A couple and their sons want to find a larger house closer to family in Tampa Bay, Fla., but one wants to be by the water, while the other wants a pool.
A Birmingham, Ala., family hopes to buy a tiny fixer-upper on wheels that they can put their stamp on. They are looking for something that blends his rustic and vintage style with her love of all-white, clean-lined looks.
With home prices in Redondo Beach, Calif., averaging around $1 million, newlyweds decide to go tiny with their two dogs; but he wants to live an adventurous lifestyle on a boat, while she prefers something on land.
A married couple takes their love of wine to the next level by purchasing a winery in northern Virginia. To focus on the business and take advantage of the 23-acre property, they've decided to go tiny and live on the vineyard full-time. But with a three-year-old and another baby on the way, finding a custom tiny home that suits their needs and their budget proves to be more challenging than they thought.
Ohio couple, Bob and Heather, are eager to find a home since they and their kids have been living with Bob's parents. They're targeting spacious homes.
Army Staff Sargeant, Shanise, is eager to move her 3 kids off of a Washington D.C. area Army base and into her first place. Problem is, she wants a brand new home.
Newlyweds Luis and Kena are looking for a home in L.A.'s Pacific Palisades that can accommodate their combined five children, and his collection of exotic sports memorabilia.
Newly engaged Virginia couple, Cara and Jared, are ready to move out of Jared's bachelor pad and into a single-family home.
Midwesterners Jen and Andy have recently relocated from Indiana to Boise, Idaho. Happy to embrace the potato state's culture, Andy hopes to find a log cabin-style home.
Tom and Becky are tired of condo living in downtown Dallas and want something bigger for their future family. They love the look of East Dallas's century old homes.
Dana and Ryan, who both work in television production, travel for months on end working on different tv projects.
Jeff loves everything quirky and different, and wants anyone who sees his house to have a strong reaction, be it good or bad.
Newlyweds and resident doctors, James and Harita, are looking for their first home in Houston. She wants a pool, he doesn't. He hates red brick, she likes it.
Josh and Jess are mortgage brokers that would like to buy a large home with character outside of Chicago. Josh has his heart set on a Prairie style house.
After moving to Chicago two years ago for his job as a university professor, Ebbin and his wife Brianne have decided to buy.
Jess and Brett are in love with Sheridan, Wyoming's small town charm. So they're ready settle down and buy their first home here.
World travelers Fabio and Rafaelle are looking to upgrade their condo in their home base of Atlanta. They both love the modern look.
Abe and Julie both love the outdoor lifestyle and scenic beauty of Phoenix, and are ready to purchase a home together.
Reuben, a real estate agent, and his partner, Tim, want to upgrade from their condo to a single family home in Palm Springs, but their search won't be easy.
Travis and Nicole are ready for their perfect Chi-Town dream home. Problem is they have different visions of "perfect".
Gavyn and Cory are on the hunt for a new home in Indianapolis. Gavyn wants to buy a trendy loft in the city's up and coming downtown area.
Pennsylvania couple Tom and Sharon are looking forward to moving out of their rental and into a spacious home with unique style and character.
Douglas and Dan recently relocated from Virginia to Salt Lake City to work at the same women's clothing line.
Washington state transplants, Grahm and Dana, have fallen in love with San Francisco and are ready to buy their first home there.
Octave and Paul have been talking about starting a family since they first started dating. Now they're married and are ready to adopt, but not before they find a home.
Through their non-profit work, Amy and Jeff, are both very committed to making New Orleans a better place to live, work and play.
Jennifer's ready to buy her first place in downtown Chicago. Her younger sister, Laura, will be renting a room from her, and wants Jennifer to buy in a high-rise.
Dave and Sarah-Jayne are first time buyers anxious to get out of their cramped Chicago apartment. She's hoping for a sprawling ranch style home in the city.
New York City dwellers Robbi and Ray want a home upstate, where they can bring up the child they hope to adopt soon in a more tranquil setting.
Romanian ex-pats, Alex and Eliza, have worked hard to achieve the American Dream. Now they're buying a spectacular home on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
Dallas residents, Stephen and mom-to-be Megan, are rushing to find a home where she can feather their nest before their first baby arrives in just a few weeks.
Moving around a lot is nothing new to Marine pilot, Cody, and his wife, Stephanie. But now that he has a 3 year tour in Beaufort, South Carolina, they feel the time has come to throw down some roots.
After college, medical school, and residency Jay is back in his native Los Angeles and ready to buy his first home. He's leaning toward a historic home.
Danny and Ashley are self-confessed neat freaks buying their first home in downtown Chicago. They have some quirky deal breakers, including no bidet toilets.
New Orleans newlyweds, Zach and Christie, are ready to stop sharing walls in their cozy Garden District apartment complex and buy a home of their own.
Michael and Lauren just moved to Bentonville, Arkansas, where they're loving the small town vibe. But they're having a tough time finding a home that fits.
LaKechia, a single mom from the Atlanta suburb of Fayetteville, has been living with her mother to save money for a home. But this will be no starter home for her.
Ryan and Angela are on the hunt for their first home together in downtown Chicago. A history buff, Angela wants one of the city's historic converted lofts.
Josh and Kate are moving their three young boys from South Carolina to Clermont, Florida to be closer to Josh's family. He wants a house with plenty of play space.
Tim is all about getting a house with great architectural details, and has decided his next home in Brattleboro, Vermont, needs to be at least 100 years old.
Ohio transplants, Brian and Andrea, are in love with Philadelphia and are ready to buy their first home in the area. She wants a historic charmer, and he wants something more modern.
Eric and Laura have recently moved to Gilbert, Arizona, for Eric's job, and are looking for a home with room to grow for their family of three.
While their peers might be having kids and rushing off to the burbs, Chicago couple Josh and Ali are determined to raise their daughter in the city.
Neither Andy nor Laura wants to give up their desired architectural style in this Denver house hunt. He wants Victorian and she wants Craftsman.
Ariel and his fiancee, Julie, want out of their one bedroom apartment and into a place of their own. They both want to live near downtown D.C., but that's about all they agree on ...
After a year of living with her parents, Ohio couple Sam and Meredith are at an impasse on their house hunt. She wants a historic charmer walking distance to shops and downtown.
While most Los Angeles residents move to the suburbs when they're ready to settle down, Brian and Stephanie want to stay in the city.
After getting transferred from Maryland to Honolulu, naval officer, Jim, and his wife, Rachel, want to buy their first home with a sizable budget.
Caine, who's originally from Hawaii, wants a home in Seattle that will remind him of the island life, so he's looking for houseboat on Lake Union.
Seth and Keri are anxious to get out of Seth's bachelor pad and into a home they can grow into. Seth dreams of living on a golf course.
Larrishia and Cameron are newlyweds who have never lived in a house before. She desperately wants a French provinicial-style house with an all brick exterior.
Brian and Harriett are moving their three kids from Tampa to Pensacola, Florida, to be closer to family, but they have very different priorities.
Matt and fiancee Bre are young professionals living in downtown Toledo's warehouse district. Tired of renting, they've decided it's time to buy.
Kevin and Kara are looking for a Chicago condo with at least two bedrooms, and no en-suite master bathroom. Kevin's looking for an industrial-style loft with lots of space.
Ron, a professor, and his wife, Nikki-Nicole, a lighting designer, are looking to plant roots for their budding family in Durham, North Carolina.
Marcus and Jennifer are ready to upsize from their small starter house and buy a much larger place.
Determined to find the perfect Baltimore row-home in their adopted city, Lacy and Julian run into trouble as he insists on a move-in ready home, while she insists on finding a fixer-upper.
Colin and Chandra are hunting for a home in Jacksonville, Florida. With $450,000 to spend, Colin wants to focus their search on finding a ranch home.
Erik and Caroline have been married a year and are planning their future together. They're moving from Raleigh, North Carolina, to nearby Apex.
Single mom Chira has high hopes as she searches Brevard County, Florida, for a home to raise her little boy. The kicker? She has only $200,000 to spend.
Jason and Jamie are tired of townhome living and are anxious to get into a single family home. Jason's hoping for a turn-key ranch style home with a big yard.
Brendon and Tara are buying their first home together in downtown Chicago. She wants a luxe high-rise in pricey River North, with all the bells and whistles.
Firefighter Brandon and fiance Nicole are looking for their first home in the beautiful Central Coast of California, but are having a major disagreement over which one.
Brad and Christian relocated from Denver to San Francisco for Brad's job. Christian wants a house with character, a classic Victorian "Painted Lady" in the heart of San Francisco.
Holly and Paul are ready to ditch Paul's condo and buy their first home together. They both want a Chicago Bungalow with a brick exterior and historic chram.
Brett and Megan want to move out of his parents' place, and buy their first home in Naples, Florida. But these twenty-somethings aren't just looking for a home ...
Matt and Sara have recently moved from Albuquerque to the Boulder, Colorado area. Matt craves a house with character that has some history and heritage to it.
CJ and Kelly love the Atlanta area, but raising two small children in a tiny condo is no longer working. They're looking for a larger home with impressive touches.
Josh and Natalie are tired of cramped condo life in downtown Kansas City, so they're looking for a large single family home to settle into.
Matt and Janine bought what might be the ideal house for many people. It's humongous, and located in a quiet suburban neighborhood far from the bustle of downtown.
Paul and Cecilia just sold their condo and want to buy a single family home in Los Angeles. Cecilia would love to stay in their current neighborhood of Studio City.
Few people are able to buy an apartment in the U.S.'s most expensive city before they turn 30, but Colleen, a banker, is one of them.
After months in their friends' spare room, Texas transplants Jonathan and Christine can't wait to find a home of their own in Durham, North Carolina.
Indianapolis newcomers, Jake and Mary, are looking for a large home for their growing family. But with a long list of 26 very specific things, even their healthy $700,000 budget might not cover it.
Michael and Kristin are newly engaged and living in Michael's childhood bedroom in his parents' house in Boonton, New Jersey, while they search for a place of their own.
Crime scene investigator Tony is all about the facts, but his wife Nan, a DNA analyst, is relying on spiritual energy to pick their new home in the Walnut Creek area.
A job transfer for Jeremiah is sending he and his wife Candice from Fort Worth 20 miles south to suburban De Soto. They're on the hunt for a large, updated family home.
Ryan and Stacey have $300,000 to buy their first home outside Baltimore, but they want very different things. He dreams of a grand McMansion.
With a baby on the way, Scott and Meghan are looking to get out of his tiny bachelor pad condo, and buy something larger.
Instead of waiting to settle down with Mr. Right, KeriAnn has decided to buy her first home on her own in New Hampshire.
Rick and Ann want to trade cold Kentucky winters for sun and surf in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Views are number one on Ann's wish list.
Billy and Jaime have been teaching abroad in Malaysia, but recently adopted their first child and are eager to give her roots in their hometown of Houston.
Randy and Greg recently relocated from Portland, Oregon to Washington DC for Randy's new job. Randy would like to find a place in the $850,000 range.
Shortly after relocating to Los Angeles for work, Allison realized she was priced out of L.A.'s pricey housing market, so she's headed back to her hometown.
A growing family running out of space has decided to look for a bigger home in the family-friendly towns of Murrieta and Temecula, California.
Paul and Neely live in Helena, Alabama, near Birmingham, and love taking family vacations at Lake Martin two hours away.
Tired of cramped apartments and high prices in NYC, Craig and Frank have decided to move back home to Detroit to be near family and friends.
Angie is searching for a home in the horse country of Baltimore county, close to the barn where she boards her horse, Princess.
Dave and Nicole are hoping to find as a nice a home in their new city of Atlanta as they had previously in Charlotte, North Carolina.
With one toddler and another baby on the way, James and Erin want to upsize to a bigger home in Phoenix Arizona. James, an attorney, is all about getting the wow factor.
San Diego Surfer Kevin wants to find a bungalow on the beach. Standing in his way is his wife, Eryn, who prefers the suburbs farther inland.
Johann moved in with his girlfriend Allison after losing his home in a fire. Now engaged to be married, the couple wants to find a new, bigger home in Seattle.
A job transfer for Craig has he and his girlfriend Dana moving down South to Birmingham Alabama from Boston.
DeShon and Cynthia moved from Lansing, Michigan, to Las Vegas to help start a church. Now these expectant parents are on the hunt for a large home where their parish will prosper.
Huntsville, Alabama couple Desmond and Lauren love working on their cars. Since their tiny apartment rental doesn't have a garage, they're on the hunt for a home with a space for their beloved rides.
Jay and Kelly want to trade up from his cramped townhouse to big home with a yard for their growing family near Hartford, Connecticut.
San Diego real estate agent Kimo and his girlfriend Veronica have decided to buy a home together. But walking the line between boyfriend and agent can get tricky.
Twenty-somethings Mike and Teresa are convinced they can find the perfect house. They're searching the historic neighbhorhoods of Kansas City for a move-in ready home.
Emeka and Amy both have a passion for bodybuilding, so on their house hunt they want space for their exercise equipment, and a G-shaped kitchen.
David and Lynne are tired of the fast paced DC lifestyle and have decided to move to the country, relocating 2 hours south to Charlottesville, Virginia.
Fiances, Greg and Janelle, are looking for a home in North Carolina. She has her heart set on living in a southern-style home that she hopes Greg will love too.
Alex and Jonathan aren't thrilled about living in a small D.C. condo that doesn't have a yard for their dog. With their $600,000 budget they'd like to upgrade to a place with a large green space.
Newlyweds, Jamie and Jessica, want their first place in the Boston area to be a 2 unit multi-family home, where they could live in one unit, and rent out the other.
Twenty-somethings Jason and Jaime are ready to buy their first house together, near where they grew up in the pricey western Los Angeles suburbs.
Originally from Florida, DePaul University student Jojo has fallen in love with her adopted hometown of Chicago.
After over 20 years of living in Southern California, Bern, Paul and their 9 year old daughter are moving to Boulder, Colorado, for a career opportunity.
Tony met Jenny while he was her college soccer coach in Hawaii. Now they're back home in Salt Lake City, married, and pregnant with their first child.
Young Columbus, Ohio, couple Shawn and Julie have saved up a down payment, and are ready to trade their rent for a mortgage.
Now that Pat and Michelle's kids are heading off to college, they'd like to downsize from their large home to something smaller in the Austin area. Michelle has her heart set on an older Craftsman style home with lots of charm and character. Pat is focused on a house with a 2 car garage and, more importantly, a home that isn't a total remodel. But Michelle is a real estate agent, and knows that their $300,000 budget will most likely get them a fixer-upper. Can this couple find a smaller home that has what they both want?
Jason and Joe have been best friends for over 10 years, and roommates for two. With rent continually on the rise, they've decided to pool their savings and buy a house together. They want two master suites, an updated kitchen, hardwood floors and central AC. But in the competitive Northern California real estate market, they'll find themselves up against limited inventory, high prices, bidding wars, and even a dangerous cactus.
Jake and Rebekah have up to $200,000 to spend on their first home in Des Moines, Iowa. But they don't agree on what to buy. Jake wants an older Craftsman style fixer with historic character. But Rebekah, who owns a quickly-growing business, wants a newly built cookie cutter house, since she doesn't have the time or energy to put into a fixer. Their agent Margie has the difficult job of getting these two to an agreement, but she has one surprise she thinks could work: selling them her parent's house.
Recently engaged, Megan and Todd want to buy their first home before they launch into the time-consuming task of wedding planning. He loves the exposed timber and ducts of Chicago's downtown lofts, but she dreams of living in one of the city's vintage brownstone walk-ups. They also want an open floor-plan, outdoor space, and two parking spots. Which will be harder - agreeing on a style, or finding everything they want with their first-time buyers' budget?
After selling his custom-built home in the San Francisco suburbs, Mike is up for a change, and wants to buy a home in the city. With a whopping $4 million budget, he wants a home with architectural history, such as a Victorian or Edwardian, but it needs to have a contemporary interior with the same kind of custom details he had in his previous home, such as a home integration system. As a divorced father of 3, he also needs to have 4 bedrooms and 4 baths to accommodate his kids. But in one of the world's most expensive real estate markets, even a multi-million dollar budget comes with big compromises.
Student counselor Heather scored free dorm housing at a university near Rochester, New York. But now she and her husband Joe are ready to trade campus life for a home of their own. They've agreed to spend up to $200,000 on a place with space to start a family near the quaint town of Geneseo, but disagree on one big issue: while Heather wants a classic Colonial with old-fashioned charm and details, Joe would prefer a cool, contemporary space with one-of-a-kind features that'll impress his friends. Factor in Joe's demand for a huge yard and privacy from neighbors, and this is bound to be a challenging house hunt!
Italian-born Marco and his Italian-American wife, Maria, are moving with their 2 young daughters from Ohio to Boca Raton to realize their dream of living in Florida's lush, tropical climate. But there's trouble in paradise. Marco insists on a pool for the kids, but Maria sees it as a major safety issue. As a contractor, he also wants to take on a low-price fixer, but she wants to fork out big bucks for a more convenient move-in ready home. When all is well in this Italian family, English is the primary language. But when this house hunt gets heated, out comes the Italian.
San Diego transplants Brian and Jennipher want to buy a home in Helena, Montana, before their wedding. But he wants a lower priced craftsman, and she's ready to break the bank for a Victorian in the city's historic mansion district. With Jennipher's mom in her corner it's going to be tough for Brian to emerge victorious in this historic house hunt.
Fargo, North Dakota, news anchor, Stephanie, is a one of a kind woman looking for a home to suit her style. She'd prefer a historic condo or townhouse downtown that won't require much maintenance, and lots of wall space for the local art she has been collecting for years. Her good friend Abby is a homeowner in town and is also the voice of reason for Stephanie. She thinks Stephanie will get a better deal for her money with a single-family house in a safe suburban neighborhood. Will it be a house in the burbs or a condo downtown?
Will and McKenzie just moved from Atlanta to Augusta, Georgia, so he can start dental school. With a budget of $95,000 to $110,000, they're searching for a 3 bed, 2 bath house. Problem is, McKenzie is used to getting her way, and will only consider a 2 story cottage style home with hardwood floors throughout, at least 1 fireplace, a deck, and an upgraded kitchen with white cabinets. Will, on the other hand, wants a red brick ranch house with a garage, large fenced yard, and no major repairs. Will McKenzie get her way?
Reno, Nevada, couple Tyler and Charlotte are looking for their first home for their growing family, but don't see eye to eye on what they should buy. Charlotte has grand visions of a large, two-story Craftsman, with lots of high end finishes. Husband Tyler is more realistic as to what their 185K budget will get them, and would be happy with a one-story ranch. Will he be able to tame her high expectations?
