<p>Ever since I started watching HGTV, which started because of the Dream House in Stowe, VT, I can’t get enough of it. I am an average DIY-er type of person, and I work full time, but on weekends I turn that on in the morning when I’m cleaning up the kitchen and I can’t “buy” enough first time homes, vacation homes, or “rescue” a few disasters with Holmes. When everyone else goes to bed, I click it on again and will watch any show they have … I like them all.</p>
<p>What is this about? My own house is fine, and I always have a few house projects to look forward to doing, but why does this channel lure me? My youngest is a Jr. in high school, and he hates all these shows, as does my H. They think I’ve gone bonkers but I’m in re-model or house-shopping bliss.</p>
<p>My D LOVES HGTV. I don’t watch it if she doesn’t have it already on–but once I start watching, I, too, am fascinated. Design on a Dime–the cute guy who not only designs stuff but often paints something for the house–they make it all look so easy (and cheap)!</p>
<p>I love HGTV, too! My favorite shows are Property Virgins, the Sarah Richardson shows, House Hunters, and Selling NY. In the past couple of weeks, I’ve passed Mike Holmes, Sarah Richardson and Tommy on the street. :)</p>
<p>Another similar type show that I enjoy is Million Dollar Listing, which is on Bravo.</p>
<p>Completely addicted too. One of my favorites is House Hunters International. I like to see how people live in other countries and how much their homes cost.</p>
<p>Another HGTV lover, especially Curb Appeal:The Block, Bang for the Buck, Designed to Sell, House Hunters Int’l, and Selling NY. I have to confess that the latter two shows’ appeal has to do with feeling I have a pretty nice home for the money I paid. </p>
<p>I hate Property Virgins and Real Estate Intervention because I feel like they talk down to the people.</p>
<p>Schwew … I’m not alone. I cut the grass this afternoon and couldn’t watch, but still today I re-designed a dining room and did a neighborhood makeover, all while folding 3 loads of laundry. I’m exhausted. :)</p>
<p>Why are those Canadians so clever? Sarah Richardson and Candice Olsen both do amazing work - Sarah’s Summer House (airing recently/currently) is just a delight. </p>
<p>I’m one of those people who always wants to buy a place when I go on vacation to someplace I love, so HH International is great for that. John Gidding is adorable on Curb Appeal. I could go on and on… but I won’t, in case my husband reads this (also thinks I’m a little crazy about this house stuff).</p>
<p>But I’ve gotta say, I cringe every time one of the first-time homebuyers on a budget refuses to consider anything that doesn’t have stainless appliances and granite. Hello? Isn’t livable space slightly more important?</p>
<p>FauxNom, I enjoy Sarah Richardson’s designs, too. Her cottage is lovely. Is it just airing now in the U.S.? It was on here quite some time ago. I think she actually did it in 2009. Have you seen the farmhouse she did? That was probably my favorite of her big projects.</p>
<p>“I cringe every time one of the first-time homebuyers on a budget refuses to consider anything that doesn’t have stainless appliances and granite.” - Same here. Once in a while there is a refreshing couple who actually oohs and ahhs over basic homes, appreciating things ever so much more than the average househunters shown. </p>
<p>We enjoy watching HGTV. I think it’s because they are short shows, and you don’t need to know anything about prior storylines etc. It’s easy to surf in, and then surf out of the channel. </p>
<p>My dream is to someday in retirement spend one month renting one of the lovely International Vacation homes. I have neither the budget nor the patience to deal with a second home - but it would be fun to do it once. Maybe I can talk my college roommates and their hubbies into coming along too.</p>
<p>OMG, I love HGTV and I am sooo envious of the Canadians - they have both Sarah Richardson and Candace Olson. I love to watch what I call the jaw-dropping shows Selling New York and House Hunters International. Im a big fan of Designers Challenge, Property Virgins, For Rent (another Canadian show), Income Property and My First Place. Million Dollar Listings on Bravo is a must see also.</p>
<p>I love HGTV while at the gym on the treadmill or bike, it keeps my interest yet is still mindless…designed to sell and house hunters intl, love them. and yes, it’s weird how time passes so quickly watching these shows, maybe it’s the formula of looking at three houses, etc and then they must decide. I find it fun to see how different couples are when selecting a home, some are so cute together, and others so awful, esp those young couples with no money who just can’t imagine settling for a home that doesn’t have say stainless steel appliances. I remember being so open and eager as a property virgin, never would have had all those requirements…</p>
<p>Glad I’m not the only one! H constantly makes fun of me, because I do not have an ounce of decorating ability/interest nor am I a DIYer. I try to explain to him that it’s entertainment. Have noticed he likes House Hunters International . . . he’s starting to shout out which one they should buy when it gets to the end!</p>
<p>I also enjoy shows I started watching with D: America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway, and So You Think you Can Dance. I am not interested in fashion, I can’t dance, and I certainly will never be mistaken for a model.</p>
<p>I know what you mean about the H’s suddenly chiming in, even though they claim to hate the show. My H will do chime in for the property virgins or the one about an income suite, and if they don’t pick the one he chose, he yells at the TV to try to get them to see the light.</p>
<p>I love Income Property. I also wish they would be more upfront about what year the House Hunter shows were taped. It would give us a better idea of the housing market.</p>
<p>DH and I have been watching HGTV for years. We watch House Hunters almost every night at 7:30. We’ve watched sooo much that we’ve seen some of then several times in re-runs! We like House Hunters Itnl., Designed to Sell and Property Virgins. Heck, we’ve prob. seen at least a little of every diff. HGTV show they air. </p>
<p>We are planning to sell our house in the next year so are paying close attention to the tips for selling. We’re about to start renovations next month.<br>
Our friends down the street recently sold their home (same late '80’s vintage as ours). They said the popularity of HGTV made selling much tougher because, like a previous poster said, everyone expects an older home to be totally updated with all stainless steel appliances, tile, hardwoods,granite, big fancy bathrooms,walk-in closets,etc.<br>
It kills me when a couple walks in a kitchen with perfectly fine white appliances and turn up their noses and make comments about how they would HAVE to update the kitchen!</p>
<p>It seems to be that younger people today all think they have to start at the top. Whatever happened to the “starter home” like the one we had in the early years of marriage?</p>
<p>We are big fans here too. DH and my younger two boys (16&18) both watch with me. All the house hunter and makeover shows are favorites of ours. It’s fun to see the kids learn what is cosmetic and can easily be changed (paint, flooring, landscaping, etc) and what can’t (location, view, major structural issues).</p>