When you’re clicking through the TV channels, you may notice that there are several careers that are more commonly portrayed than others. There’s certainly a ton of detectives, nurses. journalists, receptionists, waitresses, and more. There’s some jobs that are hardly ever represented. A real estate agent is somewhere right in the middle. The job title that one has can quickly give the audience and impression of that character and most likely reinforce a society’s belief rather than debunk. So it may be hard to tell which character is representing most accurately. Let’s take a look at what the 9.4 million viewers are checking out weekly on HGTV and other similar channels.
Image courtesy of HGTV
Although still scrutinized for being scripted and perhaps misleading, Property Brothers probably does one of the best jobs representing just some of the main responsibilities of a real estate agent. Drew and Jonathan Scott help buyers narrow their search to meet their budget and still accomplish their home needs. Drew focuses on the real estate side of things and gives valuation advice, helps them construct an offer, and then negotiates with the listing agent. Jonathan takes it from there and rehabs the property and increase it’s value. Drew then is able to rerun a comparative market analysis to estimate the home’s newly renovated value. Likely the best depiction of a realtor’s task. He’s proactive, thoroughly researched, and offers great counsel on when, how, and what to offer.
Image courtesy of TV Guide
Fixer Upper is another fan favorite. Chip Gaines owns a real estate company but doesn’t necessarily engage in your normal realtor responsibilities on the TV show. Most traditionally, him and his wife, Joanna, hunt for a specific property that a purchaser is interested in flipping or renovating to perfection. They’ll likely consider three different option per episode but it has more of a slant on the renovation side of the project than the real estate side. Nonetheless, they help demonstrate the relational side of the business mixed with the bumps and bruises that may come along the way.
Image courtesy of USA Network
Perhaps America’s most loved realtor is none other than Phil Dunphy, portrayed by Ty Burell on TV’s Modern Family. His fictional character is often shown showing properties or hosting open houses with a twinge of comedy sprinkled throughout. He certainly has a competitive nature and a ton of confidence in his abilities which are vital skills of a real estate agent but he can also come across a bit of a cheeseball. Some other positive attributes that are portrayed are that he’s involved in his community and is a great family member that looks to benefit the lives of his client’s families. Often times it may be forgotten that a real estate agent has a family that’s in the balance of work and life.
Image courtesy of Bravo Watch
There’s bits of pieces of realistic attributes throughout all sorts of shows, movies, and sitcoms. There’s Tarek and Christina El Moussa on Flip or Flop, David Visentin on Love it or List It, several versions of Million Dollar Listing, and House Hunters. Some notable sitcoms out there include actress Holland Taylor in Two and a Half Men, and Ellen Barkin in The New Normal. Everyone’s got their favorites and it’s certain there are more to come.
Just like any profession, the real ins and outs may not be accurately displayed on the big screen. There’s always a slight embellishment when scripted for a mass audience. But it’s just possible that the true shall come out. Real estate isn’t always easy and not just fun and games. It requires hard work, long hours, interpersonal skills, the ability to negotiate, and a ton of knowledge. Drew Scott, Chip Gaines, and Phil Dunphy exemplify just some of these characteristics well! Do you have a favorite TV realtor? Throw in your choice in the comments below.