Debbie,

What people do not realize is that these are not "reality" shows.  They are curated "reality" shows that are staged.  And agent friend of ours did one of these, and the whole thing is scripted from beginning to end.  It is all staged!  

There are good tips and ideas within, no doubt about it.  A

No Debbie, they are staged. If it really was real it would be a different story. I hate HGTV. I cannot watch it. The small amount of TV I watch goes to Shark Tank or something that is a documentary. Good question, so many people watch these shows.

As a free tool in the sellers tool belt, I see that it has value.  However, too many times it sets up unrealistic expectations for both buyers and sellers.

I think they can inform sellers regarding what their homes should look like but they mis inform buyers big time

Yes I believe they do have value in showing what the final product should look like to help sell it.

Everything else (2 days for renovations, buying a house after seeing only 3, contractors that could be models... LOL) is scripted obviously.

I believe they do. Years ago when I spoke to clients about "staging" their homes and decluttering, depersonalizing, etc. I'd get that deer in the headlights look. Today, they call me a proudly announce that they have started the process and when can I come and help them finish the job so we can list quickly.

I tell most of my sellers to not pay attention to HGTV. They all think they need to remodel, redo floors, etc...I tell them to spruce up, declutter and I'll take it from there!!

Hi Debbie -- if nothing else HGTV and the rest have raised awareness about staging, presentation and de-cluttering.   I find most people know these shows are not "real".   

I don't have time to watch TV let alone pay for cable.  From what I've heard, it sends a misinformed message to the public.

Yes, Debbie, there are things a seller may learn from the progams; but there are also things that detract from the message I wish to get across to the client.  My buyers may assume that only granite countertops are acceptable, or stainless steel appliances.  Furthermore, buyers may assume that they need only look at three houses, that they must argue about something, and that they WILL be able to get exactly what they are looking for for their price, etc.

I particularly do not like the message of the husband & wife flippers in Las Vegas.  The arguing, coniving, and temper tantrums are silly!  Generally, I can find better use of my time: I would rather watch an old western with Randolph Scott, Gary Cooper, Audie Murphy, Joel McCrea, Glenn Ford or Jimmy Stewart.  If all else fails, there is always "Leave It To Beaver."

I'm aware of some of the shows, and referenced them to clients, but always with the caveat that "it's a TV show."  I think like other ways of spreading general awareness it's good.  I don't like it when people claim "expertise" because they watch them.  

Good gracious, yes. I showed the other day $300-350 every single solitary house looked staged - about 7-8 houses. I don't know if it is all the new home staging copying, the abundance of Pinterest nuts, the prissy area, or HDTV, but I beleive TV is a huge contributor. That said, I like it! And the Seigel team is right. Like them, I know first hand reality TV and it's all about making art...

I think these shows sometimes give buyers and sellers high expectations when that is not reality.

I feel that HGTV does present good ideas to both buyers and sellers. however it seems to only touch on important topics while devoting much of the show to showcasing appliances,finishes,etc... 

Yes I think sellers are getting the message that their homes have to look nice to get top dollar and sell quick

I do think they are helpful by showing viewers that presentation and condition matter to buyers.  The ones I don't like are the remodeling shows.  A couple of blows of the hammer, and  presto ! the kitchen is completly redone!   In real reality, it takes much more time and much more money than those shows lead you to expect.

I think it COULD help, but sometimes sellers still do not realize how their home should show until we assist them! 

We don't have cable tv here, so I've never seen that show. heard about it though.

I have mixed feelings about this Debbie Reynolds.  The shows have entertainment value and they do offer creative ideas for home owners. Do those transactions look like real life?  Absolutely not!  I have the same beef with million dollar listing.

Not really.

Debbie, can't really say as I've only watched this show a few times, and not all the way to the end. 

HGTV and model homes can give sellers ideas of how to showcase their comes.

I did a video on how ridiculouse and unreal Fix or Flop was compared to real life. As a 26 year investment specialist and one who has rehabbed over 100 properties what they show would get 99.9% of us declaring backruptcy.