Becca and Jason Stewart and their 3-year-old son, Caleb, buy their very first place in a suburb of Denver. Designer Carriann Arkowski finds inspiration in the couple's mementos from Africa and creates a living room she calls "Modern African Safari."
Tia Talbert's first place is a charming Denver bungalow with a tiny kitchen whose only window is blocked by the refrigerator. Designer Carriann Arkowski finds inspiration in Talbert's love of dragonflies to create a dining room and kitchen to suit her personality--and restore her view from kitchen window.
Lois Switzer and Moosah Reaume leave their 750-square-foot city rental for their very first place in a 'burbs, south of Denver. Designer Fiona Halfon's challenge is to give them a family room that fuses her African mementos from her Peace Corps stint with his streamlined Asian style.
After five years traveling Eastern Europe in the Army, bachelor Tony Robinson is buying a loft in downtown Denver. But his 29 x 11-foot living room feels more like a bowling alley than the cool party room and home office Tony would like. Designer Carriann Arkowski sets out to add function and warmth to this odd-shaped room.
In their six years of marriage, Melissa and Jonathan Kloster have lived in rentals, dorm rooms and even a home for troubled teens where they worked. But now that their two daughters, Olivia and Ahnya, are growing up, it's time to settle down in a suburb north of Denver. Designer Fiona Halfon will help them define their personal style to create a family room that is a combination of contemporary style and Old-World charm.
Michele Peterson and Sean Murray are getting married in just a couple of months, and in the midst of planning a wedding they are buying their first place together. They are moving from separate apartments, and designer Carriann Arkowski helps them merge their two very different styles into a romantic master bedroom.
After spending 15 years in cramped barracks, Army veteran T.R. Tenarodriguez is buying his first place with fiancee Melissa Provost. They have more space than they ever imagined, and they are particularly stumped as to how to decorate the cavernous front room in their suburban Denver home. Designer Carriann Arkowski blends Tenarodrigue's Caribbean background with Provost's desire for elegance by creating an island oasis with a sophisticated edge.
Melanie Feliciano has traveled the world on her struggling writer's income, but now she is putting down roots in her first place — a modest 600-square-foot condo in North Miami. She is immediately at a loss for what to do with the main living/dining area, so she seeks help from designer Gary Kelly. He chooses a theme based on her global adventures.
Kellee and Blas Cueto's first place has a spacious living/dining area, but the open floor plan currently feels hollow and cold. Designer Franzella Guido evokes the style of Frank Lloyd Wright to create intimate spaces for family dinners, good conversation and lively entertainment.
Tayi Fleury and Ty Forkner just moved into a new high-rise apartment in Miami. The only request Fleury had when they were shopping for a place was that it had a fireplace. She got her wish! Since that element was so important to her, designer Gary Kelly starts with by making the living-room fireplace a focal point in his quest to give this home the contemporary, hip look.
Marisa Krempler is a third-grade teacher who has just bought her first place in Boca Raton, Fla. She lives life at full throttle, so she wants her home to be a peaceful retreat. Designer Franzella Guido plans to create a Zen den to help this dynamo chill out.
Before Layda Morales and Derrick Payne decided to get married and buy their first place, they lived with Layda's mother and grandmother, squishing all their belongings into Layda's 10 x 10-foot childhood bedroom. By the time they move into their new 2,000-square-foot Miami home, the cavernous living and dining rooms feel like a sterile warehouse compared with the shoebox they were in before. Inspired by the pair's artistic taste, designer Franzella Guido decides to give the rectangular living/dining area a cool art-gallery vibe.
Twenty-four-year-old Julie Omole is a go-getter whose first place in Philadelphia isn't nearly as hip as she is. Designer Betty Kim decides to turn her staid living room into a modern sitting room. Host Jill Cordes and Julie's big sister help our designer and homeowner paint, sew, use power tools and even dance to create a happening makeover.
Tiffany and Michael Garner have worked for 13 years to buy their first home. Along with their three children, they are moving out of a mobile home to a spacious new house in the Denver suburbs. Designer Fiona Halfon plans to help them settle in by creating a feng shui-friendly family room.
Devon and John Carr are great at traveling together, but when it comes to decorating their brand new home, they need a referee. Designer Carriann Arkowski will negotiate a new style for the couple to transform their big boring bedroom into a luxurious master suite.
Chris Philips has been saving for his first place since his first fast-food job at age 15. Now the 25-year-old is the proud owner of a historic Victorian in Denver. But he doesn't have a stick of furniture. Designer Carriann Arkowski helps Chris define his style, then creates a living room living room that blends European elegance with antique charm.
Melissa Sparks and Ian Cairns are graduating from college, getting married and stepping right into a fixer-upper for their first home. Designer Fiona Halfon intends to come to their rescue and design a bedroom that is a world apart from everything else in their lives.
Jen and Hugh passed on more than 50 houses before they found THE ONE, just outside Denver, Colo. What sold them on their first place was the cool '70s living room. However, Hugh's an abstract artist, but Jen likes Scandanavian simplicity. Designer Carriann Arkowski's challenge is to fuse their two styles into one funky living room.
Laly and Alex Anderson and their three young children recently left their crowded apartment to move into their Miami dream house. There is plenty of room for the kids to run free, but Mom and Dad need something for themselves as well. Designer Franzella Guido signs on to help them turn their humdrum living room into what she calls "Funky Chic Miami."
After saving since he was 16, Henry Neris becomes a homeowner on his 22nd birthday. Problem is he spent so much on the down payment, he doesn't have so much as a couch to furnish it. Designer Betty Kim sets out to start him off with a stylish, comfortable living room.
Military widow Jackie Syverson and her two young children have just moved into their first permanent home. All the moving over the years left Syverson with little decorating experience, so she turns to My First Place for help. Designer Carey Evans comes up with a plan to create a living room that honors the memory of Jackie's husband and also celebrates the time they once spent together in Italy. She calls her plan a Heartfelt Renaissance.
After living in a fraternity house, 21-year-old college students Lindsey Cohan and boyfriend Greg Perry are moving into their first place--a townhouse with a concrete patio. They have no idea where to begin as far as decorating, so design expert Gary Kelly offers his expertise, beginning with the dining room and patio. He envisions creating a romantic indoor/outdoor oasis with things like Balinese furniture, bamboo screens and flowing curtains.
In order to save money to buy a home, graphic designer Caroline Geertz lived in a 150-square-foot converted garage for eight months. Now in her first place--measuring in at a whopping 650 square feet--she is ready for a housewarming gift. Designer Gary Kelley agrees to provide that gift by showing her how to live large and still feel at home.
Rich Lopez is a transplanted New Yorker buying his first place in South Miami. Designer Franzella Guido plans to blend the culture of the Big Apple with the lush tropical setting outside Rich's living room to decorate his space.
Matt Melton is a 28-year-old firefighter that had been living with his parents while he saved enough money to get a place of his own in the Denver suburbs. Now that he has that place, Designer Carriann Arkowski sets out to help him decorate it. She starts with a plan to turn this bachelor's family room into a relaxing spot to cool down after a long 24-hour shift at the firehouse.
Timika Lane and her 4-year-old daughter recently moved out of her mother's carriage house into her first place, a fire-damaged Philadelphia row house that needs a lot of work. My First Place designer Betty Kim plans to give this busy single mom a decorating head start by fashioning a restful Parisian boudoir.
Courtney and Mark Messenbaugh lived fast-paced lives on the East Coast, knowing they would eventually return to their roots in Denver. The newlyweds recently bought a townhouse that reminds them of their lives in the big city but is located in the suburbs. Designer Carriann Arkowski signs on to help them bring an urban vibe to their chic loft.
Barrie Yallof just bought her first place in Philadelphia's Queens Village. Since Yallof has a mountain of school-loan debt on top of her new mortgage, she does not have much leftover to decorate her boring living room. Designer Betty Kim recycles Yallof's old furniture and gives her a hip and cool living room full of Philly personality.
The first thing Jason Ott did when he bought his first place was dump trashy old furniture into it. Designer Carriann Arkowski helps this bachelor set up house by giving him a living room inspired by his favorite sport--stock-car racing.
If life were a movie, Howie Shanker and Typhaney Bennett would star in a big-budget romance with low-budget sets. The happy couple's ramshackle fixer-upper in South Philadelphia is 1,700 square feet of demolished walls, peeling wallpaper and exposed plumbing. Taking a cue from Old Hollywood films that reflect the couple's timeless love, designer Tom Zemon develops a plan to turn their master bedroom into an exotic Rudolph Valentino-inspired fantasy suite.
Erica Golding has her bachelor's degree, and now she needs to graduate to her first place. Her mother passed away four years ago, but she always wanted Erica to live on her own at least once. After three years in a dumpy college rental, she finally has her first place. Designer Carriann Arkowski helps her find her adult style by turning her living room into a Caribbean paradise.
Recent college grad Chris Wallace is already buying his first place--a 1,000-square-foot bungalow. The only furniture this go-getter has are hand-me-downs from Mom and Dad. Decorator Gary Kelly helps this young man move up in the world, surprising him with sleek new furniture and giving some of Mom and Dad's sentimental pieces a facelift.
Ethan Roelle lived with his family of 13 while stockpiling hand-me-down furniture for his first place. But when the family barn went up in flames, his collection of furniture went with it. Now he has nothing to bring to his brand new lakeside ranch home outside Detroit. Designer Carriann Arkowski signs on to update his bedroom from floor to ceiling and gives him a beach- house-style look that is the perfect match for his new home.
Jada Williams' college landlord is not just her best friend, but she is also her big sister and surrogate mom. Both agreed that it is time for grad-student Williams to move into her own place. Now they both agree that she needs help getting started with decorating. The living room in her condo in the suburbs of Detroit is all white, empty and sterile. Designer Carriann Arkowski agrees to establish a French sheik design theme that Williams can carry on throughout the rest of the place.
Kim Salerno and Scott Nuding's first place is a 1,200-square-foot, three-bedroom home in north Philadelphia. Using Nuding's favorite Asian artwork as inspiration, designer Tom Zemon signs on to help celebrate the new house with bold colors and a Japanese tea party in their dining room and kitchen.
In order to save up for her first place, Walida Miller has been living in a 450-square-foot shoebox in Philadelphia. Miller's new 1,300-square-foot home may be too small to handle her ever-growing collection of shoes. Designer Carey Evans is dispatched to give Miller a bedroom that offers both stylish chic and smart storage.
Lora and Ken Stock lost nearly everything in an apartment fire near Detroit. After finding asylum with Ken's mom, they are now ready to buy their first place. Designer Rebecca King helps them get back on their feet with an artist studio in their attic.
