What is the plot?

In the first episode of "Sell This House," titled "Seattle, WA - Ives and Ford," the episode opens with a panoramic view of the Seattle skyline, setting the stage for the home that needs to be sold. The camera then shifts to the Ives and Ford family, who are introduced as the homeowners. They express their frustration with the selling process, having had their house on the market for several months without any offers. The couple, Ives and Ford, are visibly stressed and anxious about their situation, feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of moving and the lack of interest in their home.

The scene transitions to the interior of their home, where the hosts, Tanya Memme and a real estate expert, arrive to assess the property. They walk through the house, noting its features and the areas that need improvement. Tanya points out the clutter and personal items that make the space feel less inviting. The couple's emotional state is evident as they listen to the critiques; they feel a mix of embarrassment and determination to make the necessary changes.

Next, the hosts provide the Ives and Ford family with a list of recommendations to enhance the home's appeal. They emphasize the importance of decluttering and depersonalizing the space to allow potential buyers to envision themselves living there. The couple is motivated to take action, and they begin to discuss which items to remove and how to rearrange their furniture. This conversation reveals their desire to sell the house quickly, as they have already found a new home they wish to move into.

As the episode progresses, the family begins the process of decluttering. They sort through their belongings, making tough decisions about what to keep and what to discard. This sequence is filled with emotional moments as they reminisce about memories tied to certain items, showcasing their attachment to the home. The tension builds as they realize the extent of the work ahead of them, but they remain committed to the task.

The next significant scene involves the hosts returning to see the progress made by the Ives and Ford family. The house has undergone a transformation; rooms are now more spacious and inviting. Tanya and the real estate expert provide feedback, praising the couple for their hard work but also suggesting further improvements, such as fresh paint and minor repairs. The couple's determination is palpable as they take the advice to heart, eager to make their home as appealing as possible.

In a pivotal moment, the family decides to paint the living room a neutral color to attract a broader range of buyers. They work together, showcasing their teamwork and commitment to the project. The emotional stakes rise as they reflect on the memories created in that space, but they push through, motivated by the goal of selling the house.

As the episode nears its conclusion, the Ives and Ford family prepares for an open house. They clean and stage the home, ensuring that it looks its best for potential buyers. The atmosphere is tense as they await feedback from visitors. The couple expresses their hopes and fears about the outcome, revealing their vulnerability and desire for a successful sale.

Finally, the open house takes place, and the hosts guide potential buyers through the home. The Ives and Ford family watches from a distance, their anxiety palpable as they observe the reactions of the visitors. After the open house, the hosts provide feedback, noting the positive responses and the interest generated. The couple feels a sense of relief and hope, realizing that their hard work may pay off.

The episode concludes with the Ives and Ford family reflecting on their journey. They express gratitude for the guidance they received and the changes they made, feeling more optimistic about the future. The emotional weight of their experience is evident as they look forward to the next chapter in their lives, hopeful that their home will soon be sold.

What is the ending?

In the ending of "Sell This House," season 1, episode 1, the Ives and Ford family successfully implements the staging advice given by the show's hosts. After making the recommended changes to their home, they receive positive feedback from potential buyers during an open house. Ultimately, they feel hopeful about selling their home, having transformed it into a more appealing space.

As the episode draws to a close, the Ives and Ford family reflects on their journey, feeling a sense of accomplishment and renewed optimism about their future. The emotional weight of their previous struggles with the house is lifted, and they are excited about the possibilities ahead.


The episode begins with the Ives and Ford family, who are struggling to sell their home in Seattle. The house has been on the market for several months without any offers, leading to frustration and anxiety for the family. The hosts of "Sell This House," along with a real estate expert, arrive to assess the situation. They walk through the home, noting its cluttered spaces, outdated decor, and the overall lack of appeal that is driving potential buyers away.

In the first scene, the hosts meet the family and discuss their motivations for selling. The Ives and Ford family expresses their desire to move to a new area for better job opportunities and a fresh start. The emotional stakes are high as they reveal their fears of being stuck with a house that won't sell, which could jeopardize their plans for the future.

