Longmont resident Brandon Bennett’s life took a turn from the everyday reality of fixing up houses in his free time to the realm of reality TV attempting to sell his remodeled home to a panel of real estate moguls on episode six of “Buy My House” on Netflix.
From the application process to the episode’s release wasn’t an overnight experience, but it has propelled him in a positive direction in the Longmont community he has grown to value.
Bennett grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and his move to Colorado was inspired by a deep connection to nature and adventure, an energetic spirit he would later infuse into his renovation undertakings.
“We didn’t have much money, so when something needed fixing, the first instinct was to try and tackle it ourselves. My dad always taught me that we can always pay someone to fix it, but why not give it a shot? So, I grew up in that realm,” Bennett said.
While working at a luxury massage chair company in 2014, he bought his first house in Westminster. Bennett would return home after demanding work in customer service, finding solace and release in house renovation projects swinging a hammer and acquiring new skills.
“I like to tinker. I like to work with my hands. I like to figure things out,” Bennett said. “It was no big deal to me, but it was just fun.”
Bennett’s renovation relaxation hobby eventually led him to Longmont, a place he hadn’t initially considered. His friend in Longmont introduced him to a dilapidated house in the Sunset Golf Course neighborhood, and it was on the market for only seven days, which he successfully bid on, and the rest is history.
“I’ve put in some really hard-earned sweat and tears in these homes,” Bennett said. “I’ve lived in dust storms for months until they’re completed. But it’s all worth it.”
According to Bennett, the show aired in September 2022, but the filming took place in 2021 amid the pandemic. He initiated the application approximately a month before the interview process in March 2021. Ten days before shooting, he and his father tirelessly worked on the house, even late into the night, to ensure perfection.
This was followed by on-location filming at his house in July, and studio filming at Netflix weeks afterward. The filming process at his home was thorough, spanning an entire day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a full crew of eight cameramen for less than a minute’s worth of footage on the show.
Surprisingly, Bennett’s family has an abnormal amount of reality show experience, with his sister appearing on Court TV as an expert lawyer. His dad, a jack of all trades, participated in shows like “Junkyard Wars.” His brother, a California golfer, did well on “Holy Moly,” while his dad excelled on the same show and ended up contending for a quarter of a million dollars with a hole-in-one.
“I think it’s a little bit easier than people think,” Bennett said. “But you have to have the courage to just be yourself and put yourself out there. That’s what I did.”
A swift turnaround had him and his father flying to Albuquerque for studio filming weeks later. The shift from on-site to studio work felt seamless for Bennett, thanks to the show's practiced crew. While there were some minor hiccups, like an early COVID test his father took, the experience in the studio was marked by warmth and the utmost professionalism.
At the studio, a few participants pitched their homes before a panel of potential buyers offering immediate cash deals. When it was their turn, they ended up shooting for about an hour. Despite the hustle and bustle, Bennett and his father connected with the crew, makeup artists and even showrunners, who admired their energy and authenticity. They also established a connection with Brandon Copeland, a former NFL linebacker, sharing not only a first name but a memorable selfie as well.
Bennett’s experience with the show has not only allowed him to pursue his passion with more free time but also deepened his bond with the community he calls home. He is currently working on two other home projects in Longmont.
“The big thing is that Longmont’s amazing,” Bennett said. “I will forever be changed because of this city, and I hope everybody else enjoys it as much as I do.”
