Flip or Flop (2013–2022) User Reviews

These two are pretty blah.

[aolson09 · 5/10 · 13 February 2014]

OK, I'm not from SoCal so Christina's SoCal accent is pretty annoying. She swallows her vowels and talks like a ditsy "Valley Girl". They both sound like they are reading from a script or from cue cards. She is constantly playing with her hair and walks like she is modeling for a magazine or video.

With that said, the issues they run into are very real. The costs to fix the issues seem right on. Somehow, though, they always make a profit on this and always win the auctions. That isn't real.

Aren't we watching this show to experience the ups and downs of flipping houses? Shouldn't there be more drama? They get along well which is nice but it always turns out OK. Life never turns out OK all the time.

Mixed feelings....

[SilverLexiGirl · 6/10 · 9 July 2014]

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.

One problem: Too fake!!

[Staceybernier · 5/10 · 30 July 2014]

I love watching DIY and renovation shows to see before and after results. This show isn't bad. I understand some of the fake drama that is added to gain interest in viewers. I don't believe the auctions. It seems very staged by not so experienced actors. I have to say though, the thing that irritates me the most about this show is Christina. She has the personality of a zombie. When she is talking to the camera, it's very monotone and very valley girl like. For goodness sake, please pronounce your G's! Also, why on earth would you wear high heels and makeup to a demolition? The amount of mascara makes me cringe every time. As a couple, Tarak and Christina seem very unemotional. There is no arguments, no tears, no raising voices, no hugging, no nothing. Flipping houses would be an emotional roller coaster! There is ZERO emotion in this show! It's all about the money. Oh and please stop whining about how much something costs when you drive around in your multiple luxury automobiles. I'm all about being able to reap the benefits of one's own work but don't complain about a few thousand more spent on a flip when it's evident that it's a drop in the bucket for you. Enough of the fake drama! Give us the raw drama! Give us some emotion people! Please Christina, for goodness sake stop talking like Kim Kardashian and pronounce those G's!

house-flipping in LA

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 28 August 2020]

The amount of nastiness and hatred toward Tarek and Christina on this site is astonishing. As to predictions that they show won't be on long, it's not only been on since 2013, Christina and Tarek now each have separate shows on top of Flip or Flop.

I guess we just live in a world where people need to focus their hostility on something. Let's see - I've read they always make money. So in other words, you've watched what - one show? They have lost money, they have gotten no offers by the time the show ends, they've had no one show up at an open house.

Also what makes any of you think these people do one flip at a time? They have as many as ten going at a time. Despite what you might think, they do know what they're doing.

I've read the prices they buy these flips for are exorbitant. This is southern California - of course the prices are ridiculous! And I've read that they do no sweat equity themselves. Again, you've only watched one episode. They certainly do.

On a show like this, the "surprises" etc. that are shown on a property - they certainly know about them before the cameras start rolling, otherwise, there would be no show. And yes, they go over budget - on the particular flips they show. Again, no drama without it. They have made a ton of money.

I happen to think Christina is a good designer. I love people saying she isn't one. Then how are the houses getting done? And how is she doing designing on a second show?

Not successful? Live in a tract home? Uh, no, they don't. They run a huge business, have a large home which has been shown, and they make a lot of money.

I had a friend on one of these shows - it went pretty well like you see on TV but full price was not paid for the products purchased. That's to the person who complained about them getting things cheaply. These home shows do.

Once they divorced, the hatred toward this couple doubled, intimating that Tarek should check the paternity of their second child. That is disgusting, especially considering she had to have in vitro fertilization.

I watch these shows to see the finished product - I like looking at something that looks great coming from nothing. I don't watch them so I can trash the people doing them and call them con artists. Look up their business on google, and you'll see they're hardly that. They're also hugely popular.

How about some reality

[fiorot-73862 · 19 August 2016]

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.

Great Show -- Needs to be 1 Hour Length

[Speed_Daemon · 8/10 · 21 May 2014]

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.

