The “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” series, which ended in 2012 after transforming homes for deserving families, has faced numerous challenges. The Ruiz family, based in Texas, had committed to feeding the poor across the border in Juarez, Mexico, and helping their neighbors. However, in the winter of 2020, their three dogs began barking, and they realized that their efforts were in vain.
The crew of the show had an incredible and talented cast who were dedicated to providing heartwarming home renovations for deserving families. One family on the show received a renovated home after adopting five children, but those kids say they were kicked out after the show. The Vitale family, parents of Kane and Louis Jr., sold their home while their home was in desperate need of renovation.
A neighborhood in the lower valley was invaded by construction and film crews from ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”. Maria Ruiz and her family in El Paso, Texas, committed themselves to feeding the poor across the border in Juarez, Mexico and helping their neighbors. Tragically, one of the stars of the show died tragically in September 2024, in an incident still under investigation.
Since the remodeling, the Ruiz family has opened their home for viewing and collecting food donations as their only price of admission. Today, Maria and Jesus, and their children, Elizabeth and Jesus Jr., met with state lawmakers after being honored with special resolutions in both chambers.
Maria and Luis Ruiz are still helping families in need 25 years after founding Jem Ministries. They celebrated with a block party on Wednesday.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| EP Family Still In Dream 1 Year After ‘Extreme Makeover | And the new home is a dream that’s still becoming a reality. Jesus Ruiz, Maria’s husband says, “You know when we come home, we really come home. | kvia.com |
| Extreme Makeover show couple celebrate 25th … | Maria and Luis Ruiz are still helping families in need 25 years after founding Jem Ministries. They celebrated with a block party on Wednesday. | elpasotimes.com |
| Extreme Makeover – Serving in Ciudad Juarez & El Paso | On the week of January 12, 2009, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition crew demolished Ruizs’ old home and built them a new one. Extreme Makeover gave them a new … | jemministriesep.org |
📹 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Stories That Ended In Tragedy
There’s nothing quite like the story of a community coming together to help out a family in need to really tug at the heartstrings.
What Happened To The Girard Family From Extreme Home Makeover?
The Girard family faced immense tragedy when they lost their home to a fire in 2007, following Thomas Girard's job loss. During the family's struggles, Thomas and his eldest son, Marc, drowned in June 2009 during a swim in a lake, compounding their grief. Carol Girard is now left to raise their four surviving children: Adam, 17, Jacqueline, 15, Lucas, 11, and Hannah, 7. Despite these devastating events, the Girards appeared on ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," seeking a new beginning.
Their home was under construction while they temporarily lived in a trailer after the fire. The episode featuring their story aired on December 25, 2009, prompting reflection on their journey of loss and resilience. Carol has shared her family's experience, recounting the heartbreaking circumstances that led to their appearance on the show and the support they received during their most difficult times.
Over the years, the legacy of "Extreme Makeover" has shown mixed results for families, as many grapple with the aftermath of such drastic changes. As they navigate their new home, the Girard family continues to find ways to cope with their profound losses and build a future together.
Who Still Has Their House From Extreme Makeover: Home Edition?
The Riggins family remains in their cherished home, a symbol of faith and God's promises, 16 years after its transformation on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" (EMHE). The show became a cultural touchstone by telling the heartfelt stories of families in need, including the case of Brooke and Faith, young sisters with spinal muscular atrophy, whose unsustainable Ohio home was renovated by Ty Pennington and his team in Long Island, New York. Despite the family's low profile since then, the EMHE legacy continues.
Scheduled to return on January 2, 2024, the series will be co-hosted by Joanna Teplin and Clea Shearer from The Home Edit, marking its first revival since 2012. Over nine seasons, the show rebuilt more than 200 homes, demonstrating the extraordinary effort of constructing a house in just one week with local community support. Unfortunately, many homes have since been sold, but a few, including Thang Nguyen's "Feng Shui" house and the Whitely family's residence, remain with their original owners. The premise of EMHE, aiding families facing hardships with lavish renovations free of charge, continues to resonate, as evidenced by personal connections to local renovations.
Did You Get Kicked Out Of 'Extreme Makeover'?
A North Carolina couple, James and Devonda Friday, who appeared on ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" in 2011 after adopting five children, is facing accusations from the children that they were kicked out following the show. The Fridays received a renovated 3, 900-square-foot home, but now, the adopted children, including siblings Chris and Kamaya, allege they were separated and forced to leave due to "bad attitudes." Chris, now 20, expressed feeling loved by the Fridays as parental figures, while Kamaya claims they were unjustly pushed out.
