Property reality television has important lessons for viewers
As we look back on 2011, Property Observer is republishing some of our most noteworthy stories of the year.
From our experience on Hot Property, the TV cameras are no hindrance at all. We tell everyone up front we’ll blur them out if they don’t want to be seen. Most observers don’t mind being a face in the crowd, and there can be benefits for the vendors. Agents sometimes promote the fact we’re going to be there with cameras and that draws extras who might not otherwise attend. If they turn up and like the property, they might even bid.
Our results generally mirror the current clearance rates. It’s hit or miss, but that’s auctions for you!
The average punter can learn a lot about the property market from shows like Hot Property. Viewers get the latest in renovation trends, they hear from experts about what works and what does not work, and they pick up strategic auction tips all from their couch.
All the properties we feature are memorable in one way or another, but we’re equally as interested in the people who are buying and selling. We cover the full gamut of property from cheap and cheerful to waterfront mansions. We once covered a story about a lady who lived in a shoe. Well, actually it was a house that looked like a shoe. Terrific visual!
Hot Property was the first show on Australian television to mine our obsession with real estate.
Michael Caton is an awesome host, and that’s partly because he’s the Aussie bloke who plays himself. There’s nothing false or misleading about him or the show, people know when they turn on Hot Property they are going to get interesting stories about real people buying and selling, and sometimes renovating property.
The charm of the show is that we catch people at a particular time in their lives when they are shaping up for massive life changes. We go on the journey with them in a positive, humorous way. Our job is to make the narrative engaging, and clearly we’ve done that, as we’re now producing series 12.
The success of Hot Property has spawned a range of other property shows – but none quite as good as ours.
There’s always a percentage of people who think you are somehow out to get them. You only have to watch Hot Property to realise that’s not the case. In the beginning it was difficult to get buyers sellers and renovators on board with an unproven show, but now the brand is recognised so well that some people come to us, and others make return visits, which is wonderful. We also have great relationships with realtors across Australia.
Rob Wallace is executive producer of Hot Property, produced by Beyond Productions.
For more expert commentary and analysis on lessons to be learnt from property reality TV, download our e-book Lights, Camera, Auction!