As the hosts begin their walkthrough, they point out specific areas that need improvement. They emphasize the importance of decluttering and depersonalizing the space to make it more inviting to buyers. The family members react with a mix of hope and skepticism, unsure if the changes will truly make a difference.

The next scene shows the family working diligently to implement the staging advice. They clear out personal items, rearrange furniture, and repaint walls in neutral colors. The process is both physically demanding and emotionally taxing, as they confront memories tied to their home. However, there are moments of camaraderie and laughter that help to lighten the mood, showcasing their resilience as a family.

As the staging comes together, the hosts return to see the transformation. The once cluttered and dark spaces are now bright and welcoming. The hosts express their excitement about the changes, and the family begins to feel a renewed sense of hope. They realize that the effort they put into staging the home has made it more marketable.

The climax of the episode occurs during the open house event. Potential buyers walk through the home, and the family watches anxiously from a distance. The atmosphere is tense, filled with anticipation and uncertainty. As the buyers provide feedback, the family hears positive comments about the improvements made. This moment is pivotal, as it represents the culmination of their hard work and the possibility of a fresh start.

In the final scenes, the family gathers to discuss the outcome of the open house. They express their relief and excitement about the positive feedback they received. The hosts reassure them that they are on the right track and that their home is now much more appealing to buyers. The family feels a sense of accomplishment, having transformed their space and taken control of their situation.

As the episode concludes, the Ives and Ford family reflects on their journey. They express gratitude for the guidance they received and the changes they made. The emotional weight of their previous struggles is lifted, and they look forward to the future with optimism. The episode ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In the episode "Seattle, WA - Ives and Ford" from season 1 of "Sell This House," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional content after the main credits roll. The focus remains on the process of preparing the Ives and Ford home for sale, showcasing the transformations made to enhance its appeal to potential buyers. The narrative wraps up with the final reveal of the renovated spaces and the couple's reactions, leaving no room for a post-credit moment.

What specific issues do Ives and Ford face in selling their home?

Ives and Ford struggle with the clutter and personal items that fill their home, making it difficult for potential buyers to envision themselves living there. The emotional attachment to their belongings creates a barrier to effectively staging the house.

How does the staging expert help Ives and Ford improve their home's appeal?

The staging expert provides practical advice on decluttering, rearranging furniture, and enhancing the home's aesthetic with neutral colors and decor that appeal to a broader audience, ultimately aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere.

What emotional reactions do Ives and Ford have during the home staging process?

Throughout the staging process, Ives and Ford experience a mix of anxiety and hope. They feel overwhelmed by the changes but also excited about the potential for a successful sale, revealing their deep emotional connection to the home.

What specific changes are made to the exterior of Ives and Ford's home?

The exterior of the home is enhanced with fresh landscaping, including trimmed bushes and colorful flowers, along with a new coat of paint on the front door to create a more inviting first impression for potential buyers.

How do Ives and Ford react to the feedback from potential buyers after the staging?

Ives and Ford are initially anxious about the feedback but feel relieved and encouraged when they hear positive comments about the changes made during the staging process, which boosts their confidence in the sale.

Is this family friendly?

In the episode "Seattle, WA - Ives and Ford" from "Sell This House," the content is generally family-friendly, focusing on home selling and staging. However, there are a few aspects that might be considered potentially objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

  1. Emotional Stress: The homeowners, Ives and Ford, experience stress and anxiety related to selling their home, which may resonate with viewers who are sensitive to emotional turmoil.

  2. Conflict and Disagreement: There are moments of tension and disagreement between the couple regarding how to present their home, which could be uncomfortable for younger viewers or those sensitive to conflict.

  3. Critique of Personal Space: The show involves critiques of the homeowners' personal belongings and decor, which may be upsetting for children who are attached to their home environment or sensitive to criticism.

Overall, while the episode is focused on home improvement and selling strategies, the emotional dynamics and stress of the situation could be challenging for some viewers.