James Friday, however, denies the allegations, stating the children were not expelled from the home. The couple’s actions have raised questions about their initial motivations for accepting the home makeover, considering the implications once the television cameras left. The situation highlights the complex nature of familial relationships and the impact of public exposure on private lives. In the aftermath, some adopted children were placed in group homes, believing their stay would only be temporary.
This incident has stirred discussions about the long-term effects of reality TV on featured participants and whether these families should have engaged with the show knowing its potential consequences.
Who Pays For Home Makeovers On TV Shows?
Homeowners participating in HGTV's renovation shows typically bear the costs of their projects. Although HGTV may contribute some funding to expedite renovations, it is a common misconception that these shows provide free renovations. Most homeowners, contrary to popular belief, must handle their own budgets, often requiring significant financial investment to appear on these programs. For instance, Jonathan Scott revealed that he and his brother cover renovation expenses for their shows as well.
While some participants may receive free renovations, the majority are responsible for financing the work themselves. Additionally, homeowners are expected to vacate their properties during renovations.
Specific rules vary by show, influencing how budget requirements are set. Popular shows like Fixer to Fabulous or Hometown might offer exciting opportunities, but they do not eliminate the financial obligations for homeowners. Though renovations might be sponsored by associated companies, most homeowners still incur substantial costs. Discounted materials and labor may be available, but homeowners are ultimately led to believe these expenses await them regardless of the show's allure. Additionally, seemingly charitable shows like Extreme Home Makeover have drawn scrutiny, with participants often burdened by increased taxes and other costs post-renovation.
What Happened To The Guy From Extreme Home Makeover?
Eduardo Xol, a prominent designer and TV personality from ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," has tragically passed away at the age of 58. He succumbed to injuries sustained during a stabbing incident in Palm Springs on September 10, 2024, with his death occurring on September 20 at Desert Regional Medical Center. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department confirmed his death. Eduardo Xol joined "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" in 2005, gaining recognition for his contributions to the show, which won two Emmy Awards.
In connection with Xol's murder, Richard Joseph Gonzales, allegedly linked to him, has been arrested. Ty Pennington, the show’s former host, has continued his career in renovation-themed programming, including hosting "Rock the Block." Eduardo's passing has stirred grief, reflecting the loss of a beloved figure in the home renovation and reality television community. His legacy endures among fans who can still stream episodes of the series on platforms like Netflix.
What Happened To Ty Pennington?
On Tuesday morning, Ty Pennington woke up at 4 am struggling to breathe, discovering that the sore throat he had for a month was actually a large abscess closing off his airway. The well-known TV personality, famous for shows like "Trading Spaces" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," faced a serious health complication when he had to undergo emergency surgery. Just days after attending the glamorous Barbie premiere, Pennington was hospitalized and intubated due to the obstruction caused by the abscess.
He was eventually airlifted to the ICU in Denver for the procedure. Following the experience, Pennington shared his health journey with fans on social media, reassuring them that he was recovering well. Having won Emmy Awards for his work in television, Pennington remains a beloved figure in reality TV, having recently made a comeback with new shows. Now, he is focusing on his health and overall well-being after this near-death experience.
How Long Did 'Extreme Makeover' Last?
ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" provided deserving families the opportunity to rebuild their lives in dream homes. The series ran for nine seasons from February 15, 2004, to January 13, 2012, featuring contractor and host Ty Pennington and his crew undertaking extensive renovations for families in need, peaking at 16 million viewers per episode. Known for its heartwarming narratives, the program focused on incredible transformations, akin to the original "Extreme Makeover," which centered on individual makeovers through cosmetic surgery and lifestyle changes.
Despite its success, the show faced declining ratings leading to its cancellation, with the final episode airing as the 200th installment. ABC initially announced the series' end in December 2011. Although moving to Fridays saw a significant drop in viewership, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" left a lasting legacy in the realm of home renovation shows, highlighting stories of families overcoming adversity while building their new homes in seven days.
After its original run, which showcased gripping emotional backstories, it briefly returned in 2020 on HGTV. Future potential revivals on ABC are also being considered for the 2024-2025 TV season. The series remains an iconic part of American television history and can be streamed on platforms like Hulu.
How Did 'Extreme Makeover' Work?
