Flip or Flop

I do enjoy the show, mostly to see the before and after. However, I absolutely cannot stand Christina's voice, lack of vocabulary, and her clear intentions to get noticed for wearing a new outfit every 15 minutes. She also seems awfully eager to drop off her ONE child at her mothers, when a house can be evaluated by one person. Or maybe even bring your ONE child along with you. She does seem to have somewhat of an eye for decorating, but of course she is insistent on the high end tiles, quartz, flooring etc... When you speak to most flippers they will tell you the main focus is making a profit. You can make your kitchens and bathrooms shine just as easy with much cheaper products.

I do also have some doubts about their claims of massive profits each week. Their houses are always well done, but sometimes the prices they ask are ridiculous yet magically they seem to get what they are asking for, sometimes even MORE.

The best things about Tarek and Christina are that they are level-headed and realistic. You don't see them blowing up at their contractors, or overspending on their flips. They spend realistic amounts of money on their properties and renovations, and they encounter realistic problems. Unlike other shows, like Flipping Vegas, problems don't seem staged. And I love the fact that the show is only 30 minutes; one hour can be overkill for these types of shows. Other reviewers have said that the characters are "bland" but I disagree. I would rather that they be themselves rather than over-act for the camera. And I don't mind Christina's SoCal accent; she's nice to look at and she has a good head on her shoulders. Over all, Flip or Flop is an entertaining and efficient home renovation show.

I enjoy watching this show but mainly because I live in Southern California where all these flips are being done so it appeals to me since it's close to home. I do agree with others that Christina's Valley Girl way of talking is incredibly annoying and I wish someone would encourage her to change it, if only for her daughter's sake. From what I can see on the show, she and Tarek are decent people, trying to earn a good living for their little girl and their relationship seems easy and comfortable. I'm glad that this couple get along rather than bicker and roll their eyes at each other on camera. They may seem fake to viewers but I think they're just being themselves and I like that they don't put on a big show. The formula is good in that respect. I don't like seeing them drive around in their status- symbol Escalade and I do get tired of how much make-up she wears. She's young and doesn't need it! Anyway, I think the renovations they make re very fun to watch but I doubt they're getting them done for the amounts they state, unless they receive deep discounts from the network or the sponsors. The most interesting thing about the show to me is seeing them fix up dilapidated houses in bad areas high in crime that sell for $400,000! That's the essence of SoCal! Most of the houses on this show are ridiculously overpriced and even renovated aren't worth half of what they sell for because the cities and neighborhoods are terrible places to live and usually only a few blocks away from gang lands.

After sampling several over-produced 1 hour house flipping shows that are typically padded with made-up story lines, bad acting and more hype than help, I found this show to be a breath of fresh air! It gives a lot of useful insights into the industry for buyer and seller alike. I'm a California native who would love to "go home" except for the cost of living. If I ever win the lottery or inherit a fortune from a secret rich uncle, I'd be there in a minute. Until then it's interesting to be reminded just how much more of a house I can get by choosing location wisely.

The show also serves to show just how much money can be saved through sweat equity. Although I've never flipped a house, I have fixed up old cars for resale. That experience has shown me how a little knowledge and a lot of initiative can pay/save big money! I see them doing a lot of the labor themselves, which is the not-so-secret secret of their success. Oh, to be young again!

I do have a gripe with the half-hour format of the show, and others like it. There's just too much story to cram into barely over 20 minutes after commercials! This show really could use a full hour time slot.

Tarek getting upset when the contractor tells him the galvanized pipes are clogged. First of all any Flip that you expect to get 400,000 or better should get new plumbing when there are cheap galvanized pipes used. How can he look upset really pisses me off when if he was a reputable builder he would change out all those pipes as a matter of practice. Also the electrical panels same thing when they encounter crap. Yet he always has to appear coming to the conclusion to replace kicking and screaming about his budget. And reputable. So if you want to educate people in renovations at least present a proper way to do it.