Ep 7. Money Pit

In Love It or List It season 9 episode 7, entitled Money Pit, homeowners Angie and Tito are facing a dilemma. Their beloved family home, which they have lived in for over a decade, is becoming more of a source of stress than comfort. The house has grown tired and outdated, and with three kids and a dog running around, it has become cramped and cluttered. The couple's conflicting opinions on whether they should renovate or relocate have left them feeling stuck and uncertain of what to do next.

Enter Love It or List It's dynamic duo: real estate expert David Visentin and designer Hilary Farr. David will search for a new home that meets all of the family's needs, while Hilary will undertake a major renovation to turn their current house into a dream home. Angie and Tito have a budget of $350,000 for either option, but the question remains: will they love it or list it?

The house certainly needs some work. The kitchen is small and dated, with outdated appliances and little counter space. The living room is cramped and awkwardly laid out. The bedrooms are small and overcrowded, with makeshift storage solutions that leave clothing and toys spilling out into the hallways. The backyard is unkempt and overgrown, with an old and rickety wooden deck that poses a safety hazard.

Despite these flaws, Angie and Tito have strong emotional ties to their home. They have shared so many memories there, from birthdays to holidays and everything in between. It's the house they brought their children home to, the place where they have grown and flourished as a family. But as Hilary points out, sometimes you need to let go of the past in order to move forward.

David takes the couple on a tour of several potential new homes, all of which have the space and features they are looking for. One home even has an inground pool that the kids can't wait to dive into. David works his charm, highlighting the pros and minimizing the cons of each house, but Angie and Tito seem reluctant to let go of their current home.

Meanwhile, Hilary gets to work on overhauling the house. She starts by knocking down some walls to create a more open-concept living space. She replaces the old kitchen with brand new appliances, quartz countertops, and plenty of storage. She turns the master bedroom into a spacious suite with a walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. She solves the storage problems in the kids' rooms with built-in closets and shelving. And in the backyard, she tears down the old deck and replaces it with a beautiful new patio complete with outdoor seating and a built-in barbecue.

As the renovation progresses, Angie and Tito begin to see the potential of their current home. They are wowed by the new layout, the upgraded finishes, and the way Hilary has managed to make the space feel so much larger. They also appreciate the sentimental value of the house and how it has played such an important role in their family's history.

In the end, it all comes down to a final decision: will they love it or list it? Both options have their advantages, but ultimately, Angie and Tito realize that they cannot put a price on the memories and sentimental value of their current home. They choose to love it, and are thrilled with the transformation Hilary has brought about. The house is now a modern and functional space that still retains all the character and memories that they hold dear. It's a happy ending for all involved.