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" was a heartwarming reality series on ABC, debuting on December 11, 2002, and hosted by Ty Pennington until 2012. The show aimed to give deserving families a fresh start by completely renovating their homes within a mere seven days, often involving local designers, workers, and community support. The program's concept included transforming not just the physical space, but also the lives of families who faced hardships, such as the Nicklesses, whose mortgage was drastically reduced by supportive state and banking officials.
Throughout its nine-season run, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" built dream homes for many, including the Higgins family, who were orphans taken in by the Leomitis family. Despite the show’s popularity and emotional premise, it eventually faced declining ratings and controversy. Reports indicated that the rapid transformations led to negative impacts on some contestants’ lives. Following its end in 2012, the show returned for a reboot in 2020, yet left behind a legacy that mixed joy with challenges.
The production relied on an accelerated timeline that defied construction norms, including a controversial building process where foundations would often not be sufficiently cured in the allotted timeframe.
Why Did ABC Make A 'Extreme Makeover'?
In the end, the 'Extreme Makeover' team successfully helped a deserving family find their dream home, addressing their concerns. While the family was away on vacation, the ABC team constructed a new house for them and even gifted them a Ford Explorer. Shortly after moving into their new home, the family put it up for sale. "Extreme Makeover" is an American reality television series that debuted on ABC on December 11, 2002, created by Howard Schultz.
The show featured individuals undergoing significant transformations, including plastic surgery, fitness, hairstyling, and wardrobe changes. A new version of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is set to premiere on ABC and stream on Hulu for the 2024-2025 season. The original home-oriented spin-off, hosted by Ty Pennington, aired from 2004 to 2012 before being canceled after its 200th episode due to declining ratings. During its run, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" rebuilt over 200 homes but faced challenges, including financial issues and tragic circumstances for some families.
Despite the series ending in 2012, it continues to resonate through reruns and its notable renovations. The upcoming revival, hosted by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, aims to bring renewed excitement to the beloved show, highlighting families in need of home renovations.
Do The Families On Extreme Home Makeover Have To Pay For Anything?
In certain instances, partners offer financial assistance to families, alleviating homeownership costs or helping with major financial needs, allowing them to maintain new or renovated homes. On "Extreme Home Makeover," families receive houses without paying for them; all costs, including materials and furnishings, are covered by sponsors. However, they are responsible for utilities and property taxes. The show stipulates that families are essentially "renting" the homes, with improvements serving as rental payment, thus exempting them from taxes on those enhancements.
The show's return to HGTV raises inquiries about mortgage payments, as families receiving homes may face higher tax burdens and utility costs, leading to financial struggles post-renovation. Reports indicate that as of 2020, some recipient families have faced foreclosures due to these financial pressures. While the show facilitates rapid home builds and provides significant contributions, including vehicles and cash assistance, mortgage costs remain the families' responsibility.
Despite the show's philanthropic intent, the reality is that some families may find it challenging to manage increased living costs when moving into these new, larger homes. Although the show does not pay mortgages, it aims to create a positive experience for deserving families despite the long-term financial implications.
📹 Why ‘Extreme Makeover’ Contest Winner Got Evicted From Dream Home
The Michigan mom who got her dream home on reality TV is now living a nightmare. Arlene Nickless’ home was completely …
I don’t think most people realized the tax and utility cost of living in a huge mansion before they agreed to the show. Maybe if the show would have used solar panels to cut some of the cost or just upgraded to a nicer house, but not a mansion. I read that most of the people ended up selling the house or going bankrupt.
I always thought the theme based rooms “especially for the younger ones” wasn’t a good idea. You should keep it more neutral so as the child grows your not having to change much or if you need to sale. Also the houses should be way smaller and not so over the top. Nothing wrong with shared rooms within reason.
I feel like they should have focused more on the little things that the families needed. Most of the houses were built way bigger than what those families actually needed. There were many families that needed this makeover for everyday purposes – a family member was in a wheelchair that didn’t fit through doorways. Some families needed more accessible bathroom and possibly a lift to get a family member out from the bed and to the shower. Some needed to get rid of the mold/toxic gas etc. All they really needed was to get these issues fixed, no big mansions that would eventually turn into a new nightmare.
A free super upgraded house vs an upgraded, reasonable, safe and paid for house would have made the difference in these cases. SO MUCH waste in the over the top furnishings, unnecessary way-to-extras…. Instead how about taxes and a utility bill fund for at least a year or so after donation of the “plenty enough” redone house?