Erin and Katie are tired of paying rent and would like to find a spacious family home in Washington State. Erin would like a ranch, while Katie leans toward a bungalow. They both agree on a house that's big enough to accommodate their 3-year-old son, two dogs, Erin's home office, and Katie's crafting hobby. What it can't have is any brick, since Erin dislikes it both inside and out. Will these two ladies be able to find a home with all of the things they want, and more importantly, without any of the things they don't want?
Michael and Samantha are ready to buy their first home in Birmingham, Michigan. But he's looking for a place that's colorful and quirky with historic charm. And she wants something that's open, updated, and neutral with a gourmet kitchen. Unfortunately, finding a fully renovated home with historic charm for under 400 thousand dollars is going to be tough.
Chris and Amanda are recent newlyweds living Natick, Massachussetts near Boston. Ready to start a family, they've decided to buy a home. Amanda wants brand new construction. Even something built 10 years ago is too old, and a Victorian house would make her skin crawl, especially if there's a possibility that the home is haunted. But the most important thing to Chris is that the home be energy efficient. As long as he can have that, he'd love a place with character. Will it be a newer place with all the bells and whistles, or an old, haunted charmer?
Adam and Heather fell so in love with Charleston that they left their hometown in Ohio and moved there. Now they'd like to trade their small rental apartment for a spacious first home where they can start a family. Adam's looking for an energy efficient ranch style home with a spacious backyard to play sports. Heather, on the other hand, would like to find a two-story house with Charleston charm and features like a double front porch and gas lamps. Will her need for charm triumph over his need for function?
Now that Mike and Danielle are about to have a baby, they've realized their two-bedroom apartment in Rochester, New York isn't going to cut it. They're ready to buy but can't agree on what they want. She is all about symmetry and loves the style of Colonial homes. He prefers the layout of split levels. She wants to live as close to the city as possible. He wants to be farther out in the country. Working with their strict $175,000 budget and a series of very specific pet peeves, making room for baby won't be easy.
Larry and Janelle have learned a lot about each other in their first year of marriage. He's learned that she's a germaphobe, and she's learned that he's nearly obsessed with the perfect sound system in his media basement. Now they're finding these differences are seriously complicating their house hunt in suburban Baltimore. He refuses to replace germ-infested bathrooms that she hates, and she has a hard time understanding his need for a solitary basement. Will these newlyweds be able to make a clean start in a new home?
When Dennis and Sarah got married six months ago, they moved into her tiny 800-square-foot Lexington, Kentucky apartment with her dog, Rover. Now ready to buy their first home, they've discovered that they want very different things. She likes Cape Cods, he likes modern style. He wants a project, she wants move-in ready. She wants a suburban feel with a big yard for Rover, he wants the city feel of a downtown condo. These two are going to have to learn to compromise if they hope to find a home in Lexington's competitive real estate market.
Suzy Badaracco spent her childhood summers in Florida at her family's second home. She now lives in Portland, Oregon with her two children, and while they love the Oregon coast, it's too cold for the kids to swim in the ocean. Wanting her kids to experience Florida's sun and fun just like she did, Suzy wants to buy a vacation condo in the Ft. Lauderdale area. But even with a budget of $450,000, finding an updated, oceanfront condo with lots of amenities could get rocky.
New York City couple - and broadway actors - JennyLynn and Bobby are always on the go with their two children. Hoping to have somewhere peaceful to retreat to, they're in the market for a vacation home in nearby Woodstock. Keeping the house hunt a secret from their kids, their dream house would be cabin or barn-like with modern touches. Not long into their house hunt, however, their broker gives them the reality check that their budget isn't going to get them what they want. Will this busy family be willing to compromise to find a peaceful retreat?
New parents Jake and Jenny want to upgrade to a bigger home in the suburbs of Los Angeles. But Jenny doesn't want to compromise on style like she did on their first place, so they're hoping to find a open and airy Mediterranean home with good Feng Shui for her, without sacrificing coziness and privacy for him. Unfortunately, even their healthy $750,000 budget will limit their options in L.A.'s pricey housing market.
Rob and Lea have been married for 3 years, and for the entire length of their marriage they've lived with Lea's warm and effusive Greek parents near Boston. Now it's finally time to leave the spanakopita behind and buy a home of their own. Rob is from Chicago and loves condos within the buzz of a city and the proximity to shops and restaurants. Lea wants to live a calmer life in the suburbs in an older colonial home with the comfortable hiss of a radiator and squeaky wood floors, all of which creeps Rob out. Will they buy a modern city condo, or will it be a suburban single family home?
Twenty-something Porscha has been working two jobs to save for a house for herself and her dog, Diamond, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With her opinionated best friend Ashley along for the hunt, she's looking for a 3 bedroom home that's wheelchair accessible for her mom, and she insists on upgrades like hardwoods and granite. With an entry-level budget of $100,000, she'll have her hands full trying to find everything she wants.
Glen and Robb live in Orange County, California, but they enjoy spending time in Palm Springs so much that they want to buy a vacation home there. They'd love a place with mountain views and a rectangular pool to play water-volleyball. But when it comes to the style of house, they don't see eye to eye. Glen would like a Spanish style home with a desert feel, while Robb would prefer something mid-century modern. Will these two be able to find a home that they both can vacation and relax in?
After a bad experience with a previous home purchase, Hunter and Meredith have been renting for the past 6 years. Finally ready to jump back into the market, they're setting out to find their dream home in the Chesapeake area. The problem is Meredith has a list of unrealistic expectations for their $500,000 budget. Making matters worse, they can't agree on style. He wants a Southern Colonial, and she insists on a "Gone with the Wind" Plantation style home. Will their second time around be the charm in charming Chesapeake?
Utah natives Devin and Chianne can't wait to buy their first house in the funky beach community of Dunedin, Florida. These dog lovers need a place that can fit five dogs, but that's not the strangest part about their wish list. Devin has his heart set on finding a log cabin? in Florida! But Chianne wants a southern-style Victorian charmer. With their $160.000 budget, both of their choices may prove impossible to find.
Rye and Julie planned to build their dream home on family land in Durant, Oklahoma. They even had the design plans all ready to go. Then they realized that the land was too far away from Rye's job as a nurse anesthetist at the local hospital. So now they're looking for a home no more than 10-minutes from work. Julie wants the home to have everything they planned in their dream home and be move-in ready. But Rye wants to save a little money and buy a fixer-upper they can renovate to make exactly what they want. With different budgets and different tolerances for remodeling, this couple has their work cut out for them.
Vince and Jean moved from the burbs to downtown Chicago after their son left for college. But their one bedroom condo isn't big enough for his regular return visits, so they're ready to upgrade to something with more space. Unfortunately Vince is dead set on lake views, and Jean is all about the Chicago skyline.
Kefla and Lucrecia moved their family from Los Angeles to the Atlanta area 6 years ago so they could eventually buy a home in this less expensive market. Problem is, they're looking for a house that, as Lucrecia puts it, is grandioso on a budget. For $250,000, they expect to get a newer home with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, not to mention a lower bed and bath for their parents. She's all about the high end details, and he's focused on a large backyard and a basement that he can turn into his man room. Will they compromise, or will their delusions of grandeur win out?
Chris and his wife Jackie love their loft in downtown St. Louis but have outgrown it. Looking for more space to start a family, they're setting their sights on buying in the nearby suburbs. They're hoping for a two-story traditional home with a large yard. Most important to Chris is getting an unfinished basement he can customize. Jackie's more worried about something with an open floor-plan. Helping them look for the perfect home is Chris's brother, Drew. Let the sibling rivalry begin, House Hunters style.
Helen dreams of owning one of Washington, D.C.'s historic Victorian row homes, but her husband Jesse would rather have a place with no shared walls and a big yard. They also want a large open kitchen, an en-suite master bath, and a finished basement that will give them more space for the foster kids they hope to adopt. But in D.C.'s seller's market, finding everything they want within their first time homebuyers' budget might mean they won't get any of it.
Lesli is looking for a new home for herself and her six-year-old son in Atlanta, Georgia. She'd like to find a totally updated house with four bedrooms, a circular driveway, and room for an office. There also needs to be some significant space for her son, including both a playroom or basement and a fenced-in yard. Along for the hunt is her best friend of 20 years, Gina, who thinks she knows Lesli better than Lesli knows herself. Lesli would like to find a Cape Cod-style house like her childhood home in New England, while Gina explains that Lesli is not traditional in any way. Will Leslie get everything she thinks she needs, or will Gina's opinions win out?
Amateur bodybuilder, Salvatore, and his fiance, Giselle, have recently moved from Los Angeles to his hometown of Strongsville, Ohio. With their wedding approaching, they're looking for their first house together, but they don't agree on what type to buy. He wants a Colonial-style home like he grew up in, while she prefers the ranch style she's familiar with from her childhood in California. Who's wish list is stronger?
After moving from Los Angeles to her hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii, Tiffani and her husband Brian are searching for their first home. The problem is Brian, a mainlander, dreams of living right by the ocean where he can kayak and enjoy the beach. Having grown up in Hawaii, Tiffani is all too familiar with the damage salt water can cause on a home and is concerned about the long-term maintenance. She's pushing to live farther inland. Adding to the challenge, they're discovering that their $800,000 budget doesn't buy you much in paradise.
Eric and Patrick are buying their first home in Philadelphia. This creative pair in their early 20's would like to transform their living space into something cool and unique, so a hip industrial-style loft with big open spaces and high ceilings would be the perfect place to call home. One problem: their broker is Eric's mother, Kim, and being a mom, she has other ideas about what kind of place they should buy. She'd like to see them in something more traditional, like a row home. Working with a $300,000 budget, who will win out?
Tanasha Anders is ready to trade apartment living for a place she can call her own in Dallas. Her two friends, Corey and Deya, have joined the house hunt to give their very vocal opinions. Tanasha fancies herself a real estate agent and designer, even though she has no formal training. Can her friends act as the voice of reason and keep Tanasha in check? Prepare for big drama in the Big D.
Alex and Anthony live in a 300 sq. ft. apartment in New York City, but they've decided that they'd like to start a family, so they'll need more space. Since they have a limited budget, they're targeting larger, more affordable condominiums in nearby Jersey City. Anthony, a flight attendant, is looking for a pre-war building, which he feels has the charm and character he has seen through his travels. Alex is an engineer who would like to find a sleek, modern, luxury high-rise with city views. Will these New Yorkers be able to compromise so they can become Jersey Boys?
Will and Katy have just moved from Chicago to Nashville to pursue careers in the country music business and are anxious to buy their first home. Will wants a single story ranch in the country while Katy prefers a two story craftsman in the city. With a budget of up to $250,000, they'll have to learn to sing in real estate harmony if they want to find a home.
Florida girl, Kasia, and her husband, Jake, have moved back to his cold hometown of Green Bay, Wisconsin. He loves the snow, but she hates it. And the disagreements don't end there. They're looking for their first home, but she wants country charm, and he wants modern design. She wants a two-story, he wants a ranch. She wants lots of neighbors, and he wants none. Not to mention they also want a big porch, a huge garage, and a private yard, all within a modest, first-time homebuyer's budget. There's a definite chill surrounding this house hunt, in more ways than one.
Seattle natives, Nick and Hillary, would like to get out of Nick's small bachelor pad and into an older, Pacific Northwestern house with lots of character. Nick's top priority is plenty of storage space for his collection of nearly 1000 bottles of wines. Hillary's more focused on making sure they buy a home in the family-oriented community of Laurelhurst. But that might be a big challenge, since that particular area is not only pricey, but also low on inventory.
Andrew has had a successful career as an investment banker, so he'd like to purchase a spacious home that reflects his accomplishments. Working with a $700,000-plus budget, Andrew's targeting 4 bedroom homes in the affluent Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe. But even with his hefty budget, Andrew may still have to make some compromises. Can his friend Peyton help him see what he can live with, or will her opinions create more problems?
Cedric, an engineer, and Elise, a radiologist, are currently living in a very small home with 3 children. As Cedric puts it, the children are growing, but the house is not. So they're on the hunt for a home in the suburbs of Boston. Cedric is from France where most homes are all one level and fairly small. Elise is from New England where doctors own large Colonial-style homes. He also wants a room for his classic arcade games, which Elise can't stand. Will they reach some sort of detente and find a place that will make them both happy?
After moving around for several years, Brad and Melissa are ready to settle down in Columbus, Ohio, near family and friends. Problem is, they disagree on what kind of house they want. Brad would like a ranch home on a secluded wooded lot, while Melissa wants a 2 story new build in an established neighborhood. With a long wish list inside the home as well, they'll have their hands full trying to find a place with a budget of only $325,000.
Single girl, Candace, wants her first home to have French style and be small enough to easily maintain. But her mom, Sharon, worries about the future and wants Candace to buy a house large enough to accommodate a future family. Mom's pushing for a two-story, but Candace only wants one. Mom wants to see large bedrooms for kids, but Candace is only worried about having a diva-worthy master. This search could turn into a family feud.
Gus and Rachel are excited to upgrade from their tiny Washington D.C. apartment and buy their first home together. But that's where the excitement ends. Rachel is set on a charming D.C. row-home near shops and restaurants. But her husband is happy to move to the suburbs, since it'll get him more space for his hobbies, which include brewing beer. Finding middle ground in D.C. is never easy.
Scott and Misty are moving with their 2 kids, her parents, and 2 German Shepherds from Denver to Greenville, South Carolina. They're on the hunt for a gargantuan Southern-Colonial with all the bells and whistles, including a live-in space for Misty's parents. But Scott, who Misty calls "Mr. Fuss Bucket" won't make this an easy hunt, since he's demanding 20 foot vaulted ceilings for a massive Christmas tree, and his habit of racing through the houses makes him hard to follow.
After 8 months of searching, the Murphy family has seen its fare share of Murphy's Law at work on their house hunt. Now, with their lease set to expire, they're desperate to find a home in scenic West Hartford as soon as possible. She wants a historic charmer, but he's concerned about the upkeep. She wants to find a home within walking distance of the quaint shops and restaurants downtown, but he wants to live farther out on a large lot. Even with $650,000 to spend they may find out that, in this market, if it can go wrong, it will.
With plans to start a family, Bob and Caitlin are ready to settle down and buy their first house. As excited as they are to buy, they have one problem. Caitlin has her heart set on pricey Manhattan Beach, California, even if it means living in a smaller place. Bob, who comes from Ohio where you can get a $200,000 house with a lot of square footage, would rather look outside of that area to get more house for their money. With one-million dollars to spend, who will win?
David and Frank are looking for a tropical waterfront retreat on Kauai, where they can escape their hectic mainland lives. But David wants something modern and open, while Frank is set on a rustic, Hawaiian plantation-style home. With their budget, finding anything with an ocean view is going to be tough. Will they have to buy a fixer to be on the beach?
Sergio is from Serbia, but he wants to buy his first home in Honolulu, Hawaii. His plan is to stay there for a few years, and eventually rent the place out when he's ready to move on. Sergio is picky about what he wants in this first place. It should be an upgraded modern condo right by coveted Waikiki Beach, with a modern kitchen, lanai, and views of the ocean. But in pricey Waikiki, his strict budget of $400,000 is going to make this search for perfection almost impossible.
Thirty-one-year-old Beth is a single 3rd grade teacher from San Diego. After years of renting, she's ready to get out of her cramped apartment and buy her first place. The problem; she wants a 2 bedroom single family home near scenic Balboa Park - a very popular neighborhood. With a budget that can't exceed $250,000, she may need to settle for a condo or townhome. With her good friend Lindsay along on the hunt, will Beth be able to handle all the compromises she'll need to consider?
Capitol Hill economist, Aaron, and his stay-at-home wife, Merry, are ready to buy their first home near Washington, D.C. They're looking for a place with traditional Colonial style and plenty of space to entertain their large family. With a $450,000 budget, they're also hoping to find a few unusual features: Aaron needs high ceilings so he can fly his toy helicopter, and Merry Brooke would love enough space to install an indoor drinking fountain, like the one she grew up with.
Adrian and Nancy love bringing up their boys in the suburb of Teaneck, New Jersey, but after years of renting they're ready to put down permanent roots. They need a home office for him, and a large, updated kitchen that'll accommodate her catering company. They're also searching for enough space to add an unconventional feature: a stripper pole, so Nancy can show off the moves she's been learning in her exotic exercise class. This one could get interesting.
Chris and Lauren are ready to move out of her parents' basement before their upcoming wedding. But finding a starter house in Denver is proving to be a tall order. Chris wants a fixer-upper they can afford on their own, but Lauren is happy to accept help from her parents if it means she'll get a charming downtown bungalow. Their patience is put to the test as they explore Denver's low-inventory housing market.
After losing her dream house in a divorce, Stacie is ready to start over by buying a home of her own in the Kansas City area. Working with a $400,000 budget, she wants a Craftsman style house in an established neighborhood with mature trees. The house must also have a spot for her custom made saddle bar-stools, and a shower large enough to bathe her dog, Gus. Problem is, her friend, Elaine, who's joining on the hunt, can't help pushing her own agenda. She thinks Stacie should get a fixer, and wants her to live near her home in North Kansas City. Will Stacie cave, or stick with her new dream?
Flight attendant, Gavin, is moving back home to his native Chicago. He's hoping to find a converted loft close to his favorite bars and restaurants downtown. But joining him on the hunt is his very opinionated best friend, Erica, who sees him in a more sleek, modern-style condo. After seeing both lofts and ultra-modern places, will Gavin be convinced?
Roger and Jennifer have sold their home in Colorado to realize their dream of settling down with their family in Napa Valley, California. With a budget of one million dollars, they're hoping to find a move in ready home with a huge yard where they can try their hand at growing a vineyard. But their picky tastes that also include a white kitchen, a lap pool, and a dedicated area to grow organic vegetables has made the search difficult in a high demand area with low inventory. Will they be able to make their wine country dream come true?
Eric, Kelly, and their 2 young boys are sharing a one-bedroom guest house on Eric's parents' 9-acre ranch. With all 4 crammed into a single bedroom, this young family is in desperate need of more space. Kelly, who stays home with the kids, wants a large, updated house with plenty of room to grow. Eric, who has gotten used to the privacy and space of his parents' acreage, wants at least an acre of land. With a budget of $225,000 it's next to impossible to find both, so will it be big house, or big land?
Pediatrician Bryan works in the hospital where President Obama was born, and his wife, Chui, works for the U.S. Geological Survey. They love their current location of Manoa Valley, on the island of Oahu. Unfortunately, a lot of other house hunters love the neighborhood too, so even with a million dollar budget finding a bigger home with a garage won't be easy. Making the search even harder are doctor Bryan's range of health-related aversions like germ filled grout, and Chui's eclectic range of deal breakers. At 5'1' she is fed up with high counters in any room, and her work with water sources means no houses near streams! Can they find their dream home without leaving the neighborhood they love?
