The Farr Side: Forget the firehouse drama and bring on the HGTV

As I’ve gotten older, I can honestly say that my television viewing habits have changed. I used to thoroughly appreciate network TV. But I’m not fond of all the police and firehouse dramas, as well as the hospital/medical series that have monopolized prime-time.

I still love reality TV programs like “American Idol,” “America’s Got Talent,” “Big Brother” and “Survivor,” but they’re not the only things to watch on TV.

I’ve always enjoyed watching HGTV. I have this love/hate relationship with “House Hunters.” I want to scream at the TV sometimes when I see these young couples who want it all and they want it all right now. It’s an absolute turn off for me when I hear the wife say, "Oh, these are not quartz countertops. I have to have quartz. These will have to be replaced right away.” That’s usually said minutes after she’s already indicated that she doesn’t cook.

Or, the husband wanting a huge yard, to which the wife mentions he doesn’t like to do yard work. Thesepeople are usually really only wanting a place for show, for the most part.

I still like to see if they pick the house I would. But, I would like to offer up some advice for the show’s producers. When talking about affordability or budgets, it may prove to be more beneficial to talk about home insurance and property taxes. Being a licensed insurance agent, I can tell you that insurance premiums can make or break a budget. Factors like the age of the home, proximity to fire departments, utility updates and more can add to costs associated with the home.

That’s why I prefer watching “Home Town,” “Married to Real Estate,” “My Lottery Dream Home,” “First Home Fix” and, my most favorite, “Love It Or List It.”

I think what I like most about these other programs is that they can teach us to improve upon the current situation. “Home Town” and “First Home Fix” do that best.

These programs do an awesome job of taking a less-than-desirable home and giving it an all new life again. I think this is what needs to be seen more. These shows prove why building trades programs in schools is important.

“Love It Or List It” is the best. It combines the aspects of home renovations and the appeal of house hunting into one show. Hillary Farr and David Visentin are awesome. They have an awesome chemistry that offers up just the right amount of friendly drama.

Hillary is a designer who takes into account what it would take to keep a current home owner in their own home. I’d like to say that we’re related, but we only share a last name.

Sometimes homeowners are so oblivious to their own home’s potential that they close their mind to the possibilities. That’s where Hillary’s expertise amazes me. She’s a person who can think outside the box. I like that. I find myself rooting for Team Hillary most of the time.

David is an agent who tries to find the homeowner a new home that will meet their needs. He’s a charismatic guy and fun to watch, but I’m not always thrilled to see people leave their humble abode based on pipe dreams. “Love It Or List It” — I love it!

— David T. Farr is a Journal Correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: The Farr Side: Forget the firehouse drama and bring on the HGTV