Unfortunately, it seems that it is growing more common for these Extreme Home Makeover houses to be foreclosed on, mortgaged to the hilt, or sold off to pay debts.  Many people, when presented with something for “free” don’t value it and tend to waste it.

Another problem for many of the recipients of Home Makeovers is the cost of upkeep.  Many of these new houses have high electricity bills, high taxes, and cost a lot to keep going.  Instead of building a $2m home that the new owners can’t afford to keep, perhaps ABC should focus on building smaller homes.

If they insist on building luxury homes (they do have to be Extreme don’t they?), they should be put them in a trust and provide for upkeep/taxes as part of the deal.

More info from AZ Republic, WSJ Blog, ABC15.