOOOVED this season and was so disappointed at the changes when it came back 2 years later.  I'm really missing early aughts Bravo...Queer Eye, Inside the Actors' Studio, first season OC.  

Also I'm perplexed by some of these houses being touted at "up to date" where they look like maybe late 80s/early 90s updates....was that current in '05?  I have no clue at this point, as January of this year feels like six years ago.

Well, watch the old stuff if you get a chance and ignore the crazy chick here.

[Stan39]

24 minutes ago, Lizzing said:

Bravo has been re-airing the original Million Dollar Listing, where the show was focused on the house/deal, rather than the agents.  Yeah, the agents were involved, but the plot followed the home sale more than anything.  I LOOOOVED this season and was so disappointed at the changes when it came back 2 years later.  I'm really missing early aughts Bravo...Queer Eye, Inside the Actors' Studio, first season OC.  

Also I'm perplexed by some of these houses being touted at "up to date" where they look like maybe late 80s/early 90s updates....was that current in '05?  I have no clue at this point, as January of this year feels like six years ago.

Well, watch the old stuff if you get a chance and ignore the crazy chick here.

Agreed. Unfortunately, every network and production company quickly learns that it’s a ton cheaper and easier to just pay people to fake fight about dumb stuff. Most reality shows I watch for about three years and give up (the first year is “authentic” as nobody knows what they’re doing and things happen somewhat organic. Second season people fill their niches and learn how to get their screen time. Third season is predictable and routine but it takes me time to realize and give up). 
 

We all want cinema verite, but filming people 24/7 in hopes you get 44 minutes of content per week is a waste of money when you can just stage a scene where everyone needs to be there, it’s well lit, well mic’d, and people are expected to fight. Going back to those original Real World seasons would probably bore young people these days. Not enough action. 

[TheLastKidPicked]

2 hours ago, Lizzing said:

Bravo has been re-airing the original Million Dollar Listing, where the show was focused on the house/deal, rather than the agents.  Yeah, the agents were involved, but the plot followed the home sale more than anything.  I LOOOOVED this season and was so disappointed at the changes when it came back 2 years later.  I'm really missing early aughts Bravo...Queer Eye, Inside the Actors' Studio, first season OC.  

 

1 hour ago, Stan39 said:

Most reality shows I watch for about three years and give up (the first year is “authentic” as nobody knows what they’re doing and things happen somewhat organic. Second season people fill their niches and learn how to get their screen time. Third season is predictable and routine but it takes me time to realize and give up). 

Yes!  You both hit on something we were just talking about at our house.

Back when we were all young and naive, I remember somebody pointing out a shocking (shocking!) turn of events.

It was the show American Pickers, and they were going to break into an old barn that had not been entered for so long that the owner couldn't find the keys.  So they pick the lock, and dramatically push the door open to see what was inside.

The next shot is from inside the barn, looking out through the door at the owners to show their reactions as the door swings open for the first time in years.

"Wait a minute!"  My buddy hollered.  "If there are no keys to the barn, and they had to pick the lock, then how did the camera guy get in the barn to show the faces of the owners as the door swung open?"

My gosh!  Back then were actually surprised to find out that the scene was staged!

Oh, how young and innocent we were back then.

 

Edited August 3, 2020 by TheLastKidPicked

[MsTree]

16 hours ago, Stan39 said:

We all want cinema verite, but filming people 24/7 in hopes you get 44 minutes of content per week is a waste of money when you can just stage a scene where everyone needs to be there, it’s well lit, well mic’d, and people are expected to fight. Going back to those original Real World seasons would probably bore young people these days. Not enough action. 

I agree, but what about what older folks might like? Before Real World, there was the Loud Family...the original cinema verite. Some interesting subjects came out of that show. Perhaps not a lot of action, but definitely enough drama to hold one's attention.

[Stan39]

5 hours ago, MsTree said:

I agree, but what about what older folks might like? Before Real World, there was the Loud Family...the original cinema verite. Some interesting subjects came out of that show. Perhaps not a lot of action, but definitely enough drama to hold one's attention.

I’m not familiar with the Loud Family, but it sounds interesting. I’m just not sure it’s what studios want. As far as what older people might like, now that I’m bored at home I’m watching reruns of shows like Murder She Wrote and Columbo and thinking why don’t they make shows like this anymore? Murder She Wrote and Golden Girls were great shows that cast older people and showed them as vulnerable, sexual human beings. I don’t think you’d see that today. It’s all about 20-year-olds in bathing suits. 

[sugarbaker design]

5 hours ago, MsTree said:

Perhaps not a lot of action, but definitely enough drama to hold one's attention.

The son Lance Loud came out of the closet and the parents divorced, It was action-packed for the time.

[DrSparkles]

I LOVE Casa Oceana. Fabulous! In fact, I would love for Josh to buy it.

[MsTree]

17 hours ago, sugarbaker design said:

The son Lance Loud came out of the closet and the parents divorced, It was action-packed for the time.

Exactly...I didn't want to over-state the action, as there were some lulls. But it WAS the first "reality" show of its kind, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Marley]

That house in Arizona was interesting but this isn’t million dollars listing Arizona. They have enough cast to fill up episodes I’m sure.

[TheLastKidPicked]

9 hours ago, Marley said:

That house in Arizona was interesting but this isn’t million dollars listing Arizona. They have enough cast to fill up episodes I’m sure.

It seemed like they were trying to set up a future storyline here.

Notice how this is the first house that Tracy fell in love with and actually talked about buying for herself.  

I could see her wanting to step back from the rat race and be tempted to move out to Arizona.