Deidre Ritsche (left) and Stephanie Bradt, the visionary co-owners of Border City Living in Windsor, Ontario, garnered national attention after filming two captivating episodes of HGTV Canada’s Hoarder House Flippers in 2022 and 2023. Their unique approach to design and renovation captivated audiences, showcasing a refreshing departure from conventional home makeovers.
Imagine receiving an unexpected call from HGTV Canada, inviting you to feature on national television. For Deidre Ritsche, it wasn’t an immediate ‘yes.’ Instead, she meticulously weighed the opportunities against the commitments, assessing Border City Living’s distinct value proposition and calculating the potential return on investment for time spent away from their flourishing business. This careful consideration underscores the strategic mindset that drives Border City Living.
Deidre Ritsche and her esteemed business partner, Stephanie Bradt, are the dynamic duo behind Border City Living. Their journey into the spotlight saw them film two episodes for the popular HGTV Canada series, Hoarder House Flippers. The show follows three dedicated teams as they undertake the daunting task of transforming heavily cluttered, often dilapidated hoarder properties into attractive, marketable homes, ready for new beginnings. This particular series highlights the extreme challenges and rewarding transformations inherent in such unique real estate ventures.
“When HGTV Canada reached out to us out of the blue, it was genuinely a huge shock,” Ritsche recounts, still surprised by the serendipitous invitation. The selection process was comprehensive, involving multiple interviews and thorough background checks, which naturally extended over several weeks. This rigorous vetting ensured that only the most capable and engaging teams would be featured on the national platform, adding an extra layer of legitimacy and excitement to their participation.
Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Ritsche also conducted her own diligent research into the production company, ensuring their reputation and alignment with Border City Living’s values. By this time, the first season of Hoarder House Flippers had already aired, providing Ritsche and Bradt a clear understanding of the show’s format and how their distinctive renovation style would be presented to a national audience. This insight proved invaluable in shaping their strategy for the show.
“There was extensive communication with both the show’s team and the production company throughout the process,” Ritsche explains. “Having seen the initial season, we confidently felt we could introduce something truly unique to the series.” In a renovation landscape often dominated by muted palettes and predictable designs—what Ritsche humorously refers to as “grey on grey flips”—Border City Living stands out. “We are known for our bold aesthetic and our ability to cater to a very specific type of buyer who appreciates vibrant, character-rich spaces,” she emphasizes. This niche market approach, combined with their striking designs, set them apart on a national stage.
Over 100 Hours Under the Bright Lights: The Filming Saga
Participating in a television production is an arduous undertaking, and for Ritsche and Bradt, it translated into a significant time commitment. The two episodes alone demanded approximately 100 hours of filming, spread across about ten intense two-day visits. Each episode required a minimum of 50 hours of dedicated camera time, with shooting days frequently commencing as early as 6 a.m. This rigorous schedule meant an unavoidable period of absence from their core business operations, necessitating careful planning and additional resources.
To ensure their existing clients received uninterrupted service, Border City Living wisely hired an additional assistant. Despite the demanding filming schedule, Ritsche and Bradt remained actively involved in their business, fielding phone calls and managing operations between takes, often utilizing every spare moment on set. This delicate balancing act highlighted their dedication to both their television debut and their established clientele, showcasing their remarkable organizational skills and commitment.
Ritsche proudly notes the exceptional local support they received throughout the production. “HGTV Canada hadn’t extensively filmed in Windsor to this capacity before, and the local businesses truly rallied to help,” she states. Windsor’s identity as a blue-collar city proved to be an unexpected advantage, fostering a strong sense of community and practical assistance. “Tradespeople from the area eagerly pitched in, offering their expertise and support, which was incredibly beneficial for the projects and deeply appreciated by the production team,” Bradt adds, highlighting the collaborative spirit that pervaded the filming.
A key difference in their approach on Hoarder House Flippers was the direct ownership model. Unlike some renovation shows, clients were not involved in the acquisition or sale process. Ritsche and Bradt directly purchased the hoarder houses, meticulously renovated them, and then listed them for sale. This streamlined approach offered significant advantages. “The faster turnaround from acquisition to sale meant less exposure to potential market fluctuations,” Bradt explains. “Furthermore, from a construction management perspective, these projects were often completed with greater efficiency and speed than many comparable renovations not under the tight deadlines of television production.” This efficiency was a testament to their professional prowess and ability to perform under pressure.
