How is Fixer Upper so cheap?

Author: Ms. Carrie Lesch I  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 22, 2025

A fixer-upper is a property available at a lower purchase price because it requires major maintenance work once you buy the house. While you can sometimes still live in a fixer-upper, you'll need to spend a lot of time and money on structural and/or cosmetic improvements.

How do people afford fixer uppers?

In addition to government-backed home renovation loans, there are a few conventional loan programs that include the cost of repairs in the mortgage amount: Fannie Mae HomeStyle and Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation.

How staged is fixer-upper?

According to Rachel, who appeared on the third season of "Fixer Upper," producers film certain scenes "multiple times from different angles," but the "reactions and conversations" you see are completely authentic. "The hard thing is remembering what you said before when asked to repeat it," the photographer added.

How does HGTV do renovations so cheaply?

  • Sponsorship and Partnerships: Many shows have sponsorship deals with brands and suppliers that provide materials at a reduced cost or even for free in exchange for promotion.
  • Bulk Purchasing: Shows can leverage bulk purchasing agreements, obtaining materials at a lower price than an average homeowner would be able to.

Why does no one want a fixer-upper right now?

Veronica Dagher: So, fixer uppers are already less favorable for buyers these days, because not only you've got your high interest rate on your home loan, your mortgage rate is higher than people paid about a year ago, but also, typically when you renovate a house, you need to take a construction loan and the rates on ...

Buying & Renovating the Cheapest Fixer Upper in Town: Buying a First Home & Real Estate Investing #2

Why did Fixer Upper get Cancelled?

The couple eventually announced in September 2017 that they were concluding the show after its fifth season the following April, sharing that they needed time to focus on their family. "[The children are] so young, and we want to give them the chance to have a normal childhood," said Joanna, 39, at the time.

Is it a bad idea to buy a Fixer Upper?

A fixer-upper may be a good investment, but it can also be a huge money pit if you estimate renovations incorrectly, contract out for most projects and skip an inspection. To ensure a fixer-upper house is well worth the money, look at comparable homes (known as real estate comps) in the neighborhood.

Are the budgets on Fixer Upper real?

It's no secret to most viewers that the renovation estimates on flip shows like Fixer Upper are almost always lower than what those quotes would be in the real world. On average, the renovation budget for each home on the show was $121,000 — with 13% of homes coming in over budget and 11% coming in under budget.

How much of HGTV is scripted?

Scripted Elements: While not fully scripted, many HGTV shows follow a loose script to ensure the story arc is compelling and fits within the time constraints. Producers may suggest certain reactions or re-enact moments to capture the best footage.

Do people on HGTV get to keep the furniture?

Furniture. Furniture is never included in the budget of a reality TV show and it's rarely part of the costs associated with a real remodel either. That is because they don't get to keep the furniture! That's right the furniture is just a prop for the show.

Has anyone sold their house from Fixer Upper?

Chip and Joanna Gaines have sold their lake house—but you can still watch their renovation unfold on “Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse.” A Magnolia Network rep has confirmed, "They bought the Lakehouse with the intention of flipping it, and they have sold it."

Can you hire Chip and Joanna Gaines?

CALL US TODAY 725-228-5100 and speak with a CTI Chip and Joanna Gaines booking agent to get direct availability and pricing for having this talent to work your event.

Do Fixer Upper clients keep Clint's furniture?

Furniture Is Not Included

According to The Kitchn, Joanna shared on her Magnolia blog that the furniture and decor are there to help new homeowners visualize their space. If they like it, they can buy it, but those finishing touches aren't included in the renovation budget.

Do the homeowners pay on fixer-upper?

Homeowners on the show must have a home with a purchase price under $200,000 and they require at least $30,000 worth of renovations. HGTV does not fund the renovations, but they do cover the cost of one bonus item and pay a talent fee to Chip & Joanna.

Can you roll renovation costs into a mortgage?

However, sometimes the ideal property may need a little work to become that dream home. This is where renovation loans come in. By adding renovation costs to your mortgage, you can finance both the purchase of your home and the necessary improvements into a single loan.

Do most people buy the furniture on fixer-upper?

Did they get to keep the furniture in Fixer Upper? In short, the answer is no. The couple (or person) was required to either purchase the pieces from HGTV or return them after filming wrapped.

Which HGTV show is the most real?

I would say the most realistic show HGTV has is Beach Flip because the teams are amateurs with professionals guiding them so you can get a practical idea of what can really go wrong! Hope you enjoy! A Designer's Real Life Reaction to HGTV – What's Real and What's Not?

Do guests on HGTV get paid?

To put it simply, no. While HGTV doesn't specifically address payment in their application, they do note that homeowners now must have a $100,000 renovation budget (this requirement was previously $50,000 and then $75,000).

Is fixer upper real or staged?

The Making of an HGTV Show

"But what happens really is real. The producers might have you repeat things a few times, and they might film things multiple times from different angles, but the reactions and conversations are real. The hard thing is remembering what you said before when asked to repeat it."

What did Fixer Upper get in trouble for?

According to the EPA, the couple broke the Renovating, Remodeling and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) on Fixer Upper, which requires businesses to take necessary precautions when working on homes built before 1978 in order to minimize lead exposure.

Why did Fixer Upper quit?

Chips revealed that the direction of "Fixer Upper" wasn't aligning with the couple any longer. The advice was more like, "'We need you to always be together. Chip, if you're hanging drywall, we need Joanna to be standing there making cupcakes,'" he explained.

Does Clint from Fixer Upper still live in his house?

But the Harp family didn't end up living in the five-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom, 2,738-square-foot home for long. After two years there, Clint, Kelly, and their kids moved out, explaining it was too close to Clint's then-workshop (and presumably, curious “Fixer Upper” fans).

Do fixer-upper clients sell their homes?

It's one of the most controversial aspects of Fixer Upper: Rather than live happily ever after in their shiplap-filled farmhouses, some of Chip and Joanna's former clients have turned right around to resell or rent them out, seemingly capitalizing on the HGTV show's popularity and increased tourism to Waco.

What I wish I knew before buying my fixer-upper?

7 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Buying My Fixer-Upper
  • It Will Take Longer Than You Think.
  • It Will Cost More, Too.
  • You're Probably Going to Need Some Help…
  • … and Don't Be Afraid to Ask for It.
  • Invest in Quality Supplies.
  • Know the End Game Before You Begin.
  • You Will Develop Blind Spots.

What do the homeowners get to keep on fixer-upper?

When the show aired on HGTV, the furniture and decor used for the big reveal was staged. However, the network always gave the homeowner one big-ticket item to keep at the end, ranging from a sectional to a dining room table.

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