Suzanne Whang chat transcript

Bostondotcom: Suzanne's here to chat about anything you want to talk about ... House Hunters, comedy, acting ... and she's here until 1 p.m.

Suzanne Whang: Hi chatters! GO CELTICS!!! YEE HAH!

Suzanne Whang: So I used to live in Boston from 1986-1991, and it was one of my favorite places I've ever lived in the United States. I became a huge Red Sox and Celtics fan.

Suzanne Whang: I even bought two seats on auction from the old Boston Garden before they ripped it down and built the Fleet Center. They're red and old and ratty and I love them!

iwona_howz: do they really only get to pick from three houses or are you just showing the top three contenders?

Suzanne Whang: No, they look at more than three houses, but we only have time to show their top three choices on the show.

Kate_Jeffy: Hi Suzanne, I'm so excited to talk to you!

Suzanne Whang: Thanks, Kate!!! I'm so excited to be doing my first online chat!

whangfan: hi suzanne! i just wanted to say that i am always pleased to see you on the telly. you are the picture of grace and cheerful charm. i do have a question too! how wise or silly would it be to move from our too-small home now, when we will get bottom dollar for it? i know people who have taken this time to 'move up,' but i am not sure if it's wise. any thoughts? thank you!

Suzanne Whang: thanks for your support! i don't claim to be a real estate expert, and it all depends on the market where you live and your financial situation, so i would ask your local real estate experts and mortgage brokers. also, i'm a big advocate of learning about the law of attraction in quantum physics to help you manifest the experiences you do want in your life... so you could (shameless plug) get my book "suzanne whang's guide to happy home buying" on amazon.com or watch "the secret" dvd (i don't get any money from that) at www.thesecret.tv

momof5: Welcome! we love seeing you on House Hunters! You have been doing the show for so long- we hope you stay on! Do you ever get to meet the people on the show? Or have you considered going with the people as they look at houses? Do you watch the show?

Suzanne Whang: Thanks! I know -- it's almost been a DECADE of hosting House Hunters -- isn't it amazing? I occasionally get to meet the people on the show. Because we have 10 different film crews all around the world shooting the show simultaneously, I can't be at every location. And since I'm also an actor (I did 3 seasons as Polly on "Las Vegas" on NBC) and I'm a stand-up comedian, writing my second book, professional keynote speaker, radio host on Playboy Radio, and studying to become a Science of Mind minister, I don't have time to go with the people as they look at houses. I only watch the show when I'm doing the voice-overs for each episode. Thanks for your questions!

strassy: Suzanne, Love the show...how does one qualify to get on the program...its the only one I cant find how to apply for on-line

Suzanne Whang: Pie Town Productions produces the show, in Los Angeles. Call the receptionist at 818-255-9300 and say you want to apply to be on the show. They're looking for unique stories that we haven't already told in the 9 years we've been on the air so far. Have fun with it!

BrooklineConnection: Hi Suzanne, how long does it usually take for the buyers on the show to find their "top three" from start of search to move-in day?

Suzanne Whang: It varies quite a bit but I would say it takes about four months on average.

S: I love House Hunters!! I always seem to select the same house as the buyers. My husband and I are first time homebuyers. What advice would you have for us?

Suzanne Whang: You can read my BOOK :-) It's filled with great information (I co-wrote it with a real estate expert) and my sense of humor and personal stories, and I incorporate quantum physics principles into the process too. You can get it through my website, www.suzannewhang.com, or www.amazon.com. I also highly recommend the book "Ask and It Is Given" by Esther & Jerry Hicks. It's not specifically about home buying, but it will help you with every aspect of your life, bringing your dreams to fruition.

JohnInNash: Suzanne, how does the show find the potential home buyers? Also, who narrows the list down to three houses?

Suzanne Whang: The segment producers at Pie Town Productions (see above answer) select the home buyers. The home buyers and the producers narrow the list down to three houses.

citizen_Q: Suzanne: do the house hunters get paid to be on the show? and why do all the women complain about small bedrooms? Thanks,

Suzanne Whang: I don't think they get paid -- or if they do, it's a very small amount.

Suzanne Whang: I have no idea why some women complain about small bedrooms but I will say that we've done over 400 episodes so I doubt that ALL the female house hunters have complained about small bedrooms... :-)

momof5: Do the guests get anythign for being on the show?

Suzanne Whang: Just the delight of being on television on the #1 show on HGTV.

Suzanne Whang: I'm really proud of the fact that we showcase single people, married couples, divorced people, single parents, interracial couples, gay couples, people of different ages and races and socioeconomic backgrounds, without pointing it out, just to illustrate that everyone wants to buy a house. We are all one. I hope that does something to increase tolerance in America.

MikeK: Hello Suzanne

Suzanne Whang: Hi Mike K!

brc: How long have you been doing stand-up? and how did you get started?

Suzanne Whang: I've been doing stand-up for 7 years. It all started in my acting class at the Beverly Hills Playhouse in LA, where I decided to try it once (just to cross it off my Life List), and it went so well that the teacher suggested I start hitting the comedy clubs. My act is a shocking, controversial, politically incorrect satire of racism, stereotypes and ignorance in America, not unlike Archie Bunker from All in the Family. People compare me to Andy Kaufman, Lucille Ball, and Lenny Bruce. Go to www.suzannewhang.com and click on Media Clips and watch the one of me in the pink Korean dress.

michelle: Hi Suzanne, I love the show! In your opinion, what is the toughest market for buyers? I'm speaking in general, whether because of low inventory, prohibitive cost, etc.?

Suzanne Whang: Thanks Michelle! I'm just the host of the show, not by any means a real estate expert. All I will tell you is that from hosting the show for almost a decade, it seems that New York City, Los Angeles, and especially San Francisco are the most expensive areas.

pudlow: what's the cleanest joke from your act that you can get by the boston.com censors?

Suzanne Whang: How can you tell if a Korean broke into your house? Your dog is missing, and your homework is done. (that may be the only "clean" joke in my act)

whit: If you had to live in Boston, where would you live and in what type of house?

Suzanne Whang: I did live in Boston, from 1986-1991 and LOVED it. I'd probably live in Beacon Hill or Brookline or somewhere in Cambridge -- there's so many great neighborhoods. And I love old houses, so it would have to be built in the 1920's or 1930's. Great question! Are you coming to see me do stand-up in Provincetown? Just a quick ferry ride from Boston!!! I got a standing ovation on Monday night and also had a standing room only crowd here.. at The Vixen, 336 Commercial St. I dare you to come. Wear your Depends because you just might wet yourself from laughing.

whit: I didn't know you were a comedian. How is the following joke: How can something so Whang be so right?

Suzanne Whang: Because it feels so right to be so Whang! -- that's one of my taglines. :-)

whit: I tell this to my wife every house hunter show we watch...she rolls her eyes every time much like you are probably doing now.

Suzanne Whang: Does that mean you're often telling her jokes?

whit: I was in a wedding party with three guys as ushers. 1 named Wong while sharing the nickname whit with the other. I joked two whit's don't make a wong. Oh well.

Suzanne Whang: Okay, keep your day job. ;-)

JohnInNash: You mentioned that the producers are looking for unique stories. Is there a story/scenario that hasn't been done yet that you'd like to see done?

Suzanne Whang: Wow, what a great question. I'd love to see a story where the house hunter is looking to find a 100% green, sustainable house, and either finds one, or takes an existing house and makes it completely environmentally friendly. Or any story that involves someone doing something with their property or with their lives that's for the betterment of the planet. I'm a sucker for that.

strassy: have the current economic conditions affected peoples buying habits on the show?

Suzanne Whang: It doesn't seem to have affected people's buying habits on the show -- we have a long line of people who want to be on House Hunters.

showquestion: Hi Suzanne, I'm a fan of your show. I was wondering if there are ever instances in which the person doesn't like anything they've seen? Do you look at more than three houses to prepare for that possibility?

Suzanne Whang: In the 9 years I've been doing the show, there was only 1 time where the couple didn't like anything they saw, so they decided not to move at all. All the house hunters look at more than three houses -- you're seeing the top three choices they've narrowed it down to.

nate: I never would have pegged you as a stand-up comic, Suzanne! My fiancee were shocked after seeing you on TV. How could someone so sweet be a edgy stand up comic!

Suzanne Whang: I know, people say "You're not funny on House Hunters" and I say, "No, it's not on Comedy Central!"

Suzanne Whang: I'm a chameleon and I love having so many different outlets for my creativity.

Amy_in_NH: The real estate agents on House Hunters always seem FANTASTIC! I have been working with someone who is horrible. How do you find such great realtors???

Suzanne Whang: The segment producers on the show find them, or the house hunters find them. Drop your horrible person immediately and find a new one -- you deserve a positive experience!

dude: How come we don't see any of your comedy skillz on the show?? I think you should throw a few zingers out there.

Suzanne Whang: Believe me, I'd love to. But that's not what HGTV wants from me on this show. You should hear the outtakes, though!

HH_Fan: Hi Suzanne....I love House Hunters! Are you ale to travel or do you film all of your spots in LA?

Suzanne Whang: I film all of my spots in LA -- as I said earlier (maybe you just jumped in) -- there are 10 different film crews simultaneously shooting all over the world, so I couldn't be everywhere at the same time. When I was a host on "Breakfast Time" on fX and "FOX After Breakfast" on FOX, I traveled all over the U.S. and loved it!

whit: my wife said you would be creeped out by the joke so thankyou for taking it in context....I don't know if I would have actually posted it on the board thought...ugh.

