Courtesy of @galeyalix; @mortgagemandy; @enesyilmazerla via tikTok
While TikTok has always had a knack for monopolizing our attention, recent efforts by the U.S. government to ban this Chinese-owned social media site have only sent the app’s buzz into overdrive.
A bill passed by the House of Representatives, now headed toward the Senate, aims to prohibit U.S. app stores—such as those run by Apple and Google—from making TikTok available on their platforms. The move is driven by security concerns that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, might share data on its American users with the Chinese government.
Approximately 170 million Americans use TikTok; and the company’s CEO, Shou Chew, warned that if the bill is signed into law, it will take “billions of dollars out of the pockets of creators and small businesses.”
Our CEO Shou Chew’s response to the TikTok ban bill: pic.twitter.com/7AnDYOLD96
— TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) March 13, 2024
Many TikTok influencers depend on this platform to earn their keep—and offer valuable services to their fans. And real estate is no exception, with accounts devoted to helping people through the complicated processes of homebuying, home selling, mortgages, decor, and much more.
While TikTok’s fate is still unclear, it’s interesting to ponder what would be lost if the app is banned in the U.S. Here are our top picks of TikTok accounts that cover all things real estate. So get your fill now, in case it’s soon too late.
1. To laugh away the stress of homebuying…
Follow: @thebrokeagent
It’s brutal out there for homebuyers, but there’s nothing like a little humor to add levity to an otherwise nerve-racking process. The Broke Agent is an anonymous account that is clearly managed by an industry insider who is all too familiar with the highs and lows that buyers, sellers, and real estate agents endure. The account’s more-than 14,000 followers come here for hilarious, relatable real estate memes that poke fun at every stressor—from skyrocketing interest rates to sellers who stick around their own open houses (a huge no-no).
@thebrokeagent No. #realtorlife #usher #realtor ♬ original sound – The Broke Agent
2. If you want to renovate but just don’t have the time…
Follow: @galeyalix
Galey Alix works a full-time job in finance—even so, she still finds time to pull off epic renovations in just one weekend. This formula has helped her plant a solid foothold on Tiktok, with 2.9 million followers and her own reality TV show, “Home in a Heartbeat With Galey Alix.” We come to Alix’s TikTok for her epic room transformations but stay for her authenticity and transparency. She isn’t afraid to share how hard home renovations can be—or when she makes a mistake.
@galeyalix Ugly stairwell closet➡️ pantry. Let’s gooo. Full details of project in my caption on the gram. #galeyalix #pantry #pantryorganization #storage #design #diy #interiordesign ♬ Sweet but psycho(抖音完整版) – 苏瞳
3. For a crash course on mortgages…
Follow: @mortgagemandy
Anyone who’s serious about buying a home should have a basic understanding of how mortgages work. But diving into the world of real estate financing can be daunting and—for lack of a better word—dry. Enter: Mandy Phillips aka Mortgage Mandy. This lender of 10 years has a knack for breaking down complicated mortgage topics into bite-size snippets of information. We appreciate her honesty and ability to speak to buyers in a range of financial situations.
@mortgagemandy Let’s talk about closing costs. #mortgage #closingcosts #mortgagemandy ♬ original sound – Mandy | Mortgage Lender
4. To window-shop luxurious real estate you probably can’t afford…
Follow: @enesyilmazerla
Admit it: Sometimes all we want to do is gawk at gorgeous real estate, even if we can never own it ourselves. And Beverly Hills-based former real estate agent turned developer Enes Yilmazer has the golden ticket to get us in, using his unfettered access to multimillion-dollar properties. He takes his 772,000 followers on tours inside the homes of the rich and famous. One of his most popular videos, which garnered upward of 61 million views, showcases one of the most over-the-top amenities we’ve ever seen: a floating bathtub.
