If you tuned into HGTV’s show Top of the Block this past month, you may have seen a familiar face…me! That’s right, I was on TV!
As a real estate agent, this was one of the most unique (and fun) experiences of my career, and I wanted to share a few highlights and behind-the-scenes insights with you. I’ll also talk about how my local expertise can help you buy or sell in South Etobicoke. Let’s get started!
What is Top of the Block?
If you haven’t yet checked out the show Top of the Block, I highly recommend you do (and not just because I was featured on an episode)! Beyond offering insights into local real estate, it’s simply a fun watch.
Top of the Block is a competition show where 3 homeowners from the same neighbourhood face off to decide who has the best house. The winner is crowned ‘Top of the Block’.
As a viewer, you get an inside look at homeowners’ unique tastes. You also get to see those homeowners react in real time as their properties are judged. Here’s the fun part: Top of the Block is judged not only by professional real estate experts, but also interior designers and opinionated neighbours who often have a lot to say about different design choices.
About to buy a home? Check out these other blog posts to learn more about buying.
- Buying a House in a Buyer’s Market: What Are the Perks?
- What Makes a House More Affordable?
- Insider Tips For Buying a Home in South Etobicoke
What Am I Looking For As a Judge?
On Top of the Block, I was brought in as the professional real estate expert to assess and judge 3 different homes in The Kingsway. I’ve been working in this neighbourhood throughout my 20+ year career, and I know a lot about its housing stock, micro market dynamics, buyer and seller behaviours, and more.
Bringing this experience to the show, I judged contestants’ homes based on a handful of factors, including:
- Flow: How does the house feel as you walk through it?
- Functionality: Is each room in the home used to the best of its ability?
- Added value: What has the homeowner done to boost their property’s desirability or value?
These characteristics are really helpful to keep in mind when you’re thinking about moving.
As a buyer, you’ll want to look for a home that can evolve to meet your needs over time. When selling, you’ll want to know what buyers are looking for and how you can exceed their expectations.
What to Know About Real Estate & Reality TV
There are a lot of reality TV shows centred around real estate, but 99% of them are just entertainment. What’s great about Top of the Block is that it can also teach you a thing or two about owning a house and the details (big or small) that can impact property value. Of course, it’s still very entertaining, but there’s a little bit of education in there too – even if you don’t notice it.
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from my appearance on Top of the Block, it’s that local knowledge is super important, especially when it comes to buying or selling. More on that later.
Learning How to Make TV
I may know a lot about real estate, but shooting a TV show was a brand new experience for me – and it was tons of fun! Here are a few things I learned.
- Making TV takes time: The episode itself is about 30 minutes, but we shot for four straight days. This meant I had to wear the same outfit four days in a row. The episode came out in March, but we filmed it back in October.
- It also takes a lot of hands: While I’m no stranger to producing video content, creating a professionally-produced TV show is a whole different beast. I got to work with a full crew of producers, camera operators, and directors. As an agent who loves to take the lead, this was a new experience for me.
Hoping to make the most of your home sale? Check out these other blogs for even more helpful advice.
- The Ultimate Guide to Selling in a Buyer’s Market
- How to Get Your South Etobicoke Home Ready For Sale
- 3 Selling Mistakes That Can Negatively Impact Your Final Price
Thank You, Top of the Block
Before signing off, I’d like to say a big thank you to Top of the Block for having me! Not only did I have a great time learning the ins and outs of making a TV show, but getting to share my passion for local real estate with a wider audience made the experience extra special.
Here’s a few places you can watch Top of the Block:
– Top of the Block on Citytv+
– Top of the Block on Apple TV
– Top of the Block on Amazon Prime
(If you were curious, I appear in season 1 episode 10)
Buy or Sell in South Etobicoke
If you’re thinking about making real estate moves, you’ll want to partner with a real estate agent who knows South Etobicoke inside and out, like me! Whether you’re looking to buy a house, sell one, or both, I can help you make the most of your market journey.
Thinking about buying or selling? I can help! Call or text me at 647-239-7587 or send me an email at melissa@southetobicoke.com to get started.
Want to know how much homes in South Etobicoke are selling for?
Sign up for my Sold Report.
