Real Estate TV Shows?

Question

I am wondering if there are any real estate tv shows that I could watch and learn from. My interests are buying and renting multi-family houses.

Steve Babiak · Answer

"Income Property" is a joke. How many people really want to live in a basement apartment?  Find out that answer for your area before you try to create one. And I always cringe when they tell the owner that they lowered the mortgage by the amount of the rent; so no additional expenses arise from having a tenant in their little world - far from what reality really is.

Jackie Lange · Answer

You should know that most real estate TV shows are fake and staged.

In addition to my real estate businesses in the US and Central America, I own several relocation tour companies in Central and South America. 
	
	We were approached by House Hunters International to do a show featuring a couple who wanted to rent in Ecuador.  The reality was that the couple already lived in there and had for a year.  HHL wanted us to find 2 other rentals they could film on the show plus the house the couple was already renting.

It was all phony and staged.

You need to be very careful who you "learn" from.

Steve Babiak · Answer

Although I agree with @Darren Sager that "Renovate to Rent" does a better job, it still seems that they have the cash flow as rent minus PITI, and we know that's not actually how it goes.

Darren Sager · Answer

I agree with @Steve Babiak about Income Property.  Plus I really don't think I agree with the numbers he talks about on the show.   Its more glam than anything else.  A show I came across recently and was mildly impressed with was Renovate to Rent which I believe is on HGTV.  Only one season has aired to date and another is coming this June.  Be on the lookout for it.  These guys seemed to be concerned about the numbers working out.

John Moore · Answer

There are some TV shows that you can find but most  are unrealistic; you are better spending your valuable time listening to the podcasts that are available on Bigger Pockets; as well as reviewing articles from the learn section.  Just an opinion.

Paul Timmins · Answer

@Jose Figueroa

Welcome. To build your foundation check out below.

Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere

Locate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info. Providence has a very good meeting.

Two Great reads, I bought both J. Scott The Book on Flipping Houses,The Book on Estimating ReHab Costshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbook

Good Luck

Paul

Aaron Montague · Answer

@Jose Figueroa

I look at these shows from the perspective of someone looking to learn more about the design elements.  I'm good with power tools and plans, but plants and pictures aren't my specialty.  I have almost always been impressed with how good the places look when the show ends.

I ignore the numbers, but embrace the concept of "Renovate to Rent" and "Income Property."  Those two embrace the idea that landlording can make you some good money, even if they forget the real numbers behind the renovations.

Brie Schmidt · Answer

aww @Jackie Lange - I always wondered how they could film the show if somebody backed out - that makes sense now!

@Jose Figueroa - if you are not looking to "learn" from these shows but to involve your wife and get her excited about it then I think Income property, Renovate to rent, or Property brothers are good starts.

Martin Zawarski · Answer

most of the times these shows offer a bit of drama in the mix which is always interesting or funny.   But there is something to be learned from these shows. Some things might be how they finish off the end product.  How they try at times to save money.  Recycling or use of recycled materials such as paint or doors.

What you see at times are ideas that you have to shape to fit your needs.  I have been involved in real estate all my life and I do watch these shows as much as I can.  You should be able to pull some good ideas from them or at least it may motivate you a bit more and get you off of the sidelines and into the game.

Tim Haag · Answer

@Jose Figueroa

I'm brand new, haven't bought anything  - yet, but I've read both the J Scott books and they are amazing from a newbies perspective.  I got both the hard copies and the digital copies and they came with spreadsheets to help in figuring out repair costs and how he analyzes deals.  As for TV shows, I've really enjoyed the flipping ones for inspiration, but they are more drama than anything.  DIY shows have been great, and I've learned a few things to look for when buying a house (my personal residence).  I knew to look in the crawl space, where I found standing water, and learned a couple tricks on how to spot water damage or signs of previous water damage in the ceiling and around the outside of the home.  Holmes on homes is a great show to be aware of bad workmanship as well.  Good luck to you.

Real Estate TV Shows?

Most Popular Reply