Comments on: HGTV’s “My First Place”: Where are the Hazardous Content Warnings?

By: Brad

Brad — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:41:08 +0000

Lauren, first of all, our generation (I’m 27) has an entitlement mentality. Corner office, six figure salary, giant house, country club membership, all before you’re 30…in the U.S. at least. My delusional ex-girlfriend told me she would not stay with me if I couldn’t afford to buy “a new house, not a used one…just to start out and it’s gotta be at least $300,000 because we can always upgrade.” and wants a $32,000 engagement ring, $100,000 wedding band, and $250,000 wedding. That’s the entitlement mentality (I have several other names for her “demands”) Our generation thinks that they deserve everything because they have a degree, or a diploma, or a GED. I’ve watched kids who’ve just graduated from college ask for a salary of $80,000, a month of paid vacation, free banking services, a company car (we don’t have any), use of the corporate jet (doesn’t exist), and about every other perk you could think of. The entitlement attitude extends to real estate, cars, whatever (I deserve this home because I’m alive). I would LOVE to see HGTV start up a new show called “My First Foreclosure.”

By: Lauren

Lauren — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:43:12 +0000

I am just as shocked as most of you, being from Canada you can’t really buy a house without putting some money down, that is why our housing market is doing better then in the US. I am only 24 and years from being able to buy my own house but by saving money that I have invested, I hope that in 10 years time to have 50,000 to put on a home down payment, I am younger then most of the people on this show, how do they not understand how important it is to put atleast some money, any money on the down payment of your house!

By: No Debt Plan

No Debt Plan — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:04:19 +0000

I’m not sure if we were watching the same episodes, but I wrote about this back in April: http://www.nodebtplan.net/2008/04/01/my-first-place-shows-off-poor-decisions/

Pretty much the same idea. Stupid people with a stupid realtor pushing them into a bad deal.

Housing prices always go up, right? …

By: Beef Up Your Piggy

Beef Up Your Piggy — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:51:10 +0000

Wow…I can’t believe that. Scratch that…Yes, I can believe that! So many people are sucked into the happy boat of debt (whether it is house debt or credit card debt) thinking that they are entitled to be there. Whatever happened to earning a house? Saving up for a down payment and/or starting with a ‘starter’ house as a first home. Just because you are approved for a loan doesn’t mean you can afford it. Yea, that is irritating. Glad to know I am not the only one that yells my “realist” thoughts (my friends will say can be negative thoughts) at the TV.

By: Nelson

Nelson — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:12:20 +0000

Decent post. I linked to it in my weekend link dump (will be posted on Sunday)

It must have been filmed a while ago for them to be able to get a zero down interest only loan.

By: Mr. ToughMoneyLove

Mr. ToughMoneyLove — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 04:41:26 +0000

@ junger – I’ve seen that show as well. It is so hokey at the end when there is a dramatic pause before the realtor reveals the big valuation number.

@ Wise I think they need to be more careful in their screening of makeover candidates, or at least get them to promise not to borrow against their new home right away.

@ Money Minder I doubt they will but maybe TruTv can do the foreclosure shows.

@ Brian I’ve watched many of those house flip shows. Most of those flippers have the mindset and maturity of a day trader.

@ Carl – That’s a good point about the remodeling costs. Most people don’t earn back what they put in.

@ PT – I am eager to hear how HGTV responds to you!

@ Andrea There are shows like you describe but I think they all run on Saturday mornings when the DIYers are watching.

@ Jules – yeah – I’ve seen those posts at FMF and I agree that HGTV should now be producing shows on how to save money at home.

@ Dorothy I’ve also heard that many realtors are now selling more houses owned by banks than by individuals.

By: Dorothy

Dorothy — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 03:35:10 +0000

Oh, my word! That show definitely needs hazardous content warning! I work in a mortgage business, and since October 1, our business has gone from mortgages to modifications helping all the people in trouble…

I think it’s a law of the universe: If you can’t afford to pay principle, you can’t afford the house!