The Cowlays have outgrown the tiny Philadelphia row house they are renting. Dad worked two jobs so they could get their first place. Dad is a DJ on weekends, Mom sings, 11-year-old Tyshauna plays the keyboard and 3-year-old Gary plays the drums. So designer Carey Evans creates a jazz haven for this musical family. She frames old jazz records and turns musical instruments into lamps to make the theme come alive.
Michelle Taraschi and Justin Brame have finally purchased their very first place in the heart of Philadelphia, but corporate designer Taraschi is terrified to let fiance Brame get involved in the decorating. One of his favorite brainstorms: a full-scale waterfall in the dining room. Designer Barry Wood comes to the rescue and marries Taraschi's classy style with Brame's daring taste in an art-nouveau dining room that delights everyone's palate.
Ten years ago, Alisa Rodriguez was a high school dropout working in a dead-end job. Now, thanks to a tough-as-nails mentor and a GED, she's living a life she never thought possible. She has a professional job in downtown Detroit, is going to school for graphic design, and she's bought her first place. Her new basement has a lot of potential, but needs the help of designer Erica Pedrosi to make it the hip and cool hangout that Alisa deserves.
Pediatric Psychologist Debra Lefkowitz has a stressful job helping kids and their parents cope with serious illnesses. So when she moves to her first place, a condo that is twice the size of her old apartment, she wants it to be a place where she can totally kick back. Designer Gary Kelly signs on to create a bedroom with a Middle Eastern flair.
Kelley Miller and John Dougherty have managed to save enough for a down payment on their first place. The catch is that they both have to work overtime to make their new mortgage payment. Since they don't get to see each other very much, designer Carey Evans plans to use a few pictures and a lot of paint to make their new bedroom a place where they can get away from it all.
April Bollwage lived in her childhood home until her early 30s. Her boyfriend, Wayne Pack, also lived there for a time. The reason? They were taking care of April's parents during her mom's fight against breast cancer and her father's heart attack. The two carpooled and worked second jobs to save up for their first place, and now they have it. They bought a two-year-old house between Philadelphia and New York. Designer Carriann Arkowski sets out to design a living room for the laidback couple that is Metropolitan in style, but still casual.
Newlyweds Asher and Sarah Kahn have stuff crammed into every nook and cranny of their Philadelphia rental. Their first place has room enough to display their special treasures, but Asher's favorite piece of art is Sarah's least favorite. Designer Carey Evans tackles the challenge of creating a practical and personal living room that appeals to both.
There's no doubt that Andrea and Ron Stevenson are the perfect match. How else could they have survived two years together in a 300-square-foot apartment? They finally graduated to 1,300 square feet when they bought their first place, a 1960s two-story in a Detroit suburb. But they unpacked a problem along with their boxes: Ron's collection of medieval swords. Andrea has agreed to allow the collection to be housed in their new home office, though they're not quite her taste. Enter designer Erica Pedrosi. She presents a bold plan to bring midcentury medieval up to the present day in a way that will make even Andrea smile!
Single mom Aisha Thomas has had her hands full the last few years with putting herself through grad school, having a baby and saving to buy her first place. Designer Rebecca King signs on to give this determined mom a well-deserved place to take a break by creating a living room she calls "The My Time Gathering Room."
Linda and Mark Otto have endured more struggle than your average newlyweds. Linda met Mark when he was battling liver disease and waiting for a transplant to save his life. She stood by him for three long years as his health deteriorated. Then a donated liver became available and gave Mark a future — with Linda! The couple got married and bought their first place, just outside of Detroit. Designer Erica Pedrosi wants to design a seaside family room for the couple to remind them of San Diego where they met and fell in love.
Lyz Hughes and Steve Fong are ready to take the next step in their relationshipbuying their first place together. But finding a place wasn't easy. In deference to Steve's family, the couple needed a Chinese fortune-teller to approve the north Philadelphia house before they bought it. Now that they are finally moved in, designer Barry Wood will ensure that the good chi keeps flowing by creating a feng shui-friendly bedroom.
Gladis and Juan Saquique are living the American dream, after two years of living in a nightmarish basement apartment to save a $15,000 down payment for their fourth-story Hackensack, N.J. condominium. But these two Central American immigrants have very little to fill their new 25 x 13 living room. Designer Tom Zemon sets out to adorn half the space with an elegant seating area anchored by an electric fireplace. The second half of the room will feature a baby grand piano.
Five years ago, Rehana Syed and Amit Godambe fell in love and emigrated from their native India to Pennsylvania. There they fell in love all over again — this time with the American dream. After two sons and three years in a tiny fifth-floor apartment, they've saved up enough for a three-bedroom home in their favorite Philadelphia neighborhood. But their dream home comes with a boring living/dining room that doesn't reflect their colorful personalities or heritage. Designer Carey Evans intends to change that. She plans to spice it up with the flavors of India, so this couple has a room that reflects their story.
Kira Langnese and Rodney Cook are a part-time family determined to live together full-time in their first place. Kira and their 1-year-old son, Makaih, live an hour away with Kira's mentor, while Rodney lives in his parents' basement in Portland, Ore. They can't stand seeing each other only on weekends, but a full year's worth of saving free rent enabled them to put down $5,000 to buy a three-bedroom ranch in Salem, Ore. They've never lived together, as a couple or a family, and don't know how to negotiate a style for their living room. Designer Jennifer Adams will take that off their plate and give them a space that inspires this new family.
Raul and Catrice Alleyne were so determined to get their family of five a house, that when baby Gabe was born they downsized from a three-bedroom townhome to a two-bedroom apartment so they could save money. With five people and two bedrooms, their girls had to share a room while the baby bunked with mom and dad. Now that they've settled into the home of their dreams, the couple a space they can call their own. Designer Jennifer Adams tackles the challenge of creating a restful master suite, while keeping noise and toys out of the picture.
Wildlife biologist Rachel Rounds has roughed it the last 10 years, living in everything from tents to trailers. Living cheap, she was able to save up $20,000 to buy her first place. Now this bird lover wants to bring the outdoors into her new home. Designer Shannon Quimby sets out to create a living room for Rachel she calls "Natural Gatherings." In the process, Shannon must solve one huge design challenge: an imposing bump in the wall that must be camouflaged.
In the past three months, feisty Heidi Graebel broke up with her boyfriend, joined a roller-derby league and bought her first place in Portland, Ore., a 680-square-foot 1950s ranch. Designer Jennifer Adams helps her settle in by creating a hip living room that celebrates her inner derby diva.
To buy her first place, Cherri-Von Calhoun has overcome bankruptcy and won thousands of dollars in grants. She is ready to start anew and make a better life for herself and her son Marcus. Designer Rebecca King will help her settle into her Detroit home by turning the bland cellar into a welcoming family room.
Cynthia Bryan and her boyfriend Albert Campos left their jobs and families in Los Angeles and moved to Portland, Ore., to buy their first place. Shortly after they arrived, Cynthia lost her job and Albert couldn't find one, complicating their home-buying process. Determined to make their dream come true, they still managed to buy a townhome. Designer Jennifer Adams helps this struggling couple achieve a living room with an Asian flair that also features the couple's love of travel.
After draining her savings during a year of unemployment, Jessica Black was afraid to commit to a mortgage. The Portland, Ore., resident has been back at work for four years now and finally feels confident enough to buy her first place. Though she works in the high-tech world of computers, her style is all vintage. Designer Shannon Quimby signs on to help blend Jessica's vintage accessories with some wild colors to create a living room design that is full of timeless style.
David Wagner is a Paralympic athlete who won a gold and silver medal playing tennis in Athens. After breaking his neck in a freak Frisbee-playing accident along the beach 10 years ago, David has worked hard to live a full life. After searching for a year, he finally found a home that was both accessible and beautiful. And that's the challenge for designer Jennifer Adams. She comes up with a design plan she calls David's Home Court. She showcases his medals in shadow boxes, gives him a cool flat-screen TV and comes up with some clever ways to make the room wheelchair friendly, but not sterile.
In the last five years, Kristin and Mitch Reece have saved enough money for a down payment twice, but custody battles for Mitch's son, Porter, and lifesaving gastric-bypass surgery for Kristin put dreams of their first place on hold. Now, on the third try, they own a home just north of Denver, Colo., that is perfect for them. The only problem is that they are starting with nothing except a million-dollar view in the master bedroom. Designer Carriann Arkowski attempts to blend Mitch's rustic tastes with Kristin's more elegant style to fashion a bedroom design that suits them both.
Faith Watkins and Drea Cooper's first place will almost triple their bills, but owning their little piece of Portland is worth some economizing to them. To lessen their financial burden and help them settle in, designer Shannon Quimby will give these two a one-of-a-kind living/dining room that takes modern cool to a whole new level.
Sam Taylor left a comfortable career as a financial consultant because he wants to use his life to improve others' lives. So, at the age of 24, he's a first-year med student in downtown Detroit. With a little help from his mom, who is also a doctor, he's buying a renovated condo just a few blocks from school. His first place has tons of potential and an amazing view from the 12th floor. All designer Erica Pedrosi has to do is give him a hip living room that he can relax in after endless hours of studying.
Buying her first place is a goal that seemed unreachable for most of 35-year-old Kailee Kinney's adult life. Throughout her 20s she was bedridden with lupus, often unable to walk, let alone work for a living. Thanks to new treatment, Kailee, a Portland, Ore., TV news producer, is about to live independently for the first time ever. Designer Shannon Quimby signs on to design a living area for her that celebrates her comeback.
Kathryn and Ryan Christiansen are newlyweds with very different styles. The compromise they arrived at in their rental isn't going to work now that they're moving, and they especially need help with the home office. Designer Tom Zemon has his hands creating a look that satisfies both of them in one shared office.
Erika and Rafael need a lot of house for their four kids. With a strict budget, these Denver house shoppers struggle to deal with factors they can't control. Just when they get ready to bid on their first place, their worst fear threatens closing when their lender informs them of a change in their loan. After some heavy soul-searching, these first-time buyers learn there's no such thing as a perfect house and that they have to be willing to fight for the one that best suits their needs.
Methodical Carl wants to buy a high-quality house in the Atlanta suburbs that doesn't have expensive home-maintenance surprises. When he finds an immaculate new build in a mature neighborhood he thinks he's hit the jackpot — until a discovery in inspection has him questioning whether his first place is a lemon.
Amy knows exactly what she's looking for in her first place, but doubts about her finances crush her confidence. The Ph.D. becomes the student, as she learns about limits one crisis at a time, in her journey to buy her first place.
After a three-month search, first-time buyers Katie and Michael struggle to find the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood. They are determined to find an investment home in an up-and-coming area. After two homes fall through in inspection, will they flex their financial power to buy a newer house? Real estate agent Justin Seeby is on hand to help.
