For as long as I can remember, I had cherished a vivid dream: one day, I wanted to live in Europe. The idea of immersing myself in a different culture, surrounded by centuries of history and new ways of life, had always captivated my imagination. So when the unexpected opportunity arose to relocate to Germany for work, my husband and I didn’t spend a single moment hesitating. We saw it as the realization of a long-held aspiration and accepted immediately, eager to embark on what would become one of the most transformative adventures of our lives.

A few weeks later, while casually browsing through a Facebook group dedicated to expatriates, I stumbled upon something that felt almost too serendipitous to be real: a casting director had shared an announcement seeking participants for an upcoming episode of HGTV’s internationally beloved series, *House Hunters International*. The post described a chance to showcase the experience of finding a new home abroad — exactly what my husband and I were about to do. Without a second thought, I reached out to express my enthusiasm. The casting director responded promptly, providing an application form and a request for additional details. As someone who had watched the show for years, often imagining what it might feel like to appear on it, I was ecstatic when we later received the email confirming that we had been chosen to participate.

Now that the episode has been broadcast, I’ve had the rare opportunity to reflect on what the cameras didn’t capture — the parts of the experience that viewers never see. In doing so, I realized there were several aspects of the production process that both surprised and fascinated me. Below are the five elements that stood out the most.

**1. The pre-production stage was far more extensive than I had expected**
Before a single scene could be filmed, there was a surprisingly detailed administrative process to complete. We were asked to fill out numerous forms and respond to an in-depth questionnaire that explored our personal story: how we met, the motivations behind our move to Germany, our professional backgrounds, and even how we envisioned our ideal apartment. The casting team also required specific photographs that would help visually represent our journey. Once those materials were submitted, we participated in several virtual interviews, which were designed to provide the producers with a deeper understanding of our personalities and our dynamics as a couple. Ironically, the lengthiness of this phase didn’t hinder our move, since we were simultaneously engrossed in paperwork for our visas — a fortunate overlap that saved us valuable time.

**2. Maintaining continuity meant consistent hair, makeup, and accessories throughout filming**
On the first morning of production, I quickly discovered a detail that initially seemed minor but soon became crucial: I needed to maintain the exact same appearance — from hairstyle and makeup to jewelry — for all three filming days. Consistency, it turned out, was essential for preserving continuity between scenes, ensuring that the episode flowed seamlessly for viewers. Although I had secretly hoped for the assistance of a professional stylist, I ultimately did my own hair and makeup each day. To prevent any inconsistency, my husband and I carefully documented our outfits and accessories with photographs, using them as precise references between shoots. This meticulous attention to detail, while initially tedious, became almost a behind-the-scenes ritual of its own.

**3. The sequence of filming did not follow the real order of events**
The illusion of television becomes most apparent once you realize how storytelling and filming diverge. Over the course of four intensive days, we filmed enough material to create a single 30-minute episode. I was astonished to learn that the scenes would not be shot chronologically. For instance, the sequence in which we toured apartments on-screen differed from the actual order in which we saw them. Rearranging events in this way allowed the editors to build a more compelling and cohesive narrative, highlighting key moments more effectively for television.

**4. Many moments had to be repeated multiple times to capture every angle**
Despite the show’s largely unscripted nature — allowing our reactions and dialogue to emerge naturally — the filming process demanded repetition. To ensure that every essential reaction and expression was properly documented, we frequently reenacted the same scenes several times. With only one camera operator present, each moment had to be filmed repeatedly: once for individual close-ups, another for shared interactions, and additional times for detailed shots capturing gestures such as opening a door or examining a fixture. Maintaining precision between takes was vital. We had to remember exactly what we said, where we stood, which objects we touched, and how we responded emotionally so that the final editing would appear seamless.

**5. The experience, above all, was genuinely enjoyable**
Despite the unexpected challenges — the retakes, the technicalities, the long hours — what ultimately defined the experience was joy. One of the most delightful aspects of filming was the opportunity to share our story as a couple, recounting not only our decision to relocate but also the affection and excitement that had accompanied it. Watching our journey unfold on screen felt like capturing a moment in time — a permanent visual record of a milestone that we will cherish forever. Above all, working alongside the HGTV crew was a pleasure. Every member of the production team treated us with kindness and sincerity, demonstrating a genuine desire to portray our adventure with authenticity and respect. Their professionalism and warmth turned what could have been a stressful endeavor into a thoroughly rewarding and unforgettable experience.

Our story first appeared on October 25, 2024, and was updated most recently on November 17, 2025. Looking back now, participating in *House Hunters International* wasn’t merely an exciting detour in our relocation journey — it became a treasured memory that captured the essence of taking a dream and living it fully before the world.

Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/what-its-like-to-be-on-house-hunters-international