The first Black brothers on HGTV discuss their new show and representation in housing
Currently, The National Association of Realtors reports that the Black homeownership rate is sitting near 44% — about 30% less than white Americans. Twin brothers Chris and Calvin Lamont arelicensed contractors and hosts of HGTV’s new show Buy it or Build it. They are the first Black brothers to have a show on the network, and want to bring new audiences into the conversation.
On the show, the brothers meet with potential home buyers and offer them two options for their dream house. Chris is the one who suggests that clients buy an existing home and remodel it. On the flipside, Calvin tries to convince the client to build a brand new home from the ground up. After the client decides which route to go, the brothers work together to complete the project.
According to Calvin, developers can play a big role in making housing more affordable by buying land in communities that are undervalued, and revitalizing those neighborhoods without ratcheting up housing costs and pricing out the locals. He knows it's possible because he and Chris are already doing it.
The Lamont brothers are passionate about what they do. Though the hours are long and they don't always see eye to eye, Chris and Calvin know that a home has the power to change lives.
"We love seeing the final product of our plan come to fruition,” says Chris. And at the end of the project when we can the new homeowners faces, that’s why we love to do it."