Doug wants to look for his first place in a suburban Denver newer neighborhood, where spacious houses with two-car garages are abundant. His fiancée, Erica, wants an older home with character. They struggle to stick to their budget, and a surprising inspection threatens to hurl them back to square one if they don't compromise.
Mary is buying her first place solo. She is hoping to find the perfect townhome in east Atlanta, where she can entertain her friends and family. Her two best girlfriends and real estate agent Jan Hair join in every step of her home-buying journey, offering opinions and advice through a litany of stressful decisions. But when it comes time to sign on the dotted line, Mary must make this 30-year commitment on her own.
Emma and Steve, newlyweds in search of their first Atlanta home, find a house they truly love, but an intense negotiation pushes the price point dangerously out of reach. Can they save their bid on the only house they want to call their first place? Real estate agents Tracy Haskins and Jennifer Bowman are on hand to help.
Bubbly Denver newcomer Kelli thinks she knows what she wants in her first place until a unique feature in one house challenges her priorities. Despite her real estate agent's and best friend's advice, she lets her newbie instincts guide her determined search for a home.
Erin and Scott look at more than 40 houses before finally finding a bid-worthy suburban Denver home. The asking price is five figures beyond their price range, so the pair engineers a bold lowball offer that could score them the deal of the century. Or it could obliterate their hopes of buying their dream home with a mountain view.
Lori, a well-traveled single urban professional is settling down in her hometown of Atlanta after living all over the country in pursuit of her career. When she finds her first place in a new townhome development, the builder's incentives sound too good to be true. It's up to Lori to overcome her nagging doubts and make the biggest financial decision of her life.
Forty houses into their Denver hunt for their first place, Annie and Dan find two bid-worthy houses, but one is $45,000 more than the other. They dig deep to pay for the more expensive house, but when the estimate for repairs runs into the tens of thousands and they find their second choice house is no longer available, the couple needs a lucky break to find any home at all.
A young Atlanta couple hopes to use some elbow grease and sweat equity to finance their first home.
Denver newlyweds Eric and Liz dream of escaping suburbia by buying their first place in the mountains. But with their firm list of desired luxuries versus slim pickings in a sparsely populated area, how much must this couple compromise to keep their mountain dream alive? Real estate agent Matt Snyder intends to find out.
In Denver, a young couple looses their dream home in a bidding war. Will the second offer stick?
This young Denver woman wants to buy a foreclosed townhouse. Is this deal too good to be true?
In Denver, will this hundred-year-old-fixer-upper be too much for a young couple to handle?
In Atlanta, a first-time homebuyer wants to bid low. Will her strategy work or backfire?
An Atlanta woman is buying her first place. Will hidden costs cause her deal to fall through?
In Atlanta, a young woman is buying her first home. Will her brother's advice help or hurt?
In Denver, an engaged couple needs to find a house big enough to host their upcoming wedding.
Does she buy a tiny place in the hip part of Denver or go for more square footage in the suburbs?
In Denver, a young family searches for their first home. Can they afford a house on the mountain?
She's got financial anxiety over buying her first house - can her realtor calm her fears?
It's risk vs. reward when this buyer stretches his budget by moving from San Diego to Denver.
A couple is interested in looking at new homes as they set out to buy their first place in Atlanta.
A family is forced to think again when bigger homes and a bigger loan threaten their planning.
A couple tests their relationship when one of them has to compromise before they lose both deals.
Newlyweds have found their perfect house, but it already has a buyer. Will the buyer back out?
An engaged couple makes offers on two separate houses, but fall in love with a third house!
Sarah wants to celebrate her 40th in here first condo. Cake? Check. Candles? Check. Financing? Oops.
An Atlanta couple is on the prowl for a new home. Do they have the budget for a bigger home?
Newlyweds Meghan and Greg want to buy their first place near downtown Denver.
Weeks turn into months as Crystal awaits news on the financing of her first place.
Two Denver professionals come down with severe sticker shock as they search for their first place.
A young Atlanta woman falls in love with a brand new house. But can she afford to buy it?
An engaged couple has six weeks to find, close and say "I do" on their first place.
A couple struggles over the purchase of their first place, and the hefty payment that comes with it.
A rookie mistake throws this Denver couple a $30,000 curveball in the search for their first place.
A woman tries to buy a home for all the right reasons, but has all the odds staked against her.
Scott and Jessica can spend up to $600,000 on their first place, but they discover their money won't buy a perfect house in the Denver neighborhood they want. They broaden their search to the suburbs and find a great house, but it's the grandest house in a modest neighborhood. Now they have to decide whether to buy the most expensive house on the block in a less desirable neighborhood or a house that needs work in the neighborhood they love.
John is shopping for his first place in Atlanta, but he's hoping to find something that reminds him of living in New York City. After viewing 60 properties, his realtor's patience is beginning to run out. When he finally does go under contract, a difference between the appraisal and the contract price threatens the deal.
A couple in Fort Collins, Colorado has their favorite house in mind in their price range when they find out they can borrow $20,000 more than they originally thought. They want time to see how much more house they can now buy, but the time they take may mean losing out on a house they love.
Atlanta newlyweds Heather and Legend don't just want a first place -- they also want a last place -- a home they and a family can grow and that they can grow old in. They want a five-bedroom house with a basement for under $525,000. After house-hunting, each has a different personal favorite -- and each hopes to persuade the other that their choice is the better deal.
Jess and Darren are relying on 100% financing and a strict budget to buy their first home. They view more than a hundred houses before finding the one. But an unstable lending climate leads to a last minute loan denial, and now they must come up with $12,000 in five days, or lose their first place.
Tracy is so afraid to commit that she can't bring herself to make an offer on her first place even when the right house comes along. After losing house after house, trouble strikes again when - after finally making an offer - her 100% financing loan falls through. As she takes time to find a new loan, amazingly, the house's asking price drops $11,000, and she's able to snap it up.
Bryan and Shauna are an engaged couple searching for a bargain first home in Denver. They fall in love with a foreclosed townhome that is priced to sell. At inspection, they are assured that a conspicuous water stain in the closet is nothing to worry about, but their intuition makes them think twice. Are they just experiencing first-time jitters, or is their intuition correct?
Newlyweds Bridget and Dave want to live in Boulder, Colorado, one of the most expensive communities in the state. They hope $400,000 will get them a three-bedroom, two-bath house with a big yard for their dog, but they soon discover that this price range doesn't offer many choices. Then, to make matters worse, they end up in a bidding war for a house they're not 100% in love with. When they lose that house, they eventually start to ask themselves: How many compromises must we make just to live in Boulder?
Rachael, a pilot who appreciates birds' eye views, finds a condo with a killer view of downtown Denver. However, comparable sales in the building suggest that this unit is vastly overpriced. Rachael must figure out why this condo is priced so high and reconcile how much of a premium she's willing to pay for a fantastic view.
Zak and Jaeme are engaged and looking for an older home that needs updating in the suburbs of Denver. When an inspection reveals the need for thousands of dollars in repairs, they wonder if an older home with a lower asking price is really a bargain after all.
With three kids, Roger and Ebony have specific budget and space requirements for their first home purchase. After six months of seeing homes too small or too expensive, they get lucky as housing prices start to drop. They finally find a beautiful single-family house with enough space, but encounter unexpected financing trouble. Roger and Ebony have to come up with a fast Plan B to close the deal on the house they so desperately need and love.
Adam and Becky are looking for a first home with three bedrooms, two baths, a big yard and a nice kitchen with granite countertops. But Becky recently quit her job to go back to school, and they're worried that they won't be able to handle the mortgage solely on Adam's salary. When they find the perfect house, they have to decide what sacrifices they'll make to achieve the dream of their first place.
Lisa is finishing medical school in Arizona and doesn't yet know where she'll be assigned to do her four-year residency. Since she thinks the odds of being placed in Phoenix are strong, she and her boyfriend Jason decide there's no harm in starting to look for homes there. When they fall in love with one of the first homes they see, they have to determine if they're wasting the realtor's and sellers' time before learning where Lisa will be doing her residency.
First-time homebuyers Krishni and Jee have new jobs in Scottsdale, Arizona. As they start their search for homes in the area, they find that they disagree over what's considered a must-have. She's determined to find a three-bedroom home with wood floors, an updated kitchen and a master suite with a jetted tub, while he really only cares about the media center. They find one house that they both love, but learn that they're competing with another potential buyer and then discover the house has significant roofing problems.
Denver couple Brenda and Mike have already been burned twice by rejected bids in the search for their first place. It's made Mike hesitant to commit, even after they find a beautiful four-bedroom house in Arvada, Colorado. But they make an offer, and after a nail-biting wait, the sellers accept their bid. Then, just two weeks before closing, their financing falls through, forcing Brenda and Mike to explore all available options or risk losing a home they love again.
Justin and Sarah are soon to be married, and as first-time homebuyers in Scottsdale, Arizona, they're discovering the difficulty of trying to buy a house with no money down. Since they're trying to conserve all their cash to pay for wedding expenses, they're hoping to find a seller who's willing to put down about $10,000 for them. The only problem is they've already bid on - and lost - three houses with this down payment strategy.
Young Army veteran Jarrod wants to live in the hippest part of Chicago, but he also wants more space than his budget can buy. There are two places that he really likes: one that's larger and one that's in a better location. But before he bids on either, news of a competing offer on the bigger of the two condos forces him to commit.
First-time buyers Bill and Holly knew it wouldn't be easy to buy a house in Phoenix, Arizona while still living in Fort Collins, Colorado. When Holly graduates from veterinary school, her first job is already waiting for her in Phoenix, and the pair would like to move seamlessly into their first place after graduation. But nothing about the home buying process goes smoothly for them. First, their bid is too low, then their lender stops offering 100% financing once they're under contract. Ultimately, Bill and Holly must consider housing options at a lower price point.
JaDawnya just started her own law firm in Atlanta and is looking for a condo that also has office space. She put her search on hold for more than a year in order to obtain the tax returns on her new business that would allow her to borrow at a lower interest rate. Now, as she returns to the house-hunting process, she's greeted with a devastating rejection on a condo that she fell in love with. Then, another condo in the same building becomes available, but it hasn't been updated in more than 30 years, leaving JaDawnya to wonder whether she and her finances are up to home ownership and a renovation.
Ronak lives in the Chicago suburbs with his parents, and he's finally ready to buy a condo in the city. He's looking for a two-bedroom, two-bath place with parking for around $350,000. With a job that requires frequent travel, he barely has time to look, so his girlfriend Anjlee has offered to pre-screen places while he's traveling. His belief in this plan is tested when Anjlee finds a place that she thinks is fabulous and wants him to make an offer on it sight unseen and $25,000 over his budget.
