While real estate-centered reality television seems as “real” as it can get, that’s not always the case. What makes reality television in general so appealing is often the gentle massaging and kneading techniques that producers use to transform a rather boring screenplay into something full of drama from start to finish. Of course, HGTV television shows aren’t known for their arguments or high-stakes storylines reality shows starring celebrities but instead offer something refreshing to viewers interested in all things home and garden related. It may not look like it needs it, but even home remodeling shows can’t be avoided reality TV finale that goes too far.
On HGTV’s “Designed to Sell,” which originally starred host Clive Pearse and designer Lisa LaPorta, homeowners looking to sell had a $2,000 budget to remodel their home in time for an open house. The series aired from 2004 to 2011 and offers a glimpse into how to make your home look irresistible to potential buyers. The format seemed simple enough, but participants said a key element of Designed to Sell was often mimed for the cameras, something common in many reality TV shows.
An anonymous participant told us Addicted to houses that most of the show is “just for the cameras”, including the open house at the end of each episode. In her case, she didn’t plan to sell right away, but in the coming year. Her open house on the show consisted of family and friends, including her mother. “It’s funny to see my mom talking about how she loves the makeover and wants to buy our house,” she said.
Designed to Sell did not offer the same experience to every participant
The open house wasn’t the only thing that was fake about “Designed to Sell.” Hooked on Houses’ anonymous source explained that “only things seen on camera are considered,” including a pair of custom pillowcases, which were actually just duct taped around their original pillows. “Ceilings and areas of paint that were not visible on camera were left unfinished,” apparently leaving participants with areas to renovate after packaging production.
Those featured on the show were often depicted as key players in the remodeling process, helping alongside experienced designers. Turns out they only contributed their skills for a few quick scenes. “We had moments where we filmed scenes with the show designer and the carpenters, but once our little bit of filming was done, the rest of the work was done by the production crew,” the anonymous source revealed.
It seems like every participant’s experience isn’t the same, according to Karen, who also appeared on “Designed to Sell.” She told Hooked on Houses that her house wasn’t unfinished and that her open house was real, even if she didn’t sell right afterward because “DTS did such a good job that we wanted to enjoy it for a while.” Another great thing about the show is that even though the remodel limit is $2,000, the labor was completely free, which made it feel like an invaluable experience despite some fake elements.
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