Love It or List It

I think no one on HGTV, Magnolia, and any other home show or network can touch the design talent of Hilary. Even when the budget is low she never skimps on the quality of her designs. Very classy and timeless. And she decorates for the clients, not to showcase herself. (hint, hint.. to so many of the designers on other shows).

Of course, the best parts are the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes.

Not too interested in the middle parts of the show. For me it's all about Hilary's talent.

I like the show.

Well, rather I should say I DO like the following: 1.David. He's the best part of the show 2.When they show homes for sale in the U.S. (Those dingy, expensive, urban Canadian neighborhoods all look the same, and are all so incredibly ugly to look at) 3.I like the before and after concept ...(however, the reveals have all started to look the same)

What I DON'T Like:

Does anyone EVER inspect the properties before renovating? Why in the world do they always say "This MUST be done" to a repair that the owner can always do another time at a later date to save on their budget?????? {MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION} ***If Fixer Upper's, Chuck and Jo or Flip or Flops's, Tarek & Christina or The Property Brothers can TOTALLY renovate a WHOLE ENTIRE house anywhere from $45,000-$ 100,000 ~Why in the world can't Hillary get just 2 or 3 rooms done for that SAME $45,000-$100,000??!! And without imposing or exploiting some major crisis in every single episode? ~If it were my home, and Hillary comes to me saying, "your HVAC is outdated and on the brink, so this MUST get fixed, so I'm taking the guest bedroom off the list", I would respond, "I can do this at a later date, and just focus on the renos we discussed!"

Hillary's work always seems cosmetically super-staged, vs. real, structural differences as well. {Did I mention the use of the same grey couch used in almost every episode?}

Dear Canadian contractors, (Fergus and Eddy) PLEASE stop your WHINING every time something needs fixing! ( isn't this your job??...) I prefer the American crew MUCH better..

Or here's another... How about NOT USING PREMIUM DECOR MATERIALS (i.e.: Quartz countertops, Viking Stoves/Ranges) to save some money to make these poor people's homes more functional and nice???? Since when is Maytag or Kitchen Aid, or similar not worth using at half the price?? ~ Hillary uses the MOST EXPENSIVE stuff she can find all the time. I'm not saying use cheap, but come on!!! {I've seen some beautiful compromises on Flip or Flop} I just don't always see the "value" in the work. Seems like the contractors and Hillary come out on the longer end of the stick -a lot.

I feel bad for the folks who don't always get what they pay for.

David, I love you, ~you're hilarious! Probably the top reason I watch the show, because honestly, the project reveals are usually underwhelming and always look the same. ~how about that reappearing grey sofa?

I don't even like Jillian Harris one bit, her design aesthetic is awful, and she hardly does any significant work whatsoever, and she's just plain annoying. Nope, ~Love it or List it, Too can go...

I love this show!! Yes, sure, the show follows a similar plot outline for each show but doesn't every show/movie to an extent? You're watching HGTV not HBO. I think the show delivers on its promise which is to present familes who are considering the idea of moving to a new home or staying in their current one. At the end, I genuinely don't know what the families are going to do which I think makes for great TV! I've read some comments that say that the familes are dramatic or Hilary is rude. Guys. It's a TV show about house buying/decorating. Relax. I think Hilary and David are hilarious together and they crack me up in every episode. Do I get so hooked that a can't miss a single second!? No. But I enjoy the show all the way through and think it's awesome entertainment. Isn't drama why we watch TV in the first place? Give it a try.

I disagree with all the negative hype. The show is realistic in pointing out that older homes often have hidden issues. The disappointment when the remodel goes astray may be sincere or faked, but in the end, bring homes the truth. I find it amazing how often the buyers decide to stay even though there wish list couldn't be completed. Immediately sure they look at far more than 3 new houses but for the sake of time only show the 3. If you've ever worked in real estate, the term "Buyers are Liars!!" This show proves that that "must have lists" become shorter. We don't always know what we want and like most things in life, learn what are priorities really are. Love the interaction, tongue in cheek, between these hosts.

Earlier episodes Hilary accomplished most of what homeowners asked for and delivered (took place in the US). I think the show changed by producers. More of the homes they showed were older and outdated (guaranteed with issues) with some clueless homeowners giving budgets that were impossible to complete what they requested. These homes were in Toronto, Canada. Then the drama starts. Hilary does say that the budget is slim and can't always complete what they request. I've seen later episodes that have newer homes and looks like episodes were done back in the States again.

I think people also need to realize there is a difference between Love it or list it and Property Brothers and Income Properties. Income properties basements are finished with a given budget. Property Brothers for the most part they are updating rooms and will cut costs in order to make the budget if there are issues. Homeowners are also helping which reduce labor costs. For love it or list it there are structural changes, additions (bathroom, bedroom) which costs more with a given budget from the homeowners.

Hilary and Dave have good onscreen chemistry which is fun.