Hope and Ryan are determined to buy their first place in Phoenix before they move from New Hampshire for Hope's new job. Seeing more than 50 houses in two whirlwind househunting trips, they finally find a listing that has everything they want, including an open floor plan, an updated kitchen and a great backyard with a pool. However, based on comparables in the neighborhood, they think the seller's price is unreasonable, so they start negotiating.
With a new business underway and a move from California to Phoenix, Joe and Tanya are pleasantly surprised by home prices in the area. However, when securing a loan proves difficult because of the newness of their business, they need a mortgage miracle to allow them to buy their first place.
John and Kate are Phoenix newlyweds who are ready to find a first place that's big enough to start a family but priced under $250,000. They each fall in love with a different property, so they decide to make offers on both, hoping that they won't come through at the same time. When a bidding war results on one of the properties, they anxiously await the seller's response. Once their offer is accepted and they go to closing, frustration grows as everything's in place except for keys to house.
Chicago newcomers Rose and Travis want to buy their first place in Lincoln Park or Lakeview, two communities close to downtown nightlife. However, despite having saved enough for a 5% down payment on a $350,000 property, their favorite neighborhoods are too pricey for this budget. As they expand their search, they find a unit that they love that also includes an adjacent basement property that would allow them to duplex down for great resale potential. After tough negotiations, they land both units. However, as the closing date nears, they discover that their lender is now requiring more money down, and it's a last-minute, stressful scramble for Rose and Travis.
Carrie and Tate commute an hour and a half between Tucson and Phoenix to see each other. Now, they've decides to tie the knot and buy their first place together in Phoenix. Since they're not in any rush, they let one dream home after another slip through their fingers by not bidding fast enough. As they get more aggressive in their search, they move on a foreclosure and discover that their can be hidden costs when a house is offered ''as is.''
Clarence Hawkins goes by the name of Hawk, and he's a big guy with a big vision for his first place. Although he'll be living with his girlfriend Angie, he's determined to finance the house on his own. Looking in the $400,000 range, the happy couple knows their biggest challenge will be agreeing on a house, and they start searching even though Hawk hasn't been pre-approved for a loan. After losing out to a higher offer on one property, they decide that they can custom build for much less money. However, once construction is underway, Hawk learns that he can't get 100% financing which sets yet another new plan in motion.
An expectant couple in Chicago is desperate to find more room before their baby arrives. A short sale becomes the front-runner for their first place, until they discover $30,000 worth of flood damage in the basement. Lisa wants to walk, but Doug thinks they should still buy it. As their baby's due date approaches, they need to resolve their stand-off.
Rebecca is a single professional in Chicago who is determined not to overpay for her first place. She finds a sharp condo, but negotiations stall when the sellers aren't willing to negotiate with her, leaving Rebecca with the dilemma of paying more than she wants or losing the place she wants.
Sylvia and Paul are soon to be wed and have a plan to buy a fixer-upper in Chicago to make all their own. They soon discover that, if they add the cost of improvements to their budget, they can just as easily buy a finished home with many of their dream upgrades. The couple must decide between a home that's ready to rock or ready to reno?
First-time homebuyers Michael and Alicia want a home for the family they hope to soon start. They're looking for a four-bedroom home in the suburbs of Chicago for no more than $400,000. They're very picky and, in the time that it takes them to make their first bid, they lose a lovely home to a quicker buyer. As they resolve to move faster, the next time they go to bid, their realtor has some up-to-the-minute information that helps them name the price.
First-time homebuyers Andy and his girlfriend Lindsey have begun searching for a home in the northern suburbs of Chicago. However, Lindsey isn't totally sure that she wants to buy a house with Andy before they're even engaged. She doesn't know that Andy plans to propose once they're in their new home, and neither of them knows how difficult the process of buying can be.
Lainie and Evan want to buy a condo in uptown Chicago, but their lowball strategy isn't working. They've already lost three condos because they were outbid. When they find a recently reduced three-bedroom condo for $350,000, they offer $300,000 and risk losing yet another place because they won't compromise on price.
Devon and Tyler fell in love with a short sale in the suburbs of Denver, but after bidding on it, they fell into real estate purgatory waiting for a response from the bank. After three months of no news, they bid on a second home. Then, finally, news arrives on both houses at once: the second house that they just bid on went under contract to another buyer, but the bank accepted their bid on the short sale. Just as they think they're sailing toward home ownership, the seller's lien holder holds up closing. A delay could cost Devon and Tyler money that they haven't budgeted, and it puts their locked-in mortgage rate at risk as well.
Meghan and David have saved up $60,000 for a down payment on their first place, and they want a home in Oak Park, Illinois that's perfect for them. They find a condo priced a bit above their budget and hope to negotiate the price down, but their hopes are crushed when a competing offer comes in. Luckily, their savvy realtor has a clever strategy to beat the competition.
Admittedly picky first-time homebuyers Josie and Steve are hunting for a three-bedroom house for under $350,000 in the suburbs of Milwaukee. Determined to get a deal on their purchase, they reject several houses that don't live up to their expectations. When they find one that they like enough to bid on, Josie's brash negotiations push them to the brink of losing the deal. Then, when they're finally under contract, they endure a bit of a scare at inspection.
Bob and Jessica are ready to buy their first place in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, but they're having trouble finding a place that lives up to their rental home. They love their enormous master suite and large kitchen, but they can't afford to buy a comparable home. With their budget of $275,000, everything available is smaller than what they're used to. When a home they liked drops its price, it's within their reach... along with other bidders.
First-time homebuyers in Chicago, spoiled by their luxurious rental, struggle to find a condo that measures up. When Pamela finally finds a condo that she's ready to bid on, she asks Doug to make an offer, sight-unseen. If he hesitates, it could put them back on the house hunting trail.
Kevin and Shannon are pinning their hopes on buying a first home in Manville, New Jersey, between Philadelphia and New York City. With just a handful of houses to choose from, every house that they see that doesn't suit them threatens their dream of homeownership. When they finally find a place they like, they discover that water has accumulated in the basement, a problem they consider overlooking.
Todd is an attorney and a musician who wants to find his first place in one of Philadelphia's funky neighborhoods. He's depending on his mother for advice, but sometimes she gets a bit too involved in the house hunting process for his comfort. Complicating matters is Todd's tendency to put in lowball bids which has resulted in a string of rejections and a realtor is close to throwing in the towel.
Keith and Susan want to buy their first place for their four children in Naperville, Illinois. They're pre-approved for a loan of up to $400,000 when they fall in love with a luxurious house listed at $440,000. When that home goes under contract, they reevaluate what they really can afford and decide to try to find a home with all their must-haves closer to $360,000.
Jeff would like to find a first place at a bargain price apartment in Center City, Philadelphia. He would also like his girlfriend Jessica to move in with him. But Jessica isn't moving in until Jeff proposes and gives her a ring. As they search for a place they can both agree on, they also have to decide how committed they are to getting married.
Aesha and Ram, a newly engaged Philadelphia couple, have little experience managing a household budget, but they start looking at homes in the $500-$600,000 range. The search leads them to reevaluate what they really can -- or should -- afford at this point in their lives, and they fall for a townhome at a much lower price point. Then, a week before closing, Aesha starts to question whether their decision to go for a townhome over a single family home will cause buyer's remorse.
Sean recently graduated from college and is looking for his first teaching job. Additionally, he and his fiancee Kelly have a wedding date fast approaching, and if they don't find a first place soon, they will start married life in his parents' house. The stresses of unemployment and a wedding add to the stressful process of house-hunting for this young Chicago couple.
Pennsylvania schoolteachers Brad and Christine want to buy a four-bedroom home in the school district where they work. However, all of the houses in their price range are too cramped or need too much work. Brad thinks they'll get more for their money if they look in a different school district, but Christine is determined to stay put.
A Philadelphia couple on an extremely tight budget discovers the limits of their willingness to compromise when they clash with the seller over a $2,500 deal breaker. First-time homebuyers Eric and Lisa may have to push their budget to its breaking point or walk away from their first place.
Brian and Liz are looking for a suburban home with old-school charm, modern conveniences and, most importantly, big closets. They find this dream combo in a house for sale by owner. The owner tells them he already has a bid in, and if they want the house, they'll have to beat the first bid's price and closing date. Since an agent would show proof of the first bid -- and this seller won't -- Brian and Liz fear they are being scammed.
Jessica is a young professional in Chicago who is determined to assert her independence from her parents by buying her first place all on her own. However, she also wants her traditional Chinese parents' approval on the purchase. Since she wants to make a 20% down payment, she's limited her search to one-bedroom condos, but her parents will only give their blessing on a two-bedroom because of the better resale potential. Jessica must decide whether to stick to her guns or accept financial assistance from her parents if she's going to get into her first place.
A pair of doctors wants to buy their first place in Haddon Township, New Jersey before their new fellowships start. There's only one house they love, but negotiations stall when their bid is lower than the seller is willing to take. Joe and Maureen decide to continue their home search, but don't like anything else they see. As they begin to ponder the possibility of renting, they hear back from the seller of their favorite house.
Newlyweds Gary and Stephanie are settling into Philadelphia and looking for a suitable first place to start a family in. The picky buyers go through multiple negotiations on a three-bedroom home in Center City, only to walk away from the deal when the seller actually raises the list price by $10,000 and begin their search all over again.
Portland newlyweds Troy and Linea hope their first place will be a craftsman Bungalow. They find a new build in a craftsman style that Linea is ready to bid on, but cautious Troy wants to do a little more research. When they discover that another bidder wants the house, they are pressured to bid immediately, so they actually make an offer that's more than the asking price to be competitive. While that tactic lands them the contract, an inspector turns up trouble in the backyard.
Heather has a very tight budget for her first place in Portland, Oregon. She finds a vintage foreclosure that she falls in love with, but she is competing with dozens of professional flippers who would also like to snap up this low-priced home to make money off it. Heather decides to go for broke, bidding at the top of her range and well over the asking price. Then, once she gets the house, she finds out that it needs major repairs.
Chris and Jenny would like to buy a single family home in Portland, but they need a house that can be made wheelchair accessible for Chris and fit their tight budget. Finally, they find a house that could be easily adapted for Chris, but it is at the top of their $200,000 price range, plus, there is another bid on it. They bid every dollar they have, going over the asking price - - and get the house. They arrive at their first place and are delighted to discover the housewarming gift of a concrete ramp built to make the front door wheelchair accessible for Chris.
Newlyweds Bill and Gina are desperately trying to find a balance between self-reliance and Dad's advice. So when they decide to search for their first place in Philadelphia, it's gonna be tough finding a home that'll please everyone. And it's even tougher finding the right realtor to help them. Will keeping it all in the family prevent them from settling down?
