Extreme Makeover home in foreclosure! - Entertainment - entertainment's Blog - Bakersfield.com

Jul 29, 2008 at 01:07 PM : It would be...

It would be interesting to see more follow-up stories on these home makeovers.

Jul 29, 2008 at 04:07 PM : Maybe TBC would do a...

Maybe TBC would do a follow-up story about the home makeover out on Union Ave. just south of Bear Mountain Blvd. Hopefully the family that lives/lived there is doing well.

Jul 29, 2008 at 04:07 PM : The last time I drove...

The last time I drove by there (about 4 months ago) the place still looked great!

Jul 29, 2008 at 04:07 PM : Wasn't that the...

Wasn't that the one owned by the farming family whose son was killed in an auto accident. The wide and grandkids lived in the house but it was owned by the guys mother/ family if I have it right. I often wondered what would happen if the wife remarried.

Jul 29, 2008 at 04:07 PM : Talk about poor...

Talk about poor judgment. The family took out a $450,000 loan and used the house as collateral. This is so frustrating.

Did the family think they wouldn't have to pay the loan back?
If they couldn't afford to make payments on a $450,000 mortgage 3 years ago, what makes them think they can afford a $450,000 now?
Where is the family living now? Worse off than 3 years ago because now they don't own any property (even a hovel).

Jul 29, 2008 at 05:07 PM : Here's the...

Here's the $450,000 parents:

Here's the couple's three sons:

Jul 29, 2008 at 05:07 PM : Yes, Nancy, that is...

Yes, Nancy, that is the right family you are talking about. The BC should do a follow up on our local Extreme family.

Jul 29, 2008 at 07:07 PM : Elcano family, it was....

Elcano family, it was. And the mother of Glen Elcano had took over the house, but just a few weeks ago, her obituary was on the second page of out Local section. So, as Nancy and Michele have both stated, what has happened to the ownership of that beautiful home?? I know that everytime I am heading out or back into town, the hay is stacked to the very top under that storage unit the Xtreme Makeover built. TBC...go out there and bring us back a worth-reading storyyy :D

Jul 29, 2008 at 09:07 PM : I don't know what...

I don't know what to think about the Harper family. I remember seeing the episode and wondering why they were chosen. Their home had a flooded septic tank, but there wasn't much discussion about their hardships. I vaguely remember something about their children having health issues.

Here's the thing, prior to contacting Extreme Home Makeover, they'd actually been living in government housing in New York. Dad lost his job and they moved to Georgia because it was less expensive and the bbenefits were better (amazingly!). Let's examine the facts:

*Three years ago, the family made a video and sent it to Extreme Home Makeover. They stated that their current home was uninhabitable because of damage from the backed up septic tank. As a result, they were living on one floor, with two bedrooms for five people. In the episode, they admit that they bought the house sight unseen and DID NOT hire an inspector. They also never fully insured the home. However, at the time of sale, the documents presented stated that the septic tank was on it's last legs and would likely need work. So, why is ABC rewarding stupid? You don't buy a house without seeing it and you don't fore go an inspection.

*Their family had no health problems. With that in mind, were there no more deserving families? Septic tanks back up on a pretty regular bases. Is that a reason to build every one in that position a 5,000+ square foot home?

*When you sign the contracts to be an EHMO family, you sign a contract stating that you will not sell the property for at least a year. Interesting, this falls into the exact time that the Harpers took out a second mortgage. So, tell me that wasn't planned all along?

* They took out a mortgage to open a business. But, for the first year after their home was re-built, neither, supposedly, worked. The folks at Beazer collected $200,000 plus dollars that was supposed to be in a savings account to pay for the higher taxes or heating costs for the home. If the Harpers had left it in the bank, then they could've paid their taxes on the home for twenty -five years. This money is now gone.

*A lady directly behind them was generous enough to let EHMO and Beezer remove several trees on her property and dig a trench to tie the family into the city sewer. Thousands of community members came to help build. Local establishment brought food. What does it say to these community residents (and especially the woman who allowed HER property to be torn up to help with no compensation) when the Harpers mismanage this enormous gift?

*The boys were set up with college funds that the family is now trying to tap to remain in the home.
*Despite having no experience (the dad was a part time security guard and mom stayed at home), they decide to take out a business loan for the entire amount of the home. Not a percentage or a bit to get the business going, but the ENTIRE worth of this donated home that they convinced ABC and the public they desperately needed. Despite having no experience in building, they wanted to start a construction business in an economy that could not support that. It's ironic that they were given the gift of Beazer "constructing" them a new home and then decided to use that home as collateral on a loan to make other people pay for the construction of their homes.

This is what happens when greed takes over. And, the real victims are their sons. Yet, the Harpers have said they contacted the media "in case someone can help them not lose their home." Oy!