It's not an understatement to say that most people are familiar with HGTV's hit show Love It or List It even if they haven't binge-watched it as many fans have. However, despite its popularity, after the first few seasons, many fans were had caught onto a unique pattern that the show had in place during every episode. This was the first indication that maybe, just maybe, what fans were seeing wasn't exactly what was happening when the cameras weren't rolling.
It wouldn't be the first show that has taken liberties with its production and it certainly won't be the last. Joining the ranks of other HGTV shows, a show just isn't a show unless it has a little bit of drama behind it. With that being said, there are some aspects of the show that are more than legitimate, such as the amount of work and renovation that goes into overhauling a home as well as the real estate options that are shown. But when push comes to shove, which aspects of the show are the truth?
It's Rumored That Two Endings Are Filmed
The premise of the show is that a couple will appear with one of two options in mind: Two renovate their home in order to continue living in it or to put it up for sale and move on altogether. Usually, one person is totally for moving out while the other is adamant about staying put, and thus the drama is born. Now, enter Hilary Farr, interior designer, and David Visentin, real estate agent and expert. It's up to the two of them to provide the couple with either the house they want or the house that they need - which either means going or staying.
With that being said, a user on Reddit reported that a family member was on the show, and what actually ends up happening is that two endings are filmed: One for a 'love it' ending and one for a 'list it' ending. When filming has officially wrapped, the producers decide which ending is right for the episode regardless of what the homeowners actually decided. As it stands, Farr has more 'wins' than Visentin, pointing to the fact that if the endings were never pre-filmed then every family might choose to just 'love' their home.
Remodels Are Trickier Than What's Shown On TV
Many pose the question of how the show can wrap up so quickly when renovations can take weeks and even months to complete, and once again, Reddit had an answer. Many might have noticed that the show's episodes will take place in clusters around certain areas, and the reasoning for this is likely because the episodes are all filmed consecutively in that area. Supposedly, thanks to Hollywood magic, some episodes are 'wrapped up' before the remodel is even finished in order to move onto another house, and then the crew will circle back around to finish the work on the previous house. However, it's also rumored that work might never even get finished - which is how one couple ended up suing the show back in 2016, claiming there were holes in their home and much of it was shoddy work.
Alternatively, there have been couples on the show who did nothing but praise the work done and their experience, claiming that they chose to love their homes and are still very content with what they were left with. Many of the reactions of the couples, at least on the remodel end, are genuine - because they are walking into their remodeled homes for the very first time while the cameras are rolling.
What About The Real Estate?
While many shots show the 'for sale' signs in front of each house that's shown to the couples, those who know people who have been on the show claim that's not the case for every episode. The interior shots shown might portray houses that are empty or are on the market but, in reality, might be staged specifically for purposes of production. It might seem strange to think of a couple viewing a house that's been staged and isn't actually for sale but when it comes down to it, it's also pretty strange to imagine a couple having a choice of three (nearly) perfect homes, within a short time span, in one real estate market.
While the show itself is creatively filmed and includes enough drama to keep fans hooked, there are still many aspects that don't logically make sense. Whether or not all of the secrets of Love It or List It have been revealed remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure - we can't stop watching it.