Portland couple Jeff and Jocelyn are buying their first place, and Jocelyn hopes she can save them money on the purchase: she has her commercial real estate license, and despite having zero residential realty experience, offers to broker the deal. When this couple finally finds the house of their dreams, will they realize they've taken on too much too soon?
Pooja and Tom feel like it's time to grow up and buy their first place. But Pooja is reluctant to move too far from their friends and the things they enjoy about downtown Philadelphia. After searching in towns just 30 minutes outside of the city, the couple realizes they aren't willing to trade convenience and charm for modern amenities like a master suite and central air. Pooja is dragged kicking and screaming to a suburb nearly an hour from the center of Philadelphia and falls in love with a house that is at the top of their price range. A short negotiation and small inspection issues send the couple to closing and a surprise party that proves their friends will follow the fun couple anywhere.
Nick and Laura and their two boys have outgrown their rental home and the toys have taken over the living room. They are so eager to find more space that they bid on the very first house they see. But when they go to get approved for a loan, they are shocked to find out that Nick's credit score is too low for them to qualify. Will Nick get his credit high enough for this family to get their loan and a First Place with plenty of space?
Stephanie would like to find her first place in Fairfax, VA close to the school where she teaches so she can shorten her commute. She quickly learns that there's not much on the market that appeals to her at her price point of $217,000. One call to a new lender and she's househunting at a new pricepoint--$280,000. She falls in love with a foreclosure. Undaunted by a terrible inspection and her father's advice to walk away, she closes the deal and starts renovating her $271,000 ''diamond in the rough.''
After chasing Mark's career across the country and back for five years, he and Maribelle think they're ready for an extended house hunt for their first place in Portland, Oregon. But as they struggle to find the balance between a fixer-upper and a wreck, they take a gamble on a short sale and make an offer without seeing the inside! Then, they fall in love with it only to be forced to wait as the bank considers their offer against six others. When they finally do win the contract, they enlist the help of Mark's father, an experienced contractor to decide, is this a fixer-upper or a money pit? He gives the thumbs up and Mark and Maribelle stop chasing the dream and start living it.
Philadelphia doctors Al and Sophie are concerned that they won't find a first place within their budget that also meets Sophie's high standards. When they find a modern condo that may fit the bill, she convinces Al that they should play hardball with the price. Will Sophie's competitive nature push the sellers too far and ultimately cost them the deal?
Matt is a 25-year-old, single, professional living with his parents in Wilmington, Delaware. He's ready to leave the nest and wants his first place to be near the happening Trolley Square neighborhood of Wilmington. He thrives on nightlife and entertainment, but it takes a toll on his budget. He falls in love with a townhome in the right area, but will a low-ball offer keep him at Mom and Dad's for good?
Courtney's a single woman who seriously stresses at the thought of settling down. So when she decides to search for her first place, the self-proclaimed commitment-phobe isn't sure she'll find ''the one.'' Will last-minute jitters prevent her from closing the deal?
Just out of college, James and Miriam have decided to leap into homeownership before they marry. But they have major conflicts over location. So the house hunt seems to never end, and even when they find a place, the deal may fall through because of Miriam's determination to strike the ultimate first place bargain.
Josh and Kate are looking for a first place that will be big enough for him and ''cozy'' enough for her. But when a new lender gives them a reality check, they have to downsize their expectations, which leads them to a newly built house with a giant eyesore shed across the backyard fence. Will the advantages of a quick bid on the house outweigh the ugly shed and lead this couple to their first place?
Josh and Dina are looking for a first place in the trendy Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia. Josh is buying, and Dina plans to move in while she goes to law school, but they can't find anything large enough at his price point of under $220,000. When they finally find a place, they are horrified when the inspector discovers a hot water heater perched precariously above the bathroom ceiling. When the hot water heater issue has not been resolved by closing, Josh, Dina and their realtor come up with an innovative solution at the last minute.
Jon and Tammy have been searching for a house that fits their $200,000 price point and their family for a year. After one failed offer, they move their search from Vancouver back to their first-choice city of Portland. Their realtor finds a newly built home that qualifies for a tax abatement which will make the house payments affordable. But will this couple qualify for the city tax program and finally find their first place?
Nicole lives in her parents' basement and can't wait to get her first place and some privacy. With her mom by her side, this budget-minded buyer will have to balance her pickyness with her price point. When she thinks she may have found the condo of her dreams, will she push her finances to the limit or be forced to continue living with Mom and Dad?
Bob and Matt hope to create and ''urban homestead'' in Portland. But they first have to agree on a price point. That issue heats up when they find their dream home and begin tough negotiations with the seller. Counteroffers fly back and forth, and the whole deal comes down to a leaking hot water heater discovered during inspection.
For Chris Chan, buying a home in Chinatown would allow him to stay close to work in Washington D.C. and also stay connected to his heritage in a neighborhood he grew to love as a renter. After a long search in this expensive city and some tough negotiating, he finally gets a good deal on his dream condo. But surprise lending restrictions on new construction bring everything to a halt. For months, the only thing Chris can do is wait and wonder whether he'll ever get to close on his first place.
Amber and Zaven need a first place where they can rock out and entertain without annoying their neighbors. But with jobs downtown and no car, they can't stray too far into the 'burbs. They're gonna have to make some big sacrifices in order to find a place that suits their lifestyle.
Andre and Katina are looking for their first place in the suburbs west of Philadelphia. Andre is blind, so he wants to be near public transportation to remain independent. They are consistently disappointed at their price point. Finally, they find THE house, only to learn that the basement is thoroughly wet and the walls have mold. Will they walk away from the one house they like, or find a solution to buy their first place?
Scott's needs for his first place are relatively simple, 3 bedrooms, 1 or 2 bathrooms and space for a home theater. Or so it seems. But after looking at 70 houses, Scott's not sure a house he can afford and live in exists. But house number 71 seems to be the answer to his dreams, until the inspection reveals that the roof is close to failing. Scott must negotiate for the new roof he needs to get a loan or walk away and start the search over again.
Carolyn, Joaquin, and Carolyn's daughter Sylvia are thrilled to search for their first place together as a new family. But their tight budget and Sylvia's severe allergies will make it tough to find something that's in-line with their must-haves. When they think they may have found the perfect spot, they'll have to push their limits to compete with eight other offers.
Paula wants to buy a house near her job in Wilmington, Delaware for all the right reasons, but she has one unusual requirement for her first place. She must buy a house with a room big enough for a pool table. It takes a search of 50 plus homes before she finds a fixer-upper that meets her needs. After a brief negotiation and inspection period, Paula learns that the home's deck may have to come down which will keep Paula from buying the home. Six long weeks pass before Paula learns the decks stays and she gets to roll up her sleeves, clean up the house, and play pool on the surprise table gift from HGTV.
Kiya and Brian are leaving an amazing apartment in downtown Portland for the security of home ownership. But their price range is far below their current standard of living. Lengthy negotiations on a fixer upper end in disappointment. Then, a loan sale at a local bank puts them in a new price bracket and a different league of homes. Kiya is ready to jump at a move-in-ready new build, but Brian never quite believes this is a good idea. But his fiancee's excitement and the bank's assurances convince Brian to take the leap. They might be a little house poor for a couple of years, but the 3-bedroom home will be a great place to start their new life together.
Lindsay went shopping for a home, hoping that she would hear news soon about a federal grant that would allow her to remain employed for the following five years. Because she didn't want to make any offers without job security, she is forced to lose out on one home that she hoped to buy. But fortunately she finds another house she loves. And, when she gets good news about her future employment, she puts in an offer the same day. Because it's new construction, an eager builder agrees to include a long list of upgrades for the price Lindsay was willing to pay for the standard home.
Sean and Antonietta are committed to buying an older home near downtown Philadelphia. But as young professionals they don't have the time or skills to get a true fixer-upper. The only problem is that their budget prohibits most move-in ready homes they've seen. When they finally find the house with the perfect price and easy renovations, a previous inspection threatens to send them back to the search.
David's got a fear of ghosts and refuses to buy a first place that could be haunted. But he'll have to overcome more than evil spirits to get into his dream home. His patience and tight timeline will be tested as he's forced to rethink his entire home-buying strategy.
Stephanie and Brett have been living with her parents since the wedding, but now they must find their first place before her mom and dad begin remodeling their home?leaving these first time homebuyers with no place to sleep. It looks like a short sale will be the answer to all their problems?.until the deadline looms before the short sale deal is done.
Kayra and Mario are looking for their first place in Columbia, Maryland, but even with $250,000 to spend, they can't find anything that isn't too small or too smelly. Then Kayra gets in grad school, which requires her to quit her job. On one income, the couple has to drop their pricepoint by $50,000. If they couldn't find anything at their original pricepoint, how will they ever find a place now that they have less to spend?
JR and Nikki struggle to find a house to fit 6-foot 10-inch JR. His height keeps them out of some of the older homes that Nikki loves and her desire for character keeps them out of new builds that could accommodate JR. They have found 2 homes that would work, but lose one to mold and the other to a bidding war. When they finally find a winner, they find themselves in a bidding war again. Then, what seemed like a small spot of mold could be a dealbreaker.
Kim & Matt go to see more than a hundred houses during a 7-month search for a suitable home in North Arlington, VA, one of the nation's most expensive markets due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. So when these two attorneys finally find a charming, well-maintained, 3-bedroom home for $625,000, they make a full-price offer immediately. But they have to sweat the bid response when they learn there are four other offers on the house, and wonder whether they should have offered more than list price. Fortunately, they have the winning bid, and the young couple is elated to move into their beautiful home after an exhausting search!
East Coast Christy would be fine in a townhome, but West Coast hubby Jerome is determined to find a single family home. When they finally find a gem, they bid low. despite other offers on the table. Will their risky strategy pay off, or will be they back out on the endless house hunt?
Jason wants an older place with charm but his wife Stephanie strongly prefers an updated kitchen. When they find a place they think they can make their own, Stephanie gets a shocking estimate for how much it will cost to upgrade the kitchen. Will this be the final deal breaker?
Fresh from paying for their dream wedding, Amber and Travis are low on cash as they start their house hunt in Salem, OR. They're counting on sellers to pay their closing costs, but that could be the final straw that costs these newlyweds their first place.
Megha and Gopal want to score a deal on their first place, but after bidding on three houses and losing all of them to higher bidders, the couple is starting their search over. They find a 3-bedroom townhome that has nearly everything on their list and decide to make an offer. But, with five other offers on the table, low-balling is no longer an option. Will they offer a higher bid or again risk losing get their first place?
Tory and Ryan are searching for their first place in Washington, DC. Tory won't consider condos, but Ryan doesn't think they can find any single family homes in their price range. Tory finds a house that needs loads of work, but she convinces Ryan that they will be able to afford the remodel. But the house goes to another bidder - and Tory and Ryan must either continue their search, or wait for this deal to fall apart.
