Bell Township real estate agent, client to be featured on HGTV's 'House Hunters'

In nearly 10 years of selling real estate, Lori Weig-Tamasy received a request she had never heard before from a client.

“She told me she applied to be on HGTV’s ‘House Hunters’ and that she thinks she got accepted,” said Weig-Tamasy of Bell Township, a real estate agent for Century 21 American Heritage Realty’s Allegheny Township office. “I never expected that. It was definitely a surprise.”

Reality set in when earlier this year, film crews came to capture Weig-Tamasy showing houses to her client, Molly Hobba.

Weig-Tamasy can’t divulge which house was chosen, but viewers can tune in at 10:30 p.m. tonight on HGTV to find out. She said it was an interesting experience and that the film crew was wonderful and professional.

“House Hunters” takes viewers behind the scenes as individuals, couples and families learn what to look for and decide whether or not a home is meant for them.

“My client is an avid HGTV fan,” Weig-Tamasy said. “I can see why, because I love looking at houses and it is cool to learn about a home and see the revisions and changes that people make to their homes to create their own space.”

Weig-Tamasy grew up in Meadville and attended Pitt. She earned a bachelor of arts in Japanese and lived in Japan for a while. But her passion was always in real estate. She said there is beauty in every home.

Weig-Tamasy, who lives in a log cabin, has sold houses in 11 counties.

She said she enjoyed sharing the stories of the homes on the show with Hobba.

Hobba, who is in economic development, was working from home one day and saw the show and thought why not send in an application.

“I was looking for a house so I thought this would be a perfect way to find one,” said Hobba, 31.

She said she wanted a ranch-style home because she likes the first-floor living concept. She wanted three bedrooms and two bathrooms and space to expand.

She decided on a home 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh. It is perfect because it gives her the experience of living in the country while also not being too far from Downtown Pittsburgh where her office is located.

Hobba grew up in Jefferson County, near Punxsutawney. She said she loves the tranquility of the country.

Her budget was in the $300,000 range.

“I helped her fine-tune her search,” Weig-Tamasy said. “I work with clients to find what appeals to them.”

Hobba wanted enough space to house her clothes, shoes and makeup. She found that and more, said Hobba, who attended Mount Aloysius College for undergraduate work and Duquesne University for graduate school.

Her advice to homebuyers?

“Keep an open mind,” Hobba said. “And don’t settle. And know that nothing is perfect in life, not a job, not a relationship and not a home. But this one is pretty close to perfect.”

Hobba said she plans on watching the show by herself in her new home since it’s late at night but knows many other people across the country will tune in because it’s so popular.

“I am moved in and I love it,” she said. “I don’t have to rent anymore. I have my own space. I am happy.”

Weig-Tamasy said she is looking forward to seeing the show, too.

“I enjoy seeing a client’s face when they decide on their dream home,” she said. “The search is so much fun. Sometimes it takes a few houses. Sometimes it takes 30 houses. And sometimes a client will buy a house without physically seeing it — just through a video tour.

“At the end of the day, when I help someone find a house they love, I am tickled pink about it.”