Design Experts

"The Property Brothers" share must-know advice for home owners, home buyers and fans of the show

"The Property Brothers" share must-know advice for home owners, home buyers and fans of the show

Image: Scott Brothers Entertainment

Design Experts

"The Property Brothers" share must-know advice for home owners, home buyers and fans of the show

For years now, Jonathan and Drew Scott have been the darlings of HGTV with a growing number of hit shows under their belts: Property Brothers, Buying & Selling and Brother Vs Brother. And this month, they’re adding a second book to their long list of achievements.

As a follow-up to their New York Times bestseller entitled Dream Home, their new book, It Takes Two: Our Story, takes readers behind the scenes, providing a peek into Jonathan and Drew’s lives growing up in Canada, how they found their passion and developed their talent for buying, selling and designing beautiful homes and how they achieved worldwide success. Known for their wit, charm and boyish good looks, Jonathan and Drew are just as down-to-earth as they come across on TV so we asked them a few questions to help get to know them better. Here’s what they had to say:

 

Best thing about growing up in Canada?

Drew: Jonathan and I were born in Vancouver and grew up in a small city outside of Vancouver called Maple Ridge. What I love the most about Vancouver is that you have the ocean, mountains and lakes all nearby. Yes, there is a fair bit of rain but that's what makes it such a beautiful lush landscape. 

 

If you could live in any city in the world, which would it be?

Drew: Such a hard question. There are so many beautiful cities around the world. But I would have to say Los Angeles. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be in LA. That's why my fiancée Linda and I just bought a place there and are currently renovating. The reveal will air on HGTV this November. 

 

Best thing about working with your sibling? Worst thing?

Drew: Jonathan and I can communicate without talking. Makes a busy work load easier. I don't know if this is some crazy "twin-tuition" but I love it! Oh, and if I screw up I can blame it on him!

 

Worst thing?

Drew: Worst thing would be Jonathan nagging me about how to do projects. I just laugh it off since I've been renovating houses since the 90s and have a pretty good grasp on handling projects.

 

Be honest: Which one of you is really the brains and which one is the beauty?

Drew: Did you watch the last season of Brother Vs Brother? Team Drew used the brains and showed the beauty for the win ... well, a beautiful house at least! Jonathan and I have both been renovating houses since right out of high school. But we've also both been licensed real estate agents so Jonathan knows a lot on the broker side, too!

 

Best piece of advice for home buyers?

Jonathan: Plan ahead. Pre-approve for financing and spend time narrowing your search online prior to driving around looking at houses. 

 

Best piece of advice for home sellers?

Jonathan: What you like DOESN'T MATTER. What matters is only what buyers like. Look at your house through the eyes of a buyer and be honest with yourself about what needs to be improved. 

 

Biggest renovation mistake you see and how can it be avoided?

Jonathan: The biggest issue is when homeowners try to tackle renovation projects on their own. If you don't know how to do it, don't do it. There is value in bringing in a professional to do the job right. 

 

What decorating trend are you loving right now?

Jonathan: Colour is back! Turquoise, plum, pink ... be a little bold. And don't be afraid to mix metals and wood tones. 

 

What decor or design trend needs to be kicked to the curb?

Drew: I'm not a fan of many faux fur products and definitely not a fan of any real fur home decor. The bold coloured or heavy patterned faux fur just seems to be a bit much for any home design. 

 

Why should people pick up your new book?

Drew: We are asked on a daily basis, "What inspired you growing up" or "How did you get into real estate and design". It Takes Two is a memoir that tells our complete back story. The good, the bad and the ugly ... it shows what shaped us into the men we are today!

 

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Design Experts

"The Property Brothers" share must-know advice for home owners, home buyers and fans of the show