Drew and Jonathan Scott, best known as the Property Brothers, have built a home renovation empire that extends far beyond their hit HGTV series. With their charming personalities, impressive design skills, and ability to transform homes on a budget, they’ve won over millions of fans. However, what viewers see on TV is only part of the story. Behind the polished episodes and smiling faces, there are some surprising truths about the famous twins that most people don’t know.
1. Their Shows Are Not as Real as They Seem
Reality TV often blurs the line between entertainment and authenticity, and Property Brothers is no exception. According to Popsugar, many of the homes featured on the show are already purchased before filming begins, meaning the dramatic house-hunting scenes are often staged. Additionally, homeowners must have a sizable renovation budget before they’re even considered for the show. While the transformations are real, the process isn’t always as spontaneous or budget-friendly as it appears.
Behind the scenes, producers carefully select the projects that will make the best television. Homeowners also agree to strict filming schedules, and in many cases, not every renovation detail is completed when the cameras stop rolling. The final reveal might look picture-perfect, but some finishing touches are added later. While the show provides inspiration, it’s important to remember that the real-life renovation process is often more complicated and expensive.
2. Jonathan Was Once a Professional Magician
Before becoming a household name in home renovation, Jonathan had a very different career path—magic. According to their book It Takes Two, he spent years perfecting his craft as a professional magician and even performed at events and private parties. His passion for illusions started at a young age, and he even considered making it his full-time career. However, after an unfortunate experience where his expensive magic props were stolen, he decided to shift his focus to real estate.
Even though he no longer performs professionally, Jonathan still incorporates magic into his everyday life. He occasionally showcases tricks during interviews or while goofing around on set. His love for magic has also influenced his creative approach to design, where he enjoys finding innovative ways to transform small spaces. While his career in magic may have ended, his ability to create “magical” home makeovers continues to impress fans.
3. They Have More Shows Than You Might Realize
Most people associate the Property Brothers with their original HGTV series, but their brand has expanded far beyond that. According to Forbes, the twins have produced and starred in numerous other shows, including Buying and Selling, Brother vs. Brother, and Forever Home. Each series has a unique twist, but they all follow the same basic formula of real estate and renovation. Their growing presence on HGTV has made them two of the most recognizable faces in home improvement television.
Beyond TV, they’ve also launched a successful production company, Scott Brothers Entertainment, which creates content beyond the home renovation genre. They have worked on various digital projects, produced lifestyle content, and even explored scripted television. With their continued success, the brothers have no plans to slow down anytime soon. Whether on-screen or behind the scenes, their influence in the industry continues to grow.
4. They Faced a Devastating Business Failure Early On
While they are now incredibly successful, Drew and Jonathan weren’t always thriving in the real estate world. According to TheThings, the twins launched their first real estate company in their early twenties, but it quickly crumbled under financial strain. They made the mistake of taking on too many projects at once and underestimated the costs of running a business. The failure was a tough lesson that forced them to rethink their approach to real estate investment.
Rather than giving up, they used the experience as motivation to become smarter investors. They spent years learning the ins and outs of property flipping, design, and negotiation. Their ability to bounce back from setbacks helped shape their current business model. Today, their success is built on the lessons they learned from that early failure.
5. Jonathan is a Licensed Contractor, but Drew is Not
While both brothers are heavily involved in the renovation process, only Jonathan holds an official contractor’s license. He studied construction and design to gain hands-on knowledge of how homes are built and remodeled. This allows him to oversee projects and make structural changes that align with building codes and regulations. His expertise ensures that the renovations featured on their shows are not just aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound.
Drew, on the other hand, specializes in real estate negotiations and client management. His role focuses on finding the right properties, securing deals, and guiding homeowners through the buying process. While he is often seen participating in demolition or helping with small projects on TV, the heavy-duty construction is left to Jonathan and the professional crew. Their division of skills is what makes their partnership so effective.
6. They’ve Written Bestselling Books
In addition to their work on television, the Property Brothers are also successful authors. They have published multiple books, including Dream Home and It Takes Two: Our Story, which both became bestsellers. These books offer a mix of personal stories, home renovation tips, and insights into their journey from struggling entrepreneurs to TV stars. Their ability to connect with audiences through writing has helped them expand their brand even further.
Their books provide behind-the-scenes details that fans don’t get to see on TV. They share lessons they’ve learned from their careers, including mistakes they made along the way. The brothers have also written a children’s book, Builder Brothers: Big Plans, aimed at inspiring young readers to think creatively. Their success as authors proves that their influence extends beyond just home renovations.
