Let’s be real, this year has been challenging in ways we could have never imagined. Struggling to stay motivated and positive has been something we have faced at one point during this pandemic. Our repetitive routines from working at home have filled our days but have made them seem longer. Well, to get out of a routine a bit, why not consider taking up a new show, and maybe even turn it into a new hobby?
Fixer Upper, along with many other home improvement shows, is a way for you to try something new in the comfort of your own home. Watching the process of renovating a fixer-upper home can be something you may find yourself being entertained by, so much that you may be interested in doing it yourself!
With the constantly changing state of the world today, many may be considering what they can do to gain more financial stability or even just take on a new project to get out of the house. Well, Fixer Upper may be your exposure to fixer upper homes and the real estate business in general, where there are many opportunities to gain profit!
According to northwesternmutual.com, “You can save a lot of money in expensive markets like San Francisco, where fixer-uppers are discounted an average of 10 percent.”
Along with the entertainment and inspiration from the show, you’ll be able to gain profits and even get in touch with your creativity. Who knows? You may surprise yourself!
Enjoying Fixer Upper: The Ultimate Guide? (Click the menu below to jump to the section of your choice!)
Before getting into the TV show, you may want some context regarding fixer-upper homes, well, let’s discuss what it is first and foremost. A fixer-upper is a home that can already be lived in with its current condition but could use some work, such as redecoration, redesign, or reconstruction.
"Fixer uppers" are a result of a number of possible homeowner issues including years of deferred maintenance, hoarder houses, natural disasters, outdated interiors, or previous undesirable renovations that were completed.
Along with other renovation or flipping ventures involved with real estate, fixer uppers are particularly beneficial for buyers who are looking for homes at a lower price or for real estate investors who are looking into potentially making a profit after being flipped.
Read Also: How To Flip A House For The First Time
With the numerous reality real estate shows out today, what differentiates Fixer Upper from the others? What is Fixer Upper about?
Fixer Upper follows Chip and Joanna Gaines who own and operate Magnolia Homes, a registered trademark under their Magnolia business ventures. The business focuses on remodeling and design in Waco, Texas, while the show displays the process of renovating and fixing dilapidated homes to bring them to their full potential.
Along with their home flipping ventures, the couple also takes on being counselors to clients. For what exactly? They are able to help clients envision the bigger picture and where the home's future is headed.
Here is a video showing some of the most popular homes on Fixer Upper:
The show is nothing without the two who started it all, Chip & Joanna Gaines. The married couple started their venture together by owning their “Little Shop on Bosque” in 2003, which was the home of the first Magnolia Market. They have since then developed Magnolia Market at the Silos which allows guests to shop, play games and eat.
Being married and having kids then led them to the decision to close the Magnolia Market to be able to focus more on their family. This time also let them be more attentive to their construction business, Magnolia Homes. Joanna works as the lead designer and Chip manages the construction.
According to Chip and Jo, "This is where we were able to learn the construction side of things, and we loved the idea that we were 'making Waco beautiful one home at a time.' This work was meaningful to us, and we worked together for many years as a team".
Following soon after was the start of their HGTV series, Fixer Upper. Although with so much going on, Joanna describes how she felt an urge to reopen Magnolia Market, which they did in May 2014.
As we have touched on the story of Chip and Joanna Gaines, let’s get to know them a bit more individually:
Joanna Stevens Gaines
Chip Carter Gaines
Beyond their successful businesses built together and individually, they are also raising five kids! They have found their passion within each of their businesses and have worked tirelessly to be able to achieve what they have accomplished thus far.
With the wide variety of real estate shows airing nowadays, Fixer Upper was one of the most popular series on HGTV. Despite their ongoing success with the show, Chip and Joanna Gaines announced the end of Fixer Upper after their fifth season being on air.
The reason for the cancellation of the show was simple - they wanted to focus on their growing family first. Although the show did come to an end, it helped spark other aspects in the couple’s life such as their blog, magazine, housewares, books, and marketplace. Since their final episode aired, Chip and Joanna have opened a restaurant, coffee shop, and are currently in the midst of their own fixer upper project, working on the opening of their boutique hotel in Waco, Texas, aimed to finish in 2021.
Read Also: The World's Greatest Real Estate Memes
As we know the news of the cancellation of the widely popular series hit headlines in 2018, due to their own personal reasons. However, Fixer Upper is now making trending headlines once again - but with good news!
After a three year hiatus, the dynamic duo announced a reboot with new episodes of Fixer Upper in 2021. Although, the show is not appearing on HGTV like it used to. The couple decided to pair up with Discovery, Inc. and the DIY network to be able to begin their next project together - their OWN TV network.
Along with a new season of Fixer Upper, the Magnolia Network will also include other network shows, one being Joanna’s very own cooking show. Other shows that have also been confirmed include:
Here is a preview of the new network coming soon!:
As they are preparing for their network launch, it is exciting to know that the couple is passionate about what they do and their accomplishments are a strong reflection of that.
Being one of the most popular home renovation shows on the air, it’s no surprise when people often wonder, “How can I be on Fixer Upper?” Let’s discuss some of the major requirements and everything you may need to know if you are interested in the process of getting on the show.
