4/21/07: The Real Deal

Television isn't even a category on Gasp, but that isn't going to stop me from blogging a show called The Real Deal", on TLC.

The show features Trademark Properties, a real estate company from South Carolina. These are the folks who were originally on A&E “Flip This House.” They were featured for only one season, but they left such an impression that they developed a fan following, which includes me.

Every week, I will dedicate myself to watching the show and writing about it here. Call it my weekend fun blogging activity. I'd like to spend more time talking about things I like, rather than railing against the things I don't.

Disclaimer: I'm not associated with Trademark Properties, Richard Davis, A&E, TLC, or anything else connected with anything else. I'm just a girl watching a show. And that's that.

“Everyday I wake up is a good day to buy real estate,” according to Richard Davis., founder of the company. If you're familiar with A&E's Flip This House, you'll recognize him, along with the cast from Trademark Properties. But A&E's old show is amateurish compared to Trademark's new program.

This version is pumped up and direct, with quality graphics and a no-fuss attitude. The object of the game is to buy ugly places, fix them up and sell them quickly. It requires lots of people, strong coordination, and adrenalin.

I suppose if that was the whole program, it would be on another do-it-yourself network. And of course, I wouldn't watch it. I don't have lots of money, I'm not involved in real estate, and I've spent most of my life renting apartments in major cities. So what's the attraction?

It's all about helping people. While Trademark's philosophy is teamwork, the founder believes its his mission to help people.

In this episode, “The House That Wouldn't Sell,” Richard buys a house from a woman who is in foreclosure. It's been on the market for 9 months. Upon hearing about the predicament, Richard makes a decision to buy it. Thus, saving the woman from bankruptcy.

In the next scene, Richard and Ginger, the investment coordinator, create a plan for renovation. It appears one thing after another is wrong with the place. There's a Bradford Pear Tree covering the front of the house, the pool is disgusting, the kitchen is cramped, and wooden planks on the floor curve. According to their schedule, they've got five days to fix everything.

At this point, you can figure where the suspense comes in. But what I found interesting are the sideline comments. This episode was very anti-Do-It-Yourself. Evidently, a nimrod put the pool pump under the house, creating a mold problem in the floor boards. Richard attempts to deal with the pool himself and over-chemicalizes it.

Since TLC reruns this show, I'm not going to tell you how it all turns out. You'll have to watch for yourself.

What I learned: This episode was all about the Cs – Confidence and commitment. Once you make a decision, see it through.

The other thing I learned: Assets are like Bradford Pear Trees. They can easily turn into liabilities if not properly honed.

Questionable Moment: What's going on with the fuzzing? In one of the first scenes, they fuzzed out Trademark's phone number on one of the signs. They're a business and they're on the net. What's up with that?

Worst commercial during the premiere: Sweet mother of pearl, I hate that Visa commercial. Followed by a close Nutri-system second.

Worst excuse by a sub/contractor: They couldn't get a hold of the landscaper because his cell phone died... for days.

Most Disgusting Moment: Not the maggots, not the pool, not even the guy who had to suck water out of the pool pump. It was that poor man who had to inspect underneath the house. That has to be the worst job in the world. I wonder what kind of spiders he runs into on a daily basis. Sheesh.

Best Quote: “Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner.”

Final Verdict: Great show - much better than their old one. Good to be introduced to other Trademark people as well. Looking forward to next week's episode.

For more on The Real Deal, click here.