Now that Colin and Kelly are expecting a second child, they're eager to move out of their relative's place, and find a large family home in the Indianapolis area. Kelly's focused on a move-in ready house with at least 2000 square feet, but Colin wants a fixer-upper, and he isn't so sure a large home is realistic with their $150,000 budget. Kelly also has her heart set on a modern home, while Colin prefers an older Bungalow or Ranch. Will they be able to find a house that makes them both happy?
Joshua, a musician, and Tracy, a first grade teacher, are a young newlywed couple with big dreams and a long wish list. Joshua needs a large music room and wants a large updated kitchen, while Tracy insists on having a 17 foot by 17 foot master so she can incorporate a breakfast nook in the bedroom. They both expect an open floor-plan, high end finishes, lots of square footage, a yard large enough for a pool, and tons of curb appeal. This will be a challenging house hunt... with only a $170,000 budget.
Gene and Erica reconnected a year ago, after twenty years apart. Now they're looking for a home with enough space for Erica's son, and a few kids of their own, in South Amboy, New Jersey. But will her long wish list and refusal to compromise dash Gene's dream of finding a traditional home, like the one he grew up, priced at the lower-end of their budget?
Christina and her French-born husband, David, have just moved back to Houston after living on the East Coast for two years. They're anxious to find a large 5 bedroom home to accommodate their 4 children, and are hoping to find a home that has French details. They also don't want an updated kitchen because Christine wants to redesign it herself. With a budget of 325,000 they're searching the competitive inner loop of Houston, but they may have to consider the suburbs to get more of what they want.
Pastor Scott and his wife, Cindy, are looking for an upgrade over their current house in Jenison, Michigan. The practical-minded Scott wants a new build with plenty of room for themselves and their two boys, plus convenient features like a finished basement, a mud room, and an attached garage. But Cindy wants a place with lots of quirks, colorful walls, and fixtures and unique design features. The last thing she wants is anything cookie-cutter. It could take divine intervention to get them to compromise.
Omaha couple, Joey and Lindsey, recently got married. Now they're looking forward to taking another big step and buying their first home together. Joey is looking for an older two-story house, while Lindsey prefers a newer ranch style home. Adding to the challenge, Lindsey opposes hardwood floors, wants wall-to-wall carpeting, and doesn't want a formal dining area because she thinks it's wasted space. Will this young couple find the home of their dreams or will they have to make some compromises?
First time buyers Joel and Candace want a home in Little Rock that has a large creative space and a style that speaks to their artistic sensibilities. But he wants a woodsy fixer he can put his mark on, and she wants modern and move-in ready. And their limited budget won't leave them with many choices.
Jeff and girlfriend, Beckie, are ready to take their relationship to the next level by buying a house together. Problem is, Jeff, a contractor, wants a house that's a project that can be made into whatever they want. Beckie has no desire to live with the mess that a remodel brings and is pushing for a completely upgraded house. Working with a budget of $225,000 they'll have to find a house that strikes a balance between both of their needs.
Aaron and Heather run a thriving photography studio in St. Louis, Missouri. They've been renting both the studio and their condo, but are ready to buy and consolidate both spaces into one live-work space. But this unconventional couple wants an equally unconventional space to turn into their dream home. After seeing a storefront, a loft that was once a car dealership, and an old firehouse, which one will they choose?
Darren and Kristen are a study in contrasts: she's a gun enthusiast who loves to hunt, he has a quiet passion for creating jewelry. Their priorities in their Houston house hunt are different as well. She wants a vintage cottage near downtown, he'd be happy in an updated 70's ranch style home in the suburbs. With $250,000 to spend, they'll both be making sacrifices to find a home in a competitive market.
John and Steve have just moved to Washington D.C. for Steve's research work with the USDA. Sticker shock quickly sets in as they look for a new place; they're used to big rooms, big yards and small price tags in the rural Texas town they lived in. Making matters worse, their budget cannot exceed $250,000 and they don't agree on the type of neighborhood they want. Steve wants a more urban setting, while John wants to live in a more surburban area.
Elisa and Stacey are ready to upgrade from apartment living to homeownership. But this Boston duo has different visions of the perfect home. Elisa wants something vintage and charming that she can fix up herself. Stacey, on the other hand, is skeptical of Elisa's home improvement skills, and would like to stick with something move-in ready. Another problem, Stacey is sick of Boston's hustle and bustle and wants to trade it in for the suburbs. Elisa would rather buy something urban in style. Finding middle ground in Beantown won't be easy.
The search for Ryan and Lydia's first home in Phoenix has been a major challenge. She's completely focused on a house that's pretty and reminds her of being on a farm in Maine, with no cactus. On top of all this, she wants a room where she can homeschool their kids, and a backyard space to raise chickens. Ryan, on the other hand, doesn't care what the house looks like, as long as it has a den and air conditioned workshop for his projects. Will they find a house that comes close to a compromise?
Dave loves a good project. But his wife, Meredith, has lived through his renovations before, and wants a turnkey home this time around. And with his recent job transfer to Houston, they need to find a house fast. Finding a place with a big kitchen, a dedicated home office for her, and a big yard for the dog would be challenging even if they were on the same page about remodeling. They'll have to hunt down just the right balance of projects and updates to keep each other happy.
Boise, Idaho, single mom, Kindra, wants a unique home in the suburbs that's close to her teenage daughter Kelsi's, school. With her brother Bryce along on the house hunt, she'll see if it's possible to find the vaulted ceilings, upgraded kitchens and baths that she loves, in the location she prefers.
Dave and Isha have been living with Isha's parents while saving their money to find their dream house outside Washington D.C. Dave wants to live as close as possible to Old Town Alexandria because of its many entertainment options, but Isha would prefer to be farther out in the suburbs where they can get more bang for their buck. Dave also wants a separate space for watching sports with his friends, while Isha wants room for a dance studio where she can practice her Indian dancing. Even with a half a million dollar budget, they'll have to make some compromises in the pricey D.C. real estate market.
At 6'6" and 5'11" Courtney and Jason are tired of ducking through doorways. They're looking for a house with high ceilings and plenty of headroom that's close to downtown Tampa. They also want a large master bedroom and spacious walk-in closet. Plus, Jason wants a master bathroom with plenty of space, since he currently shares their small guest bathroom with their three cats.
Andy and Colleen sold their first house and are staying with her mom as they house hunt for their growing family. While they currently live and work in St. Paul, Minnesota, they're looking to buy in nearby western Wisconsin. They have one major roadblock, however: Andy wants at least 10 acres and doesn't want to see any neighbors nearby. His wife wants the opposite: minimal acreage with lots of neighbors. Will Andy be able to get his city-slicker wife to see his point of view and move out to the country?
Newlyweds Craig and Katherine have decided to buy their first home near Dallas. The problem is, they can't agree on anything that they want. He wants a new build, she wants an old home with character. He wants a two-story, she wants one. He loves carpet, she wants hardwood. She longs for a pool, he hates pools. If these two want to find a home in their budget, someone's going to have to give, but who?
As an interior designer, Diane dreams of finding a vintage home with architectural detail in Grand Rapids, Michigan. But her brother, Chris, thinks older homes are more trouble than they're worth, with hidden problems and expensive updating. Can he get her to look past the hardwood floors and crown moulding to see his point of view?
Matt, a pilot with the Coast Guard, and his wife, Amber, recently relocated from San Francisco to Atlantic City for his job. They'd like to purchase something updated and low-maintenace to rent out when Matt gets transferred again in a few years. Important features in their new home include a garage for Matt's classic car, as well as a modern kitchen for Amber, who is learning to cook.
Musical tribute artist Leo has been impersonating a rock legend on stage since his teens. Now he and his wife, Ashley, are settling in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Leo is determined to find a home that's fit for The King. Armed with a $250,000 budget, he hopes to find a house with grand style and luxurious touches, including crystal chandeliers and porcelain lions that greet him in the foyer. They also need space for a grand piano, and a room where Leo can rehearse his moves. Can the more conservative Ashley rein in Leo's lavish tastes.
Cardiac nurse, Connie, is recently divorced and ready to make a fresh start in a new town. She's moved to the small town of Rome, Georgia to be close to family, and wants to buy a home that's close to the city center where the action is. But her grown daughter, Brandie, would rather see her mom buy in a quiet suburb, and while Connie's open to a fixer, Brandie insists that she finds something more move-in ready, so she can start her new single life hassle-free. But with a budget of just $70,000, both women will be forced to compromise.
Recent Virginia Beach tranplants and newlyweds, Corey and Michelle, are looking to buy their first home. Corey, who travels a lot for work, is just looking for a place that has little maintenance and a man cave where he can unwind. An Oahu native, Michelle's looking for a place that's walking distance to the beach, and has a formal dining area to entertain, a large kitchen with all updated appliances, and a brick exterior like the house she grew up in.
Alicia and Gio moved to Connecticut from New Jersey thanks to Gio's job transfer. They're newly married and the next step for them is buying a home. She likes older charm, but he wants a home as new as possible so he won't have to spend time fixing it up. They've already seen over 75 places so far, and can't agree on one. As the winter weather sets in, they're determined to get into a house by spring.
Jeremy and Margaret sold their condo after the birth of their son, and have been living with her parents while they house hunt in Knoxville, Tennessee. While they're ready to get back out on their own, house hunting has proven to be a challenge. Jeremy wants a new build where no updating is needed, but his wife prefers something older with character. Who will win the age-old house hunting fight - old vs. new?
Brett and Laura are recently engaged, but have been on the hunt for a new home in Denver for what seems like forever. Brett is resistant to buying a place in the burbs, where she wants to live, even though finding a place in the city with all the indoor and outdoor space they want will be nearly impossible on their budget. Can Laura convince him to abandon his dreams of downtown and settle in suburbia?
After extensive research, a Vancouver couple has decided to focus their search for a vacation home on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, even though they've never been there. They're hoping to find someplace close to the beach with plenty of backyard space for their two small children. But even with a million dollar budget, they soon discover that they can't get everything they want. Can they make their Hawaiian dream come true?
Madison, Wisconsin, real estate agent, Josh, is used to demanding clients. But he didn't expect house hunting with his own wife, Jenna, to be his such a challenge. Jenna cares more about the size and design features, while Josh is focused on being in a location where he can ride his bike to work. Josh may have no trouble finding the right home for other people, but will this agent come through with the perfect place for his family to live in?
Within a few days of arriving in Columbus, Ohio, a young couple and their 2 year old daughter were robbed, and didn't feel safe in their rental. So they've broken their lease and are looking to buy a home. They would like a 4 bedroom, move-in ready house with a large fenced in backyard. But with just $150,000 to spend, will they find their safe haven?
With their rent scheduled to jump twenty percent, Alyson and Brian have decided to take the leap from renting to owning. But he wants a modern, low maintenance, townhome and she wants a cozy, single family home with a big yard. Throw in Brian's non-negotiable need for an in-house sports bar and they are going to have to overcome some serious house hunting gridlock in the D.C. suburbs.
Jason is hoping to find a one-bedroom condo with an urban-industrial loft feel near public transportation in Washington, D.C. He wants a building with an elevator, nice views of the city, and he doesn't want to be on the first floor since it would require bars on the windows. With the help of his ex-girlfriend, Sarah, he's on the hunt for the perfect place for him and his dog, Ruby. Will she be able to help him compromise on his wish list?
Joe and Blair, a newlywed couple from Atlanta, Georgia, are looking for a vacation condo five hours south on the Northern Gulf coast of Florida. Although they agree they want a modern high-rise building that's beachfront, Blair wants the popular (and often spendier) family scene of Destin. Business minded Joe, on the other hand, would rather be an hour east in West Panama City Beach, an up and coming area with better prices and newer properties. But trying to find something that either of them wants within their $315,000 dollar budget won't be easy in this popular vacation destination.
Newlyweds, Harrison and Leah, moved to Denver a year ago, and love their new city so much they're ready to buy their first home there. Both are hoping to find an older home with vintage charm, close to the restaurants and nightlife of downtown. But while Harrison is open to an attached home, Leah dreams of owning a single-family place. Their biggest challenge: the booming Denver housing market, which may prevent their $450,000 budget from going as far as they'd expected.
Trevor and Bethany recently got married and are ready to upgrade from their cramped place to a more spacious home. They're targeting the planned community of Playa Vista in Los Angeles, near the beach. Trevor wants a modern place, while his wife prefers a Spanish-stye house with a warmer feel. Differences aside, they quickly realize that this work-live community comes at a price, and puts their budget to the test.
Polina met her boyfriend, John, nine years ago when they were in college. Now the couple lives in the Half Moon Bay area of Northern California where they work together at John's family business. Being in the financial world, these first time homebuyers understand that now is a good time to buy. But John and Polina don't want a cookie-cutter home. They want something very unique, with lots of character. They'd also prefer it to be a multi-level home, with no carpet, and a large updated kitchen. John also wants lots of natural light, which doesn't mesh well with Polina, who prefers a dark bedroom. Will the couple be able to find their unique dream home in the competitive Northern California market?
After living in 4 states over 3 years, Blake and Sarah want to put down roots in Scottsdale, Arizona. Problem is, they're being very particular about what they want. Having a large home with a pool and a nice sized backyard for their son to run around in are top priorities. Since they've moved around so much, they also want to have a park nearby where they can easily meet other families. Sarah won't tolerate a dated kitchen and needs to have a house that's pet free, due to her severe allergies. Blake needs a large jetted tub, an office and a 3 car garage. But in the competitive Scottsdale real estate market, finding a house that meets all of their needs within their $600,000 budget will be tough.
Newlyweds, Troy and Tammy, are searching communities an hour south of Salt Lake City for a 3 bed, 2 bath home. They have a budget of $180,000, but are not on the same page when it comes to what they want in their first place. Tammy is looking for a single family fixer, while Troy is pushing for a move-in ready condo or townhouse. Adding to the challenge, 6'6" Troy needs high ceilings and a tall shower. Tammy, on the other hand, wants a white kitchen and, as a couponer, a large pantry. With a combined sibling count of 17 brothers and sisters between them, they also need enough entertaining space for family gatherings.
As a fan of the TV show, The Golden Girls, Michael has always dreamed of owning a vacation home where he can eventually live in retirement with his best friends - who he calls The Golden Boys. Wanting a change from foggy San Francisco, he's decided to look for his dream house in sunny Palm Springs, and he's asked three of The Golden Boys to help him with his search. With so many different opinions to consider, can he find a place that will make him and his friends happy well into their Golden years?
After spending just over a year in Florida, Greg and Karyn have returned to Litchfield County, Connecticut, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Now they're ready to trade their condo for a house with more space for family get togethers. But finding a home that has lake access, lots of land, historic charm and an open floor plan is going to be tough.
When she lived in Australia, Lisa fell in love with a very unique style home built out of shipping containers. Now that she's looking for a home of her own in Austin, Texas, she's hoping to find as close to that shipping container feel as possible. Her friend Peggy's along on the search to try to get Lisa to see the potential of a fixer upper, but Lisa just can't see past outdated kitchens and baths. With a limited budget, finding her perfect first home may not be as easy as she hopes.
Nick and his fiancee, Jennifer, currently live in Nick's bachelor pad. It's located in a great area of South Tampa, but it's a 3-story townhome with the kitchen on the 1st floor, and the master bedroom on the top level. Since Nick and Jennifer plan on having several children, they'd like to buy a larger home with a more family-friendly layout. But finding a place they both like will be a challenge since Nick wants a modern home with Spanish Mediterranean flair, while Jennifer prefers older Victorian style homes with lots of charm and character. Will Nick and Jennifer be able to meet in the middle and agree on a home that will take them into the next chapter of their lives?
Adam and Andrew are twins living together in Dallas, Texas. They're tired of renting, and want buy a home together. Being twins, everything in life (and house hunting!) must be split 50/50. This means that whatever house they buy must have two equally-sized master suites. Making it even trickier, Adam wants a modern house while Andrew prefers traditional. This big D house hunt could be doubly difficult.
With a toddler at home, and a dog that wont stop growing, James and Deanna are running out of space in their condo. With a budget of $450,000 they want to find a large house in the Seattle suburbs. But with James wanting new and low-maintenance, and Deanna set on finding something with charm, they're realizing their wish lists are farther apart than they expected. Will they find a home before their condo bursts at the seams?
Newly married couple, Jason and Emily, want an older home in Colorado Springs' historic district with updated bathrooms, and a remodeled kitchen. They also want a yard big enough for their beloved dogs to run and play. Can they place with hundred-year-old charm that meets all their modern requirements?
Greg, Wendy and their three young girls are ready to escape the snow in Manitoba, Canada, and buy a vacation home near Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. With a million dollar budget, they're looking for a home with all the bells and whistles; something near the theme park with a pool, a theater room, and plenty of guest rooms for all their relatives. But with their long wishlist, this house hunt may turn out to be more work than vacation.
Bridget, Kevin, and their 2 young children have been living with her parents for the past six months in Silver Spring, Maryland. While they've enjoyed being close to family, they're ready to buy a spacious Colonial... a little farther away. But even with a budget of $700,000, finding the perfect house is proving to be a challenge. Kevin wants room for a grand piano as well as a catwalk, but Bridget thinks catwalks are dangerous for young kids. On board to help is their agent Franco, who happens to be Bridget's brother.
J.L. and Erica currently live on the top floor of a Chicago rental, but since they're planning to start a family they've decided it's time to buy their first home. Erica wants a modern home that doesn't have stairs. J.L. prefers a bungalow, and is focused on a nice deck where he can deep fry turkeys. Can they find a place that will meet their needs, or will they be stuck in their walk-up rental?
Carl and Amanda currently live in a downtown Chicago high-rise. They like the convenience of living in the heart of the city, but since they recently celebrated the birth of their second child, they've decided to move to the suburbs to raise their family. They're targeting large homes in the community of Hinsdale with a one million dollar budget. Amanda would love a move-in ready Nantucket style home, ideally something new construction. Carl, on the other hand, prefers older Tudor-style homes with lots of charm and character. After looking at over 50 properties, who will win out?
After remodeling their dream home in San Francisco, Brad and Heather decided to move south to Silicon Valley to be closer to Brad's job. But in this competitive tech enclave, finding a new place won't be easy, even with 2 million dollars to spend. And since Heather is herself a real estate agent, the pressure will be on for her to find them a new dream home.
Newlyweds, Ryan and Krista, want to buy their forever home in Durango, Colorado. Problem is, they can't agree on one that's within their $350,000 budget. Self-described hippie, Krista, is looking for an older wood-home with character, a garden, good spiritual energy and space to practice yoga. Army vet, Ryan, wants an energy efficient and low maintence home. He's pushing for a new house with stainless steel appliances, a 2 car garage and a yard without a single blade of grass.
