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re:PDX is written by Ron Ares, broker and market analyst affiliated with M Realty LLC in Portland, Oregon.
Phone: 503-460-7992
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Lights. Audio. A Camera Crew. What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Last summer, the HGTV show “My First Place” came to Portland and selected a couple of my clients to follow and film as they purchased their first home together.
As their agent, I was sorta obligated to go along with the deal. I mean, who would turn down free publicity, right?
Well, the episode finally airs this Thursday, May 27 on HGTV. Check your local cable provider for the time, but you’re looking for the episode titled, “Living the Rock ‘n Roll Lifestyle“. (My client, Zaven, is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and frontman for the band, Abort! Abort! The music thing is kinda key to the episode.
Without giving anything away, the house hunt did not go as planned. Hilarity ensured and it was all caught on film. Nine months later, I’m petrified at what might end up on screen, but it’s too late for that now.
I have not seen any of the footage, and have no idea how it all turned out. It must not be too bad because it is just the 2nd or 3rd episode of the new season. The production is formulaic, but less contrived than you think. We were encouraged, even implored, to share our true thoughts out loud.
We met with the crew at least a half-dozen times: the house hunt, a follow-up showing, the contract writing, the contract response, the home inspection, a meeting or two, etc. Despite working with the relaxed video, audio, and production staff, it was still a grind. Each filming stretched our visits to 3 or 4 times longer than normal, and there were moments when I felt I had to oversimplify things for the camera. Nevertheless, I’ve been on the local news a few times, and this was a much more natural and relaxed process for me.
The transaction got a little complicated at the end due to the recent restrictive lending environment, but it all worked out. Working with Zaven and his wife Amber was the best part of the whole thing, and I was delighted that we found a really cool place for them along the Williams corridor in the Boise neighborhood.
Here’s to hoping that post-production takes off a few pounds, puts a little hair back on the dome, and mostly that I didn’t say anything horrifically unprofessional.
Comments
10 Responses to “Lights. Audio. A Camera Crew. What Could Possibly Go Wrong?”
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I’m sure you did wonderfully, Ron. I look forward to seeing the episide!
Ron,
So glad to hear what became of that. I will watch for sure. Whatever do you mean by “restrictive lending environment”? Thanks for sharing.
Hi Corri,
The property in question was not financeable with FHA or even conventional means due to it being 1) a condo, 2) having some commercial units, and 3) being brand new.
Ah yes, the ol’ non-warrantable condo. I know that dilemma all too well. & I guess I should have used the (insert sarcasm here) for the first comment
We are SO going to DVR this episode so that we can make fun of you later Ron!!! HA HA HA! Only kidding! We are so excited & proud of you and we wouldn’t miss it for anything! If it’s really bad, we’ll be over with a couple bottles of wine afterwards! LOL!!!
Your friends,
John & Jenn
Jenn,
I knew I could count on your ‘support’
Bruce and I are in Seattle this week and need to tell the kids to DVR the show. What time is it on? Can’t wait to see it!
Carol, all I know is that HGTV says it’s scheduled for 8:00pm EST. It might depend on your cable/satellite provider, but I assume it will either be on at 5:00 PST or 8:00 PST. In the menu, you’re looking for “My First Place.”
Ron,
It’s been too long since we’ve seen you and Lori, but now it looks as if we’ll see you tonight….and I’ve DVD’d it! Hi to Lori…plan to come visit us at the coast someday!
Pam
I just wanted to say that I think this is great. Also you do a great job with your site and blog and I am looking forward to being an avid visitor.
Kris Covert
Founder/PHMT