Extreme Makeover, I love watching the show and the families seem very deserving of a better

[buzzard]

home, but I do wonder how many can afford the new taxes and upkeep and is it cruel to put people in a home that many will not be able to keep in the long run. Just wondering what you think, I have been watching this show all week while I have been off my feet literally.

[NRaleighLiberal]

1. I think you are on the right track. My confession - I hate all of these types of shows.

They are there to sell advertising - any assistance to the participants is purely coincidental. They did one of these house upgrades for a family in Raleigh, and as far as I know, they certainly couldn't pay the taxes. Kind of like when Oprah gave cars to her audience - they got stuck as well.

Then again, I tend to pretty much loathe 99% of what is on TV!

[bluestateguy]

2. Isd it true that many of these recipients have ended up losing their homes in a year or two?

It seems that I recall hearing of more than one case where some family that received a house from that show lost it a year or two down the road.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

4. Yes they pulled all the money out in home equity.

They bought new cars, big screens, etc. then couldn't make the payments.

David

[Gormy Cuss]

5. Where did that happen?

There was one in Atlanta where the people drew down the equity for a construction business and went into foreclosure. Where was the one you reference?

[flvegan]

3. Didn't one recently find the family re-mortgaging their new beautiful home, then

winding up in foreclosure?

I think there was a family business that tanked in the process or something.

I like this one show called "Mobile Home Disaster" where they upgrade what the folks already have (in most cases). Shouldn't affect any taxes or upkeep. Seems like the smart move. Plus the show is pretty funny. Weird little chubby comic is the host.