The intense filming period spanned several months. Production for the first episode commenced in November 2022 and concluded in late February 2023. Immediately following, filming for the second episode began in early February 2023, wrapping up in late May of the same year. “February 2023 was particularly intense, with overlap in filming and the concurrent management of two major renovation projects,” Bradt recalls, emphasizing the sheer volume of work they managed during that demanding period.
For those eager to witness Border City Living’s transformative work, Hoarder House Flippers is readily available for streaming on popular platforms including Amazon Video, Stack TV, and Apple TV, allowing a broad audience to appreciate their skill and vision.
Before: A typical scene of clutter and disorganization that Border City Living bravely tackled.
The Megaphone Effect: Amplifying Border City Living’s Brand
The decision to embrace their television adventure proved to be a strategic masterstroke for Border City Living, extending their reach far beyond Windsor’s borders. The exposure on HGTV Canada generated a significant “megaphone effect,” leading to widespread editorial coverage across various media, including prominent print publications, numerous online articles, and engaging radio interviews. Ritsche, a seasoned real estate professional since 2015, and Bradt, who joined the industry in 2018, even graced the cover of Windsor Life Magazine, solidifying their status as local celebrities and design innovators.
While Border City Living had already cultivated a reputable and recognizable brand within the Windsor and Essex County area, Ritsche acknowledges that the television series dramatically amplified their awareness. “Our brand was already established locally,” Ritsche notes, “but the show catapulted us into a different league of recognition.” While quantifying the exact monetary value of such extensive promotional exposure can be challenging, she firmly believes that the tangible results unequivocally speak for themselves, validating their investment of time and energy.
The impact on their business metrics has been remarkable. “Despite a challenging market downturn, our business numbers have actually risen significantly,” Ritsche proudly states. This counter-cyclical growth is a clear indicator of the show’s positive influence. “A substantial number of new clients and inquiries mention seeing us on television, reading a feature story, or encountering our work on social media,” she elaborates. “The show truly handed us a megaphone, amplifying our presence and making us feel like we are everywhere, connecting with a broader audience than ever before.”
The increased visibility translated into immediate, tangible benefits. Open houses for their renovated properties have witnessed significantly higher attendance, buzzing with potential buyers eager to experience Border City Living’s distinctive style firsthand. On Instagram, some of their listings have garnered an astounding 120,000 views, a testament to the captivating appeal of their designs and the show’s ability to drive traffic. “The show is not just entertainment; it’s an integral piece of our evolving brand recognition strategy,” Ritsche concludes, highlighting its profound and lasting impact on their company’s trajectory and market position.
A Marathon, Not a Sprint: Dedication to Design-Led Real Estate
The demanding commitment of 100 hours spent filming meant a considerable amount of time away from the daily operations of their business. However, Deidre Ritsche and Stephanie Bradt view this intense period not as a sacrifice, but as a strategic, long-term investment in Border City Living’s future growth and national prominence. They understood that achieving such widespread recognition required a significant upfront commitment, both personally and professionally.
Indeed, the months of filming were characterized by relentless activity and considerable stress. The work didn’t pause when the cameras stopped rolling. Between filming days, Ritsche and Bradt were still fully responsible for the intricate management of the ongoing flips, which included finalising design plans, coordinating trades, sourcing materials, and even engaging in some of the physical work themselves. The tight production schedule, combined with the inherent complexities of renovating hoarder houses, left little room for rest or reprieve, making it a true test of their resilience and dedication.
“For some, undertaking such a venture might not seem worthwhile due to the sheer volume of work involved,” Ritsche muses, reflecting on the experience. “It’s an immense undertaking, akin to running a marathon rather than a sprint. It demands sustained effort, perseverance, and a deep well of energy to see it through to the finish line.” This analogy perfectly encapsulates the physical, mental, and emotional fortitude required to juggle a demanding television production with the rigorous demands of their thriving real estate business, underscoring their unwavering commitment to excellence.
After: The stunning transformation, featuring Border City Living’s signature bold and niche design style.
A Partnership Rooted in Community and Vision
Deidre Ritsche’s expertise in house flipping runs deep, fueled by a lifelong passion. Her dream was to sell extraordinary, design-forward properties, but she quickly realized that such homes were a rarity in Windsor’s market. Undeterred, she decided to create them herself. Her very first flip was a modest $78,000 house, which she courageously gutted down to the studs, reimagining and redesigning every inch of it into a captivating space. This inaugural project not only honed her skills but also solidified her unique vision for Windsor real estate.
