If you’re a fan of rags-to-riches tales with a Cinderella twist (*raises hand*), you probably never miss an episode of *My Lottery Dream Home*. While other reality shows often flaunt the extravagant lifestyles of the Housewives or the Kardashians, this beloved HGTV series is all about ordinary people whose fortunes change overnight, thanks to a lucky Powerball ticket, scratch-off, or other game of chance. Suddenly, families who once struggled to make rent for a one-bedroom apartment are choosing between homes with in-ground pools or gourmet kitchens.
A big part of the show’s charm comes from its charismatic host, David Bromstad. His lively personality and distinctive style—because, let’s be honest, not everyone can rock a huge tiger tattoo on their neck—make him the perfect guide for these newfound millionaires as they search for their dream home. Fun fact: Bromstad was a Disney illustrator before winning HGTV’s reality competition *Design Star*. He then went on to host *Beach Flip* and *Color Splash* before landing the role on *My Lottery Dream Home*.
Of course, like most reality TV, the show isn’t always as “real” as it seems. Although the featured buyers are genuine lottery winners, the house-hunting journey shown on screen is often more curated and polished, thanks to a little planning and editing magic behind the scenes.
Lottery winners don’t always rush to buy a house
With the immense popularity of *My Lottery Dream Home*, you might think that winners call the show’s producers the moment they see “JACKPOT” on their scratch-off ticket. However, the reality is that most winners have already done a lot of groundwork before the cameras start rolling. According to State Farm, newly minted millionaires are advised to hire a lawyer, financial planner, and accountant before even claiming their prize. Setting up a trust and exploring investment options is crucial to ensure that their newfound wealth lasts.
Of course, many lottery winners do indulge in spending sprees, but not all are on the hunt for a bigger house. Some of the more unconventional ways winners have used their windfall include funding the construction of a water park, paying for a breast enlargement surgery for a family member, and supporting a marijuana legalization event, according to Business Insider.
While *My Lottery Dream Home* often depicts winners living their dream lives, not every story has a fairytale ending. Take the case of a New Jersey woman who won the lottery twice in two years. Unfortunately, her millions quickly vanished due to ongoing gambling, impulsive spending, and generosity towards those seeking handouts. Now, she finds herself broke, proving that even a jackpot doesn’t guarantee lasting happiness or financial stability.
Not every My Lottery Dream Home family wants a mansion
Not all lottery winners looking for a new home dream of sprawling estates with eight bedrooms, swimming pools, and home theaters. While *My Lottery Dream Home* has showcased some extravagant properties—like the $5.8 million mountain retreat a California couple snagged in one episode—many winners opt for something much more modest. As host David Bromstad shared with the *New York Post*, “It all depends on how much they’ve won. Some people are living paycheck to paycheck and think, ‘Wow, I’m 35 and I’ve just won a million dollars. This will change my life for now, but I have to be smart about it.’”
The families on *Dream Home* choose their new properties based on their specific needs, which can often be surprisingly down-to-earth. An HGTV article highlighted some of the unique wish lists from past winners: one man selected a home primarily because of its spacious play area for his grandkids. Another woman sought a property large enough to host her 25-member extended family for gatherings. One winner simply wanted a big backyard for growing fruit trees, while another family’s top priority was having enough bathrooms so no one had to share.
For many of these winners, it’s less about luxury and more about finding a home that fits their lifestyle and brings them joy in ways that matter most.
One lottery winner reportedly chose his dream home before filming the show
Being featured on *My Lottery Dream Home* might seem like a dream come true, but, like any TV show, it involves a lot of behind-the-scenes effort. Filming a single episode can take up to six hours a day as crews set up cameras and lighting, and scenes are shot multiple times to capture different angles. One Washington state winner shared with *HeraldNet* that he and his wife had to repeatedly act surprised as they “discovered” the same room again and again.
In some cases, contestants have to do a bit more acting than you’d expect. A woman, known as “Jennyd40c863665” on BuzzFeed, revealed that her uncle appeared on the show two years after he’d already bought a beach house with his winnings. To make it look like he was shopping for a new property, he agreed to tour his own home along with two others, pretending to make a final decision. She added, “They also filmed a ‘three months later’ update the very next day after the house-hunting segment.”
Even so, most of us wouldn’t mind a little staged reality if it meant winning a million dollars, finding a beautiful new home, and having David Bromstad—who lives in his own dream home—to guide us through the process.