They always built these houses with specific themed bedrooms, over the top designs that may have been “cool” for that particular family but certainly not good for the resale values. Who wants to spend close to 1million and have to rip out Pirate Ships, Robots,or giant animal shaped built in beds out of their homes? Do you really need 8 bedrooms? It’s not going to kill anyone to have siblings sharing a room. For the ones that had older teenagers, did they really need huge houses when they were close to being empty nesters?
These stories are truly sad, my heart hurts for all of them. I had often wondered about all of the families that were blessed with these beautiful homes. Instead of going through them so quickly, maybe someone could do an hour show and make it much easier to follow the story of each family. There just might be some help out there somewhere for some of them! 🌼
I knew this was going to occur, when they increased the square footage of homes the tv program built. And I thought about the increase in taxes but also utilities would increase big time! What the focus of the tv program should have been from the very beginning. To improve or update the home they were living in. And stay within a budget that is comparable to homes in there subdivision! That would have been wisdom!
1:39 I was never a huge fan of EM:HD, but when I liked an episode, I REALLY LIKED an episode. The Higgins, Leomiti Family was one episode that uplifted me in a way like never before, they were the kind of family I wish I lived next door to, they were the kind of family I would love to watch in a faith based or made for TV movie. To hear the horror The Higgins Kids had to go through after they did the show, just broke my heart. You think there is people out there who will have your back always, and then when the smoke clears and the greed pours in its place, all that talk about love and help goes straight out the window. I wish it wouldn’t have ended the way it did, but that goes to show you, getting a dream home does not mean you’re going to live a happily ever after, as we’ve seen several times over on this show. Look out for you, and beware of your surroundings.
Sadly I worked on the first house as a upholster when I lived in Colonie NY. The show had approached me to do some cushions and a wing chair it was exciting to do. But I always wondered what had happened to the family . I relocated after show. And had heard all kinds of rumors about the family and the neighbors..
I lowkey want to see a document for this show as a update on these homes and families today. Like are they still living in these houses or were these houses were knocked down years later due to unpaid Bill’s? I’m just curious because I use to watch this show almost religiously since I was fascinated with the kids bedroom at the time, but now that I’m older, it makes me wonder how these bedrooms turned out when these kids got older and how the houses were holding up today….they probably moved more likely 🤨🤔.
I think that people who “Received” these home makeovers didn’t realize the actual cost, which is usually increased mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities. Yeah I mean it’s great to have your home redone, but I’d almost rather do it myself and pay for it, because that way I can control what is being done, and if something is going to cost too much then I don’t do it or I find an alternative. IF it was up to me, I’d rather take a small ranch house that was paid for (and I only had to pay for property taxes and utilities; no mortgage) than a huge house where only the rennovations were paid for. I’d be willing to settle for less with a smaller financial burden in the end. Because here’s the thing: most of those people who got free home makeovers, couldn’t afford their existing home, and how are they going to afford a potentially bigger, more expensive home. In some respects, I think a lot of these home makeovers were probably regrettable for most people. At least with shows like Property Brothers, the owners can say yes or no to certain things, and have more control over costs. I understand that for the Home Makeovers some or all materials and labor was donated, but still, at the end of the day, you are left with a large bill, being higher taxes and potentially operating costs and in some cases, a larger mortgage. I think there was one episode I recall where an active-duty army officer had his home mortgage paid off by USAA since he was serving in the military at the time, and had a wife and 2-3 kids at home.
A family near my mother in laws home had an Extrreme Home Makeover. My MIL had known the family for years. She told us after the episode aired that it wasn’t quite what they had said on air. They were talking about how the father had died and how that was so stressful to the mom. What they didn’t say was that the couple had divorced years ago and the husband had little to do with the ex or his kids. I guess you do what makes ratings.
this is super sad overall. I used to watch this thinking they had everything covered and their life was made better by a new house. I pray for those Higgins kids, they’ve been through so much at such a young age. They’re adults now 0.0 Really shows that material items don’t fix anything…..honestly disgusted by this whole production team knowing all of this now…
I am all for “helping” families, but what this show did was OVERKILL….that’s why I stopped perusal that show early on…..It was CRAZY, what they were spending on 1 house, for 1 family, when they “could of, & should of ” helped 6 families for the costs they put into just 1 home…..SO MUCH could have been done with the all the EXCESS that was put into each OVERSIZED, OVER INDULGENT HOME….Too bad the producers didnt think of that!!!