Good show but sometimes I wonder

[greathairstylist · 6/10 · 20 October 2014]

This show just seems so unrealistic. Here is a couple who spend thousands of dollars to renovate a house and despite all the comps in the neighborhood, always seem to come out making a large profit. The one episode, they bought a 2 bedroom bungalow. Too begin with any one who knows real estate well should know that 2 bedroom homes are hard to sell because most people in the market for a home want at least 3 bedrooms to accommodate a family. 2 bedrooms are a hard sell unless you are in a retirement community or trailer park. In that same episode, one of the views of the house showed a house directly across the street that was all boarded up. This will lower your property value. Yet, they made a large profit on the house. The other problem is they out price their neighborhoods and always come out on top. Who would buy a 3 million dollar house in the worst city in the US. No one. But, they always seem to find people who will buy their houses despite the inflated cost. It is better to have the worse house in the best neighborhood than the best house in the worst neighborhood. Also, most people who flip will not put granite counter tops in and travertene tile. Most people interested in flipping will use cheaper material to increase their profits. Make it look good! Sell it and forget it! Do not invest a small fortune in counter tops, floors, tile and whatever else the place needs. Flippers are out to make money. Not spend money. Than it always ends up in a bidding war at the end and they end up making more than they were asking. How many fools out there will pay more than asking for any house despite all the work done. Especially if the comps in the neighborhood are cheaper. The concept is good. But, I would like to see them lose on a house or 2 to make it more realistic or get stuck with a house. I like the show and I do watch it. But, all these questions baffle me.

This show is complete crap

[jim-16129 · 1/10 · 21 May 2015]

I have built houses and in the past few years I have flipped houses. To think a couple who know nothing can buy distressed properties and hire contractors to do all of the the work, and still make thousands on every property is ludicrous. Anyone with experience in the industry can see through this sham. Most viewers can see through it even though they have no experience but have critical thinking skills. What this show does is to make ignorant people think they can make a living flipping houses with no experience in building or renovating. I make good money doing renovations,but I do the work myself. I still have properties that cost more than anticipated and the margin of profit is insignificant. This show makes me cringe. You don't drive around in an Escalade protecting your manicured nails in this business. They are making money on the show and deceiving people to think that they make a living on the properties. It is a total crock.

Great Show

[braceface-716-16464 · 10/10 · 18 June 2013]

Really impressed with this show. It offers a lot of insight into the real estate market and Christina chooses so many incredible design choices that I just LOVE. The houses always look beautiful and it is great that Tarek and Christina are able to provide the market with homes that have high-end appearances at affordable prices. I also love how respectful they are to each other and you can really tell that family is extremely important to them both.

Also I have noticed that they both always provide sincere and informative replies to posts on the show's Facebook account, so definitely go there for questions! I can't wait for Season 2 to come out!

Realistic Flips, Likable Characters

[fudz · 7/10 · 11 June 2014]

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.

No Appeal

[booksaplenty · 1/10 · 27 July 2015]

Unlike the show Fixer Upper, where Chip and Joanna have real interaction, great ideas, and genuine chemistry, Christina and Tarek offer nothing at all. I find Christina totally plastic. I cannot believe the mindless comments she makes. Even worse, with the 2015 season there is MORE of a focus on her, she speaks and participates more in the renovation process, that is, we see a lot more of her. But this is not good because she still has nothing to say, no good ideas, nothing but trite comments. Her delivery is totally awkward. I am quite surprised to see this show is still on the air. They often seem very naive in their choice of house, asking price, and scope of renovation.I don't watch the show any longer.

Great Show!

[mmtg25 · 9/10 · 16 August 2014]

Very entertaining show! Christina and Tarek and their little girl are adorable. I love their style, their energy and what a sweet family they seem to be. The flipping process is over simplified and sometimes the "obstacles" they run into seem scripted. But there are spontaneous moments too that show the hosts' personalities and endear the viewer to them.

Don't expect to get an education on real estate investing, this is not a documentary. Just pure fun. And as an added bonus, the decorating ideas in the rehabbed houses are cool, stylish and easy to replicate.

Check it out.

But beware, you'll want to rehab your own home after watching a few episodes.