Mahareen is willing to give up some comfort for the right price while her husband Tarik is willing to spend a little more to get the perfect townhome. When a 3-bedroom in New Jersey drops $20,000 in price, they seem to have the best of both worlds. But when the appraisal comes in two thousand dollars lower than the contract price, Tarik and Mahareen must figure out a financial strategy to save the deal.
Joe wants to walk to work, so he's looking for his first place in some of Philadelphia's most desirable neighborhoods. After touring shoebox after shoebox, Joe decides to move just a few blocks further out and finds a house that seems to be the perfect fit. But an inspection turns up serious issues that could make the house un-insurable.
A disastrous rookie mistake gives Adrienne and Tom a crash course in negotiating. After being forced to start their search from scratch, will they risk real estate heartbreak again and ultimately decide to put their first place on hold?
Ginny's set on buying her first place in only one neighborhood, but will her budget get her an updated older first place that's and problem-free? She discovers that with older homes often come bigger problems, which may leave Ginny with more than she bargained for. How much will Ginny compromiseto get her first place within her favorite zip code?
Newlyweds Angel and Quentin are stuck living in Quentin's bachelor pad, but Angel is insisting they get a place of their own. But with her high standards and his frugal nature, they may never agree on a first place. They're forced to look outside of their comfort zone, but will they like what they find?
Kimmi and Dave start by looking for a townhouse in Beaverton, OR, but every property they see is too small, has high HOA fees and doesn't have their main must-have: a poker room. Once they switch to looking at single family homes they bid three times in six days. When they're finally under contrat, they find that the appraisal comes in lower than the agreed on price. Will this couple ever find their first place?
Nzingha is the ultimate impulsive shopper and likes to make decisions fast ? and she has the overstuffed closet to prove it. But she knows that when it comes to shopping for her first place in central Philadelphia, she could get in trouble fast. She relies on her friend as well as her realtor to keep her from jumping on the first house she likes. But neither one of them can stop her from going all in when a bidding war erupts over a 6-bedroom home she loves. Only time will tell if Nzingha scored a deal or if she made the ultimate impulse buy.
Jyl appreciates older homes with charm, but she is not prepared for the long list of expensive repairs they all seem to come with come in her $250,000 price range. Costly repairs lead Jyl to reject a couple houses until she finds a keeper that passes inspection, but a huge surprise stuns Jyl after closing.
Siblings Robert and Alexandria have been competing since childhood, and when it comes time to leave the nest and buy their first homes, they turn their house hunt into a race. They both work in Washington, DC and Alexandria finds a foreclosed townhouse in Bowie, MD and makes a bid using an escalation clause. As she edges toward homeownership, will Robert be able to catch her?or will he have to concede defeat by his little sister.
Kitty and Karl's $240,000 could buy them a newer house in the suburbs, but they are determined to buy in a prime location of Denver Colorado where they can only afford a fixer-upper. They see potential in a house being sold As-Is, and must brace for the verdict from the inspector, structural engineer, and contractors on expensive upkeep that needs to be done. The couple will have to successfully negotiate price on an As-Is contract if they want this to become their first place!
First-time buyers Emily and Ben fall in love with a ''For Sale By Owner'' home near Portland Oregon. They decide to jump into the deal without a realtor and quickly learn how difficult negotiations can be without a knowledgeable advocate at their side. When that deal falls apart, they continue their search without an agent and make a second offer on a sparkling new build. But, once again, they find themselves on a wire without a net when the inspection reveals a major defect with the home. Emily and Ben must negotiate a solution with the builder using the builder's agent!
Johnny and Kelly need a home for their three children, but they're not finding the perfect place in Germantown, Maryland at their pricepoint of $300-$400,000. When they switch to Silver Spring, they find a delightful vintage home and they get it for $307,000. But they are horrified to discover the house is filled with mold. Can they save this deal or will they have to walk away from their first place?
Madeline is a single woman who loves spending money, but she needs to reign in her shopping in order to afford her first place. Madeline isn't able to find a house that she loves, but with her sister's help she decides to bump up her price point. When a counter offer with competing bids hinges on raising the bar once again, will Madeline push her financial limits or decide her first place isn't worth the sacrifice?
Melissa is a single woman debating about buying a single family home versus a condo. Finally, her realtor and her friend persuade her to look at condos. She falls in love with one in New Jersey. But the deal is threatened when the seller throws a monkey wrench into her offer strategy.
TJ and Stephanie are ''funky'' newlyweds searching for their first home in the expensive suburb of Arlington, Virginia ? just outside DC. They want to spend between $600 and $800K, and have saved over $100K downpayment by living with roommates in a glorified frat house! In most cities, their price point would allow them to get the house of their dreams. In DC, all they can hope for in the neighborhood they're looking in is a fixer upper. After an exhaustive search, they finally find a home in the right neighborhood, with the right retro feel that's move in ready. The catch is they're not the only ones in love with the home and have to fight fast and hard to win.
Justin and Kelly are shopping for a home near Portland, Oregon in the $450,000 range. Justin is determined to walk into instant equity, so he insists on bidding lower than market value. They bid low on a house they love, but lose it to another bidder by a scant $2,000. Then they bid low on another house and lose that too. But they get lucky in the end, because the first house they love is back on the market at a reduced price! This time, they come to an agreement on a price and get the smokin' deal they were looking for all along.
Judy and Sunil are teachers from the Bronx who are blown away by how much more house their money can buy in Portland than in NYC, but they're equally surprised by how hard it is to find their first place. The couple finally finds a single-family home they love. But when records reveal the house is classified as a "condo," their lender threatens to pull the plug on their loan, and Judy and Sunil think about pulling the plug on homeownership.
Jeanine wants to buy her first place in South Boston, or Southie, as it's known. But when she finds a condo worth bidding on, will a hardball seller push her beyond her maximum price?
Kim and Terence are getting married in 60 days and want to find their first home before the wedding. Will this double deadline force a compromise onwhat they want in their first place?
Kerri and Jamie have been looking for their first place in Boston for 4 years, but negotiations have failed on four houses. Something has to change for the couple to break through and close a deal.
Lisa and Eric have lost three homes to bidding wars in Silicon Valley's hot real estate market. They're even prepared to pay over asking price for the right home. How many times will they be frustrated before they find a keeper - and beat out the competition?
Makayla and David have four months until their wedding - and even less time to buy their first place! The lease is up on their Boston apartment, and the clock is ticking on their decision. Will a devastating inspection leave this couple without a home, or will they settle ofr a first place they don't really love?
Veterans Tiffany and Louis are searching for their first place just south of San Francisco. Their VA loan can maximize their purchasing power, but when a suspicious-looking ceiling spot threatens their VA loan, can the couple summon the financial reserves needed to save their first place?
Andrew loves his luxury car, but if he sells it, he can afford to look at houses in a much higher price range. Will this first-time buyer sell his road bling to buy more house bling?
Bachelor Darwin's social life is seriously suffering because he still lives with his parents. Buying his first place will afford him some privacy, but after a year of searching he still can't find a home. With a house hunt that seems stuck in neutral, will Darwin be stuck living with his parents forever?
Pawel wants to invest in a multi family home, but his wife Patrycja just wants a place that feels like home. The couples weighs livability versus financial return in their search for a first place that suits them both.
After Jessica and Josh find their dream first place in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, it's a race to see if they can close before the bank forecloses on the seller's property.
Dario and Alex's search for their first place gets complicated when Dario falls in love with every house they see, but Alex refuses to settle. Will they be able to put aside their differences and find a place that makes them both happy?
Kim and Clint have only been dating a matter of months and think they're ready to buy their first place together. They visit a lawyer to protect their financial interests, but will home-buying tension reveal more about each other than they wanted to know?
Jennifer and Rodney just started looking for their first place on Boston's South Shore. They search for a multi-family house so renters can ease their first-time mortgage burden. Will their fear of being first-time landlords and a toxic inspection make them walk from the deal?
Kristin and Sheri are sisters and roommates who do everything together, including shopping for their biggest purchase to date: their first home. To help cover the mortgage, they hope to find a multifamily property, live in one unit, and rent out the other. When they find what they think is the perfect place, they also find themselves in a bidding war.
Valerie just pulled herself out of $100,000 in debt by starting a new career and saving every penny to buy her first place. She's turned off by the condos and townhomes she can afford in the high-priced San Francisco Bay area. But will surprising financial news help her stretch her budget and get her the single-family bungalow she really wants?
Monica is looking to buy her first place in Austin, while still living in San Francisco. Complicating her search are limited house-hunting trips, coupled with super high standards that absolutely must include a pool in the backyard. After weeks with no progress, will Monica learn the art of compromise, or move to town with nowhere to live?
Angie is a Midwest girl suffering sticker shock that comes with buying a home in California. She wants to buy in a Santa Rosa neighborhood on a limited budget, but she soon realizes her only option is a fixer upper. Angie bids on a short sale, but unforeseen expenses drive the price tag up even more and could keep her from closing.
Sarah and Preston are newlyweds looking for their first place in Austin. Sarah is a singer-songwriter who needs space to pursue her music. Preston wants ''good bones'' on a budget. But can they agree on a home that accommodates Sarah's creative side and sense of style without breaking the bank?
Kris & Jen are ready to live together, but would rather buy a house than rent an apartment. Little does Jen know, that on closing day Kris plans to pop the question. But when the couple fall for a house at the top of their budget, will the sellers come down or will the engagement have to wait?
San Francisco bachelor Jim knows he needs to move out of his drab rental room if he wants to jump start his social life. But even when he finds a steal of a condo with great space and a view, a problem with the condo building's finances could sabotage Jim's loan and dreams of his first place.
First-time homebuyer Nick is also a newly-minted Realtor, and his and his wife's purchase of their first place is going to be the first proessional deal he's brokered. He and his wife Holley are looking for a house that can accommodate Holley's home-based cake decorating business. Can newbie Nick deftly manage the needs of Holley's nascent cake career in his first deal?
Kelly and Phabian have already made 8 offers in their search for a place for their family in Livermore, CA, but are still waiting for a ''yes.'' Just when they think their luck is changing, they get bad news about their dream house. The couple must face big decisions if they are to achieve their goal of home ownership.
Sara and Edmund are desperate to move beyond their 300-sq-ft apartment, but finding an affordable place that's move-in ready in East Austin will take all their savings and their patience.
Living near public transportation is a top consideration for first-time buyers Kristy and Doug, as Kristy has vision issues that make living near public transporation a must. But these two attorneys are more than ready to drive a hard bargain when it comes to negotiating on the sales price. Will they lose sight of what's most important in their quest to get a good deal?
