Extreme Makeover…Hidden Costs
When a freebie prize, really isn’t a freebie prize.
Oprah was pounded for this a few years ago when she gave out so-called free cars to her studio audience. Obviously everyone in the audience were thrilled to hear the news they were getting a free car just for showing up at a taping of an Oprah show. But, what they didn’t know, was they had to pay the taxes before taking delivery on their free car. Suddenly, free wasn’t so free. Oprah really took it on the chin for that one. There was an outcry of — How can Oprah stick it to her audience like that!? — It makes me wonder how many people didn’t end up getting their so-called free car simply because they couldn’t afford to pay the taxes on the car.
While Oprah took it on the chin for her actions, I wonder if anyone has ever questioned Ty Pennington and the Extreme Makeover people. Everyone loves to see Ty, his crew, and anyone else gathered around for the “big reveal” scream — “Move that bus!”
But, what happens when Pennington and his crew leave? Is free really free?
Ty Pennington and his Extreme Makeover: Home Edition crew spent some time in Geneva, New York recently. On Monday, they did the big reveal for the Hill family on William Street in Geneva. The producers of the show said the Hill’s love for their community won them over. I’m sure that’s a very true statement as the Hills devote their lives to helping young people. The couple are counselors and they also work with the Geneva Boxing Team. Aside from a new house, ABC’s Extreme Makeover show also sent the Hills on an all-expense paid trip during the construction process of their new home. This sounds all well and good, and it certainly sounds like an incredible prize. Of course best of all, as many people think, it’s all free!
Or is it…
First off, the William Street area of Geneva, New York is made up of many old houses. The Hills house was 150 years old. As a result, my first question is this — How in the world did the Extreme Makeover producers convince the leaders of Geneva that it was a good idea to tear down a 150 year old home? Were the leaders so awestruck by the TV lights and possible fame from being on the reality show that they forget 150 years old means an historic house? If this is the case, then shame on the leadership of the City of Geneva. But also, shame on the Extreme Makeover people for thinking it’s a good idea to tear down a 150 year old house. Here’s an idea, instead of demolishing the building, why not spend time refurbishing the building.
Secondly, the so-called free new home isn’t really free.
Did the Hills know their taxes would be affected by the building of a new home? After all, suddenly a brand new house is sitting on the site of what once used to be a 150 year old house. Just how much of a hit on taxes will they take? The assessor for the City of Geneva, New York said the Hill’s taxes will rise from $3,000 dollars a year to $12,000 dollars a year. Yes, you read that right — the Hills, who were already working hard to make ends meet, have suddenly found their yearly budget needs to increase by $9,000 dollars a year! Now I don’t know about you, but I know my household budget could not take a hit of $9,000 dollars.
We’ve never heard of an outcry about the Extreme Makeover show about such issues as this, but maybe it’s time to ring a bell on it. Sure, there’s lots of excitement surrounding the whole idea of winning a free house and being on TV. But once Ty Pennington and his Extreme Makeover crew leaves, who’s left holding the bag? The homeowners who suddenly find themselves strapped with higher taxes and a hard time making ends meet.
This makes me wonder how long it will be until we see a For Sale sign on the Geneva, New York Extreme Makeover house.
Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus
An interesting point. I love watching the show and cry at the reveal (usually), especially when they tell them they have paid off their mortgage. But I’ve never thought about the property tax values. Do you suppose what they pay for in mortgage payments in a year makes up the difference?