Flipping Fun in Southern California

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 29 January 2016]

HGTV has created a large audience for its home renovation series. All of them are a little different from the others. "Flip or Flop" falls into the flipping category, where investors buy houses that need work, renovate them and resell them with hopes of making money.

I happen to like this show. Like the best of these shows, you don't have one partner (the husband, let's say) demeaning the opinions of the other partner (the wife, maybe). Married couple Tarek and Christina have great respect for each others' opinions. She has an eye for interior design and, over the span of this series, Tarek has learned to trust her vision and her recommendations.

They operate in Southern California. Sometimes they buy a home sight unseen. Other times, they can only see the exterior and find surprises waiting for them when they open it up (though by now, nothing should be too much of a surprise).

Can someone watch this show and learn the basics of flipping? I think so. But everyone has a different personality, with a different risk avoidance profile and a different ability or inability to see the big picture. Frankly, flipping is very risky and it takes talent to do it successfully.

Many of the criticisms leveled at Tarek and Christina on this site are related to their voices and the clothes they wear--which are irrelevant to the quality of the show. They dress appropriately to S. California. Also, some call the show unrealistic, but fail to explain how so. Other claims that they (unrealistically) never lose money, which is untrue. Often an episode ends with a house unsold, meaning it is likely they will have to lower their asking price.

I like their personalities and I consider the show entertaining.

The Only Flop Here is the Show Itself

[howellsacto-6-917798 · 1/10 · 21 May 2014]

This show promises something it doesn't deliver: a struggling couple, stung by the real estate market downturn, putting their entire life savings into flipping houses. "Will they make it?" seems to be the premise of these attractive Southern Californians' dramatic narrative. Instead, what we get is a vacuous couple cavorting around in their Escalade picking up distressed properties with someone else's money, bringing in their contractor to slather them with taupe walls, laminate floors, granite counters and vinyl windows; staging them with fake plants and Best Western-quality furnishings, and always making a handsome profit. OC Register reports they make 10K an episode, 13 episodes a year, so they're doing fine. And Tarek reports that they've never NOT turned a profit and that they're now doing between 80 and 100 flips a year. So what you have are two pretty people playing with other people's money, doing lowest-common-denominator flips, and always making a profit. There is no "there" there. They lack the talent and taste of Nicole Curtis of Rehab Addict, the soul and historic sensitivity (and keen eyes) of the Gaines family in Fixer-Upper, or the heart of the flippers in Flip It to Win It, who are working to fund charitable projects or family reunification's. You're left with two people who seem not that excited to be doing what they are doing, don't do the hard work, and inevitably reap the profit. That seems to be the only raison d'etre for the show.

Wife needs to grow up

[roggen-50575 · 4 July 2015]

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.

Least favorite flip or flop

[silvrglo-663-895032 · 6/10 · 24 August 2018]

The cost of living and renovation in California is hard to swallow. And never been the biggest Tarek and Christina but since the divorce he is so hard to watch.

I really like this couple...

[Laurella3 · 9/10 · 5 November 2014]

This show is really fun to watch because the transformations are incredible. If you are interested in knowing home values around Los Angeles/Orange County, then you will especially want to catch this one. Sure, regular folks probably couldn't accomplish these jobs with the same budget and time line, but these two are professional flippers, so it is completely believable that they would have all of the hook-ups.

I think my favorite part is that they do top quality work! They also have a pretty good grasp on design- by the time they sell the house, it is left more functional than it was to begin with. It's also pretty cool to see how they work with the same contractors on all of their jobs. Seeing the exact costs of every aspect of the job is also useful info.

It's nice that they show what they initially purchased the home for, what city/neighborhood it is located in, how much they sell it for, and their end profit.

So I guess my only qualm with the show is that I have never actually seen them do a "flop," and although I guess that's a good thing, the show might as well be called "Flip or Flip."

Overall, I really like this couple and I hope this show stays around for a long time!