@enesyilmazerla The craziest FLOATING tub we’ve ever seen || #bathroommakeover #bathroomremodel #luxurylife #luxuryhomes ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) – CKay
5. To understand how hard real estate agents work…
Follow: @jencrouserealtor
Jen Crouse is a real estate agent in Pittsburgh, OH; but even if you’re not home shopping there, her more-than 19,000 followers would probably agree that she’s worth watching regardless of your location. Her minivignettes point out the most aggravating aspects of her daily grind, and offer a sneak peek at just how hard real estate agents work behind the scenes to make your homebuying (and selling) dreams come true. She’s cleaned home sellers’ toilets before open houses, because they couldn’t be bothered; rolled her eyes at homebuyers who lowball amid a bidding war; and served as a stand-in therapist for clients melting down after their offer was refused. The list goes on. Crouse is sure to give you a new appreciation for all that real estate agents do.
@jencrouserealtor Who’s stressed? Not me! #realestate #realtor #realtorsoftiktok #tequila #cocktail #stress #stressrelief ♬ original sound – Jen Crouse Realtor
6. For some snarky (yet true) interior design advice
Follow: @mrphoenixgrey
Like many talented interior designers, Phoenix Grey has a great eye for style. But we turn to his TikTok for insight into how mere mortals’ efforts at home design often end as giant faux pas. He deftly points out the perils of sequin pillows, carpet in bathrooms, beanbag chairs that burst, and a lot more. He’s not wrong. Watch, laugh, then follow his advice exactly.
@mrphoenixgrey Judge Design Daddy – court is in session. (Or Judge Double D, it’s a work in progress)Since you all love these so much, let’s keep it going. #designick #theick #ick #interiordesign #homehacks #homeimprovement#designertips #toronto #designhack #homestyling #renovation ♬ Law & Order Theme Song – Mount-Royal Orchestra
7. To check out a wide variety of unique homes at more affordable price points…
Follow: @housesthatarecool
Homes don’t need to be worth many millions of dollars to be fascinating. As proof, look no further than this account, which tickles the fancy of its more-than 138,000 followers by showing a wide variety of for-sale properties—from castles for $250,000 to converted churches for $200,000. The home in the video below, in fact, was listed for a mere $169K.
@housesthatarecoolOnly $169k for this romantic 1902 home. I need it♬ so this is love – soft girl aesthetic
8. If you need to redecorate but aren’t sure what to do…
Follow: @lonefoxhome
Drew Scott (no, not the property brother) has been documenting his interior design escapades online since 2018, but we particularly love his series, “What Would Drew Do?” in which he helps some of his nearly 1.5 million followers solve real-life decorating dilemmas. In each video, Scott presents an otherwise bland room and, in about a minute flat, shares his recommendations for products, colors, and layouts that can transform the space.
@lonefoxhome What Would Drew Do has made its way to tiktok! Making over this open white living room so it feels warm, cozy and inviting. #diy #interiordesign #roommakeover #whatwoulddrewdo ♬ original sound – DIY & Home Decor
9. For design inspiration for the outdoors…
Follow: @foxterradesign
These high-end landscapers work their magic on outdoor spaces for hotels and resorts worldwide, but they also show their 1.2 million followers what’s possible for residential properties. Whether you dream of a breathtaking fire pit, infinity pool, or other outdoor feature, these guys will give you plenty of ideas. Case in point: One of their recent clients dreamed up the idea of putting a Lamborghini in the middle of a pool.
@foxterradesign 1M to bring the vacation home forever! Click the link in bio to connect with a designer about your project today! #luxuryhomes #backyardgoals #backyardbuilds #backyard #backyarddesign #luxurylifestyle #luxurybackyard #pooldesign ♬ original sound – Foxterra Design
10. To finally get your home organized…
Follow: @thehomeedit
Organizing never looked as fun as it does with Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit. This peppy and practical duo has helped celebs from Drew Barrymore to Gwyneth Paltrow turn messy pantries and closets into spaces well worth showing off. And their 953,000 followers are sure to be inspired rather than write off this chore as a bore.
@thehomeedit Fresh, functional, and fully stocked ✨ So proud of our SF team for this fridge transformation!! #thehomeedit #getorganizedwiththehomeedit #sanfran ♬ The Good Part – AJR
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