7. They Have Their Own Furniture and Home Decor Line
The Property Brothers aren’t just designing homes on TV—they’re also helping homeowners furnish them. They launched Scott Living, a home decor and furniture brand that offers stylish yet affordable pieces. Their line includes everything from sofas and beds to wallpaper and rugs, all designed with their signature modern and functional aesthetic. The brand is sold through major retailers, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Their business extends beyond just selling furniture. They carefully curate designs that reflect current trends while maintaining a timeless appeal. Many of the pieces they create are featured in their renovation projects, giving viewers an opportunity to bring Property Brothers-style decor into their own homes. The success of Scott Living has solidified their reputation as not just TV personalities, but also influential designers in the home industry.
8. Drew Had a Brief Acting Career Before Real Estate
Before fully committing to real estate, Drew dabbled in acting and even appeared in small TV roles. He had guest appearances on popular shows like Smallville and worked on various independent projects. While he enjoyed acting, he ultimately realized that his true passion lay in real estate and business. The skills he developed in front of the camera, however, have been invaluable in his television career.
Drew’s background in acting helped him feel comfortable on camera from the very beginning. His natural charisma and ability to connect with audiences have played a big role in the success of Property Brothers. Even though he left acting behind, his time in the entertainment industry helped prepare him for his future in reality TV. Today, he still uses those skills to engage with fans and deliver compelling content.
9. Jonathan Nearly Became a Lawyer
While Jonathan is now best known as a contractor and designer, he once had plans to pursue a legal career. He was accepted into law school but ultimately decided against attending, choosing instead to focus on real estate and construction. The decision wasn’t easy, but he felt that working with homes was a better fit for his skills and interests. Looking back, he has said that he has no regrets about walking away from law school.
Even though he didn’t become a lawyer, Jonathan’s negotiation skills and business acumen have been key to the Property Brothers’ success. His ability to understand contracts, manage legal matters, and navigate the complexities of real estate has helped the brothers build their empire. While he may not argue cases in court, his legal knowledge still plays a role in his career.
10. They’ve Had Their Share of Controversies
Like many public figures, the Property Brothers have not been without controversy. Over the years, there have been lawsuits and complaints from homeowners featured on their shows. Some participants have claimed that their renovations didn’t go as planned, while others have expressed frustration with the timeline and budget constraints of the show. While these issues are not uncommon in the home renovation industry, they have put the brothers under scrutiny at times.
Despite these challenges, Drew and Jonathan have maintained a positive reputation and continue to be fan favorites. They have always been transparent about the fact that their TV show operates under specific production constraints, and they encourage homeowners to do their research before signing on for a televised renovation. Their ability to handle criticism and adapt to challenges has allowed them to stay at the top of their industry.
11. They Are Extremely Competitive with Each Other
While Drew and Jonathan are a strong team, they are also fiercely competitive. This is most evident in their spin-off show Brother vs. Brother, where they compete to see who can renovate a home better. Their sibling rivalry adds an entertaining dynamic to the show, but in reality, their competition extends beyond television. Whether it’s a game of basketball or a business challenge, both brothers are determined to come out on top.
Even though they are competitive, their bond remains strong. They push each other to be better, and their friendly rivalry often results in creative and innovative ideas. Their different strengths—Jonathan in construction and design, Drew in real estate and strategy—help them balance each other out. No matter who “wins,” their shared success is what truly matters to them.
12. They’ve Built a Multi-Million Dollar Empire
The Property Brothers’ success goes far beyond just their TV shows. Over the years, they have expanded their brand into books, furniture, home decor, production companies, and even digital media. Their business empire is now worth hundreds of millions of dollars, making them two of the most successful personalities in home renovation. What started as a small real estate business has transformed into a globally recognized brand.
Despite their wealth, Drew and Jonathan remain down-to-earth and focused on their passion for helping homeowners. They continue to evolve, finding new ways to engage with their audience and expand their business ventures. Their success story proves that hard work, resilience, and a strong business strategy can turn a dream into a reality.
13. Their Family Is a Big Part of Their Lives
Behind the scenes, family remains a top priority for both Drew and Jonathan. They have a close relationship with their older brother, JD Scott, who has also appeared on their shows. Their parents played a big role in shaping their work ethic, encouraging them to explore different career paths before finding their passion in real estate. Even with their busy schedules, they always make time for family gatherings and celebrations.
Their personal lives have also made headlines in recent years. Drew married Linda Phan in a high-profile wedding, while Jonathan has been in a serious relationship with actress Zooey Deschanel. Despite their fame, they strive to keep their personal lives as normal as possible. At the end of the day, they credit their strong family bond as one of the biggest reasons for their continued success.
