a peek inside the fishbowl

I am still recovering Podcamp 2011. I gave a presentation on blog monetization on Saturday afternoon, but I will tell you all about that later. First I want to introduce one of my newest patrons. This one is especially timely because of all the (a) soul-searching and reno talk we’ve been doing around here and (b) the recent batch of writing I’ve done has been mostly home and reno-related and (c) there is a soft spot in my heart for home/design/reno show productions because once upon a time this is the kind of thing I wanted to do with my life (production that is, not renovation!). Phew. Lots of reasons eh? :)

It is for all these reasons that I’m so delighted to introduce Ottawa-based (!) Mountain Road Productions. They’re the masterminds behind a national show called All For Nothing that airs on the W Network. Perhaps you’ve seen it?

The premise of All For Nothing is pretty cool. Each episode features two families who want to sell their homes (and get as much money as they can for them, obviously). The goal is to increase the home’s appeal and worth  in the cheapest way possible. The seller with the highest increase in value at the end of two weeks wins. Begging is admissible. And bartering with family and neighbours is similarly encouraged. You can’t imagine the stuff that goes on. 

As we all know, the road to home improvement is paved with good intentions and there are always many bumps along the way. There are twists and turns aplenty, and of course that’s where it gets really interesting.

Since there’s more to renovation (or should I say rejuvenation?) than slapping a coat of paint on the walls, design expert Penny Southam and realtor Paul Rushforth are on hand to offer their experience and advice along the way. But it gives rise to so many questions: will participants heed their advice or do it on their own? Who’s going to roll up their sleeves and haul those flagstones? What are they going to do with that gawdawful floor? Will Penny and Paul butt heads? And if they do – WHO’S RIGHT? And most importantly, which family can do it with the least about of money within the allotted time?

You can’t deny the allure of the personal stories either. They’re definitely a big part of the show… you cry, you cheer, you yell at the TV. (“But their chances at victory hang on a mix up with the new custom countertops. With only one day left, will they resolve the problem?”)  It’s real estate drama at its finest! PASS THE POPCORN.

Whether you’re planning on selling your home or you suffer from varying degrees of homedesignaddiction, you will be surprised at the ideas and inspiration, not to mention the special insight into current trends and ways we can all improve our living spaces on the cheap.

Here’s the cool news, Mountain Road is looking for Ottawa-area home owners to feature in the show. They’re just about to start filming their second season (26 one-hour episodes!) and THEY NEED YOU. They are currently scouring the area – from block to block, and street to street – leaving no neighbourhood unexplored as they continue a large-scale casting hunt to find homeowners.

Think about it! You could win commission-free sales representation by Paul Rushworth (not to mention expert design advice and a big boost in the value in your home)… all in all a prize worth thousands of dollars. HUGE.

But you know that the best thing is, there are no losers here. No one gets voted off the island or is forced to eat fish and rice for weeks on end. (Um. Unless you really want to.)

The application form is on this page. You obviously need to be on the cusp of selling and have the will to work, and own a home that would make great television a.k.a provide some awesome before-and-after pics.

Do note, the show is on Facebook and Mountain Road itself is on Facebook and Twitter too. (All are easy ways to keep up with what’s coming up and get special sneak peeks at upcoming episodes.)

Thank you Mountain Road for becoming a Fishbowl patron! We are looking forward to seeing what kind of changes you inspire in Ottawa homes!