She’s the third member of the superhero team that stars in HGTV’s “Bargain Block”. For three seasons now, real estate agent Shea Hicks Whitfield, along with designer Keith Bynum and contractor Evan Thomas, have taken some of the most dilapidated houses in Detroit and transformed them into stylish homes any first-time homebuyer would be proud to own.
“Bargain Block” has done very well for HGTV, and is absolutely beloved by Detroiters, who thrill in seeing their city brought back to life one house at a time. Married couple Bynum and Thomas, who moved to Detroit sight unseen a handful of years ago, have quickly become serious Michiganders. In addition to their home, the couple has a cabin in northern Michigan. They also have their own design firm and resale shop in Detroit.
For her part, Hicks Whitfield has her own successful real estate firm, Homes Sold By Shea, in conjunction with PREP Reality. Ever so stylish, she often looks horrified as Bynum and Thomas take her through tours of houses filled with muck and mire. Once they’re transformed, however, she stands in them proudly as she watches lives transformed by the team’s work.
Here, Hicks Whitfield, a native Detroiter who grew up in the Southfield area, speaks about the show, its past and future, the need for affordable housing for first-time buyers and what makes her hometown so special to her.
You’re the real estate guru on “Bargain Block.” How long have you been a realtor and how did you get into it?
This month marks 20 years. I lived in my apartment in Corktown, and I was looking for part-time work to earn some extra money. There was a newly constructed development in the area and the sales manager was looking for a real estate assistant. I applied and got hired on the spot. I started selling condos and I was like, ‘I need to get a real estate license because I’m pretty good at this.’ And the rest is history.
“Bargain Block” has been greenlit for a fourth season, which will air this summer. How did you hook up with your co-stars Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas?
A mutual friend was aware of my knowledge of all things Detroit. So they thought we would be a good fit. We met for dinner, and it was love at first sight. We have not separated since that day.
What were your first impressions of the couple?
I found it to be very inspiring what they were doing, revitalizing homes in neighborhoods where a lot of investors weren’t. The fact that they were living in the homes, too, was very special.
You’ve become very close to the couple since then….
They’re like my baby brothers-slash-uncles to [my son] Beau. We do hang out and as far as our onscreen connection, it’s because we’re friends in real life. It plays well, and that’s one of the reasons people seem to like the show so much.
Talk to me about the work that you’re doing with them. You focus on homes for first-time buyers. Why is affordable housing for first-time buyers so important?
The importance of affordability for a first-time buyer is really critical. Mostly because the median income in the city of Detroit is only $35K, which means a home buyer would quality for a home between $100K and $150K. Rental rates have increased over the past few years. So a lot of times, rent is far more than it would cost to finance a mortgage and own a home. So it makes sense for many first-time homebuyers to invest in themselves and create generational wealth in their family. [For]a first-time buyer and their family, a lot of times they’ve never even envisioned themselves in their own home.
Let’s talk about the fun side of the work you do on the show. Evan is the master builder, and Keith the designer. Everyone loves the fun design concepts and the original art touches he incorporates into every home.
My favorite would be the Black House from Season 1. I love that house. I was so skeptical about Keith painting the interior of the house black, but it came out beautiful. Then from Season 2, when they revitalized our first flip, Chez Shea. And also their house. They did an amazing job renovating and adding onto their home.
Let’s go back and talk about Detroit for a moment. What is about the city that makes you love it so much?
I just love the vibe of Detroit. It’s like I always say: Detroit is a big city with a small-time city feel. Everyone knows everyone, and everyone seems to be very connected. … The neighbors speak to each other and look out for each other. I really appreciate the sense of community.
Tell us about some of your favorite spots in the city….
I would say the DIA, because I love that they have the Friday nights. You can hang out Friday nights. Then I love Belle Isle and the aquarium on the island. It’s top notch. The corridor of development along Livernois between Six and Seven Mile has created some awesome walkability and is creating business. And I really love the sports teams. It’s great to have all four teams downtown.
Season 4 of “Bargain Block” is coming this summer. What can we expect?
More of the same. In Season 3, you got to see us hanging out a little more and doing things other than real estate. So, Keith and Evan have me walking through dungeons before turning them into beautiful dream homes. You get to see us hanging out as friends and having lots of fun and laughs. And, of course, Keith hitting it out of the park with his designs.
Between Evan and Keith, there’s always really fun, unique details. Each is done with tons of love. Each home is like a work of art. Even though they’re using building-grade materials, they lean toward custom work with a luxury feel that you don’t find in homes at the price point.
You can find Shea Hicks Whitfield on Instagram at shea.whitfield. If you’re seriously interested in purchasing a home in Detroit, you may also email her at [email protected].