Decent Before and After Show

[librashell · 7/10 · 14 December 2016]

I confess, I enjoy this show. It can be formulaic with some hiccup the flippers didn't anticipate (no house inspection? the contractor walk-thru didn't catch it?), but somehow overcome by throwing a few thousand at it. Tarek and Christina seem to have a pretty good handle on what type of design appeals to the most buyers. Not everyone wants or can afford super sleek modern design and the point is to sell as fast as possible and make the most profit. You just can't do that with more specific design, folks. Even so, they still go for some higher- end finishes like granite and real tile over linoleum and plastic shower surrounds. You've got to spend money to make money and they seem to know that. They also seem to respect the bones of the house - keeping or reinstating Craftsman details in older homes, going with a mid-century vibe, opening up spaces for modern living, bringing things up to code. Yes, they rely on their contractors a lot, but most people do and, in many cases, are required to. And, since the show's inception, you can see that they've learned a lot. Since I don't live in California, I have to take their assessments for value, location and desirability at face value. I suspect some of these homes go for the high end of the comps just because of the show but it's not my money so what do I care? I am fully aware that many scenarios are embellished or staged. It's ridiculous to think that ANY show on HGTV doesn't do this. You seriously can't tell me that the "problem" that Fixer Upper's Chip and Joanne have to call their client about on every single episode wasn't known from the get-go. My main quibbles are:

1. The "closing costs" at the end of the show. I have to assume these include their real estate agent commission - which should be included in the profit.

2. New sod in almost every remodel. They did install drought- tolerant landscaping in one episode but I don't understand why they're not doing this the majority of the time. It would be a great message to send and make more sense in California.

3. C'mon, Tarek. Putting one tile up in the shower, applying glue for countertops or swinging a sledge-hammer doesn't make you a pro. Let's just stop pretending - the gig is up.

4. I don't have a problem with Christina's clothes or makeup. She's a product of her environment. At least she doesn't pretend she's instrumental in the actual labor. She gets to do the fun stuff like picking out tiles and paint colors and who wouldn't love to do that?

5. I think Israel should get his own show.

6. Pete de Best comes off as an entitled, petulant jerk in every episode he's on. Please do not show him again.

7. Christina's parents can't act. Her dad trying to deliver the line about needing his money back right away was downright painful. And did we really need this storyline? Would rather they show more of the actual remodel.

8. The opening sequence needs to change. They are no longer in dire straits and the housing crash has recovered.

9. They may not show all the flips they're involved in but they have had some flops that they have shown. I'm not sure why some other reviewers haven't seen these episodes??

Overall, this is a good show and I like the hosts. Was sorry to hear they're having personal troubles but hope they can keep the show on track. I love the before and afters, especially with the staging, and would be bummed if it went off the air.

Skip it

[Joangbarry · 1/10 · 8 March 2015]

This show is awful. Tarek and Christina are the most uneducated house flippers I have ever seen. How did they get their own show??? Here are some of the central problem with Flip or Flop: 1. Tarek and Christina ALWAYS underestimate the cost of a rehab. Not sure exactly how many homes they have flipped, but even I can guesstimate the cost of a new roof. I can also assume that an older abandoned house will have problems that can't be seen at first glance. 2. Their finished homes look cheap and tacky - always dark cabinets and orangey beige tile on everything. The 90's called and they want their kitchens back. And everyone hates laminate floors. Because of this the "after" reveal is always underwhelming. 3. Why is Christina always wearing skimpy workout clothes with full hair and troweled-on makeup??? Did she always just leave the set of an 80's aerobics video? And tarek with the flip flops-put on some actual shoes! Ugh. I love HGTV but I wish this show would just go away.

Flip or Flop

[trimbolicelia · 8/10 · 6 February 2022]

Realistic or not, I like this show. Tarek and Christina, now divorced, still have good chemistry. I hope they continue their show for some time to come. I am getting bored with the Modern Farmhouse and grey color themes, though I still like their flips. I agree with another reviewer in that they should design more drought tolerant landscaping. It is California, after all. My main beef is that they include their personal lives way too much. I don't need to see their kids. No offense but those kids have cement-mixer laughs. And I wish T. And C. Every happiness in their lives, but I don't want to see their new significant others. Recently Tarek had his fiance on an episode. (they have since married-Congrats). I certainly hope he's not going to replace Christina on the show. The show works because of Tarek's and Christina's work AND chemistry.

