Like a lot of adults my age, I watch too much HGTV. There's just something satisfying about seeing months-long house hunts and renovations in 30 or 60 minutes, without having to personally take on the mess, stress, or financial burden. There's something for everyone on the network, and now something specifically for Everett with Unsellable Houses. Twin sisters Lyndsay Lamb and Leslie Davis of Lamb Real Estate help homeowners in Everett and all over Snohomish County make smaller, strategic upgrades to houses that are languishing on the market. 

But there's a twist: they invest their own money.

I spoke with Lyndsay and Leslie recently and was surprised to learn that this wasn't a concept created by the network or their production company. They were already making the most of their listings by investing in them before bringing them to the market. 

They didn't always work together, though, or even in real estate. Lyndsay began her career in marketing, helping franchise owners stand out in their respective markets. She was great at her job but wanted to break out of the repetitive nature of the work, so she founded Lamb Real Estate in 2009. Selling homes gave her a chance to be creative, making smart updates and maximizing the homes' appeal through staging. 

When Lyndsay's son Miles was hospitalized with stage 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma, Leslie joined the business to keep it running until Lyndsay could return. Now they work together, and donate a portion of their commissions in their clients' names to Seattle Children's Hospital, where Miles was treated. 

They smartly embraced social media, and instead of just moving traditional listings online, they had fun with it. Eventually production powerhouse High Noon Entertainment found them on YouTube and contacted them, knowing their personalities would make for great TV. 

I asked them what's changed for them since the show started airing. Of course they've enjoyed meeting new people and fans of the show, but mostly they've hunkered down and gotten to work. They decided the best thing to do was strike while the iron was hot and open their own brokerage service, which allows them to keep more of the business in house.

I couldn't hang up without asking what they love most about Everett.

WHERE TO EAT:

Sit outside at Anthony's Woodfire or Scuttlebutt for great food, water views, and sunshine.

WHAT TO DO:

Silvertips games with the whole family

BEST PLACES TO EXPLORE WITH KIDS:

Lowell Riverfront Trail and their childhood stomping ground, Forest Park

Do you have a house that could use their help? Check out the casting call for Unsellable Houses season 2. Anywhere within an hour of Snohomish is eligible, but they'd especially like to work on historic homes in north Everett and Rucker Hill.

Did you miss season 1 of Unsellable Houses or are you in the mood to see it again? Look for episodes On Demand or sign in with your provider on the HGTV GO app.

Keep up with Leslie, Lyndsay, and Lamb Real Estate on Instagram, follow them on Facebook, and be sure to get a closer look at the projects from Unsellable Houses on their blog.

Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.