I have said for years…..this is a great show….yes!……but they go too far! The homes do not need to be that big….or that elaborate! Families in need just want a nice, comfortable, safe place for their families. Even years ago…..people who got one of these homes, lost it or sold it because its too big….too expensive for utilities….too high of property taxes, etc………very unrealistic to do this to someone ALSO struggling financially. Just really sad…..they could build 2 nice AFFORDABLE size homes for what it cost them to build these huge monstraciti ‘s…..
I remember the first time I saw the show, I was thinking that it seemed like such a waste to build one HUGE, ELABORATE home per family. Why not fix up their homes to where they are upgraded and have an addition, if necessary, instead of building these big mansions?? That way so many more families could be helped.
Haven’t watched this and probably not going to. Just clicked to say that I never understood why they would built all these big fancy homes when the family couldn’t take care of what they had. Just build them something that they could actually keep up and manage the payment. Not one of them needed the headaches.
I watch the extreme makeover with a 10 yr old boy named Joe.It gives me hope.And I know that if this little man has can go through what he went through,my granddaughter who has CP n among other problems,was also born with one of her knee’s backwards Will b able to walk one day .She will b 4 in a couple months We have to carry her everywhere in there home due to no room or ramps.Both parents works hard for what they have.My baby Ally wants to walk so bad.I know one day she will
First let me say I love your show. My favourite is the one with Sargeant Ziegler! Now as to the makeovers, most of the recipients are coming from simple homes, why not just make the homes nicer and not these big homes and mansions which they can’t manage financially! Just make them nice, simple and affordable! Love you guys, God bless you all!💞
Extreme Makeover did two of these projects in my hometown and both of them did not end well for the families. The show way overimproved their properties for the neighborhoods where they were located and after the PVA office reassessed their tax liability, the families were basically forced to sell their homes. In each case, the properties were so overimproved that they couldn’t get a fair market value and had to drastically reduce their asking prices. Both families were left in worse shape than they were before. This is the ugly reality behind this show that the audience doesn’t see.
After a flood that destroyed many homes including low income apartments and left several hundred people with nowhere to go Home Makeover offered one of my neighbors a renovation and they refused saying that they should take their moneu and rebuild the entire town rather than build an unnecessary mansion in the ruins.
That’s the problem there…by improving the house making it bigger etc it increases the value thus increasing the tax needed for it….many if the families couldn’t afford the increase so although they appreciated the thought and the new home unfortunately it didn’t last long and they had to move on…..so although extreme make over had good intentions it ended up making things more difficult for many of the families they helped.
Hello to all Citizens, I was also born with APCA Heart Conditions too, and I can’t have SEA FOOD while was growing up and I can’t able to Crewed places and I can’t travel out to all different countries and I was a Fpster Child hood and I was in and out of Doctors because I was a APCA HEART Conditions and I was Born with The APCA Heart Conditions and there is No Cuer with it but only Surgery can let me live with Air tubes in and out of me growing up and I hope I could spread my message to other sick kids and family too! Thank you for all your community support to us, Thank you for all your Love and Support
This is why the show no longer exists… They came to my town and built a house just 20 minutes away from me. The lady’s son was killed in a car accident and they were renovating their home and the son that was killed made and drew out the plans and was killed before it could be finished. This happened to be in my Aunts neighborhood. They had an HOA…this is a very very upper-class gated neighborhood..I had to get a pass at the entrance just to visit my aunt. We could never afford to live in a place like that…4 of our houses could fit into my aunts house…they were very strict on who came in…thats how nice this neighborhood is. They did it simply because of the sad story to go along with it and didn’t show the gates..or the upset neighbors…The mom was the talk of the town and known not to be such a nice person. She actually tried to sell the house for profit afterwards… Some people actually “needed” a home but not these folks. And those who got one couldn’t afford to keep it. I lost faith in the show after this event with my Aunts neighborhood…These people had enough money to call anyone to finish thier home but got it for free instead and was out for profit and used thier sons death to get it. Sounds horrible, but true.
As an Australian can you please explain to me how your ‘property tax’ works? Apologies for my ignorance. In one of the stories the people who needed it most faced extra costs from $1,000 to $7,500 ? Is that right? Is this different from our ‘council land rates’? Or is it different. We have land values that we receive from the “Valuer General” which is based on the area and not the house. Is this how yours works?