It's okay.

[DrCharlesMontague · 6/10 · 24 July 2020]

Tarek definitely has a TV personality that appeals to most, but I wish he would tone the glitzy pimp style down a little. Christina is annoying to me and should just stay home. HGTV is busy promoting her new show and it smells of desperation, but I think Tarek will go on successfully influencing the starry-eyed to continue inflating the real estate market by convincing everyone they need houses full of expensive and busy tile (and every house he's doing has the same backsplash it seems).

Tarek's houses usually come together well and I like that he does show concern for details and doing things correctly, however staged or scripted that may be.

What incompetence!

[piccplayer · 1/10 · 21 July 2016]

This couple apparently has now completed a hundred flips or more of similar size and complexity. Yet, on EVERY HOUSE, they go over budget and over the time estimate. And not by a little, but by a huge amount. No contingency of any kind is ever factored into their estimates. Ridiculous and just speaks to their level of incompetence. And if I hear "what?" one more time, I think I'll scream. Interesting that Chip and Joanna on Fixer Upper as well as Drew and Jonathan on Property Brothers don't seem to have these issues. I suppose when you're dealing with clients, you feel a sense of responsibility to plan and execute your work more sensibly and to factor in some unknowns. This couple, however, is so beyond realism it makes me laugh. Every house looks the same; every house is over priced. I seriously question the quality of their work as well. It would be interesting to go back a year later and see what problems the new homeowners have encountered.

Great before after show- wrapped up on 30 mins.

[Rogerstella · 8/10 · 21 December 2020]

I find Tarek to be likable, Christina, not so much. I like that they show efficient flipping.

• Find run down house in decent market.
• Hire contractors to do all the work.

-Make unlivable house, beautiful.

Don't get all the hate in these reviews, for a 30 min Reno show.

The show is very good.

[daveanderson-92608 · 7/10 · 30 May 2021]

Despite the other reviews this is an entertaining show. However because of Christina I use the mute button regularly. She is clueless and very annoying. She is not a nice person. I remember her kicking Tarek into the cold swimming pool and making fun of the clothes he was wearing on several occasions. The bratty facial expressions she makes are very irritating. She always expects to have her expensive ideas used with no regard for profit. She doesn't understand the economics of flipping for a profit.

Petulant bimbo + brainless "bro" = unwatchable show

[LawnBoy-4 · 1/10 · 21 June 2015]

Just when you think reality fare can't get any worse, along comes HGTV's vacuous, despicable duo, whatshername and whatshisname, with the unwatchable "Flip or Flop". The premise is basic enough - two idiots buy houses, based upon their ability to flip them once fixed up. Not terribly exciting, but whatever. There's a market and audience for any type of "reality"-based idea and I'm sure this one's no better or worse than any other.

The problem with this show is that its two hosts are so staggeringly one dimensional, empty headed and devoid of ANY personality or redeeming qualities whatsoever that the viewer is lulled to sleep before the first commercial break. Whatshername basically possesses two forms of expression: abject petulance and utter confusion, neither of which endears her to even the most remotely discriminating viewer. It's obvious that the dim bulb flickering inside her bleached cranium has never generated anything which could pass for an original thought or useful idea. Her standard response to virtually any "event" which transpires on the show involves a pout, a head tilt and zero helpful feedback. Every situation looks like it requires too much thought or labor for her to handle, hence the pouting.

Whatshisname is only marginally better as he can at least be expected to express a semi- lucid thought on occasion. He, too, seems too ill-equipped to handle any sort of manual labor which might be required to improve the seemingly hapless lot into which he chooses to dump his investment.

Sadly, shows like this tend to make it in spite of (or because of) their tragically unlikable "stars" and this one will probably fare similarly. Meanwhile, somewhere out there, a couple with talent, personality and intelligence is wasting away flipping soon-to-be condemned properties in Crapville, NJ while these two idiots get paid to flaunt their incompetence to a national audience.

What a shame.