30 year-old Ohio native, Jessica, has fallen in love with Austin, Texas, and she's ready to buy her first home. While she doesn't need tons of square footage, she does want a place with plenty of character and charm, similar to the house she grew up in back in the Midwest. With help from her good friend, Alicia, Jessica will be on the lookout for a move-in ready home with hardwood floors and good natural light, but she'll turn her nose up at popcorn ceilings or stucco walls. Will her $175,000 budget be enough to purchase a place with the classic touches she's always wanted?
Jodie loves her adopted city of Chicago so much that she's decided to buy her first home. She wants a loft space close to work with high ceilings and character, two bedrooms, a gym and a view. But her budget may not match up with reality. Luckily, she has her sister-in-law, Jamie, and her childhood-friend-turned-agent, Josh, to help her navigate the city's condo market.
John is ditching his palatial 5000 square foot desert abode for a more modestly sized home in Scottsdale, Arizona. A career home renovator and interior designer, John is sick of fixers, and has his sights set on a more move-in ready home. But with Scottsdale's lack of inventory, he's finding it difficult to get everything he wants. With his architect brother, Bill, by his side, will he finally be able to find his move-in ready dream home, or will he get stuck with another major project?
Montgomery, Alabama, Associate Professor, Clara, is ready to start her new life as a single woman, starting with a home. She's brought her straight-talking best friend Sonya along to help help her find the perfect bachelorette pad. But Clara's modest budget and conservative wish list are at odds with Sonya, who thinks she can afford to treat herself to the finer things she's looking for.
Jerald and Danielle are looking for their dream house in Raleigh, with enough space for themselves and their two children. He wants something brand new with all the latest updates. She wants to mix in some older character and live in an established neighborhood. She also insists on a kitchen backsplash with a diamond pattern (not square), while he has to have his own room in which to play video games without being disturbed. They'll have to make some compromises if they want their dream to come true.
Jay and Pauline are ready to buy their first home together in San Francisco. But in one of the world's priciest markets, even with a budget of $900,000, finding a place that works for both of them is a tall order. Jay wants a charming Victorian, while his wife prefers something sleek and modern.
Ben and Ajay love living in Manhattan. And now that they're thinking of starting a family, they're ready to stop renting and buy a place of their own. But Ajay wants a modern open floor-plan, while Ben wants more separated spaces with old New York charm. They also want two bedrooms, an outdoor terrace and a view. But in Manhattan's pricey real estate market, even with a million dollars, they may have to accept tiny kitchens and views into office buildings to get two bedrooms in budget.
Darren, Megan and their two young daughters enjoy living in Madison, Wisconsin, but they aren't thrilled with their small, two bedroom apartment. So this growing family is on the hunt for a large single family home. Unfortunately they've been searching for almost a year, mainly because Darren is always looking for a better deal, and is particular about certain details. He'd like hardwood floors throughout the entire house, and brings a tape measurer when viewing homes, to ensure their large truck will fit in the garage.
Bryant and LaCondis have built successful careers in the U.S. Air Force, and now, thanks to careful saving and their military housing allowance, they can afford to buy their first place in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. They want to find a large home close to Andrews Air Force Base, within easy reach of shopping and restaurants. But even with a $300,000 budget, they'll have to make sacrifices to find the space and perks they're after.
Los Angeles residents, Sean and Stephen, are ready to move to Palm Springs, California, where Sean has just accepted a big job promotion. While the couple anticipates finding a better deal in the desert than they could in L.A., they have major disagreements when it comes to style. Sean would like a Spanish-style ranch house, while Stephen prefers the mid-century modern look this desert retreat is known for. Factor in the couple's pickiness when it comes to water pressure and toilet shape, and finding a place within their $400,000 budget is sure to be a challenge.
Dave and Karen live in Bloomington, Illinois, but spend most of their weekends exploring nearby Chicago, so they've decided to invest in a weekend home on the city's Gold Coast. Dave has his heart set on a high-rise with a view of Lake Michigan, but there's one problem; Karen has a serious fear of heights. She'd rather find a charming brownstone.
Tom and Tracy were tired of dating long-distance, so they decided to do something drastic: they moved into Tracy's parents' house with her parents and her brother. The plan was to save enough money to buy a place of their own, so they could move on to the next step: saving money for an engagement ring. But finding an affordable dream home in the Chicago suburbs isn't as easy as they thought. They may need to give up their hopes for a two-car garage and a master bath if they ever hope to get a ring on Tracy's finger.
Stephen, Shaw and their baby Wyatt have outgrown their one bedroom apartment in Charleston, and have decided it's time to buy their first home. They have a budget of $250,000, but are at odds over the type of house to buy. He wants an older ranch style home and doesn't mind taking on projects. She wants a new sparkly home in a Stepford-type neighborhood, where the neighbors are close by. He wants to be out in the country, where he can walk in his backyard in his boxers and feel free. Who will win out?
Julius and Cristina are lawyers for a large online retailer in Seattle. With recent promotions and marital bliss not far off, they're ready to buy their first home together. The'd love a stylish Craftsman style house, but also want modern touches inside. As long as Julius gets a nice kitchen and a yard big enough to practice his golf swing, he'll be happy. But the one thing Cristina won't abide, is a boxy, ultra-modern home on a street full of cute vintge styles. Who will win this case?
Christina has persuaded her husband, Rocco, to move from their small two-family home in the city to a single family home in the suburbs of Boston. Problem is, they aren't on the same page when it comes to the style of the home. She wants a 2 story colonial, and he wants a split-enry. They also need to have an in-law suite for Rocco's mother, who will help care for their kids while they work. Will the couple be able to compromise, and make room for Mama?
Teacher, Richie, and Adminstrative Assistant, Monica, love the country life, but would like to shorten their commutes by moving closer to the city. They agree on finding a home with enough land for their horses, but he wants move-in ready, while she wants an older house with charm that she can personalize.
Jeff, Jessica, their two rambunctious boys and scruffy houndogs are looking for a home in the suburbs of Louisville, Kentucky. For her, the aesthetics are key. She wants a house that has character, charm, and is in a walkable neighborhood. But Jeff doesn't care about the aestetheitcs, he just wants large rooms, a functional kitchen with a gas line, and a big basement so he can display his model cars.
Steve and Ashley are planning their wedding and searching for a house in San Diego. They're used to living near the beach, and don't want to give that up, but they also don't want to be stuck in a tiny cottage. Even with a $550,000 budget, they're struggling to find their dream home. With their wedding day just around the corner, can they find the house that will make their new life together a happy one?
Brian, a 24-year-old engineering professional, is living with his parents while he looks for his first place in Northern Virginia. With a long picky list of requirements, his sister Shannon is trying to keep him grounded and realistic as they search the spendy Western suburbs of DC. And since Brian hates old and outdated things, the biggest challenge will be finding a newer condo or townhome with the square footage and bedroom requirements he has. Another hurdle will be finding a place with a garage, where he can store his prized sports car, Annabelle.
Arielle has a huge wishlist for her first home. Fortunately, in the Atlanta suburb of Woodstock, her $200,000 budget will get her a lot of house. Unfortunately, it probably won't get her everyting she wants. Can her friend and co-worker Cheryl convince her not to sweat the small stuff, or will she hold out for perfection?
Catherine and Thomas live in Derry, New Hampshire, with their young son. They're ready to buy a house together, but there's one major problem. Neither can agree on which state to call home. Catherine wants to move to Massachusetts, near her work. Thomas is set on staying in New Hampshire. Another hiccup is Thomas' giant antique armoire, which must fit in whatever house they buy. Will the couple be able to come to an agreement or remain divided?
Jennifer and Deas both want a vacation getaway in Santa Rosa Beach on the coast of Florida's panhandle. But he wants a place that will attract the renters that flock to this thriving tourist area, while she wants a place that will feel like a real home when they stay there during the winter months. Even with a budget of $850,000, they may have trouble finding a property that works for both of them.
After moving to Fayetteville, Georgia, for a new job as a pastor, Jim and his wife, Laura, have decided to buy a home there. With a budget of $220,000 - $250,000 they're looking for a large 4-bedroom house with a stately yet inviting exterior, hardwood floors, crown molding, a large kitchen with upgraded countertops, and a wooded backyard. Laura wants a formal dining room that's big enough for her family heirloom furniture. Their two daughters want a large backyard with a pool, but Jim is concerned about the maintenance.
With their first child on the way, Chris and Chelsea need a home with more space than their current apartment in Alexandria, Virginia. Chris has an extremely long, multiple-page wish list that makes him hard to please. Chelsea has her own preferences, and they don't always match up with Chris'. Can they find a house that will make them both happy before the baby comes?
Brittany and Kevin are college sweethearts who want to get married, but are determined to buy their first home together beforehand. They're searching St. Louis for a place with a big kitchen for entertaining, a finished basement, and a yard. But while Brittany wants to be close to downtown, Kevin's convinced they'll get more space for their $225,000 budget out in the suburbs.
Baz has been living in a Boston suburb rental with his four roommates for several years, but he's decided it's time to take the plunge and buy. Since the thought of swinging the entire mortgage alone is a little daunting, and these guys get along so well, he'd like to find a large enough house where they can all live together. Ideally Baz would like a five-bedroom Victorian or Colonial style home. A large kitchen is a must because they like to cook and they enjoy brewing their own beer. With five different house hunters, there are plenty of different opinions.
Tom, his wife Lisa, and their three kids have migrated to La Crosse, Wisconsin, for Tom's new job. They've been renting a three-bedroom condo, but are looking forward to buying a four-bedroom home with plenty of yard space for the kids. Lisa would love to live in a Cape Cod style home with neighbors at arms length. Tom wants a secluded log cabin with popcorn ceilings. There's trouble brewing for this dairy-land house hunt.
Mike and Danielle have moved from Florida to Michigan, where they hope to find their dream house on the lake in Midland. But in this area where rustic houses are all the rage, the couple's desire for a modern-style home will make this house hunt next to impossible.
Steve, Greta, and their three young boys are looking to buy their 4th home in the suburbs of Fort Worth. But after completely remodeling their last 3 houses, Greta is looking for a break. She wants a move-in ready home, with a large pantry and a bedroom for each of their children. Her husband Steve has other plans. This remodel enthusiast is determined to sink his teeth into another flip. He's also looking for a house with a huge backyard and a dedicated home theater room that seats 12. Will they be able to handle a fourth house, or crack under the pressure?
Annette has moved back home to Michigan after completing college in Chicago, and is ready to purchase her first home in the hip college town of Ann Arbor. She'd like to find something historic with vintage charm that matches her artsy personality. She loves to craft, and would like space for her crafting supplies. She also works from home, so a home office is essential. Helping her with the search is her childhood friend, Elisa.
Michelle, a real estate professional from Austin, and her husband, Pat, are in the market for a beachfront rental property in the community of Treasure Island, just outside of Galveston, Texas. They're looking for a good investment opportunity, as well as a place for their son Max to live while he finishes up college in Galveston. Michelle wants a beachfront fixer that she can put her own stamp on, but Pat wants something newer that's move in ready.
Christina is ready to buy her first home in Tyler, TX. She's determined to buy in an area that has a school district she prefers for her six-year-old son, Eli, and a poker room for herself. But even with the help of Eli and her co-worker, Theresa, finding a home with a low $100,000 budget won't be easy.
After a few years living the Chicago fast life, college sweethearts Aubrey and Brian are getting married and heading back to the Detroit suburbs. But before wedding bells ring, they want to find a home with a few quirky items, including excellent cell phone reception, and a gourmet kitchen with no stainless steel. With their wedding less than a month away, will they compromise, or will they have to move in with her Mom and Dad after the honeymoon?
Scott and Kim work long days together as soccer coaches for a top athletic training center in Bradenton, Florida. They want to find a new home that feels like a vacation spot, so when they go home at night they can leave their jobs behind and do some serious relaxing. They've set their sites on spectacular Anna Maria Island, a popular tourist destination just off the coast. Will their 400K budget get them the exactly what they want, or will they have to choose between the space Kim wants and Scott's dream of living right on the beach?
High school sweethearts, Rich and his wife Erin, are ready to purchase their first home together in Baltimore, Maryland. But finding a place that they both like isn't easy. Rich wants a Baltimore row home with charm, including exposed brick and hardwood floors. Erin would rather find a single family home in the suburbs. With $300,000 to spend, who will win out?
Jonn and Jessica Abshire live with Jessica's son, Dylan, in a crowded Philadelphia apartment. With their budget of $325,000 their agent, Rich Enders, has the difficult task of finding the perfect place that Jessica, a straight shooter with high expectations, won't reject outright. Can she compromise her tough standards to get out of Philly and into the comfort of the suburbs?
Jessica isn't your typical mother-to-be. She's determined to live the heart of the city, and has convinced her husband, Taylor, to look at condos and townhouses in the trendy Uptown area of Charlotte, North Carolina. But with a budget of $250,000 he would prefer to get a house that's just outside of Uptown, and big enough for them to grow into.
Jamie and Charlie love food. They love it so much that they drive an hour from their home in New Jersey to Philadelphia's thriving restaurant scene almost every weekend. But the commute is getting old, so now they'd like to find a pied-á-terre in the city, a small second home where they can stay on their weekend trips. But with a budget of $200,000, finding a place with a view, a pool, a fitness center, and a location right in the heart of the city may not be on the menu.
Washington DC attorneys Tim and Ellen are buying their first home. She wants historical charm and character, but he doesn't want to give up modern amenities or take on a lot of projects. Plus, they're both hoping for a yard for their dog, Barksdale. Will their $650,000 budget be enough for a place that meets all their requirements?
As a single woman in New York, Michelle was a die-hard city girl who loved everything the Big Apple had to offer; the culture, the nightlife and the 24/7 excitement. But after having her baby daughter, the city became less delightful and more daunting. So, after living away from home since she was 18, Michelle is going to sell her Brooklyn apartment and move back to her home town of Louisville Kentucky to be closer to family and friends. Michelle is also getting help in her house hunt from her brother, Bob, but he's concerned Michelle will end up with a house that's not much bigger than her 700 square foot Brooklyn one-bedroom. Will Michelle find the right spot with enough space?
Schantel is ready to purchase her first home in Raleigh, North Carolina. She has $350,000 to spend and an extensive wish-list, including a master bedroom on the second floor, a sunroom for her 2 cats and house plants, and no lightly-colored cabinets. She'd also like to avoid carpet on the stairs, as well as gold trim. Keeping Schantel's budget in check is her sister, Sonya. But finding the perfect house for this Raleigh resident will take some searching!
Erika and Kevin want the very best for their young daughter Audrey, including the best public schools. So they are determined to find a forever home in the top-rated Carmel, CA school district. But even with a budget of one million dollars, they're discovering they may have to make some compromises in this pricey real estate market. Something's going to have to give; will it be the schools or the space they need?
Tim and Leslie are excited about their move from Oklahoma to Waco, Texas. But their search for a permanent home is being held up by these first time buyers' quirky wish list. She insists on a yard big enough for a custom cat-enclosure, and he needs a shed where he can brew beer, and a place where he can display a vintage battle axe.
First time byers and new parents, Ben and Hailey, are looking for a bigger home in Pensacola, Florida. But he wants a historic charmer and she wants cheap and fucntional. Will pragamatic mama prevail over starry eyed papa?
Mark and Ashley Michael, are Seattle, Wash. newlyweds looking to leave their rental loft, but they diagree about what they want to buy. Mark, wants a downtown condo, while Ashley wants a single family home. But what these foodies do agree on is that they need a space big enough for their 90-inch long dining table. And with real estate professional, Ashley, caught in the middle, they'll have to rely on no one but each other to settle their differences.
After landing her dream job working for the Minnesota Vikings, Emily, is ready to buy a place of her own. She's looking for a condo near the heart of downtown Minneapolis where she works, but tackling a mortgage payment will require some help from her best friend, Lindsay. Since the two of them spend nearly all of their free time together, they agreed Emily will buy a place and Lindsay will rent a room from her. They set out together to find a property that will accommodate Emily's 200K budget and their busy lifestyles. Will they find the perfect home, or will this house hunt turn these BFF's into Frienemies?
Adam and Cara, liked living in Dallas, but now that their two little boys are getting older, and they want to move to Cara's childhood home of Houston, so the kids can grow up close to their family. They're looking for a big yard and a long driveway where the children can ride their bikes safely. Cara, is also determined to find a white kitchen to serve as a backdrop for her food blog, and Adam wants the house to have a pool or overlook a lake.
Pharmacist by day and DJ by night, Eric, not only knows how to throw a great party, but he's got a $400k budget to buy the condo for that purpose. He's looking for something modern with plenty of space, that's centrally located and has lots of closet space. However, Eric's most important requirement is a rooftop deck with exclusive rights, so he has room both to party and to practice. With rooftop decks at a premium in Chicago, it'll be tough to find a place that checks off everything on Eric's wish list, without breaking his budget.
Dustin and McKenzie, are looking forward to their upcoming move from Knoxville to Nashville, Tenn. This young couple has grandiose expectations of what they want in a home. McKenzie, would like a spacious house with at least 3 bedrooms, a large master suite with huge walk-in closets and a big soaking tub. Dustin, is more focused on a home with lots of land, a large basement and a two-car garage. Because McKenzie has two pet turtles, they both would like to find a home that has enough space for an aquarium and room in the backyard to build a pond.
Billy and Jennifer, are ready to find a home where they can start a family in Arlington, Va. She's all about finding her dream kitchen, but he's all about finding the perfect finished basement where he can keep the four TVs he likes to watch on football Sundays. Although they're within their price range, the DC area real estate market can get very competitive. The couple have to decide which is more important: staying in their ideal Arlington location or getting everything else on their wishlist.
Kevin, Dana and their kids are relocating from Pennsylvania to Jensen Beach, Fla. Eager to get out of their cramped-temporary home, the family has $1.5 million to spend on a grand home in this coastal town. But she wants to fix up a dream house, and he wants to keep a tight lid on the budget.
Mike and Stacey, have outgrown their place and are ready to buy their dream house in the Cincinnati suburbs. With a budget of $650,000, they expect to get a house with wow factor. A home with around 5000- square-feet, a grand foyer, 2 story great room, a wine room, a workout room and big kitchen is a must. Mike, wants a huge garage to accommodate his race car, while Stacey wants the home to remind her of their wine tasting trip in the French countryside. It's a tall order to fill, but their agent, Melissa Orange, is up for the challenge.
First time buyers, Erik and Nancy, are looking for a home with historic charm and a rehearsal space for their band in New Haven, Conn. With their limited budget, it's going to be tough to find a place in the city location they want. Will these hip musicians have to head out to the burbs to find the home of their dreams?
