While they are entertaining to watch, reality TV shows like “Fixer Upper,” “House Hunters” and “Love It or List It” also leave a mark on viewers that can surface during the homebuying process in the form of unrealistic expectations, budgets and timeframes. When the Chicago Tribune was looking for sources to debunk some common myths stemming from these shows, we happened to know the perfect real estate TV experts. We suggested Taylor Johnson clients Lexington Homes, Morgante Wilson and Renovation Sells, which are featured in the resulting story that explores how TV real estate shows compare with real life. Read more here.

Finished basements, like this one in a townhome model at Lexington Heritage in Arlington Heights, Ill., should be done by the pros and are not an easy DIY project as depicted on some TV shows, says Lexington Homes.