Paul is a single dad who wants to buy a cool first place in Austin so that he can give his teenage son a permanent home. But will his variable incomelimit their search to the cheap properties? Or can they find the perfect place and still come in under-budget?
Newlyweds Christina and Randald moved back to Massachusetts to be closer to her family. It's challenging to find what they want under their price ceiling of $300K, so how strict will they be when the deal comes down to whether the sellers fix the water heater?
Kristi & Jared's relationship has become serious and buying their first place together could be the test of whether they should get engaged. But searching for the right home in the right neighborhood could teach them more about each other than they wanted to know. Will their search end in a place to start a new chapter, or will they close the book on their house hunt and their relationship?
Teddy, a residence hall director, lives with his wife and two kids in a Boston University dorm. They search for a multifamily home in the Dorchester neighborhood but get burned by older, multifamily homes that require a lot of work.
Figuring out who's going to pay closing costs may cost a young couple their first place in Austin, TX.
Jessica has a tight budget and will only consider homes that are move-in ready. With options dwindling, how much is Jessica willing to compromise in order to take the leap to homeownership?
A first-time buyer paying cash for a condo thinks he's struck gold when he goes under contract on a funky fixer upper. But when he learns the place is a money pit, will he gamble his life savings or pull out of the deal?
Christi only wants high-end materials, but new husband Grady doesn't think they can afford it. They find a home with granite they both like, but the seller already has two offers on the table. Will competition drive the price beyond the couple's reach?
Michael is looking for a condo in St. Louis to be closer to his family. He loves the first place he sees, priced at $149,900, but after talking with his lender, he learns his budget is only $110,000. The only place he likes in his price range is a short sale. But as the months go by without a closing date, Michael fears the deal could fall through.
Stephanie and Ryan are looking for a single-family home in Boston's suburbs, but Stephanie's talent for discovering deal breakers has cost the couple more than one house. Will they get lucky and find a place that stands up to her scrutiny?
The first time Margaret and Jason attempted to buy a house, they ended up divorcing. Now remarried, they're ready to give home buying another shot. But when they fall in love with a potential first place that comes with a load of problems, the deal may be in jeopardy.
Kyle wants to buy a downtown condo he can share with his friend and roommate, Sarah. With Boston condos at sky-high prices, can Kyle stretch his $450K budget to find a place with enough space for them both?
A man and his girlfriend must decide whether to pay more to live in their favorite urban location near St. Louis, or move further out to get more bang for their buck.
Julia is a twenty-something professional looking for her first place in Boston. She quickly finds out that her $700K budget doesn't afford much luxury in the trendy South End district. Will she hold onto her independence and price point, or accept a loan from parents to bring her price point to a million dollars?
Danielle is re-entering civilian life after a stint in the Navy. When comps don't support the asking price on the place she wants to buy, she has to decide whether it's worth it to pay for more than what appraisers think the house is worth.
TJ and Jordon debate buying a fixer-upper vs. move-in ready in St. Louis. After seeing a well priced but shabby foreclosure that requires a lot of repairs, the couple tours a finished identical model to see the home's potential.
Ashley & Sean finely find their perfect home in Austin Tx. After tense negotiations they go under contract, only to be confronted during inspection by a $13K foundation repair. They ask the seller to pay for the repairs but she won't budge so Ashley & Sean start their home search all over again. They find a new home of their dreams and put in an offer but no one can come to a price agreement.
Rachel and Kyle are college sweethearts looking to buy a house in the western suburbs of St. Louis before getting married. They find the perfect place and finally negotiate an affordable price but there's a catch. They must wait until the sellers buy their next house and move in. After months of waiting, they learn the house does not appraise for the contract price so they have to re-open negotiations and risk losing the house. Will all their waiting have been in vain?
Proud parents of a 200-lb Mastiff named Bransen, Jonathan and Whitney desperately want out of their 900-sq-ft apartment. Their lease is expiring in two months and they don't want to go month-to-month and pay more than double their current rent. Waiting until the last minute creates problems when they find a house only to run into a snag with their loan. Will they be able to close in time, or will they be stuck in a small apartment with their big dog?
Luyen and Anthony negotiate the world of short sales and deal contingencies in their search for a home outside St. Louis. Luyen is determined to get a great price, but will her frugal stubbornness keep her out of the home she really loves?
Colin & Katie just got married and moved to Austin and are ready to buy their first place. With just one income and dreams of living in an expensive neighborhood, it'll take savvy negotiations to go under contract. Will their tough negotiating push the sellers too far and prevent them from closing the deal?
Kelly is a single mom wanting to buy a house in downtown St. Louis so her kids can continue in their schools and live close to her parents. With her dad by her side, Kelly offers on a fixer that needs work. It's a great deal and the seller promises to customize the home to fit her family. Will it be too good to be true when the deal is jeopardized when the agreement is compromised.
Velvet is looking for her first place in Austin. After she rejects one home for foundation issues, will the next home's need for another major repair could keep her from closing?
Jasonee and Jeffery have seen 270 homes and can't agree on anything because they are deadlocked in a debate. She wants to live in the city of St. Louis, he wants to buy outside in the county. When Jeffery finally sways Jasonee to bid on a house in the county, she gets cold feet and makes a last ditch effort for one in the city. Will they ever come to an agreement or keep renting?
Carly and David are ecstatic about their recent engagement but there's one big problem: They live four hours apart. Time is limited to a few jam packed weekends as they look at as many houses as possible. Then, tension builds when David finds the house he absolutely loves but Carly isn't sold. Who'll give in this battle of wills?
Dr. Stacy Bone, veterinarian, has recently moved back to St. Louis and is ready to buy his first place. He's enjoyed a nomadic lifestyle in his adult life and isn't sure he's ready to settle down and plant roots. In every home he tours there's always one aspect of the place that ruins it for him. He finally confronts his fears and puts an offer in on a home. The sellers accept but the inspection reveals the chimney needs a tuck pointing job. Stacy asks the sellers to pony up cash for the fix.
Jennifer and Andrew are struggling to find their first home in pricy San Francisco. They begin their home search without a realtor and quickly realize they need help. They interview and hire Caroline who shows them a gorgeous townhouse. The only problem - it's over their $600K budget. Will Caroline be able to score them a fabulous deal so they buy their first place?
Kelly and Adam have only been married for two months, and they're already not seeing eye-to-eye. Kelly is determined to buy a really nice house in her hometown of Oakville, MO. Adam wants the most bang for their buck. When they find a place Kelly absolutely loves, Adam won't sign unless they get an amazing deal. Just when the lengthy negotiations are nearing an end, Adam switches jobs--creating more problems for this fiery St. Louis couple. Will this late twist in the story cause them to lose the house they fought so hard for?
Pittsburgh couple wants a charming farmhouse, but the problems of an old house may be dealbreakers.
Dannelle, a young lawyer, is ready to move out of Mom's house and find her dream condo near downtown Nashville. Despite a strict budget, she finds a great little place, but a surprise at inspection sends her in a different direction.
Pittsburgh residents Kelly and Josh feel the heat when their potential offers on two homes are thwarted when both homes go under contract before they can bid. An unexpected twist brings good luck ? if they're able to act fast enough!
Mary Anna is ready to say goodbye to her parents and buy a place of her own in Nashville. After touring more than 50 homes, she finds the dream but a devastating inspection puts the deal in limbo. She'll walk away, only to get the surprise of a lifetime.
Marla and Mike are buying a house together in Pittsburgh before they are engaged. Despite every intention of getting married, Marla's family doesn't like the idea of them committing to a mortgage before they commit to each other. They find what they think is the perfect house, but tensions rise just days before signing on the dotted line. Will this young couple seal the deal or is this all happening too fast?
Julia and Matt have good jobs, a healthy savings account and big dreams of buying their first place. But Julia's past credit history comes back to haunt them. She's paid every penny but still can't be on the mortgage application. Their idea of the perfect first home will have to change as they get a financial reality check.
Michelle and Michael's #1 Must-Have in their first place is resale value, as their hospitality jobs often involve relocation. After six months of searching, this Nashville couple is starting to lose hope that they'll ever find the right first place. Just when they find a place they love, another offer is on the table. Will the exhausted couple be willing to pay top dollar to put an end to their search?
Megan wants a home with low maintenance in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. But serious competition in her price range makes the home buying game difficult. Will Megan be able to out-negotiate the competition to get into her first place?
With a toddler and a new baby on the way, Malee & Jatin are desperately searching for their first place in Nashville, Tennessee. The couple currently lives with Malee's Mom and living conditions are tight so pregnant Malee really wants to find a place before their bundle of joy arrives. They are having trouble finding their #1 must have - a large, flat backyard. Will they find the perfect backyard before the baby is born?
Stiff competition from cash buyers has Pittsburgh newlyweds Joy and Tim scrambling to come up with a winning offer. After going 0 for 5, Joy and Tim have a strategy to beat the investors at their own game.
Cody is getting kicked out of his rental and has only 30 days to buy. But when a potential deal breaker arises, he must choose whether or not to go through with a risky deal or move forward without closing in time.
Pittsburgh couple Ashley and Adam have unique requirements for their first place: historic charm, but with high ceilings for Adam's 6-foot-5 frame. Adam convinces Ashley to check out a newer home with a lot of character and Ashley falls in love with it. But inspection reveals issues that the couple cannot afford to fix. Can they get the sellers lay out the cash needed for the repairs or will our couple have to walk away?
After 10 years with the same roommate, Roberta is ready to buy her own place. The choices are slim in Nashville at Roberta's $120K price point. She thinks she finds a steal at $30K below her budget, but inspection reveals a couple major issues. Is this home truly the bargain Roberta is hoping for, or is it a lemon is disguise?
Ellen and Dan's apartment looks more like a sporting goods store than a home, thanks to their bikes, golf clubs and gear. The couple sets out to find their first place in the north suburbs of Pittsburgh, only to realize their budget and looming deadline could kill the deal and destroy their plans of home ownership.
Ross is moving to Nashville to buy a home to be with his girlfriend, Marla. Ross is out of town when Marla finds her dream home. Can she convince him to bid sight-unseen on this property that's above his budget?
Courtney and her French husband, Benoit, are on deadline to buy their first place before their first baby arrives. After looking at several Pittsburgh homes and disagreeing completely on their style, the couple has some compromising to do. But will this expectant couple agree on a home before their bundle of joy arrives?
Strapped for up front cash, Heather and Jason must find sellers willing to pay their closing costs. After losing out on one house, they'reat risk of losing a second when a pricey repair problem crops up at inspection.
Bill, a Nashville transplant, wants his first place to have a guest house on the property to help pay the mortgage. After finding the place of his dreams, the home inspector points out a potentially expensive fix. If the sellers refuse to make the repair, Bill's deal could fall apart.