I remember a lot of families were given big checks, paid off mortgages etc so if you are STILL struggling after all that help that most people can only dream of, than that says more about the family than the show or the house. Every family who received a makeover should have received a crash course in money management, budgeting, prioritizing etc instead of being sent off to Disney land or whatever while the homes were built. Why do you think they were struggling in the first place? Smh
This is so sad, but I believe that Ty and the other members of the design team were truly committed to wanting to help these folks. Sadly human nature is not what it should be and what is already your nature will show up down the line. Dragging the team to court because they failed to deliver a home? That is really sad, as it shows an unbelievably and pathetic degree of entitlement!!!! Ty and the team can build the most incredible, over the top mansions till Kingdom come but they cannot build HOMES. It is the people who live in the house or mansion that make it a home. I was a young teenager (60 yrs ago) when we came to know a family who had won the then Rhodesian Sweepstake twice in succession which totalled a huge amount of money. A mansion was built with an indoor heated swimming pool, tennis court and the most modern amenities of that era. What followed was a life of absolute luxury and non-stop entertaining Two years later the wife found the husband gassed in his car. Suicide! A horrible ending to a supposedly fairytale. Thank you Ty and the team for trying and thank you too all the other folks who pitched in to help.
They built a home near my neighborhood, and the family didn’t last a year in the big 5 bedroom house. The taxes were too high, like all the other homes they had built turned out the same. The producers don’t think about the aftermath when the family gets stuck paying utilities and taxes. We in New Jersey pay very high taxes. Now, the house is not being used and now belongs to the church. What a waste.
The issue on the appreciation of the real property taxes and the spike on the would-be utility bills ran through my thoughts long time back. I wondered how these people can afford to pay the taxes incurred and their consumption of the services/utilities now that their house increased in its assessed value since its full renovation. This should have been carefully thought of by the producers of the show and should have considered putting up a FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COUNSELLING SESSIONS for the family… to teach them or guide them to be self-sustainable and be ready with things relevant to maintaining the house and covering its miscellaneous and other operating expenses. Giving these families a new house to live, to start anew also meant giving them greater responsibilities to carry through. They must understand that these families will eventually experience yet other challenges brought about by the transition from their new lifestyle. In a way, what I am suggesting is for the producers of the show to consider helping the family holistically: to help people help themselves in the new chapter of their family life. Just my two cents.
Just because things doesn’t work out with family’s that doesn’t mean the Extreme home makeover is responsible for it. you sue the people that took you in not the people that built the new home. Everyone that works for ABC Home makeover can’t tell what the outcome of a family will do after they get a new house.
How sad that the Higgins children lost their parents and that the ‘adoptive’ family treated them sub-par. God sees all remember that people. Family #3: I’ve always thought if you’re struggling to make ends meet and a house like that is built – how long will you be there before you have to sell because you CAN’t afford it!? Come on EM! The whole show was based on making something unobtainable in the long run unless the people already had the $$ to sustain things. Maybe use that fact EM. False hope sucks.
I’ve read about other people who have had to move out due to the tax and utility burden. Supposedly, ABC was supposed to sit the parents down and go over the probable house taxes and utilities before the family agrees to take the gift of a home makeover. I can see why there was a change in the sale price afterwards given the crazy stuff built for the children. Even if the family keeps the home. I can’t imagine the children wanting to continue to live in a bedroom decorated as a fire engine. when they get older.
I remember when they started showing it here in Greece, I was 15 and didn’t gave a damn about it but the website that pick it, never got the second season because of the low viewership. I remeber my parents talking with their friends about the raised taxed those families had to pay afterwards and how unless the family is rich, they wouldn’t be agle to keep the mansion. That was the jeneral thinking here in Greece so the adults didn’t really liked this show. But Greece loved The Bold and the Beautiful since season 1 till today.
I know if they wanted to build me a home, I would say no because I know I wouldn’t be able to keep it. It wouldn’t help me at all. Just put a burden on me. Now if they consider what I could afford and went from there, then it would help. They really didn’t help these families as much as it seemed. I use to watch this, but always knew the families wouldn’t live there long.
So sad to see that some people manipulated their way into a new house by pretending to actually care about their foster/ adopted/ children just to find out they were horrible people :'( I can’t believe the 1 family trying to sue the network tho.. they can fix up your house, they can’t fix your family issues
I’ll let all of you in on a secret. Producers, or show runners, have pretty much the final say of TV shows and movies. I believe they thought with the sadder the story and the bigger the house, the show would get higher ratings, or viewers. It seems like none of the producers tapped, or were willing to tap the breaks. It’s no doubt the Beach family needed a house since there’s was invaded by mold, snakes, and rats after the hurricane. Many of the other family’s needed a house, too. The Leonidi family’s waging a war, by using racial slurs, on the kids they took in is despicable. Every Sunday evening, I loved perusal Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I hope the revamped show is being more modest, but not stingy, with the new houses they build.
