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Homeowners Having Problems Keeping Extreme Makeover Homes

January 5th, 2011

What started out as a great idea has now turned into a disaster for many recipients of Extreme Makeover homes. They are overwhelmed by the upkeep and the maintenance costs of their new digs. The stress and financial load often lead to foreclosures, bankruptcies and sales of these houses.

The ABC-TV show does a lot of good in helping struggling homeowners, many with health problems. In some cases there are children with special needs involved. On the downside the show appears to put high ratings before the reality of homeownership.

I find it had to believe that producers of the show would build a mansion in a neighborhood where the average house might be less than $200,000 and about 1,200 square feet. It makes good TV viewing. The “reveal” is spectacular and right on cue. The climax is expected but we are still surprised as the cameras pan the extravagant rooms. All this drama clouds the reality of homeowners and being part of a community.

The producers of the show have promised to make some changes. The average size of a house will be in the range of 2,800 to 3,000 square feet. They have come to realize that the costs of maintaining these mansions usually send the homeowners into financial shock. In addition to therapy they need financial education. As a requirement, financial planning and budgeting should be offered with the keys to the house. In fact these courses should be taken before the bulldozers start demolishing the old house.

Does anyone care that these homeowners will lose the homes? Hundreds of volunteers from the neighborhood have a stake in the success of the families. The homeowners obviously contributed something positive to their community, and that was the reason they were chosen for the house.

In the early days of the show remodeling was the focus. But as the show gained popularity, with over 9.4 million viewers an episode, the dramatic took center stage. Demolishing house with lots of fanfare became the norm. So gone were the days of remodeling and refurbishing.

>>Footnote:

Eric Herbert was the first foreclosure in the Extreme Makeover series.

Milton and Patricia Harper filed for bankruptcy after taking a second mortgage for $450,000 on the house.

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