tv shows

[okaythen]

I was watching tv shows like property ladder, flip this house, the real estate pros, where they film and show you the whole process from buying the house, to fixing it up, and selling it, my question is are those tv shows pretty realistic to what actually happens?

[poundwise]

I watch these kinds of shows too. I especially like The Real Estate Pros (Trademark Properties). What these shows do not show is the real volume of time it takes to do a flip. If you have a crew of 10 skilled workers it is quite different that if you are doing the majority of the work yourself. They also typically don't tell you what the house sold for or how long it took to sell the house after the investment. I'm sure they sometimes lose money and probably get stuck with a property for much longer than they want as well.

Still, I enjoy the programs and believe I've learned a lot from them. You just have to keep in mind that besides showing the business from a practical viewpoint, the people who produce these programs are also concerned with the entertainment value of the show as well.

[MonkeyMama]

I am sure the shows are very one sided - they are produced for entertainment - not like you see all the ins and outs of flipping and such.

There was actually an article in the paper recently that one guy who had been on one of the house flipping shows many times - well the whole thing was a scam. The networks don't do any kind of background checks on these people. In this case the guy was pretending to flip houses he didn't even own. So no it is not all real...

'Flip This House' Star Accused of Fraud

[okaythen]

usually how long does it take to flip a house? best is under a month I guess? since so you don't have to pay another payment of mortgage etc.

also anyone know where I can download those shows? I am overseas now and I won't go back for a few months.....

[skibo]

I've heard it said that most of the money made in house-flipping is by recognizing and buying underpriced properties. And I think part of it, too, has to do with the rapid appreciation we've seen in some markets. Which all says that the improvments are secondary - just buying well and holding for a few months might be enough to make $.