The biggest mistake is people treat homes like an asset. If you have no way to GENERATE INCOME TO RECOUP those cost that are LIABILITIES PAYMENTS INSURANCE TAXES UTILITIES MAINTENANCE. That is the issue. You make 40 50k each for a 300k + mortgage. Over 30 years. Let’s not forget your living and other expenses that are also LIABILITIES. Your paycheck only covers part of that cost. Then you go get credit cards student debt car notes. Living way beyond their means. That’s the true issue.
It was poor thinking on everybody’s part! The show’s people didn’t think about the obvious increased utilities and more so property taxes! They could’ve gone to the city with their plans to find out what the taxes would like and then go to the family to see if they had the means to be able to afford them and if not, maybe design one that wasn’t so extravagant and affordable, at least tax wise, and then build it! The people that were nominated just saw a possible “dream” house, and they didn’t really foresee any increased expenses! If the show’s producers had approached the main person, the house’s tenant(s) and asked them what they could afford, then, at least, more people would’ve ended up staying in their new homes! But, when it comes to that show, it seemed like it was more about the ratings, and the best way to do that was with the tugging of the heartstrings and WOW factor! But in these, amongst other instances, they ended up in sadder circumstances!😔
It is sad that after the Extreme Makeovers built and provided a house for these people, their efforts went to naught. The only consolation for the Extreme Makeover is that they were able to provide a house for people at a crucial moment when such people needed a comfortable house called home to stay.
Yeah, always wondered why these home makeovers always seem to become mcmasions? I mean, as they do background checks on family applicants, dont they look at the finances also for affordability/sustainability like banks do for mortgages? They’re not getting that new house totally free or without certain strings attached. First family: that single mother just “changed clothes (house)!”
It is reality TV. (And I used the term “reality” very lightly). Once they are lured into this huge home, they are on their own and then lose it due to being exploited by the show and network when they cannot afford the utilities and property taxes. The network does not care about them at all once the episode is finished.
Having a big home is similar to having a luxury car—the maintenance is expensive. It’ not just the monthly payment. It can be really expensive to own your own home, if you want to do it responsibly. Also, the first thing I think about is having to clean that big house. You know those children may not all help. Nope. Hard pass.
Not sure why the show thought ALL these people could AFFORD their NEW homes/mansions when they couldn’t do so BEFOREHAND!! MOST of them ended up losing their NEW home after the mthly mortgage, taxes, and utilities doubled or tripled in some cases!! I also remember the complaints from the homeowners against ABC and the show!!
Make a new show called “Extreme ECONOMICALLY REASONABLE Makeover”. Be mindful of an increase in value of the home, possibly pay off the existing mortgage like they’ve done on many other episodes, proper insulation and energy efficiency, and maybe some solar panels on the roof. PLENTY of solar panel businesses would LOVE the free advertising to get involved. Keep the square footage footprint reasonable, and understand that a nine bedroom home after all the kids grow up and move out is overkill for the average working class/lower-middle class person to maintain, afford, or even justify owning. When the property taxes and new utility bills are triple the mortgage they already struggled to pay, how exactly did they think they’d be able to afford it now?
I wonder if the extreme makeovers, that I have watched, did pump up the expenses on the property. I mean, why can’t they, instead of knocking down and rebuilding, just put extra rooms onto the property. The places are all very nice, but can the people then afford them. It seems, that no they can’t and their situation changes. It is a shame as it also makes the home owners feel guilty because they had to sell.
I often wonder about the massive homes they build for struggling people. The taxes and property tax, insurance and mortgages are crippling. All many need is a basic moderate home but of course there isn’t the wonderful massive following and the tv enjoyment of their awesome homes. Maybe they should somehow have a contingency plan. Of course they can sell the homes but this takes them from their community they so loved. As for those that say they have taken on neighbours kids then boot them out well I’ve got to hope karma gets them
The whole idea is so flawed. Compete with the biggest, most worthy sob story of hard times, then have somebody hand a house to you for nothing, then face the fact that it takes more than a sad story and a generous person to actually change a complicated and messy life, then give up and let the bank take it. The upgrade to life requires upgraded skills with which to care for it.