Cody and Wayne, are relocating from San Francisco to Orange County, Calif. They're looking for a home with unique architectural features near the coast. Even with $625,000 to spend, it'll be hard to find what they want in this area filled with expensive-cookie-cutter homes in planned communities. Wayne's deal breaker of finding a place with no restrictive HOA's might be impossible.
Swim instructor, Jaimie, is ready to move out of her sister's place and into a home of her own. She wants a 3 bedroom home with a large yard for her dogs. Since she enjoys open-ocean swimming, Jamie, wants her home as close to the beach as possible. But with just $250,000 to spend in one of New England's most sought-after coastal enclaves, she's in for a wake-up call.
Alan and Natalie, love their Chicago condo. Their condo is close to all the shops, restaurants and street fairs they love. Only problem is, their four-year-old son sleeps in the spare bedroom, and their young daughter sleeps in a crib in their room. So they're ready to sacrifice city living and move a little farther out for a bigger home. Natalie wants a Victorian because it reminds her of her childhood, and Alan wants a classic Chicago bungalow. Will they find something they can both agree upon?
Michigan couple, Ray and Jenna, are about to be married and want to buy their first house before their wedding, which only leaves a few months to find the perfect starter home. They want to live in one of Grand Rapid's most desirable neighborhoods. With a long wish list and a tight budget, finding a home in East Grand Rapids is going to be a big challenge for this soon-to-be wed couple. They want an old home with character and charm, but also want the home to be move-in-ready with modern amenities. They'll have to decide if they'll settle for less in their desired area, or live farther out and get more house for their money.
Justin and Jenny, think they've found the perfect place to raise their two little girls, so they're pulling up stakes in Sacramento, Calif and moving to the suburbs outside of Boise, Idaho. While they're excited about how far their $400,000 budget goes in Idaho's affordable housing market, Justin still wants to spend wisely. Jenny, on the other hand, has a long wish list. Will they be able to find their dream home without breaking the bank?
Jeff Liang and Mikaila Fulfs, are college sweethearts and recent Portland, Ore transplants. They're dying to get out of their tiny studio apartment. After seeing 53 homes, they have yet to find one that meets their needs and fits their $150,000 budget. Will they find a place they love, while still providing a space for Mikaila to live her dream of raising urban chickens?
Entrepreneurs, Chris and Jacque, want the best of everything, especially when it comes to their new home. They want a large house in an exclusive neighborhood, with a view of the Vegas strip. Hoping to find a place that will give them room to grow and start a family, they set out with a budget of $1 million. Will their money get them everything they want, or will they have to sacrifice space for scenery?
Winnie's job recently moved her from Texas to Southern California, and now she'd like to put down roots and buy a townhome or condo in Orange County. Unfortunately, she's bound to have a Texas-sized case of sticker shock. Will she get everything she wants in her new place, or will she have to make some sacrifices?
Cassie is a professional photographer who loves Fort Collins, Colo. She's tired of renting and is ready to buy a home. Cassie also loves antiques, and her love of all things old will figure big in her house hunt. She insists on a Pre-50's home, with creaky floors and lots of old charm. She even wants to live in Old Town: an historical section of Fort Collins. Cassie has asked her sister, Alyssa, to come along on the house hunt to offer advice; although, Alyssa's not too keen on old homes. She thinks they're a bad investment because of up-keep and repairs.
Pamela and Joe, run several successful businesses in Bedford, N.H. and they're ready to reward themselves with a vacation home on gorgeous Lake Winnipesaukee. While Joe wants 5000-square-feet of luxury, Pamela would rather have less space to maintain. Both agree they'd like a boat house, and a gourmet kitchen that overlooks the water. They're willing to spend as much as $2.5 million for the getaway of their dreams, even with that kind of budget, finding all the amenities they want in this prized setting will be a challenge!
Tommy, Rose and their young triplet sons, have moved from Dallas, Texas, back home to San Diego. Looking for a home that will suit young triplets is complicated enough, but it doesn't help that Tommy wants modern construction, while Rose prefers a ranch with character. It's up to their real estate agent Kathy Grust to help them find a middle ground.
Jessie, Spence and their young daughter Marleigh, are living the dream: they own a hotel on a beautiful island in Florida. The only problem is that they also live in the hotel in a one-bedroom suite, which means Marleigh's room is just a converted walk-in closet. They are ready for more space and a home of their own, but dealing with the oddities of island real estate might be more of a challenge than they think. From tropical-themed furniture, to houses on stilts, to termites, this house hunt may not be the dream they've been hoping for.
Levi and Jennifer, have lived in cramped apartments, dirt huts and student housing all over the world. Now that they have a daughter, 14-month-old Eleanor, it's time to settle premanently in one place. They're looking for a large home in Davidson, N.C. a suburb of Charlotte. These first time buyers can't seem to agree on anything. He wants a fixer close to the center of town. She wants a new southern style home with an updated kitchen, porch and sunroom to have tea parties with her daughter.
Mike and Sean, are commerical airline pilots, who live in Argyle, Texas. While they love their custom built home, they've decided to buy a vacation house in their favorite vacation spot - Breckenridge, Colo. With a budget of $800,000 - $1 million, Mike really wants a true log cabin house and is willing to look farther away from Breckenridge to get it. Sean, wants to be in a ski-in/ski-out home and is willing to consider condos in the heart of downtown.
24-year-old, first time buyers Brian and Denitsa, are ready to move out of their small apartment and into a bigger place. But with their lease ending soon and their wedding in a few months, they need to find a place fast! Brian would like to be further out in the suburbs to get a newer and bigger place for a better price. Denista, on the other hand, would like to closer to the city to enjoy the nightlife and a have a closer commute to work.
Sarah and Robert, are passionate about their acting, and picky about their house hunting! They're eager to escape their loud apartment for a starter home in the Chicago suburb of Aurora, Ill, but they won't settle when it comes to their personal wish lists. While Robert hates prominent garages and outdated ovens, Sarah can't handle layouts where the furniture would have to be next to a window.
Robert and Charla, are looking for their first house. They don't want to leave the San Diego area, but they don't have a big budget. They need more space for their 2- year-old daughter and all her toys, including her huge play kitchen, and a long driveway for their three cars. Plus, Charla has one major dealbreaker: she hates shower doors! Can they find an affordable home that meets their requirements in one of the nation's priciest real estate markets?
Six years ago, Randy, his wife Mickael and their daughter moved from Las Vegas to California for work. Now after a job transfer, they are back home and looking for a house where they can settle down. They need to move fast as staying with Randy's sister in a cramped bedroom is taking its toll. Their vastly different tastes could make this house hunt impossible.
Dave and Sue are an Ann Arbor, Mich. couple who are all about fun, entertaining and enjoying their hobbies. They're currently cramped in Dave's 1200-square-foot condo, so they desperately want to find a home with storage space for Dave's stage theatre costumes and high ceilings for his sword play and stuntwork. They also need a bigger place for their remote controlled inflatable shark, Bruce, that they can't currently use because their ceilings are too low. Most importantly, they need a big projector wall and open kitchen-family room area for movie nights!
A year and a half ago Bryan and Chad's jobs took them 800 miles apart. Now, they're finally re-uniting in Houston and want to buy their first home together. Bryan wants a new move-in-ready home with a large yard and a pool. Chad wants an old bungalow with lots of charm and doesn't mind doing some work. With Chad having an aversion to the builder-beige look, and Bryan running for the hills when he hears the word-remodel-will their reunion be spoiled by the house hunt?
Chris and Mali met overseas and now live in Denver, Colo. Mali is from Iran and wants a newer home because to her that equals success. Denver native, Chris, prefers older charm. As they search for a house in the Denver area, both of them need to make sacrifices if either of them is going to be happy.
It's war when it comes to Kevin and Sara's Washington, D.C. house hunt. Kevin, a Lieutenant Colonel in the army stationed at the Pentagon, is unyielding in his desire for a high-rise with all the modern amenities. His wife, Sara, however is holding firm to her wish for a vintage D.C. row house with lots of charm, and a small yard for their Dachshunds. Who will emerge victorious?
Liz, a radio producer, and Mike, a salesman, are looking for their first home in Carmel, Ind. He's focused on one requirement: a separate toilet room in the master bath. Iiz is harder to please and has a long wish list that includes a quiet room for her radio show. Can they find a house that will meet all their needs, and stay within their entry-level budget?
After dating for two years, this Chicago couple is ready to buy their first home. They agree they need a backyard big enough to entertain all their friends, including the members of their five different softball teams! However, that's where their agreement ends. Jenny is open to a fixer-upper, while Steve's afraid renovations could bust their $250,000 budget. Jenny likes split-level homes, while Steve's a fan of Colonials. Jenny wants a pool, while Steve bemoans the extra work. But these two have an even bigger decision to make when Steve ambushes Jenny with a surprise proposal!
Heather has always wanted to own a house in Cape Cod where her family has summered every year since her childhood. Her dream has been to live there full-time, and she wants play host to her large-extended family during the summer. With a budget of $500,000, she's determined to buy a four bedroom, two bath traditional Cape Cod house and isn't afraid of taking on a fixer. As she and her big brother, Dave, soon discover, finding a home that's close to the beach and has the Cape Cod charm she wants, won't be easy.
Russian-born Alina, and her husband Chad, are looking for their dream home in Orange County, Calif. When it comes to location, they've agreed on the city of Costa Mesa, but they disagree on almost everything else. He wants to keep them under budget, but she wants all the upgrades. He wants a move-in ready home, but she's willing to gut a place and start fresh. He likes the feel of carpet, but she hates carpet and thinks it's a trap for germs. Agree to disagree is a common phrase in this relationship, but they'll have to agree to agree if they want to find their first home.
Mike and his wife, Astra, want to move out of their tiny rental apartment and buy a home in the Fort Worth area. This couple has good reason to feel claustrophobic when looking for homes; Mike is 6-feet-8-inches, and Astra is 6-feet-2-inches. They also have a huge wish list that includes a separate game room, where Mike can practice his video game obsession. Astra demands hardwood floors plus a kitchen with updated appliances.
Eric and his wife Chelsea are ready to move out of their apartment and buy their first home in Grand Rapids, Mich. They've got $150,000 to spend, and Eric wants perfection for his money. He describes himself as the typical type A personality and is very picky when it comes to the house hunt. He's adamant about wanting an older brick home, which in their price range is hard to come by. Chelsea is much more easy going. While she'd prefer newer construction, she is more willing to compromise.
After three moves in the last two years, Erin, a New Yorker, and her husband Shawn, an Alabama native, are settling down in Huntsville with their two boys. She really wants a home with some classic southern charm. Unlike Shawn, she doesn't want to spend $400,000 to get it.
For almost 8 months, Dan and his wife Robyn have been forced to live on opposite sides of the country. Dan's job transferred him to Connecticut and he had to move immediately. Robyn and their two daughters stayed behind in Utah to finish out the school year. With the girls graduating in a few months, it's time to put the house hunt in Connecticut into full gear. Unfortunately their search won't be easy, considering Robyn likes a project and wants to put her personal stamp on things, while Dan is focused on the budget and keeping costs down. Plus, a six-foot-seven-inch tall husband searching for a spacious home in a pricey real estate market, may mean they have their work cut out for them.
Tony is a party-loving internet entrepreneur who's addicted to house hunting! After the Las Vegas-based businessman bought and remodeled homes in Los Angeles and Chicago, he wants to do it yet again in Manhattan. Along with his longtime designer, James, Tony will be searching for a contemporary space he can transform into an entertainer's paradise. Even with a million dollars to spend, this hipster will discover he'll have to make major sacrifices to have a pied-a-terre in one of the most expensive cities on earth!
John's been living the good life photographing actors and models in Hollywood. Now he wants to expand his business to Las Vegas. He needs room for a photography studio in order to help pay the mortgage. His biggest obstacle is what he calls his functioning OCD; He hates tiles, carpets and wants everything recently updated, and won't look at anything more than 10 years old. With a budget of just $100,000, will John be able to see the potential in a less-than-perfect home?
Parquer and his wife Kristin are in the market for a pre-1960s home because they like the traditional layout of older homes, including no open floor plans. With two little ones in the mix, this family of four needs a big enough place that has an office space for Parquer, and an updated kitchen - all for under $200,000. With a few disagreements: she loves older tiled sinks, He hates them. He likes shiny marble kitchen floors, she doesn't. Will this couple have closed minds when it comes to finding a home without an open floor plan?
Bill and Antonio decided to buy a new house in Downtown Philadelphia on a whim. However, one wants modern and the other wants quaint. Even with a $ 2 million budget, their vastly different tastes in homes are going to make this a difficult search.
30-year-old Yvonne has wanted to own a Brooklyn brownstone since childhood, and she has been living with her parents to save money to fulfill that dream. She's looking for a multi-family brownstone in the neighborhood of Bedford Stuyvesant, and her plan is to live in one apartment and rent out the rest. But with a budget of $550,000 finding a place that's in good condition- and has the quintessential brownstone stoop those she wants- is going to be a challenge.
Nicolette and Adam are tired of their small-noisy apartment in Boston, and they're looking to buy their first home in the suburbs. These outspoken newlyweds are quickly realizing when it comes to the type of home they want they couldn't disagree more. With a budget of $500,000, Nicolette wants a modern-move-in ready colonial style home and a formal dining room, so they can host their families during the holidays. Adam prefers a ranch-style home with an open layout because he thinks having two floors and any type of formal living area is wasted space.
Sylvia works and is about to start pharmacy in Hartford, CT. Right now she lives with her sister an hour-and-a half away. So she's ready for her own place in or near Hartford. Armed with her mile-long wish list, and a firm budget of just $200,000, she'll also need her best friend Natalie to keep her realistic.
Tommy and Robby love vacationing in Gatlinburg, Tenn. They're tired of having to rent a cabin every time they go. So they've decided it's time to buy a place in the mountains that feels like a secluded retreat, but is still close enough to downtown to enjoy all that Gatlinburg has to offer. Problem is, they're having a little trouble agreeing on a style. Tommy wants an A-frame chalet and Robby wants a rustic-log cabin. Figuring out how to compromise, may make this hunt for a vacation home more work than play.
In her current apartment in Chicago, Erin doesn't have a laundry, a dishwasher or a parking space. She's looking for an upscale condo with some modern conveniences, like an upgraded kitchen, bathroom and a great view. With her modest budget, can she afford the high-life?
Tim, a pastor, and his wife, Tuesday, a school teacher, recently moved to Abingdon, Virginia. And while they and their two kids have been enjoying the area, the entire family is looking forward to moving out of their rental apartment and into a permanent home. They're hoping to find a spacious four bedroom house with their $250,000 budget. Tim wants a move-in ready home and Tuesday isn't a huge fan of wallpaper, so she'd prefer if the home didn't have any. She also wants a home with a lot of land and a hill so the kids can go sledding in the winter. And since the family went through a tornado a few years ago, it's mandatory that their new home have a safe place or a basement.
Air Force Major General Mike Keltz and his wife, Donna, have loved their long-term post in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, but the couple wants to buy their 'forever home' in Destin, Florida. Both want plenty of amenities, included access to a gorgeous golf course and a gourmet kitchen. But even with $850,000 to spent, finding a move-in ready paradise may not be as easy as they thought.
Jen, a financial consultant, and her husband, Jeff, a banker, are looking for a bigger home in the Boston suburbs to raise their three boys. With a budget of $800,000 to $1.2 million, they want a home with four bedrooms all on the same floor, and a large play area for the kids. But, that's all they can agree on. Jen is set on buying an older home with character that's move-in ready, while Jeff wants either a new contruction with all the bells and whistles, or a fixer he can modernize to his tastes. He also doesn't mind spending more, while Jen wants to stay towards lower end of the budget.
Brian and Alexis just moved to New Orleans from the Dallas suburbs. Unfortunately, when it comes to their hunt for a home, they disagree on a major point. He wants a house like they had in the Texas burbs - big, new and well, big. But she wants all the charm that comes with the smaller vintage homes in the historic part of the city where they're searching. Who will win this Big Easy battle?
After moving to Atlanta less than a year ago, Paul has decided to buy his first place. Since home prices so low, he set his budget at $40,000 and is hoping to find a fully loaded 1 or 2 bedroom condo close to downtown. He's also paying cash, which may help him beat out other buyers in his price range.
Betsy and Shane are looking for their first home along the picturesque coast of Northern California. But Shane, a baseball coach, has an odd request. The backyard must be at least 60 feet, 6 inches - the distance from the plate to the pitcher's mound. Betsy has her own list of requirements that include a walk-in closet and large master suite. In the small town of Eureka, will these two find what they're looking for?
Kerri and Jordan are looking for their first house and planning a wedding in their new hometown of Charlotte, NC. He really wants to live on a golf course, while she's adamant about hardwood floors and no white cabinets. Can they find a house that will make them both happy?
Chris and Laura are first time buyers with a typically out-of-touch wish list. They want it all, and for not much money, in a competetive West Palm Beach market. Looking at everything from gut jobs to move-in ready homes, they discover they may have to quickly master the fine art of compromise, and ditch some of their must have items that include a golf course, and circular driveway.
Residents Parag and Puja just got married, and are anxious to get out of their small 2 bedroom place. But for these frugal bargain hunters, buying their first house means finding the ultimate deal. That won't be easy considering they don't want a fixer, since neither of them are handy. And even though they don't want to spend a lot, they still want an updated home with high end finishes like hardwood floors, granite, stainless steel appliances, and a gated community with lots and lots of curb appeal.
Newlyweds Marshall and Dana are searching for their first home in Tennessee, but they disagree on what kind of house to buy. Dana has a long and detailed wish list, including a separate laundry room and a home that's move in ready. But Marshall sees this house as his first opportunity to break out his power tools and put his stamp on a home. Will these strong-willed newlyweds be able to see eye to eye?
The home Tim and Heidi are renting has just gone on the market and could sell any day, so they need to find a home of their own fast. They want a place with lots of land and a view, not to mention something that will accommodate their four children, Tim's drums, and give Heidi enough space to work from home. Can they find the perfect house within their 300K budget, or will they have to sacrifice space for scenery?
Stacy and Jonathan have three young kids and busy schedules, so they don't have time for a house that needs work. Adding to the stress, they've been living with her parents for seven months while saving up money for their dream home. Stacy and Jonathan are definitely ready to have their own space, but they're also not willing to settle for anything less than what they want. With a wishlist that includes a balcony, a double staircase, and a private backyard with room for a pool, this house hunt may be harder than they thought.
Brian and his wife Logan have twins on the way, but their current home is just too small for the new family members. They want a four-bedroom house with a swimming pool, which is not common in Syracuse, New York. And although they couple is in a hurry, Logan tends to take her time, visualizing where furniture will go, even using a measuring tape to check every last inch.
