If you’re like many avid cable TV fans everywhere, you’ve undoubtedly caught some of HGTV’s shows. They’re not just entertaining but educational for homeowners and potential homebuyers alike. One of everybody’s favorites is definitely “House Hunters”. But, like many viewers, you probably have a few pertinent questions about the process and the behind-the-scenes goings-on, especially now that “House Hunters International” has burst onto the TV scene, becoming almost as popular as the original HH. Now we said “almost” because HHI doesn’t have nearly the number of loyal viewers that HH does. In fact, many viewers don’t like it at all to the tune of three times as many HHI haters to every HH lover! This is according to Cheatsheet.
Actually, you might think that the two shows are basically the same. Right? They both star real-life prospective homebuyers who are searching for a new home. They are all from different backgrounds and looking for a different type of home altogether. And, they want that home to be in any number of locations, both domestic and on foreign soil. In one 30-minute show, they’ll be touring three properties that could be suitable for them prior to choosing one. That’s where the similarities end and the subtle differences start. And, it’s those differences that irritate HH fans. So, we’ve put together the ten most common things that fans simply can’t stand about HH International:
1. Buyers Are So-o-o-o Picky
The majority of HH International episodes of House Hunters International involve either individuals or couples who want a home that is a temporary rental. This makes it really annoying because most of them are way too picky when it comes to the type of home they want in a foreign country. It may be of significant importance for them to be comfortable in their new albeit it temporary rental home. But, seriously, there’s a major difference between choosing a short term rental and paying big bucks for their forever home. In fact, when they act that picky, they just start looking unreasonable and spoiled.
2. Buyers Appear to be Clueless about Living in a Foreign City
For starters, the majority of participants are planning a move from the U.S to a foreign city. So, what does that entail? Sure, they’re excited about the big move to a foreign city. The problem is that they’re usually ridiculously unclear about what the move and living in that city might entail. In fact, they’re generally shocked and dismayed when faced by the foreign city’s high cost of living. Their expectations unfortunately include wanting to live within walking distance of the city’s center and all of the action. So, disappointment is quite obvious when it comes to the smaller houses near the city in comparison to where they’re used to living. They demand privacy and lots of space and all at budget pricing. That’s just tres unrealistic.
3. They Want an American Style Home
Believe it or not, the whole world isn’t in love with ensuite master bathrooms, granite countertops, and wide open floor plans. A move to a foreign country requires making a major adjustment to an entirely new home style. This can be a huge issue for some participants. House Hunters fans really hate how International home buyers don’t have a clue about any of the local customs of whatever country they plan to move to. On top of that, they’re not even open-minded about trying anything new.
4. They Don’t Want to Budge on Price
One of the most irritating factors on House House International is the prospective buyer or renter who has no intention of budging on their budget. The price on the perfect rental might only be a few dollars over their set budget but they’ll still refuse to accept that property anyway because they’re sticking to an unrealistic budget amount.
5. They Don’t Do Any Research
A move to a new country can be a massive undertaking, requiring a wealth of thought and careful planning. The fact is that at’s House Hunters International viewers have a difficult time understanding why home buyers appear to be so so naïve regarding what they could be getting into in a foreign country. From complaints about small-sized home to shockingly high prices to limited home styles, viewers are frustrated by having to watch supposedly savvy Americans as they perpetuate the stereotypical image that Americans don’t know a thing about the world outside of the U.S.
6. They Don’t Often Ask for a Furnished Home
If you were going to rent (or even buy) a home in a foreign country, wouldn’t you asked, first and foremost, for a furnished one? This rings especially true if the home is a rental. Shipping your furniture overseas can be expensive as is buying new furnishings for your new home.
7. The Show Doesn’t Explore the Area Enough
Sure, the show revolves around the homes and it’s definitely not a travelogue but it would be nice if they showed a bit more about the area. After all, some viewers might even be interested in moving there as well! So, how about more views from the window or balcony of the properties?
8. Participants Don’t Seem to be on the Same Page
Water view or no water view, modern or traditional, city or countryside, the participants always seem to be on different sides of the fence regarding everything. It would be better if they could get it together before filming rather than confusing viewers as well as their bewildered real estate agent.
9. Some Say it’s Fake
According to XPatMatt, who was on an episode of the show a few years back, it’s not completely factual. A little bit of dramatic license when it comes to the facts seems to be the norm for House Hunters International.
10. Participants Aren’t Grateful for the Travel Opportunity
One amazing thing about International is the fact that it exposes some of what foreign housing markets are like. The problem is that many participants who are really getting the opportunity of a lifetime too often end up spending almost every minute of the show whining and complaining about everything they can think of when they should take the opportunity to marvel at what good fortune that they have at-hand. When you add to that the fact that their rent may be subsidized by the company they’re working for, then it’s no wonder why viewers want to see a lot less negativity and plenty more gratitude from them.
OK, so House Hunters International probably won’t ever become quite as beloved as House Hunters. We’ll still watch it, however, to see if they can catch up. How about you?
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