How to Audition for HGTV

Two of the network’s most recognizable personalities to date, Drew and Jonathan Scott, aka the Property Brothers, never dreamed of becoming real estate and renovation experts. Drew aspired to become an actor, and Jonathan wanted to become an illusionist. Renovating homes was simply their way of making enough money to fund their true creative ambitions right out of high school.

“We bought a $500 infomercial course that promised you to ‘make millions with no money down.’ They got our money; however, we did learn a couple of things that allowed us to buy our first house for only $250 out of pocket,” Jonathan told USA Today. “That’s how we launched into it. Lo and behold, we were good at real estate.”

But about 10 years later, when Drew felt the acting bug biting again, the two came up with the idea to take their expertise to television. “I started getting host auditions as a real estate expert,” Drew told the outlet. “We thought we could probably build a brand around this. We know how to design houses. What if we do what we were doing with clients locally for a larger national or global audience?”

According to realtor.com, producers at the Canadian network Cineflix first hired Drew to host its real estate series, “My Dream Home,” ultimately casting his twin brother and business partner as the show’s contractor. The show was later shopped around, and although HGTV initially passed, Canada’s W Network signed the brothers to a full season in 2011, allowing them to prove themselves before joining the network they now call home.

Page Turner began her HGTV career by answering a call for prospective hosts from the network itself. “I’m part of a Black realtor association, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, and I saw this email come to us as an association that said, ‘Hey, HGTV is looking for minority couples with their formula.’ The [premise of the show was the] husband was a contractor, the wife was a designer for a new series, and it could be anywhere in the country,” Turner told Rolling Out. “I was still in Nashville, and I didn’t know any Black couples who are married with this formula. [In the] middle of the night, I wake up and say to myself: That’s not what they’re looking for. I’m going to rewrite what they’re looking for.

“So anyway, that turned into a series [with my ex-boyfriend]…. I pitched the show to HGTV; they greenlit it two months later,” she explained of her first show, “Flip or Flop Nashville,” which she co-hosted with then-boyfriend DeRon Jenkins. “And now here I am: creator, executive producer, and host of ‘Fix My Flip,’ and back on HGTV.” Turner has since become co-host of HGTV’s perennial hit “Love It or List It,” taking over from designer Hilary Farr.

Credit: AhmadDanialZulhilmi/Shutterstock

Whether you’re in the market for a new home like those on “House Hunters” or “My Lottery Dream Home,” or you need help updating your digs like folks on “No Demo Reno” or “Fixer to Fabulous,” HGTV’s casting process reads more like an application process—and it can be somewhat lengthy depending on the show. 

Shows like “Help! I Wrecked My House” are relatively simple: Participants need only be local to Salt Lake City, Park City, and/or surrounding Utah locations; have a budget of no less than $100,000; and need three to four spaces renovated. Prospects who meet these criteria should contact the casting team via email, providing their name, location, renovation budget, and photos of the so-called “wrecked” rooms for consideration.

“Love It or List It,” however, dives much deeper when solidifying its lineup. Along with location and budget requirements, potential participants must fill out the show’s 35-question application, which asks for details about their relationship, their home, and their goals. You’ll also need to upload photos of rooms throughout your home as well as a quick video tour of your house. Much like an audition, you’ll need to convince the casting team why your family would make for compelling television—you really need to sell yourself and your situation, and make your story stand apart from all those who are clamoring for a spot on the popular show.

Lil Jon and Anitra Mecadon as seen on HGTV's "Lil Jon Wants To Do What?" Photograph by HGTV

HGTV has been revamping its lineup as of late, having canceled a number of its best-known series in an attempt to refresh its content. While series like “Farmhouse Fixer,” “Bargain Block,” and “Married to Real Estate” won’t be returning to the network, these changes make way for countless new opportunities, as the network appears to be working on establishing a new “Property Brothers” series as well as shows focused on ranch-type property buyers and home renovations in the Orange County, California area.

Also, these popular series have officially been renewed by HGTV:

• “Home Town” starring Ben and Erin Napier
• “Love It or List It” starring David Visentin and Page Turner
• “Help! I Wrecked My House” starring Jasmine Roth
• “100 Day Dream Home” starring Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt
• “Fixer to Fabulous” starring Dave and Jenny Marrs

David Bromstad as seen on HGTV's "My Lottery Dream Home"
Photograph by HGTV

Head to HGTV’s website for all your casting news! Thanks to its Be on HGTV page, you’ll never have to guess which shows are seeking participants to be featured on upcoming seasons. From multiple “House Hunters” series to “My Lottery Dream Home” to numerous unnamed (presumably new) renovation series, there are countless opportunities available at any given time. It can’t hurt to follow your favorite network personalities and shows on social media, either. After all, in August 2025, “Love It or List It” announced it was casting via Instagram, seeking Toronto-area residents with a design budget of at least $75,000 who aren’t happy with their current living situation. The post directed interested parties to fill out the show’s application for consideration. So keep an eye on your favorite show’s accounts!

For those who hope to become hosts on the network, however, auditions are more like pitch sessions as you’ll need to convince decision-makers that you have what it takes to lead your own series. Production companies like Pie Town Productions (“Flip or Flop,” “House Hunters”), 547Barnard (“Hidden Potential”), RTR Media (“Home Town”), and High Noon Entertainment (“Restored by the Fords”) help to create some of the network’s most popular shows. Pitching your idea to one of these teams could bring you one step closer to fulfilling your dream.

Kim Wolfe as seen in HGTV's "Why The Heck Did I Buy This House?"
Photograph by HGTV

While we’ve established that those who hope to become HGTV hosts must successfully pitch their expertise and appeal to willing production companies and the network itself, much hinges on one’s knowledge of construction and design, so you’ll want to cultivate an impressive résumé and portfolio before becoming an on-air personality.

Those who wish to be featured on their favorite series, however, must genuinely sell their personal story and their need for professional help. That’s why casting teams seek truth and authenticity. As one former “Love It or List It” participant told DHGate, “I wasn’t polished or perfectly staged. I just let them see how much I loved my home and why I needed change.”

If you want your application to stand out from the rest, it must feature the following:

• An honest need for assistance: Share your underlying emotional journey. What does the house mean to you? What went into creating this home? How might professional guidance help you and your family on a personal level? Everyone wants someone to root for in the end.
• A unique or unusual story: Plenty of participants need more space, but what would a refresh—or even a new home—represent for your family? Are you determined to make the house work because it holds special memories? Or are you on the hunt for a fresh start? Let them know your hopes and dreams.
• The financial ability to see things through: While no one wants to fixate on logistics, you will need to have the money to bring your vision to fruition. Most HGTV shows feature a required minimum budget, and while some might seem steep, you must weigh whether or not your home is worth that investment.

The only other “must” for your HGTV application? That you fill it out in its entirety! CDs are very particular about this, as incomplete forms won’t be considered, so make sure you’re thorough.