10 House-Hunting Lessons You Can Learn from the TV Shows

Chip and Joanna Gaines make the magic happen on "Fixer Upper" every week. What’s their biggest piece of advice for home buyers looking for a bargain? “When walking into a fixer-upper for the first time, you’re going to see a few (or, you know, a ton) of things you don’t like at first—that’s why it’s listed at such a good price. Instead of focusing on the foul smell or drab green carpet, imagine what the home could look like with a fresh lemon scent or hardwood floors.”

Related: 10 Reasons to Buy an “Ugly” Home

"Property Virgins" host Sandra Rinomato always advises prospective buyers to get their financing in place before they start seriously shopping for a home. Many houses are bought and sold overnight. If you have your mortgage preapproved, you’ll be less likely to lose your dream home while waiting to secure financing.

Related: 9 Reasons You Might Not Get a Mortgage

Egypt Sherrod, host of "Property Virgins," reminds home buyers that to understand the true value of a home, you need to spend time in the neighborhood. Remember, you’re not just buying a house, you’re buying the neighborhood too. Before you decide to buy a house, visit it often and at different times of day to get a sense of what living there would be like. Talk to the neighbors and ask questions to find out if the neighborhood will provide the lifestyle and conveniences you want.

Related: 10 Telltale Signs That a Home Will Be Going on the Market

Co-host of "Fixer Upper," Chip Gaines, cautions buyers to always ask about three things: the roof, the plumbing, and the electrical system. If they have issues, these major systems can be very costly to repair. “When you really believe that you’ve found ‘the one,’ it’s easy to get swept off your feet....” says Gaines. “But Jo and I encourage our clients to think beyond what they can see...”

Related: 11 Common Problems Home Sellers Try to Hide

It may seem to go without saying, but if you intend to flip a house, make sure you’re always thinking about resale. Jeff Lewis of the real estate show "Flipping Out" advises potential flippers to make sure that the improvements they’re looking to implement are going to pay off. Over-customizing generally isn’t wise. In addition, always study the neighborhood to find out who's buying, then tailor your renovations to that audience.

Related: 12 Reasons Your Home Isn't Worth as Much as You Think

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