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Do you want to become the next person to debate the pros and cons of homeownership on House Hunters? Well, join the club. But read this first. While some shows, like CBS’s Survivor, recruit players heavily, House Hunters relies on actual contestant applications to cast each episode. The 100 to 200 applications they receive per week suggest it is worthwhile to appear on the show. But these less-than-appealing House Hunters secrets prove there’s a lot the average viewer doesn’t know about one of HGTV’s most popular shows — especially once you find out how scripted the show really is!

For instance, are the home buyers real people or are they just actors playing a part? Does HGTV pay you to appear on the show? And what really goes on behind the scenes of each episode? Find out below as we spill all the beans on HGTV’s House Hunters.

9. Each episode costs $45,000 to $50,000 to make

Tiny house hunters
HGTV reportedly spends $50,000 on each episode of House Hunters. | House Hunters via Facebook

It’s almost unfathomable to think how much money HGTV has invested in House Hunters through the years. With more that 159 seasons and 1,700 shows under their belt, the production teams have filmed shows in every U.S. state multiple times. They have at least eight different teams filming simultaneously across America to maintain the fast pace of production. Expenses add up quick at $50,000 a pop.

Next: The inside scoop on budgets and home prices

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