Are Extreme Makeover shows for real?

Question

Are all those shows that redo your house, whether it's only a living room or an entire house for real or do they come in after the cameras shut down and start billing your for the corner lamp, the the candles and rugs? We have a similar show in Greece, imitated from the American shows which only fix your living room and bedroom. I've noticed in some close up shots that the paint jobs are not that great, no attention paid to details such as corners, etc.

Answer 1

I just saw a behind the scenes show about one of them.  They are real.  This show was about Holmes on Homes, he said that by the time people call him, they have spent pretty much all of their money so if they are picked for the show it is corporate donations (that's why they mention the stores they went to and you see the brand of tools they use etc.) and the like that pay for most of it.  The homeowner pays between 10 and 20% of the cost.  In fact it was reported that sometimes Mike Holmes wants a specific item in a house, he will purchase it himself and not charge the show or the client.

Answer 2

Yes they are real they did a show in my neighborhood and it drove the neighbors crazy with construction noises.  And also there is a Story out there where one of the houses it redone one of its biggest and costliest projects where the house went into foreclosure....

http://www.therealestatebloggers.com/200...

Answer 3

I suspect it would cost just as much to fake it, so I see no reason why they wouldn't be real.

Answer 4

Yes, I think they shouldn't be that elaborate as they are, when the houses are finished they don't fit with the neighborhood anymore. A house in the Atlanta area recently went into foreclosure because the family borrowed against the house and couldn't make the payments they were given money to pay the taxes, the children were given money for college and it all was blown.

Answer 5

I have no idea, I've always wondered the same thing, like where on earth do they get all that money? And sometimes they even give you a car or pay off your morgage! Like, it's impossible. [: