I have to admit that there have been times when I've wanted to curse some of those home shows so many of us seem to be addicted to. Sometimes they have a way of making it look like selling a home is so easy. They can give the impression that a buyer makes a choice after seeing just three homes. And they have a way of convincing sellers to make every improvement they suggest, regardless of cost.
Sigh...if it were only that easy. 
But over the past week, I met with two potential sellers who both said they know what work they need to do to prep their home for sale -- declutter, paint, replace damaged screens, reduce the number of personal photos, and CLEAN! They both observed, as we walked around the exterior, that they had to work on their gardens -- clean out the weeds, add new mulch where needed, and cut the lawn!
And both knew they should not put their homes on the market until these preparations were complete.
And how did they know all this? Both admitted, "I watch those home and garden shows."
They understand that you only get one chance to make a positive first impression. They both understand that you want potential buyers to envision themselves living in the house, not the current owners.
So I apologize to all the home and garden shows out there for the bad thoughts I've had. You've done good.
Home shows can be a blessing and a curse - you are right Peggy...
Peggy, I do agree with you that you can over improve a home getting it ready for sale.
HGTV has many different shows, some with more value than others but most all of them are very entertaining.
Peggy -
So many shows, some good tips!
But so many feel now they know EVERYTHING about selling Real Estate, Flipping, Pricing, and Staging Your Home to Sell.
Guess we in the business have to take the good with the bad!
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Kathy -- Yes they can. I have to admit I'm addicted to a couple of them myself.
Gary -- They certainly can over-improve. Although I think these two sellers are on the right track...
Vickie -- They certainly are very entertaining. Good point.
Dean -- I think that's what's the most frustrating is some buyers and sellers think they know all there is to know because they watch some of those shows. But like I suggested, I also learned there is some real benefit, as well!
There is some good and some bad with those shows, eh?