Ep 9. Too Close for Comfort

In episode 9 of Love It or List It season 13, titled "Too Close for Comfort," homeowners Mark and Teresa are feeling cramped in their current house. With three kids and a dog, they need more space, but they can't decide if they should renovate or move. Designer Hilary Farr hopes to convince them that staying in their current home and renovating is the best option, while real estate agent David Visentin presents them with new houses that could potentially meet their needs.

The episode begins with Mark and Teresa giving Hilary and David a tour of their home. They show them the main living areas, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Teresa points out the lack of storage space and the small size of the bedrooms, while Mark mentions that the layout doesn't flow well. They both agree that they need a bigger house, but they are torn between renovating or moving.

Hilary takes on the challenge of renovating the house to meet the family's needs. She proposes removing walls to create an open concept layout, adding a bedroom and bathroom to the basement, and turning the unused attic space into a functional living area. Hilary's plan also includes creating a mudroom and adding more storage throughout the house. She hopes that these changes will convince Mark and Teresa to stay in their current home.

David, on the other hand, thinks that the family should move to a bigger house. He shows them three potential properties that could meet their needs. The first house is located in a desirable neighborhood and has a larger backyard, but it needs some updating. The second house is move-in ready, but it's on a busy street. The third house has a more modern design and a bigger kitchen, but it's further away from their current location. David believes that one of these houses could be the solution to their space issues.

As the renovation and house hunting processes begin, tensions rise between Mark and Teresa. Mark is reluctant to spend more money on their current house, while Teresa is worried about leaving their established neighborhood and friends. They both struggle to envision what their future might look like in a renovated or new house.

Throughout the episode, viewers get an inside look at the challenges and decisions involved in home renovation and buying. We see the ups and downs of each process, as the homeowners weigh their options and consider their priorities. Meanwhile, Hilary and David work their magic, using their expertise to try and help the family find the best solution for their needs.

Ultimately, Mark and Teresa must choose whether to love their renovated home or list it and move to a new house. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers guessing until the next episode to find out which option they choose.

Overall, Love It or List It season 13 episode 9 is a compelling and entertaining look at the world of home renovation and buying. With relatable homeowners, expert designers and real estate agents, and high-stakes decisions, this episode is sure to keep viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats.