1. They Were Almost Not on TV
Before becoming HGTV staples, Jonathan and Drew Scott had no plans for stardom. While Jonathan pursued a career as a magician, Drew dabbled in acting—he even landed small roles in shows like Smallville and Breaker High. It wasn’t until their real estate success caught the attention of producers that the brothers became the faces of Property Brothers. Ironically, they originally auditioned for a show about real estate flipping but were turned down. Lucky for us, HGTV recognized their charm and talent, launching the duo into a home-renovation empire.
2. Jonathan Is a Professional Illusionist
Jonathan didn’t just dabble in magic—he’s actually a professional illusionist with serious chops. Before diving into home renovation, he performed in Las Vegas and competed in magic competitions. His skills with sleight of hand and creating illusions make sense when you see how effortlessly he transforms rundown spaces into dream homes. Fun fact: he once fooled America’s Got Talent judges with an escape stunt. It’s no wonder he knows how to pull off jaw-dropping home makeovers.
3. They’ve Been Real Estate Moguls Since Their Teens
Most teenagers are focused on getting their first car, but Jonathan and Drew bought their first house at just 18 years old. They put in sweat equity, fixed it up, and flipped it for a $50,000 profit—a fortune for a couple of teenagers. That early experience sparked their passion for real estate, and they continued to flip homes while balancing college and early careers. By the time Property Brothers hit TV screens, they had already honed their expertise for years.
4. Drew Once Trained to Be a Professional Basketball Player
Drew Scott is 6’4″, so it might not surprise you to learn that he once had dreams of becoming a professional basketball player. He played for the Canadian national team and even trained in Italy to advance his skills. While basketball didn’t become his lifelong career, the discipline and teamwork he learned clearly carried over to his work on Property Brothers. Plus, you’ll often spot the brothers shooting hoops on their downtime when filming.
5. The Brothers Have a Third Sibling
Surprise! There’s actually a third Scott brother. Their older brother, JD Scott, isn’t as heavily featured on HGTV but still plays an important role behind the scenes. JD has appeared on Property Brothers at Home and works on the production side of many of their projects. He’s also dabbled in hosting and acting, sharing his brothers’ creative flair. If you’re ever wondering why the Scott twins seem so well-rounded, it might just be a family thing.
6. Jonathan and Drew Are Both Published Authors
The twins aren’t just handy with hammers; they’re skilled with words too. Jonathan and Drew have authored multiple books, including memoirs, children’s stories, and home improvement guides. Their book, Dream Home, became a bestseller and offers practical advice for renovating and buying properties. They even wrote a memoir called It Takes Two: Our Story, giving fans a closer look at their lives beyond TV. Clearly, the Property Brothers have talents that go beyond the renovation world.
7. Their Success Isn’t Just on HGTV
While Property Brothers is their main claim to fame, Jonathan and Drew have built an entire business empire. They own a home decor line called Scott Living, which sells furniture, textiles, and decor products. They’ve also launched spinoff shows like Brother vs. Brother and Property Brothers: Forever Home, keeping their brand fresh and exciting. With millions of fans worldwide, their brand continues to grow beyond the small screen.
8. They Almost Gave Up on Real Estate Early On
Success didn’t come easily for the Scott brothers. Early in their careers, they faced financial struggles and nearly gave up on real estate entirely. Jonathan even went bankrupt after a failed business venture. However, their determination kept them going, and they learned to manage their finances wisely. That resilience is a big part of why they’re so relatable to fans—because they know what it’s like to rebuild from scratch.
9. Jonathan Is Also a Licensed Contractor
Jonathan doesn’t just act like a pro renovator—he is one. He’s a fully licensed contractor, which means he brings real expertise to every project he touches. This sets Property Brothers apart from other home renovation shows, where hosts often rely heavily on hired professionals. Jonathan’s deep knowledge of construction ensures their makeovers are high quality, not just visually stunning. So yes, the transformations you see are the real deal.
10. They’ve Renovated Over 400 Homes
With years of experience under their belts, the Property Brothers have completed more than 400 renovations—and counting! That’s a staggering number of homes transformed into dream spaces. Their ability to adapt to different homeowners’ needs and styles is part of what makes the show so engaging. Whether it’s modern minimalism or farmhouse chic, Jonathan and Drew have proven time and time again that they can bring any vision to life.
11. Drew Is Married to a Creative Powerhouse
Drew’s wife, Linda Phan, isn’t just his biggest supporter—she’s an integral part of their business. Linda is a creative director for the Scott brothers’ brand and has a hand in their projects behind the scenes. The two met at a Toronto Fashion Week event, and their relationship blossomed from there. Fans even got to see their fairytale wedding on Drew and Linda Say I Do, a special that documented their stunning destination ceremony.
12. Jonathan’s Love Life Wasn’t Always Smooth Sailing
Jonathan’s journey to love hasn’t been without its bumps. He went through a divorce in his late 20s, which he’s openly discussed as a difficult chapter. However, fans have been thrilled to see Jonathan in a happy relationship with actress Zooey Deschanel. The two bonded over their shared interests in design, creativity, and family, and they often share sweet moments on social media. Jonathan’s story proves that second chances can lead to something beautiful.
13. They’re Dedicated Philanthropists
The Scott brothers aren’t just about flipping houses—they’re about giving back too. They’re involved in several charitable causes, including Habitat for Humanity, where they help families build affordable homes. They also work with children’s hospitals and advocate for affordable housing initiatives. For the Property Brothers, creating homes isn’t just a business—it’s a way to make a lasting impact in their community. Their commitment to helping others makes them all the more admirable.
