This Tarek El Moussa & Christina Haack Flip Changed Everything for the HGTV Stars

It began with a pilot. Lengthy earlier than Christina Haack and Tarek El Moussa made headlines for each little second of their private lives, they have been fledgling HGTV personalities hoping to be the following “it couple.” The yr was 2013, and the present was Flip or Flop. As pioneers of the flipping pattern on the community, the then-married El Moussas used their huge information of actual property and expertise in home flipping to their benefit. Having a look again on the pilot, it’s possible you’ll acknowledge the youthful model of the celebrities. You’d see a relationship that was earlier than the infants. Earlier than the divorce. Earlier than the second and third marriages. Earlier than the headlines. Earlier than they stated goodbye to their present and hiya to their solo initiatives. Had the pilot episode of Flip or Flop not launched their careers within the flipping business on HGTV, we might not have the mammoth success of The Flip Off. The pilot really was the flip that modified every thing for Christina Haack and Tarek El Moussa.

‘Flip or Flop’s First Episode Set the Tone

It is time to look at the episode generally known as “The Foreclosures Heebie-Jeebies.” On this first episode, Tarek guides viewers about their success previous to the cameras rolling. Having beforehand bought a house in public sale, they have been in a position to take it, renovate it, and switch a revenue. Or, as they name it, flip. As he says, “The upper the stakes, the larger the reward.” And albeit, it is true in any business. Nonetheless, for these two, the chance was pitching their concept and having HGTV consider in them. For many who might not know the backstory, the couple created an audition tape for HGTV, which piqued their curiosity. The community despatched a digicam crew, a pilot was created, and the remaining is historical past.

In that first episode, it’s possible you’ll be gobsmacked by the seemingly dated expertise Tarek makes use of to snag details about the foreclosures houses they’re hungry to buy. They discover a residence they’re keen to buy in public sale, however to show the high-stakes world of residence flipping, viewers watch as Tarek stealthily tries to look into the potential property like a ninja, including some motion to the drama. It is endearing, although borderline scandalous. Watching Christina calling out to him from the backseat of their SUV alongside their daughter really is a precursor to their relationship on display. Tarek does the work, whereas Christina appears to be like fairly. From there, they argue, banter, and succeed. Sure, they confronted “disasters,” however that is what occurs on these reveals. There should be some battle earlier than reaching the target. It is the formulation that follows them alongside all through the period of their run on Flip or Flop and onto The Flip Off.

Tarek wins the property like a renegade at $275,000. What’s inside will not be as dangerous because the houses they will discover sooner or later. Whereas they definitely got the “heebie-jeebies” by the house, it finally turned a profitable flip for the pair, making a revenue of $55,000. Because the collection barreled on, the low-cost residence may very well come as a shock to newer followers who’ve grow to be accustomed to the million-dollar property flips. However this humble starting is a real testomony to the onerous work and dedication they put in to grow to be the staples of the community they’re right now.

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‘Flip or Flop’ Was the Gold Commonplace of HGTV Flipping Exhibits

HGTV hit 'Flip or Flop' promo with Christina Haack and Tarek El Moussa in the kitchen — Picture by way of HGTV

Tarek is a wheeler and vendor. As we have realized from The Flip Off, Tarek’s largest flaw is he is a cheapskate. It began from day one, we simply might not have been aware of it again then. It makes this primary episode fairly hilarious to look at. Christina took management of the design and warned us from the bounce that impartial is essential for a possible purchaser. And it is one thing that has remained since that very first flip on display. Christina was ultimately in a position to play with pops of coloration and daring designs, which helped her earn her personal collection, Christina on the Coast.

At the moment, HGTV reveals have been specializing in the people as tv personalities along with their information and talent to show their viewers. It is why you see Christina spoon-feeding their child daughter, Taylor, in a excessive chair. It is why you hear Christina regularly remind us that Tarek is there to offer for his household. He is a household man. Hell, you even get to meet Tarek’s mom and stepfather on the open home! These moments humanized the couple whereas welcoming viewers into their world.

There have been occasions on the planet of tv the place a superb concept could make it to airing, but when that first episode would not resonate with the viewers, it is lights out. Luckily, after the premiere, Tarek and Christina would go on to movie ten seasons over the course of seven years. Not each single yr was rainbows and butterflies for the pair. They skilled the expansion of their household and the dissolution of their marriage. They found that they have been solely as sturdy as their present, so, even divorced, they labored as enterprise companions to maintain Flip or Flop trucking alongside. Trying again, the pilot might not have appeared as groundbreaking on a rewatch. It’s extremely formulaic, however that formulation is what enticed viewers into this huge new world. It arrange the collection. It allowed Flip or Flop to parlay into its masterclass of flipping. They took the usual blueprint of an HGTV collection and infused the home-flipping style into it as no different collection really had achieved earlier than. They have been their very own shoppers.