The rode to hell is paved with AME RICAN SENTIMENTS… REALIZING THAT ALL THESE HOUSES WERE WORTH THE PRICE OF MODERN MOBILE HOMES I DON’T REALLY CARE FOR THIS SHOW AND I NOTICED WHEN I WAS YOUNGER THAT IT WAS UNREALISTIC THE ONE THING THAT MADE BOTHERED ME THE MOST WAS WHY WOULD THEY HAVE TO BE PUT ON A MORTGAGE EITHER YOU’RE HELPING OR YOU’RE MAKING IT WORSE. MOST OF THEIR MONEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN INTO PAYING UTILITIES AND WHAT A COUNTRY WE LIVE IN EVERYBODY WANTS MORE MONEY OFF THE TOP OF WHAT WAS GIVEN TO SOMEONE AS A GIFT IT’S LIKE YOU DON’T EVEN WE SHOULDN’T EVEN GIFT PEOPLE THINGS THAT’S WHY I HATE THE LOTTERY IS A SCAM THEY ONLY HAVE STATE LOTTERY SO THEY CAN HEAVILY TAXED PEOPLE FOR THE TAXES THAT THEY DON’T ALREADY TAKE IT’S ALMOST LIKE A LUXURY TAX ON A MONOPOLY BOARD.
This show seems to have saddled medium to low income people with debt due to increased property taxes and utility bills. I suppose the families should have sold the homes when the upgrades were brand new but it seems that the show overbuilt the neighborhoods as well, meaning they couldn’t get very much for the drastically upgraded homes. What a bad idea for a show!
Well how utterly stupid! It doesn’t take an Einstein to know the houses taxes and utilities will go up orthat a 1.8 million dollar home isn’t worth that it it’s original neighborhood. What really bothers me is why the kids that lost their parents were not helped out to be independent. The oldest child could have been emancipated, sold the parents house and bought a smaller one. But the foster parents get the make over? All for show profits!
I understand the property taxes going up… but how can people not save up $7,500 in a WHOLE year for taxes? it’s as simple as setting aside $625 a month in a savings account and not touching the money at all. Utility bills however…. yeah those are tough to keep up with… especially a/c costs to keep huge houses like those cooled down in the summer
Nasty self but allowed to foster or adopt by government. There are mentally not well people government everyday allow to care for children with no monitoring . As a native Hawaiian I’m concerned as I see many non native moving here using the foster care system as a second income . Fostering native children who will never eat native food or learn the culture
Something for nothing is never true. Work hard for what you need and want. Then at least you will do what you can to keep what you work hard for. When people get free homes they really never appreciate what they have been given. Same with these people get homes from Habitat for Humanity, they don’t appreciate what they have been given.
Tragedy isn’t the right word. A bit bait-clicky. Financially struggling people don’t need an increase in financial output. When you buy a home, the land should be included in the pricetag. A one-time deal. Property/land tax is evil. Too bad the funds are used to help provide services to others. Seems you can’t afford a gorgeous home in America unless you are rich. The American dream of owning a home is now to cast your creative gaze upon a Tiny Home, metal trailer, bus, RV or a cardboard box. 🤨😕
Wow I would of done whatever I could have to keep up with the bills I would of worked more jobs or any thing I’ve always wanted a extreme make over for my house but don’t have a way of rreguesting one or even know how too use a computer I’ve always just tried to keep up with what I can but it’s becoming harder to do that we have beds that are not even adguete but I’m grateful we have a roof over our head and I have something to leave to my kids
Thus, you have it… American media helps to hurt….this was a curable issue..most people don’t realize that poor diet, lack of exercise ..an home care management lessons… Some county’s such as Clark County Nevada have active home management representatives to instruct and educate the family… The last thing here is for familys this large with dependent children tax returns can be enorous..(look for yourself..in your state file a mock 1040 long form with deductable for a minimum wage job…with 6 children, 10 children, or more…then ask yourself what was the real issue behind the lost interest in family.. Invasion of modern technology, hollywood media, and poor diet of eating and over abundance of Animal meat, Eggs, and dairy products…it diwn referred to as the western diet, yet for over 4000 years its been listed as the kings diet which drove royal family’s totally insane with narcissistic & antisocial behavioral
This show screws with people who are dealing with problems that don’t need to be add. They just want a home, not a mansion. They give this middle class families with no parents, single parents and kids with problem, a brand new home with all the fancy furniture, beautiful lights and everything. When after the lights and cameras are gone, the families have deal with the property taxes, the bills on the house and everything else.