Suzanne Whang: well it sounds like you may want to go do an open mike night at your local comedy club... does your wife like that idea?

mommymoo: I love the fact on househunters that you now give me the prices on the show - which you did not used to do when it was first on - it definately makes it more real

Suzanne Whang: I KNOW, I agree. When the show was first on, we only shot in southern California, and the prices were all so high, we didn't want to alienate any viewers who couldn't relate to these budgets. But now we're all over the country and all over the world!

Suzanne Whang: I also am so glad that we got rid of the "re-enactment phone call" when they find out they got the house. That was always so uncomfortable to watch.

aleister: were you on tv doing comedy? someone said that and i'm wondering where it was? i want to see it

Suzanne Whang: And you can go to www.myspace.com/suzannewhang and become one of my friends.

Suzanne Whang: Yes I was on Comedy Central's show "Premium Blend". I also played a hilarious character named Polly on NBC's "Las Vegas" on Friday nights, for 3 seasons. You can go to my website, www.suzannewhang.com and click on Media Clips. You can also go to www.youtube.com/suzannewhang to see more clips.

Suzanne Whang: My family loves my stand-up comedy. People either love it or hate it. They either think it's hysterical or it makes them livid. That's fine with me, because it sparks dialogue. I'm always open to the dialogue.

dude: Do the buyers on the show get any sort of price break/deal for being featured on the show????

Suzanne Whang: Nope!

Muskan: I love the show :)

Suzanne Whang: Thanks!!!!

Suzanne Whang: I love you for loving the show!

dude: you should do a celebrity edition of house hunters!

Suzanne Whang: I don't think they want to do that, because they want to keep the show relatable. But you never know! Post a topic at www.hgtv.com about it and let them know what you think.

Crematia: Do you agree or disagree that networks such as HGTV have given today's buyers unrealistic expectations of existing homes?

Suzanne Whang: Again, since I am not a real estate expert, I can't speak with any authority on that.

whit: my 9 y/o nephew and 3 y/o daughter like my 'jokes'; 10 m/o will giggle at anything. Maybe at the rainforest cafe.... Would love to see a show in Boston. Are you returning for another show in the boston area?

Suzanne Whang: No set plans to do that in the near future. But I may be coming back to P'Town at the end of the summer. What's the hottest comedy club in Boston these days?

Suzanne Whang: I used to do improv comedy in Boston with a troupe called The Angry Tuxedos and we performed at Remington's, Nick's Comedy Stop, and The Comedy Connection.

Muskan: Can you show some more house hunters episode related to Boston area?

Suzanne Whang: The producers select house hunters based on their stories, not on their locations. So if they find a great story in Boston, they'll do it! If you're in the market to buy, pitch yourself as a featured guest!

nate: I loved the episode where the guy from Boston bought a house that was 1.5 million higher than his stated budget.. that was a ridiculous house. Are you ever jealous (like I am :) ) seeing these exorbitantly rich people nit-picking over ridiculously large and beautiful houses?

Suzanne Whang: No I don't get jealous -- I believe that there's abundance for all of us. So I get happy for them and I'm thrilled that they've manifested gorgeous homes. I do notice, though, that they never pick the house that I would pick...

Bostondotcom: OK folks, we only have Suzanne for around 5 more minutes...

whit: From Suzanne's site: She is a graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Psychology, and holds a Master's Degree in Cognitive Psychology from Brown University....Did other people on the board know this? Wow! How does this help your comedy act?

Suzanne Whang: I think the best stand-up comedians are smart, like Steve Martin and Bill Hicks. Understanding psychology, the study of the human mind and human behavior, is great training for being an actor, tv host, comedian, writer, minister, and anything else creative.

nb123: Hi Suzanne- just watched your act, hilarious! How long have you been doing stand-up? Do you stay in character (Park) or does your act vary? Thanks!

Suzanne Whang: Yay! I've been doing stand-up for 7 years. My act varies -- here in Provincetown I do half my act as Sung Hee Park and then I rip off the dress (strip tease) and perform the rest as myself!

whit: Being a BC guy....what do you think of the last comic standing BC '93 grad, Gary Gulman, comedian

Suzanne Whang: I like Gary Gulman!

Griff: The show does a great job of caputring all income levels and the homes that the purchase from first time buyers to established successful buyers

Suzanne Whang: Thanks, I agree.

Ding_Dong: My wife and I love your show -- well done! We've also become huge fans of the International version. Please tell me the producers and HGTV are on board to continue BOTH versions for a while!

Suzanne Whang: You'll be seeing new episodes of both shows for quite a while!

Suzanne Whang: Well this has been SO wonderful, thanks to all of you! Please keep in touch through my website, www.suzannewhang.com, check me out at www.youtube.com/suzannewhang, and www.myspace.com/suzannewhang. Blissings! (that's my new word)

Bostondotcom: Thanks to everyone for the questions, and thanks especially to Suzanne for taking the time to chat.