Kristine and her boyfriend Dan have decided to take the next step and move in together. They'll also need space for her daughter Cameron and his daughter Aidan. But with a limited budget, finding a house in the Bay Area that meets everyone's needs poses a real challenge. And making matters worse, Kristine and Dan have very different wishlists. She may be the one buying the house, but they'll both have to compromise if they ever hope to find a home for their new family.
Years after losing her husband in a car accident, Kristin and her daughter are hoping for a fresh start. She and her new husband, Will, want to buy a home together near Texas A&M University where they both work. These Aggies hope to have a large family one day, so they are looking for a home big enough to accommodate their dreams.
Tamia is moving from New Orleans to Fresno for a new job. With just five days before she has to move, she doesn't have much time to decide on a home. Complicating matters, she's touring with two realtors, one who is a friend, and one assigned by her relocation company, and they don't always see eye to eye. This whirlwind tour of Fresno's new construction could get tricky.
Jeff and Erica are newlyweds that have just relocated to Erica's homestate of Colorado. But in order to save money for their first home, they moved in with Erica's mom where they haven't had much of a chance to be newlyweds. They share a cramped townhome with no backyard for their dog, and are sleeping on a trundle bed in the spare bedroom. With a $300,000 budget, they have a long list of requirements for their first place, including no mirror facing showers because of a horror movie Erica saw as a child.
Steve and Linda have outgrown their condo in hip Hyde Park, Chicago, and are moving to the burbs. Together with their one year old son, Sean, and dog, Tiger, they're looking for a large place to accommodate their growing brood, and visitors from their native Kenya, all for under $300,000. With Steve counting pennies, Linda against buying a fixer, and with a wishlist that includes having a grand staircase, unique master bedroom, and large basement for Steve to set up his 'zone,' their house hunt won't be easy.
Kevin, Crista, and their daughter, Charlie, are ready to trade in Lake Tahoe's long and snowy winters for the warmer climate of Lakeway, Texas. Krista has multiple sclerosis, and hopes that Texas' more moderate climate will help her health. They're focusing on Lakeway, a suburb just outside of Austin. Interested only in new construction homes, Krista and Kevin are ready to build their dream home. With Krista wanting a sewing room, and Kevin determined to have an in-home gym, not to mention a movie room, this house hunt is going to be an adventure.
Bill and Margot are school teachers with a dream: to find a starter home in Nashua, New Hampshire, with a nice kitchen, and a big space for the game room they plan to call Fun Town. But with just $180,000 to spend, it's going to be challenging, especially since Margot has her heart set on finding something that's move-in ready. Can Bill convince her to settle for a home that needs work, in order to afford the square footage they both long for?
Newlyweds TJ and Jamie currently live in a rental, but they're eager to buy their first home together. They'd like to find a spacious three or four bedroom house in the Chicago suburbs. Jamie wants it to be updated and modern, while TJ prefers a cozy older home that reminds him of his grandmother's house. He's also particular about the direction the house faces because he'd like to sit in the backyard and watch the sunset. Jamie is more concerned with having lots of storage space for all of their wedding gifts. Will it be sleek and modern or will a cozy grandma house be the first place they call home?
Diana and Travis are moving from Atlanta to the town of Destin, on Florida's Gulf Coast. She wants a luxury condo with lots of amenities and a beach view. He would rather live in a house on a golf course. Can they find a home that will make them both happy?
TJ and Mary have been living at his parents' home to save money to buy their first place. With Mom spoiling him by packing his lunch and doing his laundry, TJ is loving their stay. Mary not so much. Now that they've saved up enough money for a down payment, they're ready to buy a home in the Concord, New Hampshire area. With a budget of $200,000, they're looking for a 2 bed, 2 bath house with plenty of room to entertain. But, with each having very particular needs, they're having trouble finding a place that they both agree on.
After growing up in a military family, Reggie moved around so much, he didn't know where home was. Now Reggie wants to settle down, and buy a home to live in with his girlfriend, Kendra, in Washington DC. Kendra wants a trendy DC neighborhood with fabulous shopping and restaurants. But Reggie is reluctant to pay top dollar for city living, and would prefer to have a newer home in a less urban area. Will this young couple find middle ground, and a place to call home, in the nation's capitol?
Young, hip couple Jacob and Megan are looking for their first home close to Minneapolis' downtown. But Jacob, a musician, has an unusual request. He wants something with dark wood, unfinished spaces, and secret passageways to inspire his music. Megan's focused on an updated kitchen. Can these house hunters find a home that meets both their needs?
Geoffrey and Tammy are a young married couple living in Los Angeles, and they're ready to buy their first home. Tammy has renovation phobia and doesn't want a house that needs updating, while Geoffrey jumps at the chance to do home improvement projects. Further complicating things is that the house must accommodate their large pool table; no matter what else has to be sacrificed, the pool table is coming with them.
Dane and his wife Becca have been living in Dane's bachelor pad in the suburbs. All of their friends and family live in the city, and they're ready to move back. They're especially eager to find a new home, since they're expecting their first child in a few months. Becca is extremely picky, and has a long list of must haves and no-nos for their future house. The house cannot have saltillo tile, a type of tile popular in Arizona. She's also adverse to white tile. In addition, she refuses to move into a home that has old, used toilets. Overall, she'd prefer a turn-key property that needs no updating. Dane, on the other hand, loves do-it-yourself projects and would like a home he can put his own stamp on.
Twenty-six-year-old Matt is ready to move out of his parent's house in the Boston suburbs, and find a home where he and his brand new sports car can be happy. But with his opinionated younger sisters along on the hunt, he might find himself out numbered, as they pressure him to find a place where they can party with their friends, and go tanning on the deck.
Adam and Cathy are about to have their first child, so they want out of their cramped rental, and into a family-friendly home pronto! With a $250,000 budget, they should have plenty of options in Virginia's scenic Shenandoah Valley. But there's a catch. Cathy grew up in an eclectic home, complete with firepole. She wants a home that's both quirky and unusual, while Adam loves traditional bungalows. Will these two be able to find the right home for their growing family?
Andrew and Phil can't wait to get out of their tiny 1 bedroom apartment and buy a home in the San Francisco area. Trouble is, Andrew - an artist - wants to be in the heart of the city, and Phil - a chiropractor - wants to be near his practice in the suburbs. It's a battle of wills, and budgets, in this pricey California market. Who will compromise?
Tampa Bay residents Dustin and Stacey are excited about their move to Austin, Texas where they'll be closer to family. Eager to find a home with a pool, and a view of Lake Travis, they might be shocked to find that getting everything they want won't be as easy as they thought it would be.
Riane and Patrick are mainlanders who met while attending the university of Hawaii. Now, ten years later, the couple is married and they want to settle down on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui. Riane wants a funky home with good vibes and lots of land. Patrick is less interested in funk and more interested in a good investment - and they both want an ocean view. The only problem is, Riane is terrified of Tsunamis and wants her new home as high up as possible.
Mark and Meghan recently moved from Virginia to Charlotte, North Carolina and have found they love everything about the city. The only downside is the apartment they've been renting is much too small, so they've decided it's time to settle down and buy their first home. Meghan would like a spacious single-family house with 4 bedrooms, an office and an updated kitchen. While Mark is focused on a huge, fenced in backyard and a place to hang his big screen TV. Can they find a place with everything on their wish lists, or will Mark and Meghan have to make some compromises? Find out when House Hunters heads to Charlotte, North Carolina!
Adam, a tour drummer, and Nicki are so close with her parents, Caren and Carl, that they've decided to buy a house together. The challenge, each person has very specific needs: Adam wants a drum studio; Nicki wants a spacious master suite; Carl and Caren want an in-law suite. It's a tall order, even in a Nashville market flush with large homes.
Yzette and Jason are looking for a big single family home to expand their family in pricey Orange County, California. But their $430,000 budget leaves them in condo territory in their preferred city of Aliso Viejo. And a little bit of OCD is going to make their search even trickier.
Shannon is ready to move out of her parents home and buy her first place near Sacramento. But her younger sister Jessica, who will be renting a room from her, has strong opinions about exactly what they need in the perfect house. Shannon wants vintage charm, but Jessica wants a fully-upgraded and modern kitchen. Between sibling rivalry and Shannon's limited budget, this house hunt may come to an end before it even gets started.
For the last few years, Chris and Jenny, and their two young daughters, have been chasing storms across the southwest, as part of their auto body repair business. Now, they're hoping to put down roots in Austin, Texas. They've got $350,000 to spend, and are looking for a major upgrade over the tiny garage apartment they've recently been living in, but the popular Texas hillcountry doesn't come cheap.
Chris and Heather are ready to make some big moves by buying their first home, and moving in together for the first time. But the search wont be easy. As first time home buyers, their wishlist is long and their budget is small. Will they be able to find a home that has the space they need for both of their large families, and stay within their $260,000 budget?
Twenty-four-year-old Laurel has decided to buy her first place in Nashville, Tennessee. She's adament about wanting a single family home, but because of the square footage she desires, she might have to consider a townhome. Will she give up privacy and a yard to get a place that has everything else she wants?
At the age of two,Vietnamese-born James came to the States during the fall of Saigon. Now a proud husband and father of four is living the American dream. He's recently relocated to California from Texas for his job. So he and his wife Mindy are on the hunt for a new house - she wants a state of the art kitchen, the kids want a pool, but James has some unique requests of his own.
Mandy and Jason are a recently married couple searching for a larger place in Chicago, Illinois. But they both have different priorities when it comes to their new place. Mandy is all about the master bedroom and bath, while Jason is obsessed with finding a finished basement and a 3 car garage. However, their biggest challenge will be finding a compromise on location - she wants to find a place in the city and he prefers to be way out in the suburbs.
Alex is an attorney that is loving her new life in the city of Atlanta, so she's ready to buy a place. She'd like a spacious townhome with a two-car garage and an updated kitchen. But her top priority is location. Alex doesn't want a home that's over 10 miles from her downtown job, and she especially wants to stay 'inside the perimeter' which means living inside the area of a major highway that loops around Atlanta.
Kati, a former Team USA rugby player, and Aaron, an Iraq War veteran, are searching the Milwaukee area for their first home. They're looking to escape they're cramped college apartment and find a house with enough room for their clothes and furniture, a big master bedroom, and a large basement. But they don't know if their $200,000 budget will be enough to get them the space they want.
Only in their early twenties, Catherine and Brett already have two college degrees each, successful careers, and a four-month-old baby. Now they're ready for the next step; buying their first home in the Houston suburbs. They want a beautiful, spacious, fully-upgraded house in a quiet neighborhood. But will their budget keep these overachievers from accomplishing their goal of finding the perfect home?
Alisa is a zoo operations assistant and her husband Jed is a chemistry teacher in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. They've been living in a one-bedroom apartment, but have outgrown it now that they're expecting their first child. They don't have much time before their baby arrives, so time is of the essence to find the perfect starter home.
Dan and Becky moved from Hawaii to his hometown of St. Louis for his career. They've been temporarily living with his parents and are anxious to get their own place. When they saw that real estate prices in St. Louis are so much lower than Hawaii, they thought they'd easily find what they want. But, with a budget of $230,000, finding paradise in the Show Me State won't be easy.
St. Louis couple Holly and Terry need to buy a house and fast! Their wedding in her native China is in two months and Chinese culture requires home ownership to legitimize a marriage. She wants something modern and updated, while he prefers a house with historic features,and neither want to budge.
After years of traveling abroad, professional dancer Eric Morgan's landed a long-term gig in Vegas. He wants to celebrate by buying his first place, and his friend Jamie's along to help. Eric's looking for something move in ready and within his $100,000 budget. But when Eric sees the best Sin City has to offer, will he be tempted to stretch his budget?
Carl and Marcel are tired of freezing New Hampshire winters and are hoping to find a vacation home in trendy Wilton Manors, Florida. But Carl wants a fixer to keep him busy, and Marcel wants a place that they can just move into and relax. To make things more difficult, their $75,000 budget limits their options in a Florida housing market that's starting to rebound from the recent real estate crash.
Tonita is a psychologist for the Atlanta Juvenile Justice system. When she comes home from a long day's work, she wants to pull into her own garage and have plenty of space for visiting family. Tonita's boyfriend Darrell is helping her with the hunt, but Tonita is picky about certain things, like new fixtures and lots of space.
Recent Minnesota transplants Kisha and Andrew are in a hurry to find a permanent home for their young daughters in Racine, Wisconsin. But she has a long, specific wish list and he wants something that is one hundred percent move in ready. With a strict budget of three hundred thousand dollars, finding something that works for both of them is going to be nearly impossible.
Brent and Dorene have looked at over 100 homes near San Jose, California, without success. That's because they've got a long and unusual wish list that includes enough land for Dorene to raise goats so she can make goat cheese, and enough space for Brent to store and maintain his collection of about 50 bicycles. With a budget of $500,000 to $700,000, they're determined to find the perfect home.
San Diego residents Mark and Katie live just minutes from the ocean in their small apartment. They're ready to buy their first home and would love to stay in the same area, but they soon realize that buying near the beach is more expensive than they thought. What are they willing to compromise for location?
Newlyweds Haley and Jeremy recently relocated to Huntersville, North Carolina, about 20 minutes outside Charlotte. The move has been great, but the only downside is their current living situation, since they are staying with friends until they find a home of their own. Jeremy would love a waterfront house and is willing to buy something outdated in order to get it. Haley on the other hand would prefer something move-in ready and is especailly set on finding a home with a large, updated kitchen.
Keith and Andrea found their dream home in Pensylvania. And then they sold it. Keith decided to change careers and join his family's dental practice in Nashua, NH. Now, they're looking for a house just like the one they left behind. But even with a $500,000 budget, finding another dream home that meets their sky-high expectations is no easy task.
Ryan and Lindsay just got married and want to buy their first home together in the Minneapolis suburbs. With a budget of $525,000, they're looking for a large house to raise their future children. But just how large is up for debate. Ryan wants a house that's over 4000 square feet. Lindsay is concerned about the cost to clean and maintain a house of that size, and would like to find a house that's less than 4000 square feet.
Kurt and Dani split their time between a home in Indianpolis and a vacation bungalow in Key West. But that one bedroom bungalow doesn't offer much space for Kurt to work, so they're looking for a bigger place with a historic past. Key West is small as it is, but the couple wants a place in Old Town, which is barely one square mile, not to mention it's some of the most expensive real estate in the country. Will Kurt and Dani find history - and an extra bedroom or two - without breaking the bank?
Summer camp director, Josh, and his wife, Natalie, are hoping to buy their first home in the Philadelphia area. But while he dreams of the ultimate backyard, she dreams of low maintenance condo living. In a search that takes them to the city, the burbs, and everywhere in between, Josh may find himself outgunned by his vocal and opinionated wife.
Robert and Holly spent their Utah winters feeling cold and depressed, so they've moved with their two young daughters to Austin, Texas. They've fallen for the warmer climate and hip vibe, and are ready to spend $350,000 on a home that's as close to the fun of downtown as they can get. But finding a garage big enough to house Robert's motorcycles, and a space where Holly can operate her own hair salon, is going to be more challenging than they expected, especially because Holly is a very picky house hunter!
Natalie and Travis do everything quickly. In the past three years, they met, got married, had a baby, moved from Nebraska to Illinois, and now they're pregnant again. As first-time homebuyers, they have big expectations for the perfect house in Peoria. With a wishlist that's bigger than their budget, will they be able to find their dream home before the baby arrives?
Alex and Iwona just moved from New Jersey to Houston to take advantage of the affordable real estate market. Having thought about buying a home for 5 years, they've developed a long list of requirements for their first home, including a north facing house that is new, and ultra energy efficient. Alex is adamant about having a grand foyer, library and media room. With a $300,000 budget to work with, it's a tall order to fill.
James and Sherry have made a great living for themselves as the owners of a well-known air conditioning business in Dallas, Texas. For the past 20 years, they have concentrated on growing their business, and have lived in the same house all that time. Now that all their hard work has paid off, they'd like to buy their dream home. They're hoping to find a spacious 5-bedroom home with their $750,000 budget. Sherry and James envision a home with a grand staircase, a game room and an updated kitchen. James is fairly flexible, though he has one major deal breaker: he will not even look at a home that backs up to a body of water because he is deathly afraid of snakes.
After traveling around the world, Atlanta couple Troy and Anastasia have decided to buy a vacation property a little closer to home in Miami, Florida. With a budget of $600,000, they have their sights set on a luxury condo near downtown. But Troy wants an urban feel with city views and hotel amenities, while Anastasia longs for a resort-like setting with ocean views.
Doug and Lori have worked for years to make their pizzeria in San Antonio, Texas a success. Now that they've achieved their dream, and are ready to expand their brand nationwide, they're eager to get away from the grind. The couple has decided to buy a vacation home in Hartford, Connecticut, where Lori's family lives. But even with a budget of $650,000, it'll be tough to find a getaway with a deluxe gourmet kitchen and a view!
Living in the guesthouse at Livia's parent's house has been great for saving money and having live-in babysitting. But once their young daughter started walking, Warren proclaimed, 'we gotta get out of here!" Warren is focused on finding more space, while his wife Livia is more concerned with nice curb appeal, and no popcorn ceilings. She also has a 'sniff test' when she walks into a condo, and if she smells even a trace of smoke, it's a deal breaker.
Laura has had quite a year: graduating from college, landing her first engineering job, health problems that landed her in the hospital, and now homeownership. This 20 something blonde is hoping that by bringing along her straight talking Aunt, she'll be sure not to get in over her head any more than she already has. But this structural engineer is not your typical buyer - seeking out cracks and foundational concerns at every turn. Will she find a home where she can finally settle down, or end up building her life on a shaky foundation?
After getting promoted, Air Force officer, Elizabeth Lopez had decided to buy her first home in San Antonio. She wants to get a place to share with her mother, Monica. With a budget of $200,000, she's hoping to find a spacious home with a huge master suite. More importantly, she would like to find a place that's near her new base at Fort Sam Houston. Trouble is, Monica wants to stay where they currently live, 45 minutes away from Elizabeth's new job. Plus, she wants a house with all the upgrades.
Donald and Johanna are ready to get out of their rental in Sacramento, California, and buy a place where they can start a family. The couple has set a budget of $325,000, and hope to find a home with lots of rooms for lots of kids, and a kitchen where Johanna can indulge her passion for cooking. But this is no ordinary house hunt: Donald says he has a special gift of clairvoyance, and that he can feel 'energy' in a home that no one else can sense. If he walks into a place that makes him uncomfortable, he won't even finish the tour! Can this couple find a place that meets their wish list, as well as Donald's unusual criteria?
