As Seen on HGTV Bloomington realtor is ‘Hunting Vintage’ on reality TV
By Pete DiPrimio
This is one of three homes featured in the new HGTV show “Hunting Vintage.” Photo courtesy Carpenter Realtors.
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eff Franklin is not a professional actor or reality TV regular. He does not confuse himself with, say, Matt Damon or Simon Cowell. But the long-time Bloomington real estate agent with F.C. Tucker did star in a reality TV show, and might again. Welcome to “Hunting Vintage.” What’s that? You›ve never seen it? Think “The Bachelorette” meets “House Hunters.” Wait. This new HGTV show lacks The Bachelorette’s drama, intrigue and, well, silliness. But it does give buyers three houses to choose from, with the guarantee that, by the end, they will choose one. “I’ve seen ‘House Hunters’ episodes,” Jeff says. “The houses are more interesting in this series. All are unique and have a special style direction. They attract a certain buyer — more artistic, creative and interesting.” “Hunting Vintage” focuses on matching people with mature homes that have personality — and not the kind of personality that came out of the Norman Bates “Psycho” family tree. The homes range from Victorians to Four Squares to Craftsmans to Brownstones. They have history, character and an old-time charm you get from homes that are at least 60 years old. They resonate with craftsmanship, woodwork and the kind of details rarely seen in 21st century housing. You need buyers who appreciate such things and realtors who can make it all come true. Somebody like Jeff Franklin, for instance.
In the Spotlight
The show is a creation of Pie Town Productions, which also produces “House Hunters,” “Tiny House Hunters,” “Flip or Flop” and many others. Bloomington was one of nine areas featured in the debut season. Others included Key West, Sacramento and Baltimore. “They were looking for a hip, trendy place with a good art scene, interesting housing and a nice varied style of home,” Jeff says. For the home buyers, picking three homes started with a list of possibilities from the show producers, Jeff’s research and buyer possibilities. “It was a collaboration. The producers and I reviewed the list, and then the buyers chose the three most interesting. That was the most fun because there were some really exciting houses.” Jeff says show producers contacted him last spring to get things rolling. “It was random,” he says of why he was chosen. “A lot of it was house driven, not agent driven. It was good luck and being in the right place at the right time. “We went through three rounds of interviews with the house, (real estate) agent and buyers to make sure it fit the guidelines. They wanted personalities that were the right fit — make sure the story line is good and that there are unique houses.” In the Bloomington episode, Jeff shows the buyers homes in Monroe County and Brown County.
October 2016 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 33