After living with her parents for almost a year, Marie and Tom are desperate to find their first place and start a family. They lose a competitive bid to another buyer, but a surprise twist gives them a second chance for homeownership.
After Audra and Brian adopted 4 siblings, their 1,000-square-foot rental very quickly became cramped. An exhausting and indecisive home search finally unearthed a hidden gem. Unfortunately no one can come to terms with closing costs. The realtors make one last ditch effort to close the deal, but will it be too little too late?
Vince and his partner Jason are struggling to find a first place in Pittsburgh that suits their sense of style. After seeing a house with great potential but in need of some TLC, they decide to put in a low offer and update it themselves. The sellers agree to the lower offer but refuse to fix any of the issues the inspection reveals. Will the couple decide the house was a enough of a deal to fork out the money for the repairs?
After Kendall, an interior designer, and her husband, Kane, lose a home to a stronger bid, they must figure out their financial sweet spot to make sure they don't lose any more homes with low bids.
A sexy bathroom seems like a simple wish to fulfill, but negotiating derails more than one deal for a Pittsburgh attorney. Will Candace find the wow factor she craves at the price she demands?
Daniel and Bret are at odds over their priorities: one wants a large house, the other, a large yard for their dogs. When existing homes don't fit the bill, they look at new-builds. Will they find a place they both love, or will someone have to compromise?
Matt knows what he wants: a unique loft space in Pittsburgh with some industrial "grittiness" to it. Unable to find an established property that fits the bill, he falls for a rezoned office space still under construction. Nothing is in writing, and Matt is already "sold," ignoring the warnings of his realtor and friend. Will his gamble pay off, or will his willingness to risk it all backfire?
Pittsburgh couple, Laura and Dusty, look at both houses and townhomes in search of a place with their long list of must-haves. Unable to find 'the one,' they reorganize their priorities to focus on resale value. Will they find something they can live with AND has potential for resale?
An Annapolis couple wants a home for $500,000 by the water, but their long list of must have's make the search futile. Shermeen finally convinces Sunny to bail on the waterfront, but Sunny insists that the house has to "blow him away." Are their expectations condemning them to search forever?
Karolina and Lukas are getting married in 7 months and are desperate to buy their first home before they walk down the aisle. They put in an offer but the seller plays a cat and mouse game over $1,500 and tries to pressure them into making a quick decision. Lukas and Karolina feel very played and reject the seller's counter offer. Will someone blink, or will this home sale die over the last $1,500?
Alexis and Dan are bickering over location. Dan wants to buy their first place 45 minutes out from Baltimore, to get more bang for their buck. Alexis wants to stay closer in to shorten her commute. Touring homes in both locations doesn't solve the conflict. Will they find the house that makes compromise an easy option, or will they give up their house hunt to keep their marriage intact?
Soonlyweds Holly and Kurt are buying a house the same time they're saving for their upcoming wedding. They want a move-in ready older home with charm in Fort Worth, but they have no money for renovations or closing costs. When they finally find a turnkey home, they bid low, hoping the sellers are game to negotiate. When the owners don't come down as much as Kurt and Holly hoped for, they must make some tough choices about whether to spend their money on their home or their wedding.
Carolyn and Devon set out to find a house in a specific walkable DC neighborhood, but struggle to find suitable space for his 6 bikes. When they find the right place, stiff competition convinces them to put down $50,000 earnest money, which they will lose if they walk away. Will their gamble pay off, or leave then flat broke?
Melissa and Andy have moved from pricey New York to affordable Dallas and are psyched to buy more than they could have in NY. Their stumbling block is budget. Andy doesn't want to go as high as Melissa, because he wants more mad money than they enjoyed back east. But when they finally find a home that meets her needs and his budget, the deal is threatened by a multiple offer situation.
Faced with only a few months before their wedding, LaKeasha and Jared race to find their first place in Baltimore. Already paying $1600 in rent to go month-to-month, they are eager to get out of their small apartment and settle in before the nuptials. When they find what they think is the perfect place, they overlook a potential deal breaker. Could their dream of homeownership get derailed before they even leave the station?
With their conflicting taste, it's hard to imagine Audra and Justin ever agreeing on a house. But when they finally find a home that meets all their must-haves, they impulsively leap before looking. Can they get out of this contract? And will they ever find a place they both love?
Frankie, a picky, perfectionist nurse at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, has his mind set on finding a rowhouse with all the bells and whistles under 200-thousand dollars. He always gets what he wants, so why should this be any different? Will Frankie's diva attitude get in the way of his house hunt? Or will he be able to find exactly what he wants because he sticks to his guns?
Emily and Adam think first about their dog, Butters, when considering their first place in the Dallas area. If it doesn't have a big backyard, forget about it. When they find the perfect place, Adam is determined to get a great deal and adopts a lowball strategy. Will he be a hero negotiator, or will they wind up in the doghouse?
Keia, a single mom of 7-year old Eduardo, makes an offer on an Annapolis townhome and gives notice at her rental before she hears the offer response. She's shocked when she's forced to walk away from the seller's counter, but is now under the gun to find a new home for herself and child before the month is over. Keia catches real estate fever and makes offers on four houses at the same time. Will Keia find a house to buy or will she have to rent again?
Newlyweds Sarah and Matthew want to buy their first place in Annapolis. After bidding and not hearing back on a foreclosure, they bid on a second place simultaneously. The same night they hear back on the foreclosure, they learn the second seller has multiple bids in, so Sarah and Matthew have to choose between putting up their highest and best offer on a house they might lose, or settling for a sure thing they're no longer sure they want.
Korynne is a businesswoman who wants a low maintenance, high security town home or condo in Dallas, complete with granite, hardwoods, and other amenities. She also wants a value price. When she finally finds the condo of her dreams and there's already a cash offer on the table, Korynne still low-balls. Will her cheap strategy cost her the one home she actually likes?
Sandi and John are approved for over a half-million dollars and are looking for a perfect house in Dallas. Sandi knows what she wants, and what she doesn't want, and is not going to settle for anything less. When she and John don't see eye-to-eye on the right price for perfection, they get caught in offer limbo. A new-build may just fit the bill, but is it everything Sandi imagined?
Andrea and Mike's lease is up in 8 weeks but they haven't even started their home search! The couple is determined to buy so they put an offer on the second home they see but continue to look in the Dallas area. The third house they see is truly their style with all their must-haves so they put another offer in on this house. While their first offer doesn't work out their second offer looks hopeful until they realize the seller isn't really willing to negotiate. Will they be able to reach common ground before they're kicked to the curb?
A Baltimore couple, Carlton and Taisha, don't have time to waste in finding a new home. Their rent is skyrocketing and they need out before their lease is up. So why do they continue to 'sleep on it' before making an offer? They fall in love with several homes but lose out on them before the next day. Will they ever pull the trigger on an offer? Or will they always be a day late and a nickel short?
Aaron and his girlfriend, Ashley, will only buy a home in one specific neighborhood in Dallas called Lake Ridge Estates. The problem?affordable homes in the area rarely come on the market and when they do are snatched up quickly. When they finally find a home in the neighborhood, someone puts an offer in before them and they lose the house. Their realtor takes them to another home in area and they immediately decide to put in an offer. Unfortunately at the same exact moment a competing offer comes in so the are now in a bidding war. Will they finally win this fight or will their search never end?
A prison supervisor who shops to relax must decide whether she should cut back on her shopping or change her $168K price point. Monica has just been transferred from Mississippi to Texas for work and is living out of a hotel. She's got all her shoes and handbags in storage and is anxious to find her first place with a large walk in closet, of course. She soon realizes she doesn't want her mortgage to be more than a thousand dollars a month, which drastically lowers her price point. When her realtor miraculously finds a home within her new price range that has nearly everthing on her long must-have list, a friend encouarges her to lowball the offer. Will she risk the perfect house by offering a price so low the seller walks away?
A musician, Jason, and his girlfriend Emily are searching for a place in Baltimore that's close to the water plus fits his rock n' roll lifestyle and her sleep schedule. This is a tall order for their $249k budget so after looking in vain they agree to check out lower priced places further away from the water. They find a foreclosure (in their price range) that they love so they put in a offer but the bank wants full price. Our couple agrees but the inspection reveals underlying issues with the home that will cost a significant amount to repair. Will Jason and Emily "roll with the punches" and pay for the fixes or will they walk away?
Dallas single Mom, Tausha, has a dream of buying a colonial home for she and her son Issac. Unfortunately Dallas is not teaming with Colonial style homes. She finally strikes oil and finds the perfect house with the perfect price tag. She puts in an offer and it is accepted but the appraisal comes back with a lower home value than she and the seller have agreed upon. Will the seller reduce the home to the appraised number or will Tasha's dream become a nightmare?
Young Baltimore attorneys Gabby and Zak have great earning potential in the future, but they don't have a lot of cash on hand as they buy their first place. This becomes a huge challenge when they ask the sellers for $30,000 in closing costs. When the sellers refuse, the couple must get extremely creative or lucky to save the deal.
Dashau is on a mission to find the home of her dreams. Living with her best friend, she's anxious to find her own space. She has a very specific list of things this dream home must have. Key to her hunt is finding a home that will accommodate her level of comforrt, but will also be welcoming to her visiting nieces and nephews. After touring over 40+ homes outside Dallas, TX her realtor suggests pursuing a new build that will meet her price point of $215,000. Will her list of specific upgrades translate into a heafy bill for upgrades and bust her budget, or will the builder meet her at her level and make her dream a reality?
A couple living in downtown Baltimore, Maryland is tired of noise and no parking. With a baby on the way and their apartment lease nearly up, they're under pressure to find their first place quickly. But Dan would love to live way out in the country, while Griffin wants the convenience of suburbia. Complicating matters, their first place can't be too far of a commute for Dan who works in downtown Baltimore. Finally they agree on a suburban home that's been newly renovated, but there are three other buyers interested as well. Dan and Griffin have to figure out a negotiating strategy that will ensure they get the only home they can both agree on.
Fresh out of the Air Force, Chris and Melissa are looking for a house where they can expand their family in Plano, Texas. His determination to get a good deal conflicts with her tendency to fall for every good-looking house they see. After battling each other for negotiation supremacy, bad luck befalls the couple not once, but twice, as deal breakers rear their ugly heads. Will the third time be the charm, or will their dream of homeownership get tabled?
Dominique wants a move-in ready place but Roderick prefers to get his hands dirty on a fixer-upper project or two. The problem is, she doesn't think he's nearly as handy as he would like to believe. Wanting to ditch a costly month-to-month lease, they quickly make a move when they find a short sale townhouse outside Baltimore that seems to be the best of both worlds. Will it be worth the wait, or could this short sale end up costing them months, and lots of extra money in rent?