Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Move Or Go Bust?

Some time today the Extreme Home Makeover group will yell out, "Move That Bus." However, will this family, (along with others) be asked to move or go bust?

I have spoken to multiple people over the past two days referencing this situation, ALL of which had NEVER thought of the tax increases, gas & electric, homeowners insurance, the whole nine yards.

It truly does open your eyes to what these recipients can or can't afford. I was then enlightened to the speech the Producer gave at SU. He gave a tear jerking story about how he chose to seek out people who are truly down and out, who cannot afford to refuse to have their homes remodeled.

What's sad to me is that the families who are chose are always wonderful and kind people. You know the type, those willing to give you the shirt off their backs. Unfortunately, in the end, they look horrible because they couldn't afford to keep up that beautiful remodel because of the unexpected bills.

So what do you do then, hold another fundraiser to help these people pay their bills, AFTER they have already been gifted a few hundred thousand dollars worth of renovations. To me, it's a sad situation and one that really forces you to think hard and deep about such gifts.

If it was 10 or 20 years ago I wouldn't have the wisdom I have today to have thought this through like many of us have. I probably would have been upset that someone even brought it up. Nevertheless, this is my job, like it or not.

I will keep my fingers crossed that this family will not see the misfortune other families have experienced from this show. It's a wonderful gift with wonderful volunteers. Hopefully in the end we can all remember "Move That Bus".

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hate you Joe... but you put this perfectly. I think every one of us hopes the best for this family but expects the worst.

Anonymous said...

Its called simple minded people and this country is filled with them... this is why our country has fallen to those who deem our lives beneath them...

NO ONE EVER STOPPED TO THINK...

It is always for the short term not the long term... How can someone who lives in these times of taxes and fees, not know or think about extended cost even after getting a remodeled home from a TV show?

Just because your house or re-model is payed for, doesn't mean the property tax, or the city utilities fees or HOA fees are free...

I really wish people would start to use their education I payed for, for them to have... UnREAL

Anonymous said...

It's the "live for the moment" mentality 3:16.
Not many have the foresight and/or the intelligence to think things though. Then these same people have the nerve to be down on someone who is successful because they thought their lives though.

Anonymous said...

it would been much nicer built them a 1000 sq ft home they could afford, but its called extreme and it is, ill give them 2 years before they loose it

Anonymous said...

Well I hope if they do start struggling with the house they can come to us on Sby News so we can put pressure on the TV show to help them or we will get the word out how another family was duped by the show.

Anonymous said...

I don't know whether to agree or disagree, but you offered no facts or citations for who the people you talked to are, or for the conclusion that these people will have to move "because they couldn't afford to keep up that beautiful remodel because of the unexpected bills."

Like I said, I don't agree/disagree, if anything I'm intrigued by your essay. I just think it would be useful to explain to us readers what facts or sources you used to make these conclusions.

Anonymous said...

Truly a gift that keeps taking from the family who receives it. Sad.

Anonymous said...

Today's episode should show the owners and realtor putting up the For Sale sign so they can afford to buy a 1000 sf house and have money left over to fix it up!

Anonymous said...

4:18 I've been reading for years in The Wall Street Journal about what Joe references. You can also find the stories all over the internet.

Anonymous said...

4:18 PM

I'm with you there. They talk about all these horror stories but offer no proof of them, no news articles, no names, no facts, no figures (real not imagined), nothing.

I did a search myself and found two stories. One went and borrowed money against the house twice, (two mortgages) and couldn't or wouldn't pay it back.

The other was struggling with debt before they got house remodeled and lost it after the man lost his job.

The article I read did go on to say there were some who went into foreclosure because they couldn't afford the house.

Most others went into foreclosure because of their irresponsible actions, like the one mentioned above.

People around here just love good gossip, it doesn't even have to be true.

They are hoping and praying, even betting, that these people lose their house.

Small petty people. Sad.

Anonymous said...

I was at the build almost every day and talked to the contractor, utility contractors, and many more.

What you need to understand it that the mortgage is paid for, the solar panels will cover their energy bills (heating, cooling, and electric) and will probably give them money BACK in the summer.

The only thing that is left for the family is the insurance and taxes, along with their cable/phone bills.

This family works and will have no problem covering these bills each month/year. The taxes will be less than mine so it will be around 2200/year. With the savings on their energy bills, they can cover their other bills.

So what is the big deal? Jealous?

Anonymous said...

If the house wasn't Extreme-----the Show wouldn't sell-----Now , do we all get it!!!!

Anonymous said...

You obviously have no understanding of solar power 7:49.
Please read up before making totally untrue statements like they will cover their heating cooling and electric.
And trust me they are not going to get any money back from them.
I have no clue where you came up with this information but it is way off base. And if this is the info the show is selling to all you people than even more shame on them. And that wouldn't surprise me the way they've duped others with these homes.

maurice said...

i live in a old moble home(trailer) and want a new house.just build me a small rancher,pay off my debts.nothing fancy just then i could be able to enjoy life without worrying about tax and forclosure.

Anonymous said...

Funny, heard that taxes will be paid for the next 5 years, that should give them time to save up. Also both of the kids got $30k scholarships to SU. They should be able to figure out how to keep that house.

Anonymous said...

9:15 PM

You talk a lot of crap but offer no real rebuttal. You are way off base.

Anonymous said...

If solar panels were so great everyone would have them and business' that make them wouldn't need $500 million dollar government loans and then still end up bankrupt (does Solyndra ring a bell?).
The facts are, whether you choose to believe or not is that solar energy is incapable of producing reliable electricy.
To believe otherwise is nothing more than falling for the propaganda.