I like a good fixer-upper show as much as you do. After all, I seem to live and breathe real estate and everything associated with it. I love watching the renovations from start to finish and variety of clients and properties. The "T.V. Sellers" do a 30-minute major home transformation, list it For Sale and presto...it's under contract with no negotiations at all. Conversely, the "T.V. Buyers" look at only three homes, write an offer and like magic-POOF- their offer is accepted and they move into a home that is 'perfect!' Did you know on T.V. many of the homes they show are already off the market and Sold? Well, my real-estate-reality-show-loving-friends, this is called entertainment.
A few things I trust you will keep in mind:
A "dream home" may not be perfect. Most of these shows have sponsors who provide all the newest materials and finishes, leading some buyers to think they must check off all their "must-haves" before landing on a property. Nothing is perfect and if you find a home that has your 3-5 Must-Haves and does not have your 3-5 'Do Not Wants' you have found your 'perfect' home. focus on the things that can and cannot be changed.
3 homes tours before you buy? Not so! - According to the National Association of Realtors, the average homebuyer tours 10 homes as a part of their search. Locally, our average may be closer to 11-14. I have had a few buyers who bought the very first homes they visited. Yet, I did the initial research and footwork for them to determine which homes best fit their criteria.
Remodeling/Renovation takes time and is expensive. T.V. reality shows make it seem like home remodeling and repair projects can be completed for little money in days, or even hours. We suggest our clients meet with a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor or two before committing to a big project. Costs have increased and materials and appliances are taking up to 6 months to arrive.
T.V. Homes always sell after one Open House. Open houses are important to guarantee the most exposure to buyers in our area, but they are only one piece of our overall, proven multi-pronged marketing of your home. Keep in mind, serious buyers are working with a Realtor who will schedule a private showing appointment.