Shekhar, an engineer, and his wife, Swati, a fashion designer, have been living with her parents while looking for a home. They've made many offers, but so far the booming Silicon Valley real estate market has been too much for them to handle, even with over $1 million to spend. With their architect in tow, they're hoping to land a famous mid century modern Eichler home in Palo Alto, but in an area flush with dot-com cash, will they be outbid?
Newlyweds Melissa and Evan moved into his cramped grad student apartment when they got married. But now he's pursuing his doctorate, which could mean four more years of sharing tight quarters. So they've decided to take the leap and buy their first home in Durham, North Carolina. They know exactly what kind of house they want and which neighborhood they want, but they may not be able to afford it all with their grad student budget. Are the realities of real estate compromise a lesson they're willing to learn?
Zack and Lauren have been renters for years, but when they discovered their rent would soon be increased, they realized that it's a landlord's market, and why not cash in on the boom? The couple want to purchase a multi-family property where they can live and collect rent, but in Buck's County Pennsylvania, there are few such rental units on the market. Sean Ryan, a Realtor with Avalar Real Estate, thinks he can help. He's rounded up three very different properties all of them with income potential. With a modest budget of $350,000, will Zack and Lauren find a place with enough rental units to cover their mortgage?
Sheldon and his fiance Kristina are both surgical neurophysiologists in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. They currently rent a condominium near the ocean; they take full advantage of its location, walking and biking to the beach as often as possible. Sheldon especially loves anything involving the ocean; his main hobby is caring for his giant saltwater fish tank. Sheldon would like to stay on Ft. Lauderdale's east side near the ocean, while Kristina wants to move out west to a more family-oriented area for when they have children.
Iraq war veteran Roberto and his German wife Carina are ready to trade their rented high-rise condo in downtown Raleigh for a single-family home with a yard for their three-year-old son Diego. With the help of a VA loan program, they have a budget of $235,000. But will they be able to reach a compromise between Carina's preference for an older home with charm in downtown Raleigh and Roberto's dream of a big new house in the suburbs?
Carmen and Eric recently moved to Indianapolis from San Francisco because of her job in the hotel business. They get a free room for two months and now theirtime is up. Can they find the right home in Indianapolis, and finally settle down?
Rob works in advertising and his girlfriend Amanda is a middle school Spanish teacher in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They'd like to find a home by their one-year dating anniversary and have enlisted the help of Rob's mom. Rob would like a home with historic charm and character, while Amanda prefers more modern amenities. They're also at an impass about where to settle; Rob would like to stay in Ann Arbor, while Amanda likes the nearby town of Plymouth. Rob's mom certainly has her work cut out for her, since this newly-dating couple rarely see eye to eye when looking at houses.
Newlyweds Antione and Tiffany are searching for their dream first home in the Newark/Fremont area, twenty minutes from San Jose. They've been living with Tiffany's mom for six months to save up for their down payment, and are ready for a space of their own. With a budget of $450,000, will they be able to find a house with a yard for their dogs and storage space for Antione's extensive shoe collection, all in the great neighborhood that Tiffany wants?
Tyler has been living a frat boy existence in Portland, Oregon, with a roommate, football parties and plenty of beer. But now that he's turned 30, he's ready to strike out and buy a place of his own. He's set a $225,000 budget, and with his friend Ben along for support, he hopes to find a place with an easy commute to his teaching job in the suburbs as well as to the action downtown. He also has his hopes set on an updated kitchen, a big yard and a space just for his guitars. But this first time buyer isn't an easy sell: he's already turned down more than 100 places, making this one of the toughest house hunts his realtor has ever experienced!
Hawaii is paradise. Unless you're a family of four crammed into a two bedroom condo. So Billy and Naomi want a single family home with more space. But even with a $650,000 budget, buying a home in this pricey market is tough. And with Naomi's high expectations, finding a home they can love will be a tall order.
Charles is a golf professional, and his wife Melanie is a school teacher in Zachary, Louisiana. They've been living in a home that was perfect for the two of them, but now that they have a daughter it's become too crowded. They'd like to find a home with a spacious living room and at least four bedrooms since Charles wants to use one room for his golf putter collection. Melanie is more concerned with having plenty of storage space and a closed-in garage. With a limited budget and very specific wants, can they find a home they both like?
Blake and Ashley have been hunting for the perfect home in the New Orleans suburbs for over a year. With one young son and another baby on the way, it's more important than ever that they find a bigger house. But they're on different pages when it comes to their wishlist. Will they be able to find a home that makes them both happy?
Deb and Ken are ready to take their relationship to the next level and buy their first home together. They have a budget of $650,000. But in the pricey Silicon Valley real estate market, they have to come to grips with the reality that they can't get everything on their long wish list.
Newlyweds Katie and Jonathan relocated from small town Michigan to the Washington, D.C. area, and they're thrilled that Katie's dad has celebrated their marriage by giving them a downpayment on their first home. Now the trick will be finding the perfect place! They want a single family home in the suburbs that's close to Katie's job at Ford's Theater in D.C., and to Jonathan's teaching job outside the city. But even though they have a budget of $350,000, finding an updated place with a big yard and easy commute for both will be a big challenge.
A financial planner with a love of French cooking, Caterina, is ready to purchase a home of her own in the Detroit suburb of Birmingham. With the help of her decorator best friend Kim she's looking for a home with European flair and a large backyard for her kids. But with a budget of $400,000, will she be able to find a house that meets all her requirements and is still walking distance from her favorite downtown yoga studio and gourmet specialty shops?
Childhood sweethearts Joe and Kim have gotten used to living rent free in Kim's parents' $900,000 home. But now that the home has sold, they've got to find a place of their own on a much lower budget of $250,000. Will they be able to settle for the smaller, less upgraded places that they can afford in Minneapolis?
Key West, Florida, has always been a special place for Matt and Amy. It's where they honeymooned, it's their favorite vacation spot, and it's about to be the site of their future vacation home. But for this couple, escaping the cold Ohio winters comes with a hitch. Matt wants the privacy of a single family home. Amy wants a carefree, low maintenance condo or high-rise. Who will win out?
Eric and Cynthia's living situation might sound great; free rent on site at the storage facility where Cynthia works. But their cramped space in the industrial neighborhood, and a forty-five minute commute for Eric are a challenge for this Salt Lake couple and their 15 month-old daughter. They are determined to buy a proper house in a suburb closer to the city and Eric's job. But can they find a starter home to fit their 200K budget?
Before Justin and Jillanne get married, they want to buy their first home in the Seattle suburb of Bothell. With plans to eventually raise their kids in this home, Jillanne is very particular about what she does and doesn't like in every place they see for $450,000.
Jean Luc grew up in Canada, and Mandy was raised in Scotland. Now the newlyweds are eager to move away from the San Diego sunshine and embrace the rainy weather they prefer in Portland, Oregon. The couple will be searching the suburbs close to downtown, so they can be a quick drive from restaurants and shopping. But architect Jean Luc is picky about details, and even with a $300,000 budget, it will be a challenge to find an updated, well-built home they'll both love.
Doug and Marion are ready to trade life on their 1300 acre ranch in Wyoming for the hip, college town of Bozeman, Montana. But even with a budget of 1 million dollars, finding a place that's both good for horses and has tons of character isn't easy. Making it even trickier, this couple needs two separate master suites, since Marion suffers from bouts of shrieking night terrors.
Gretchen, a single mom, is ready for a new start. With both of her daughters living on campus at Kent State University, this picky house hunter sets out with her good friend Carla to find a dream home which may or may not be on a farm. Will this speech language pathologist find what she's looking for on a 250K budget?
Young accountant Fiona has always dreamed of owning her first home before her 25th birthday, and she's asked her younger sister Ailish along for some second opinions during her search. But those opinions may be a little stronger than she bargained for. With only six weeks until Fiona's birthday, can these sisters see eye-to-eye long enough to find Fiona's first home?
Tom is an event planner who also loves renovating homes. When his partner Claus arrived from Denmark he moved in with Tom in the Hollywood Hills. The view is breathtaking, but the place is small and the long winding roads are inconvenient. Most importantly, they want a home that is theirs, not just one of Tom's old projects. So Tom and Claus have decided to look for a new home together. They both want something within walking distance of stores and restaurants, but their opinions differ beyond that. Tom is very picky and knows exactly what he wants, and is more than willing to put some work into a place. But Claus can't envision renovations when looking at a property and would prefer something that is move in ready.
Derek and his partner Brian have been together for several years and they're eager to start a family by adopting one or more children. However, their current two-bedroom house in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles is too small to accommodate anyone beyond the two of them. Both Derek and Brian want at least three bedrooms in an older home, preferably Spanish style. Beyond that, they can't agree on much of anything else. Brian wants both a pool and a view - Derek says they can have one or the other. Brian wants to keep their budget below $800,000, but Derek insists they could go up to $1 million if they find the right house. With both guys anxious to adopt their future children, the pressure is on for them to come to some sort of agreement.
Jackie gave up her medical career in Mexico for the chance to raise her daughters in the United States. She's currently staying with relatives in Los Angeles but she's eager to find a home so her daughters can have room to grow. With a limited budet and knowing how expensive the market is in Los Angeles, Jackie knows not to be too picky. In fact, she's instructed her realtor, Peter Stamison, to just find anything with a good foundation and four walls. However, Peter knows he can find her something to truly make her new home a special one. Jackie's excited to find the perfect house for her family making her American Dream come true.
Friday night football games and fun-filled church cookouts drew youth minister Brad and his wife Lyndsi back to her hometown near Charleston, West Virginia. Lyndsi's parents were generous enough to allow them to move in while they search for their first home, but living with family can have it's downsides. So they'd like to find a place of their own as soon as possible. Unfortunately Brad and Lyndsi have a tight budget and very high expectations, which will make finding the perfect place a major challenge.
Curtis and his wife Stefanie love the outdoors and are always up for an adventure. They've enjoyed heading out across the country in their old motorhome, but with two growing children, they soon realized they need something larger. They hope to find an RV that will accommodate their entire family without breaking their 120K budget. And they need to find something fast as they've already planned a week-long road trip to Yosemite.
Bobby and Mariko moved from Boulder, Colorado to Gainesville, Florida for Bobby's dream job. They have had a lot on their plate this year with new jobs, a cross country move, searching for a new house all while trying to plan their wedding. Will Bobby find a perfect room to indulge his passion for brewing beer? Will Mariko find her new construction, stainless steel appliances and Colorado touches? And, most important will they be able to find a backyard that will meet with their dog Tuck's approval?
Chris has looked at over 100 homes in his quest to get the best deal on a house. Now that his girlfriend, Tara, is going to move into the new place, he has to step up his search and finally commit to buying a home. His friend and agent, Justin Piprude, has been on this 3 year odyssey with Chris and is more determined than ever to find a house the Chris and Tara will like and still stick to his $250,000 budget.
Teachers Rick and Colleen are feeling the pressure. These first time buyers want to get out of their rental and into the perfect home before they get married in 4 months. And this house MUST be perfect, because it's the home they plan on spending the rest of their lives in - their "forever" house. Buying your 1st home is stressful enough, but trying to find the home that will be perfect not just now, but for the rest of your life? That's a tall order. Add to that a mile-long wish list and high expectations, and you've got a recipe for stress.
Brian and Bryce moved to Los Angeles to pursue their careers, and they've fallen for the gorgeous weather and laid-back lifestyle. Now they're looking to buy a place in the hills, with a big kitchen and lots of outdoor space for their dogs. But they don't agree on a budget: while Brian wants to spend no more than $425,000, Bryce is willing to push it to $450,000 or more to get the perks he wants. But even a half million dollars may not be enough to find the amenities they want in the location they desire.
Chris and Susan have been house sitting for friends to save money for their first home. Now with their friends about to return, their house hunt needs to kick into high gear. But for these outdoor lovers, finding a starter home within their tiny budget that's big enough for all their gear might be an uphill battle.
Zak and Andrea fell in love with Portland when they moved here 3 years ago. So they decided they were ready to find a permanent home to raise their young daughter, Kate. For the past 2 years they've been looking and looking and looking, But they haven't yet found a home that can endure the scrutiny of Andrea's 100-point house-grading system. On top of that, Andrea has her heart set on an English Tudor, while Zach wants a mid-century modern. But after 2 long years of hunting, their patience is wearing thin. It's time to finally commit to a home.
It's been 2 years since Sally moved into her tiny studio apartment after her divorce. And during that time, she's been able to heal and move on with some help from her beloved dog, Jesse. Now, Sally is ready to buy her first home in Sacramento, CA. But this picky buyer has a long wish list and one unusual demand - she wants a home with a doggy door. And since she's not very handy, she expects to find a home with the door already installed. Working with a modest $190,000 budget in pricey Sacramento, will this picky pooch lover be able to find a house that works for her and her dog?
Eva and Tyson love the happening music scene and fun nightlife in Austin, Texas. Now, on the eve of their wedding, they want to find a home where they can settle down and start a family. They're looking for a place with stylish mid-century touches, a second living space for their future kids to play, and a location near Tyson's sister's house in Austin's University Hills neighborhood. But with an expensive wedding in the works, they have just $205,000 to spend. Will it be enough to buy the hip starter home of their dreams?
After relocating to Arlington, VA, Alex moved into a two-bedroom apartment with two old college buddies. Now a year later, this 24 year-old can no longer take the mess and stress that comes with sharing the tiny pad. So he's looking for a place in the greater D.C. area with a room he can rent for a little extra income. His mom Lynelle is helping with the hunt. But while she's pushing for a more established neighborhood, Alex is open to stretching his budget in one of D.C.'s up and coming areas. Can he walk the fine line between being a frugal buyer, and finding a place nice enough to entice a renter?
Gee and Juan love the southern charm and fun nightlife of Atlanta, but their rental is no longer working. They run their growing event planning business out of their kitchen, and they're tired of the clutter and paperwork. Another problem: this couple loves to host big groups of friends, and their boisterous gatherings have attracted complaints -- and even visits from the police! They've decided to spend $250,000 on a bigger home, with more privacy. But the biggest challenge will be reaching a compromise with each other: Gee wants an older house he can put his own touches on, to improve its resale potential, while Juan wants a move-in ready place. Add in the fact that Juan hates natural light, and this will be a house hunt to remember!
Blair and Crystal have lived in 10 different homes over the past 12 years, since Crystal's job with an energy company requires them to move every couple years. Living all over the world has been an adventure, but now Crystal has landed a dream assignment in her hometown of Houston, TX where they will stay for at least 4 years. So with a budget of $500,000, they're ready to buy a permanent place to call home. But while Blair wants a big house with a large yard out in the 'burbs, Crystal wants a place right in the middle of Houston's historic 'Heights' district where she can be close to work and the action. The pressure is on to find a house these globe-trotters can agree on.
India-born Ekta and Sahil love working in the heart of Manhattan, and after a year of renting in Jersey City, they'd like to buy their first home in the big city. But in a town where property sells for $1000 per square foot, their $425,000 budget won't buy them much space especially when they're determined to get amenities like a doorman, elevator and gym! Will the couple settle for a tiny space, or venture outside the city to find the starter home of their dreams?
When Robert's company moved from San Francisco to Houston, his wife Michelle was devasted at the thought of leaving her close-knit family behind. To cushion the blow, her Mom offered to move with them, and Robert agreed to let her find her dream home. But they soon discover that with Michelle's picky taste, even a Texas-sized real estate market might be too small for her dream.
LaShawan is training to be a crime scene investigator, but she has another area of interest: fashion! She loves clothes and shoes, and the closet space in her tiny rental isn't sufficient to hold her prized possessions. She and her daughter Candace are searching historic Fredericksburg, Virginia for a single family home with tons of storage space, as well as a roomy master suite and updated kitchen. But LaShawan's $225,000 budget may not be big enough to satisfy this demanding single mom's wish list!
When her Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, Maya moved back home to help out. Now, a year later, Mom is healthy and Maya is ready to find a place of her own. But with her big sister in tow, and Dad as her agent, this first time buyer may have her hands full. Dad wants her to buy a single family house, but Maya wants a condo. Will she stick to her plan, or be pursuaded by her family?
Jessica and Alex recently got engaged after dating long distance for the past two years. With a marriage in their near future, and a job relocation that places him in Wilmington, Delaware, the couple needs to find a place to call home. Since they've never lived together, discovering their individual wants and needs will be new territory for both of them. Jessica definitely wants something new and updated which is not easily found in the historic neighborhoods of Wilmington. Alex on the other hand is more interested in an investment. With a limited budget, can they find their perfect first home that's both updated and investment worthy?
Kayla and Jacob are first time home-buyers are on the search for a place in the up and coming area of East Austin. Jacob leans toward a fixer-upper while Kayla isn't crazy about the idea of working on a project. But finding a place they can agree on is only half the battle. With their rental lease about to run out, Kayla and Jacob have a short amount of time to find a place. Can they find a home that works for both of them, and can they find it soon?
Brian, a fireman, and his wife Brandi Jo, a cop, are on the hunt for their first home in Montgomery, Ohio. After having their third child, they decided it's time to find a place with more space. But, they want more than enough bedrooms for their three kids and an open kitchen. They want extra garage space to house everything from motorcycles to ATV's, a large lot and possibly a pool.
Mary is a perfectionist, so when it comes to buying her first home in Chicago, she knows exactly what she wants. After looking at homes for 6 months, nothing meets her standards. Will Mary find the perfect place or is this the recipe for a perfect disaster?
By living with his parents, Shane, a 21-year-old fireman/paramedic, has saved up enough to buy his first home in Corona, California. With a budget of $300,000, he's looking for a house that he can transform into his ultimate bachelor pad. His parents, Ron and Kim, want to him to realize his dream, but join him on his search to talk sense.
Hobie is a Sergeant-At-Arms for the Virginia Senate. As a fourth generation Virginian, he wants to move his family to the historic area of Church Hill, one of the first neighborhoods in Richmond where his ancestors once walked. But his pregnant wife Melissa thinks a home from that era will mean way too much work, so she wants something more suburban and family friendly. Can they find a place to satisfy both their tastes without breaking their 275K budget?
Mary, a trauma surgeon, returns to her hometown of Fargo, North Dakota to find a home. She leads her realtor on a wild goose chase from lofts to historic Victorian mansions as she debates whether to downsize, or upgrade.
New York transplants Chris and Jess are hoping to find a walkable neighborhood in historic Charlotte, North Carolina. With a baby on the way they have very little time, and since Chris is a banker, they also have a very strict budget.
Lulu loves her job at Temple University in Philadelphia, but since they live in Newark, Delaware, it means battling a daily 3-hour commute. Her stay-at-home husband, Karl enjoys taking care of their two kids, but he would love his for wife to spend less time on the road and more time with the family. So they want to move to Wilmington, Delaware, to cut her commute time in half. But can they find the perfect home without busting their $275K budget?
