Despite the fact that Chip and Joanna attended the same college, Baylor University, they didn’t meet until after graduation. Chip, who had previously owned and operated multiple businesses, came to Joanna’s father’s Firestone, where she was employed. “Hey, you’re the girl in the commercials,” Chip said to her, referring to the store’s advertisements. They married in 2003, a little more than a year later.
After borrowing $5,000, they launched their first project together, Magnolia Market. It’s one of several Waco, Texas businesses they presently own. On the job, Joanna learned about interior design.
They started flipping houses as a team as well, but after the housing market meltdown, they concentrated on renovations. That’s how the HGTV show “Fixer Upper” got its start.
“Fixer Upper” has returned. But before Chip Gaines and Joanna can yell, “It’s demolition day!” they need to find the appropriate projects, and that’s where you come in.
The couple’s new Magnolia Network will premiere a “Fixer Upper” revival, but in the meanwhile, they’ve put out a casting call for current Waco homeowners looking for a spectacular house restoration.
Homeowners must live within 30 miles of Waco to be eligible, but most die-hard fans of the show already knew that. The new wrinkles include a $50k remodel budget, delegating all design and renovation judgments to Chip and Joanna, and being willing to vacate while the work is underway. This is expected to begin later this fall.
The Baylor football-loving pair frequently trotted around town with their clients seeking for a house they wanted to buy and refurbish during the show’s 5 successful seasons on HGTV, which ended in April 2018. But this time, it appears that “only homeowners who have closed on a property and/or are already living in their ‘Fixer Upper'” would be considered.
Because the programs will last 30 to 35 weeks, those who are chosen will need to find other housing. And, in case you’re curious, the furniture used to stage the refurbished home is available for purchase at a reduced price following the big reveal.
