So, I’ve been keeping a secret for a year now and this week I was finally able to share the news!!

WE WERE ON HOUSE HUNTERS!!

I can hardly believe I’m typing those words, it feels so surreal.   I want to tell you as much as I can about it and still honor the NDA I signed. 

Let me start at the beginning.

Our longtime friend and realtor, Jana, was approached by HGTV about being on the show and, perfect timing, we were looking to buy a house.  She is amazing at what she does and it’s not at all a surprise to me that she would be chosen to star on a TV show.   When she called and asked us to consider being on HH with her, I was like, “sure, we’ll do that.”  I heard myself say but, honestly I thought “there is no way they’ll pick us.”  You don’t just volunteer for the show, there is a whole process.   So, after we agreed to give it a go, we started getting emails with paperwork to fill out and even signed an NDA.  After the “whole process” they let you know if you made the cut.  I really didn’t think a lot about it because, well, because we’re old (or older).  I just couldn’t imagine them caring about an old couple buying a house to accommodate family and friends as they sail off into the sunset years of life.

But, amazingly, they DO care and, shockingly, they picked us. 

I remember being on my Christmas dream trip last year to New York City, something I’ve waited my whole life to do, and getting the phone call that we were, indeed, going to be on the well-known show, House Hunters.  I was standing, looking at the Statue of Liberty at the time, it was a sunny cold day and I remember thinking, “is this really my life?”   Of course Jana called and we literally squealed together on the phone, it was a magical moment.

Then we started the work of being on an episode of a reality show.  I guess I need to be a little more guarded with what I say here because I don’t want to break any contract rules but I can tell you it was a lot of work and a ton of fun! We met some of the most amazing people and enjoyed being treated like “movie stars” for the filming.  We looked at houses and did several “takes” of just about every scene.  We laughed a lot and spent our nervous energy trying to look natural.  I think we did pretty well, at least that’s what my family and friends tell me.  Seriously, I don’t know how you couldn’t look good because the camera men, directors and literally everyone were so professional. 

We chose our house and are living happily in it; we’ve decorated and made a home here.  We love our neighbors and new neighborhood and found a church nearby that we love.  Jake (our Golden) loves the yard and we’ve hosted family and friends several times.  I feel like I said “love” a lot in the last couple of sentences, but it’s honestly the best word to describe how we feel.  We are happy here.  So to look back and see footage from a year ago felt like the greatest gift; a time capsule of sorts. 

Truly a treasure.

I want to give you a peak into the night it aired, or at least try to.  I was a nervous wreck, I teasingly told my husband I needed to breathe into a brown paper bag; I’m sure my heartrate was through the roof.   I had originally thought I wouldn’t tell a soul it was happening until after the fact because then, if I didn’t like something about it, I could just pretend like it never happened. Ha!  But, then I thought about how wonderful and supportive all of you are and I decided I wanted to share.  I couldn’t see the episode in advance, I watched it for the first time with all of the rest of America. 

That was so nerve racking! 

And, just like always, you guys were HUGELY supportive both before and after it aired.  My husband, Jeff, and I laughed at so many parts and we were so thankful they showed both of our personalities in a light that felt authentic.  He has such great humor but can be a bit shy so you don’t always hear his one liners, or “zingers” as he likes to call them.  Jana was as amazing and professional as she always is and it all came together in a way that felt genuine and relatable. 

I can honestly say I NEVER thought I’d be on a reality TV show.   It never crossed my mind.  So for this to be OUR reality is like something out of a dream.   I have so many great memories and I’ll treasure the episode forever.  One day I’ll show it to my grandchildren…one day.   (A little inside joke for those who’ve seen the show.  Ha!)

Thank you to everyone who reached out to tell me you watched it, it means so much to us!! 

If you’re interested in seeing “our” episode it’s season 253 episode 11. 

I guess I can now sign off as

“Sandi, as seen on HGTV”

Here are a few questions we’ve been asked:

How long did we film?   Jana filmed for three days, we filmed for 5 (the days started very early and ended late afternoon)

Did we get paid?  Jeff and I were paid a small sum, Jana was not paid

Did we have professional hair, make up and wardrobe?   No.  I’ve had several compliment my make-up and I would like to give a shout out to my daughter Abigail! That was all her.  She came over really early every day and did it for me and I loved it.  She made me feel pretty.  She is available to anyone who is in need of professional make up, reach out to me and I’ll connect you with her. 

Did we have fun?  YES! 

Would we do it again?  Well, I hope we don’t move again for a very long time so….