I have to wonder if HGTV seeks out such people to feature on their shows, because what you describe is exactly how I see it too. If it isn't exactly perfect in every way to their imagined dream home, even if the paint is wrong in a room - the simplest of fixes - then they will not buy it.

If they only realized that most times the Jones' are completely broke and living paycheck to paycheck then maybe they could see that by not keeping up with them and instead using your money more wisely you will eventually surpass the old Jones'.