The Biggest Lie From HGTV's Fixer To Fabulous You Were Led To Believe

HGTV's "Fixer to Fabulous" keeps winning in the ratings mostly likely because so many fans resonate with its small-town charm and heartwarming home transformations. Hosted by the down-to-earth Dave and Jenny Marrs, the show follows the couple as they renovate homes in Bentonville, Arkansas, bringing fresh life to outdated spaces. However, while the series presents itself as an authentic home makeover experience, some behind-the-scenes details might surprise viewers. Like many renovation shows, "Fixer to Fabulous" may not always be as straightforward as it seems, especially when it comes to the renovation costs and final furnishings.

HGTV has long been known for producing binge-worthy home renovation shows, but not everything viewers see is the full story. The biggest lie from HGTV's "Fixer Upper" you were led to believe, for instance, was that they misrepresented the renovation costs and led viewers to believe that major home transformations can be done on unrealistically low budgets. Also, there were some lies on "Love It or List It" you were led to believe were true: The show has been called out for staging conflicts, thus potentially damaging its credibility with its audience. Compared to these shows, "Fixer to Fabulous" does stand out in some ways — because even though costs may be a barrier to some homeowners, the Marrs still give their best while doing a home makeover.

One of the biggest misconceptions about HGTV renovation shows is that the network covers all costs. In reality, on "Fixer to Fabulous," it's the homeowners who foot the bill for their renovations. According to their casting application, potential clients are asked how they will fund their Dave and Jenny Marrs' renovation, which at a minimum will amount to $120,000. HGTV confirmed that they don't cover the renovation costs but will, occasionally, contribute money for the sake of beautifying a space or to help accelerate the process.

Do homeowners get to keep the furniture on "Fixer to Fabulous?" Jenny explained, via PureWow, that they will look through the homeowner's existing furniture, and if they can use it to stage the home, they will do so. "But otherwise, I work with a local firm and pretty much figure out what I would do for the client. And then the homeowners have the option to buy it at a discounted rate." However, in most HGTV shows, staged furniture is used for the final reveal, and "Fixer to Fabulous" is no exception.

Whether it's the unseen furniture talks or the financial reality of home makeovers, "Fixer to Fabulous" captivates viewers by balancing the aspirational with the genuine. While not everything is shown on screen, the show still delivers real, high-stakes transformations that homeowners invest in emotionally and financially. And, ultimately, most homeowners seem to enjoy the process.