The Smith family, still reeling from the loss of equity in their first home back in Detroit, are finally ready to start over, and look for a new home in Palm Harbor, Florida. Will they get in over their heads once more, or go for a place that's more easily affordable?
After receiving a job offer he couldn't pass up, Joey and his wife Micki, along with their two girls, Hope and Abbey, recently moved from New Jersey to North Carolina. They've been living in a rental home in Leland - a suburb of Wilmington - but they're eager to buy a place to call their own, preferably across the Cape Fear river closer to town. But despite their $1.25 million budget, this house hunt comes with some unique restrictions; Joey's job as an anesthesiologist requires him to live within 30 minutes of the hospital, otherwise he has to spend nights at work when he's on call. Can this family find their forever home?
Former D.C. Pro Football Cheerleader Seeks Home Twenty-six year old Dominique has her dream job, working for her favorite pro football team in Washington D.C. So what's she doing living in her parents' basement? When this first time buyer looks for homes with her wet-blanket of a brother, the realities of the local real estate market might force her to stay in the basement.
Erin loved her upbringing in the Indiana countryside, but this 20-something teacher is ready to move out of her parents' home and into a place of her own. Armed with a $125,000 budget, she's searching the quaint town of New Albany for a place with charm and a layout that her elderly dog Cruz can easily navigate. But her dad, a former pipe fitter with a wealth of knowledge about construction, won't let her settle for anything sub-par!
Laura and Matt are leaving sweet home Alabama for Baton Rouge, LA. After being accepted into a Ph.D program at LSU, Laura and husband Matt are moving to Cajun Country. In his mad dash to quickly find a job in Baton Rouge, Matt ended up getting a new gig before Laura had finished her school year in Alabama. So now he's living out of a hotel in Baton Rouge and Laura is driving over 400 miles each weekend to see him. With only a few weekends free to search, they're frantically looking for a home in a city they don't know. Matt's Aunt Pattie, a self-proclaimed house-hunting junkie who lives just an hour away, will tag along to lend support. With a long list of wants, but not much time, can these Alabamans find a new home in Baton Rouge?
First time buyers, Alice and Ali, are searching Chicago for a duplex. While they agree on a budget of $400,000, they are not on the same page when it comes to proximity to public transportation. Ali wants to be as far from the L Train as possible, while Alice wants to be close to a stop. Plus, Ali is not willing to compromise on certain key items such as having a standing shower, being on a quiet street with a view and garage parking. Who will compromise?
Kim and Mickey live in Lake Charles, Louisiana, but they're eager to find a weekend getaway about 3 hours from home in New Orleans. The place will double as a full-time home for their son Taylor, who's attending medical school in the Big Easy. Since Mickey's busy with work, Kim and Taylor tour condos in the city's Garden District and Uptown neighborhood. Can they find a home with the outdoor space Taylor wants, and the investment potential Kim and Mickey demand, all on a $200,000 budget?
Justin and his French-born wife live on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Now that they are parents to a young daughter, they would like to buy a home that has room for her to play, and sufficient space for a large home office for Justin. Problem is - Justin wants to live far out in the country, while Audrey wants to live closer to town. Can they find a home that works for both of them - tune in as House Hunters goes to Kauai!
Young first-time buyers, Dan and Rachel, are hoping to find the ultimate deal in the hip Detroit neighborhood of Ferndale. But the seemingly inexpensive, five-figure deals are a wake-up call for these 20-somethings when they encounter the realities of the turbulent Motown real estate market.
First time buyer Jimmy loves vintage style homes. But on a social worker's salary, finding one that fits his picky taste in historic Cleveland causes sparks to fly with his realtor.
Chandler and Laura want a big home for their growing family that includes a Great Dane and two Chihuahuas. But when they see the massive houses in the upscale Nashville suburb of Hendersonville, will it be more than they can handle?
Tiffany, Patrick, and their daughter Bella have been enjoying the return to Tiffany's hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. But they're eagar to find a place of their own since they're currently staying with Tiffany's parents. They'd like to find a spacious home to raise their young daughter, but with a budget of $175,000, it may be a challenge. Fortunately, they have the prefect realtor to help them in their search - Tiffany's dad Jim, who is an expert in the area. Can his parental guidance combined with his Knoxville know-how land them the perfect home? Or will Tiffany and Patrick be planted at their parents' house indefinitely?
Carlie and Andy Hunt are college sweethearts who met on the tennis court, married, and now live in a high-rise in Portland. While they love the location, their small studio apartment is no longer suitable for the two of them and their large dog. Their ideal home would have lots of closet-space, a large yard for their dog and would be walking distance to shops and restaurants. With a tight budget, high expectations, and not much middle ground when it comes to compromising - Andy and Carlie have got a challenging house hunt ahead of them. But thankfully, Geoff, their old college friend and fellow tennis teammate, is a realtor. Hopefully, he can serve up a selection of properties that have everything they want and fits their tight budget.
Atlanta couple Alex and Azalea are engaged to be married and want to buy a home before the wedding. The question is - should they buy a smaller place 'inside the perimeter' as they say in Atlanta, or move further out to the suburbs to get a larger house. Azalea who loves to walk to shops and restaurants is set on city living but Alex is making a strong case for the added square footage and large yards the suburbs have to offer. Where will they buy? Tune in and find out.
Atlanta hipsters Kate and Andy want to buy their first home. But a run-of-the-mill starter house won't do for these artistic newlyweds. They want a house with both older character and modern finishes with room enough for their Great Dane, Leon. Kate and Andy have very clear ideas about what they expect in a home. The problem is, what they want doesn't match what their $200,000 budget can buy, and their very specific taste means almost any house they can afford may be a let-down.
Chad and Katie are looking for a home with room for Katie's shoe collection in downtown Austin, Texas. Trouble is, Chad is admittedly picky. Among other things, he wants a modern home in an area filled with vintage houses that Katie loves. With their wedding around the corner, will they find a home or will Chad drag his feet forever?
Teachers, Dwight and Kristin, want to buy a house before they get married in a few months. But, in Meriden, Connecticut, can they find a 3 bed, 2 bath home meets up with her high end tastes while sticking to his budget of $240,000?
With homes in Las Vegas and Hollywood, Tony Chau is no stranger to house hunting. Now, he has set his sights on Chicago. This time, he's going in on a place with his business partner, Jason Traut. They have a budget of $1.5 million and want to buy a condo in the upscale Magnificent Mile area that can be turned into a stylish bachelor pad. But they're not on the same page when it comes to the scale of the remodel. So, they're having James Charles, their friend and interior designer, join them on their search. Can they find a place that makes everyone happy?
Being newlyweds and living apart for nearly a year has been rough for Greg and Nicole. But, the hunt for their first home in South New Jersey has been even harder. With plans to stay in their future home for the long haul, they're being very particular about what they want and have looked at over 100 homes - picking apart every detail. Can they find a house that meets up with their needs and stays within their first time buyer budget of $400,000?
After discovering his apartment was being turned into condos, Brandon had to move back in with his Mom until he could find another place. It's been six months and now this picky 29-year old is ready to buy his first home. He turns to his ex-girlfriend to accompany him on the house hunt because she knows his particular tastes better than anyone. Can his old flame help him choose the right home within his $250,000 budget?
Lindsay and Dayne are a classic case of opposites attract. She is a traditional southern girl, while Dayne is a neurophysiologist by day/punk rock drummer at night. They want to buy their first home before they get married in a few months. But, having never lived together, they have to sort out a couple of major issues. First off, they have to find a home that merges her traditional style with his modern sensibilities. Plus, she doesn't want to spend more than $250,000, while Dayne's limit is $330,000.
Bryan and Kristen have shared a lot of firsts together; first kiss; first love; now recently married, they are ready to buy their first home together. With a budget of $150,000 they set their sights on San Antonio hoping to stay near work and family. elping them out is their Realtor, Cynthia. But she's not just any realtor, her clients have dubbed her "The House Whisperer" for her knack of matching people with the right home. Can she use her instincts to find Brian and Kristen the perfect place?
Josh, Molly and their 2 young kids have been living for too long in one bedroom at her parents' house. But the family soon discovers that cramped quarters might be just the beginning when their house hunt winds through St. Paul, Minnesota's quirky craftsman bungalows.
With plans to have kids, Nina and Jason moved to Chicago to be near family. But, with a tight budget, finding a place that has everything they want in the trendy Lincoln Square neighborhood isn't easy. Nina is willing to look at the bright side as they search for a home, while Jason sees only the negatives. Can their real estate broker, Zak Herman, find a place that makes them both happy?
After a recent break up left her paying too much in rent, Britt is setting out to buy her first home. But the trendy neighborhood of Ballard isn't cheap, and her small budget won't go far.With the help of her best friend and her agent, will this city girl be able to land the home of her dreams?
Chicago newcomers Nicolle and Jonathan love their downtown rental, but it's time to buy a place, and their differences are making the search tough: while he's ready to settle down and raise kids in the suburbs, she's reluctant to leave the action of the big city. With a budget that tops out at $300,000, can Jonathan convince Nicolle that they can find a sweeter deal outside the Windy City?
Kelli and Reed left their music careers in Nashville to begin a new life in the scenic resort town of Whitefish, Montana. Now, they're in a rush to move out of Reed's parents' house and into a home of their own before they open the doors to their new café, ''The Caboose'', in downtown Whitefish. But while Kelli wants to find a place with a cozy, rustic feel, Reed, who grew up in a cabin-style home, prefers a more streamlined look with modern finishes. With a budget of $375,000, can this couple find a place close to town that'll make them both happy?
Kevin is an avid cyclist who is ready to move out of his parents' place and buy his first home in the Detroit suburbs. Unlike most house hunters, he could not care less about fine finishes; his top priority is storage space for his prize possessions his bikes! His best friend Ryan will come along as Kevin looks for a ranch style home with his ultimate fantasy space: a temperature-controlled, well-lit room where he can work on his treasured rides. But will a budget that tops out at $200,000 be enough to kick this search into high gear?
LaMar and Jessica just moved to Atlanta and are staying with his sister until they find a home of their own. Both want to be close to downtown but Jessica dreams of a homey townhouse, while LaMar's idea of heaven is a sleek high-rise complete with concierge, pool, gym and fabulous views. Will they be able to settle on a place that makes them both happy?
When Heather decided to buy her first home in downtown Baltimore, she set a realistic budget of $300,000 - $350,000. This would allow her to indulge in her favorite pastimes: traveling and shopping. But, looking for a house is not as easy as buying a handbag, which is very frustrating for Heather. Can her cousin and future roommate, Ra'Shaun, help her stay focused on the prize? Heather is a handful, but realtor Monica Gordon-Truesdale, is determined to find the right house for her.
Mike and Clare have saved up for a house by staying in his parents' basement for over a year. All of their friends and both of their jobs are over an hour away and the newlyweds have had enough of the long commute. They are anxious to find a home of their own in the Cleveland suburbs that is big enough for them and their dog but still plenty close to the action.
Steven and Ashley want to buy their first home in the Dallas suburbs. With a budget of $180,000, they're having a tough time finding a house that's upgraded enough for her and still has enough projects for him. Can their realtor, Kevin Belknap, who's married to Steven's cousin, find a place that makes them both happy?
Andrea works in NYC, but lives almost two hours away in Marlton, New Jersey. She does this long commute so she can have the best of both worlds a job in the city and a house in a quiet, rural area where she can raise her two children. Now, she's eager to get out of her friend's house, where she and the kids are currently crashing, and into a 3 bedroom place of their own in Malrton. But on a tight budget, will she be able to find the kind of place she wants for her kids?
Wynter is ready to marry Will, and he promises he'll pop the question as soon as they are living together in a home of their own. Real Estate Agent Bobby Naugle shows them three houses in their hometown of Visalia, California. The challenge is that Wynter wants an upgraded, move-in-ready home, while Will wants a well-priced fixer. Can this young couple find a happy medium? And will Will make good on that promise?
Matt and Meghan moved back to their hometown of Columbia, South Carolina because of a job promotion for Meghan and to be closer to family. And close is what they got! This couple, along with their daughter Kate, are all living with Meghan's folks. It's becoming a challenge for Matt, a stay-at-home dad, to raise their daughter in a home where they all live out of suitcases. They're desperate to fully unpack and have some personal space again. They're hoping to find a Southern brick bungalow with a lot of charm that's close to the downtown area. Their biggest challenge is to make sure they make a decision on the right home, not one that will simply get them out of their current living situation. On one salary, this could be tough, but leave it to broker Donna Reed to find them the perfect charmer in South Carolina's capitol.
Briana and Cyrus love living in Boynton Beach, Florida, but their 2-story home isn't working anymore: Briana, who suffers from debilitating rheumatoid arthritis, struggles to climb the stairs to her home office, and with impending ankle surgery, she'll need a single story home as she recuperates. They're searching Palm Beach County, Florida for a place within their $200,000 budget, but Cyrus is drawn to fixers, which make Briana nervous, as working on a home could force her to delay her surgery. Can they find a place that'll ease Briana's pain, and still give Cyrus enough of the projects he loves?
Cathleen and Andrew have made offers on multiple homes without any luck, and with their lease about to expire, they're running out of time to find a place near Northern California's wine country. While Andrew prefers the Marin County city of Novato, where he works at his family's lumber mill, Cathleen wants to buy about 15 minutes north in quaint Petaluma, where the homes are more affordable, but some sit on adobe soil, which can shift over time. With $450,000 to spend, will they stretch their budget in Novato, or will they be desperate enough to buy a home that could be moving right under their feet?
Nick and Kristen are totally stressed out. They live in Palmetto, Florida but have been on the hunt for over a year for a bigger place in the Bradenton area so they can be closer to Kristen's mom. Each of the past 5 offers they have made have fallen out for one reason or another. The whole process has been wearing them out. Kristen is staying up nights, and is obsessed with checking the listings for homes. To add more pressure, Kristen has to drive their son to her parents' house every morning on the way to work which is adding time to her already long commute. Kristen has a long list of wants, which makes it hard to find a place she likes, so it's even more frustrating that their offers keep getting shot down. They both worry that if they don't buy soon, they will be stuck where they are with no other options. It's now or never, and hopefully this young couple will find their new, larger home before they crack.
Eric and Mishelle want to buy a second home in Hawaii for when they and their three kids need a break from the long, dark and freezing winters they face in Fairbanks, Alaska. They look at a condo first and soon realize that their modest budget won't get them much on the beautiful island of Kauai. Something has to give - it's up to Eric and Mishelle to decide whether that something is going to be their wishlist or their budget.
Liz and Alex love the 7500 sq.ft. house they are in now. This current home has plenty of room for their family of six and their assorted pets. With its great location, huge kitchen, and fabulous master suite, it has been perfect for them, and Liz has dreamed of seeing her girls on the grand staircase on their wedding day. But now that Alex has lost his job and they need to downsize, the house has been sold. As Liz and Alex search for a new place, they must quickly decide what matters most to them now that they can no longer have it all.
Elisa recently lost her husband to cancer. Although devastated by her loss, Elisa decided the best tribute to her late husband would be to buy a second home on the Hawaiian island of Molokai - where they used to vacation - so the whole family could come together and create new happy memories. Elisa and three of her daughters are traveling from their home in Midland, Texas to Molokai to check out several places. But finding a home that's affordable and large enough for the entire family will be quite a challenge.
JD and Kristin have spent the last decade moving around the world for JD's job, but now that their daughter is in elementary school, they want to move back to their hometown of St. Louis so she can grow up with the same values and cozy neighborhoods that they enjoyed as children. After recent stints in China and Montana, they've come back to discover it isn't necessarily easy.
When Crystal lost her father to cancer this year, she and her husband Bradden realized it was time for their busy family of five to slow down and enjoy life. So these Ohio natives have decided to fulfill their dream of owning a vacation home near the beach in sunny Fort Myers, Florida. In this world-class resort town, though, they might find that their modest budget won't go very far. With a long wish list, their Realtor is in for a challenge as she tries to make this family's dream a reality.
Lia and Brad had barely started their long distance relationship when his company transferred him from Ohio to West Palm Beach, Florida. She took a leap of faith and agreed to follow him there. Now, they're ready to make an even bigger commitment, by buying a house together. As they search for a place, they'll discover each other's quirks, making it a challenge for their realtor, Bill Tavernise, to find a home that works for both of them.
Sheila and Karine want to buy an apartment in San Francisco's popular Noe Valley neighborhood. They think their needs are pretty simple: at least one bedroom, laundry, outdoor living space, parking and to be in the heart of Noe. But, in such an expensive real estate market, trying to find a place that has all that and is within their $500,000 budget won't be easy. It's up to their realtor, Danielle Lazier, to set them straight.
When Tiffany Krieg learned she'd be inheriting her beloved grandmother's grand piano, she knew she'd have to move her family to a home that was big enough to showcase it, in Frisco, Texas. Her husband, Dylan, agreed so they put their starter home on the market and watched it sell in just five days. Tiffany, Dylan, and their two children moved in with Tiffany's sister and began the search for a new, piano-ready home. Tiffany also wants the home to include upgrades like eight foot doors, granite counters, hardwood floors, large baseboards and crown molding. Dylan appreciates upgrades but does not want to break the bank to get them. Can Realtor Teresa Robinson find a home that pleases both husband and wife?
After graduating from college, Tom and Kelsey got married and set out for an adventure. They lived in several different places, including Alaska, but they were drawn back home to the beautiful lake country in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, west of Milwaukee. They've been living with Tom's parents, and they're ready for their own place. The free room and board allowed them to save money and shop for their ideal house. Tom and Kelsey are looking for something that needs work. They love doing projects together and a fixer-upper will give them the chance to make a home in their own style. They're also realistic that fixers might be the only properties available in their budget. Can they find a house that's affordable and needs a reasonable, but not overwhelming, amount of work?
Now that Craig has finally finished his studies, he and his wife Jennifer are moving from Chicago to Milwaukee. She dreams of lots of space. He wants a short commute. And their two young daughters have ideas of their own. With a budget of $725K - $800K, their realtor, Mike Quinlevan must try to find a house in the outskirts of Milwaukee that will make everyone happy.
Over the last 3 years, Meg got a divorce, put her kids through college and got her own degree. After selling her house 6 months ago, she moved into her childhood home in Farmington, Michigan. While she loves being with her mom, she wants to buy a home for just her and her kids. Her friend Julie, who isn't afraid to express her opinions, is joining her on this house hunt. Can Meg's realtor, Ailene Corlin, find a place that Meg and Julie like and still stay within the $100,000 - $130,000 budget?