Stephanie Bradt was drawn to Ritsche’s unwavering passion for enhancing their local community through thoughtful renovation and design. Bradt, along with her husband, embarked on her own significant renovation project, acquiring a dilapidated commercial-residential building containing four apartments that required extensive and challenging work. These parallel experiences—Deidre’s impactful first flip and Stephanie’s ambitious commercial-residential overhaul—naturally led to the formation of their formidable partnership in renovations and property flipping, uniting their complementary skills and shared vision for revitalizing Windsor properties.
The concept for Border City Living officially took root in 2016 when Ritsche returned to Canada after years abroad. Her fortuitous meeting with Bradt at a dinner party in 2017 sparked an immediate connection, leading them to begin working together and ultimately laying the foundation for their now-renowned design-led real estate practice. Their collaboration was organic, born from shared values and a mutual desire to bring elevated design to their hometown.
Ritsche, a proud Windsor native, initially pursued her education in Vancouver before embarking on an extensive journey through Europe. Her early career saw her immerse herself in the vibrant world of fashion week in Berlin, an experience that honed her eye for aesthetics and design. Subsequently, she was recruited to manage musicians on international tours, an adventure that took her across “every inch of Europe, Asia, and North America,” as she fondly recalls. This global exposure provided her with an invaluable understanding of diverse architectural styles, rich historical contexts, and cutting-edge design trends from around the world.
After seven exhilarating years of global travel, Ritsche’s thoughts turned homeward to Canada. She made a conscious decision to channel her extensive European experience—her deep appreciation for architecture, history, and contemporary design—into an entrepreneurial venture within the real estate sector. The result was Border City Living, a company that, in her words, adopts “a big-city approach to real estate, meticulously rooted in community values, and dedicated to delivering high-quality properties and unparalleled design excellence.”
Bradt’s professional journey provided an equally robust foundation for her transition into real estate. Her background in editorial fashion and lifestyle publications, combined with her experience as a furniture consultant, cultivated a keen eye for aesthetics, spatial arrangement, and market trends. She shares Ritsche’s profound passion for the transformative power of thoughtful homes, recognizing the crucial role they play in fostering vibrant, connected communities, a philosophy that deeply resonates with Border City Living’s core values.
Reflecting on her experience with Hoarder House Flippers, Bradt emphasizes how it significantly deepened her appreciation for the immense potential inherent in every home, regardless of its initial condition. The show underscored the incredible transformations possible through dedicated design and renovation. “As a busy mom of two,” she adds, “I intimately understand just how critical the right home and the ideal neighbourhood can be for cultivating a stable and enriching family life. This personal understanding further fuels our commitment to creating exceptional living spaces.”
Windsor’s Bold Niche: A Design Revolution
Deidre Ritsche’s very first house flip in Windsor immediately captured significant attention. The project was revolutionary for the local market, introducing a level of bold, sophisticated design previously unseen. At the time, there was virtually no competition for a company known for such daring and innovative design choices. This initial success, located in a student-dense neighbourhood, attracted a first-time homebuyer, leading Ritsche to a crucial realization: “Most young buyers today simply don’t possess the skills, time, or even the interest required to undertake extensive construction projects themselves.” This insight became a cornerstone of Border City Living’s unique business model, identifying a clear market gap.
Today, Border City Living meticulously serves a discerning clientele: creative and successful individuals and families actively seeking unique, thoughtfully designed, and move-in-ready spaces. “While Windsor is historically known as a blue-collar city, it also boasts a highly regarded university and a thriving, vibrant underground arts scene,” Ritsche highlights. This dual identity provides a rich cultural backdrop for their design ethos, allowing them to cater to a demographic that appreciates artistic flair and contemporary living. For properties that do not require extensive structural renovations, the company also offers bespoke staging services, meticulously designed to appeal specifically to buyers who are actively searching for creative, aesthetically pleasing, and inspiring living environments.
Both Ritsche and Bradt universally agree that their overall television experience was overwhelmingly positive. They were particularly fortunate to work with an exceptional director and a remarkably strong, supportive HGTV crew. “We thoroughly enjoyed showing them around Windsor,” Ritsche says with a smile. “They truly learned about and came to love our city, which was incredibly gratifying to witness.” The mutual respect and positive collaboration contributed significantly to the success and enjoyment of the entire production.
With the rigorous and rewarding experience of Hoarder House Flippers now successfully behind them, Ritsche confirms that there are no immediate plans for future television shows. Instead, she and Bradt are resolute in their intention to redouble their focus and energy on their core mission: expanding and refining their design-led real estate practice. This commitment ensures that Border City Living will continue to innovate, transform properties, and elevate the standard of living in Windsor, one beautifully designed home at a time, solidifying their legacy as pioneers in the local real estate and design landscape.