Considering these factors may incline you to want to apply for the show but even if you aren’t planning on it, it’s still nice to know what getting on the show entails. It is also important to acknowledge that each show may require a variety of things. So, if these specific requirements aren’t compliant with you, there may be other shows that may be the perfect fit for you!
Inspired by Fixer Upper? Looking into taking it into your own hands? Whether you are ready to start your own project or want to continue watching the show for pure entertainment just a little longer, let’s discuss some main points regarding the pros and cons that come with buying a fixer upper. This will hopefully help you decide whether or not you’re ready for a fixer upper.
There are many ways to solve and avoid the cons that may come with the fixer upper homes. Although, at the end of the day, it all comes down to your preparedness and flexibility to endure the entire process. It is important to acknowledge the lengthy and arduous process and whether you are ready to go through it all in terms of time, energy and money.
If you are in a position where you are ready to purchase your own fixer upper, it is beneficial to recognize some important factors beforehand. Much of what you need to know about buying a fixer upper can be learned through research and personal experiences, in hopes of influencing better and more efficient decisions.
Here is a helpful guide to buying a fixer upper that will hopefully help you through the process:
Nonetheless, each home will require different volumes of work so it is up to you to do the proper research that is needed. Adequate research is a crucial thing to do before, after, and during the process to reassure that you are minimizing risk whenever you can.
Since the show takes place exclusively in Waco, Texas, not everyone will be able to get the Fixer Upper experience from Chip and Joanna. However, everyone has the chance to take part in their own fixer upper projects as they wish! Here are a few Fixer Upper examples to give you a bit of inspiration!
Kitchens
Before
After
In the makeover of the kitchen, you can see the difference from before where it was a very enclosed area. The room in its entirety, which goes into the living room, was opened up and also brightened up the area with its design and color.
Living Rooms
Before
After
With bigger windows, smoother walls, and great interior design picks, the room gives off a neutral vibe. The home staging, furnishings, and touch of plants provide an earthy feel that also radiates with the natural sunlight coming in.
Exterior
Before
After
Not only did Chip and Joanna enhance the exterior of the home but also added a few features. They added an extended outdoor dining patio for some gatherings or dinner outside on a nice day. The door was also given a nice modernized touch with a fresh coat of paint and small window openings.
Master Bedroom
Before
After
To go with the rest of the home, the master bedroom was also given some neutral and earthy tones. The carpet was replaced with tile and to spice it up, an accent wall was added.
Bathroom
Before
After
This bathroom renovation was not done in the same home as the previous but it sure is a great transformation! The entire bathroom used to be filled with tiles and very dim, but Chip and Joanna definitely did a great job brightening it up. With classic white walls, clean wood tiles, a smooth sink countertop, and neutral tones, the bathroom was looking good as new!
The renovations shown here are just a few of the wonderful fixer upper jobs Chip and Joanna have done. Their eye for renovation and interior design definitely shows off in their final reveal, however, the stories of these families are what give them inspiration and direction.
As there is a wide variety of real estate shows airing today, Fixer Upper holds many positive reviews and superior ratings compared to others. As each show may appeal to its own audiences, this could cause some differences depending on what the show offers and what the viewer is looking for.
According to Google, 95% of viewers liked this series along with hundreds of five-star reviews left by the audience. Much of the reviews are compiled of lengthy comments about the amazing work Chip and Joanna do on their homes and how they continue to inspire viewers. There are even reviews that describe the many projects viewers are taking on due to the influence the show had on them.
What else would please the audience so much that allows them to have such positive feedback? When it comes to who they are and what they do, their authenticity, devotion, and passion definitely shines through the screen and captivates the audience. Not to mention, their real-life chemistry as a couple is beneficial on-screen as well!
According to Rachel Whyte, Chip and Joanna’s renovated photographer, “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.”
With reality shows, it's hard to avoid people questioning the credibility and realness of the show. The couple is very open about their relationship on and off-screen which shows how genuine they are. It is also safe to say that Chip and Joanna's work is purely their own and no - it is not scripted.
If you are looking for more knowledge regarding fixer uppers, house flipping, or anything about home renovations, it wouldn’t hurt to look into other perspectives and their takes on their own projects.
There is an endless list of home improvement and renovation series that are available to you. Depending on what you are searching for, certain shows will appeal more to you than others. Although reviews of the series may help you determine what you should watch, it is important to acknowledge the difference of opinion that may come from someone else’s perspective. Don’t knock it until you try it!
Inspired by those Fixer Upper episodes? Want to go beyond just watching shows on your TV? Well, let’s get your foot in that door and see how you can become a real estate investor, whether it be investing your time or your money!
Here’s how you can start investing in real estate:
Investing in real estate requires openness and flexibility to the business and what it may entail. Not each investment opportunity you will participate in will be like the other, unprecedented issues may evolve and others may go smoother than expected. It is crucial to be able to adapt to the situations you face and be prepared to invest your time and energy, not just your money.
Whether you watched the show with the intention of gaining inspiration for your own projects or purely just for entertainment, you have that knowledge to use to your advantage whenever you see fit. Although the application from these series to your real-life situation may seem unrealistic at first, it’s never too late to get started in the business!
As rewarding as the profits may seem, your passion, dedication, and will to invest your time and energy into the process is what will make it worth it in the end.
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
50% Complete
Just enter in your name & email below for Real Estate Investing Golden Nuggets!