Vardon Family to lose Extreme Makeover House

Read the news online yesterday - so sad!

We contacted a few times via online but never met them. My other friend from Detroit knew them very well. Plan to send them my condolences asap. Just hope that they find a miracle way out... think that they have no absolute choice but to sell it because of their deep debts.
 
What's even more appalling is that the mortgage company/lender would not provide a sign language interpreter due to "confidentiality reasons."

Now that's absurd!

if that's the case, then the vardon family shouldn't have accepted the mortgage (assuming they did not have a full understanding of the terms of their mortgage). at the same time, the mortgage company should have provided a terp. do you know if their son stefan served as their terp when they spoke to the mortgage company? if not, that was a very big mistake on the vardon's part.
 
Now Jiro- you tell me if the Vardons should sell their home?? I don't think so. I really hope the whole Deaf and DeafBlind community rallies behind the family and does fundraising. It does take a whole village to help raise a child, in this case, Lance.

absolutely. Look at their home. It's most likely worth close to or over million dollar. Simple - sell it and live at a comfortable sizable home with a nice fat bank account. They have means of financial income to sustain their expense. ILLOGICAL!

I understand Lance is autistic and all.... but why would you have a HUGE house for that??? There are THOUSAND of others with special needs who need money too. It's unfortunate that they cannot sustain their expense.

If we give them money.... they will need more too next time... for 3rd time. They were given a nice brand new house.. and a big check. now they need more money? RIDICULOUS!

SELL IT or LOSE YOUR LIFE!
 
Cant they take in some kids with DD needs and keep the house? The house is huge! Perfect for many kids with DD needs to stay temporarily or permanently. State tend to pay generously for their needs and this might help with mortgage.
 
Cant they take in some kids with DD needs and keep the house? The house is huge! Perfect for many kids with DD needs to stay temporarily or permanently. State tend to pay generously for their needs and this might help with mortgage.

exactly! smart thinking! It makes NO SENSE for them to keep that HUGE house. Think about what they can do with the money if they sell it. They won't have to worry about tuition and expense for their oldest son... and they can afford to pay special schools & doctors/specialist for their autistic son.
 
exactly! smart thinking! It makes NO SENSE for them to keep that HUGE house. Think about what they can do with the money if they sell it. They won't have to worry about tuition and expense for their oldest son... and they can afford to pay special schools & doctors/specialist for their autistic son.

But who will buy that house in midst of this recession?

Taking in kids with DD needs will contribute greatly to mortgage until housing market improves and then they can sell it to downsize. The house is way too big for just three of them! We should be ashamed of ourselves wanting to live in a huge house yet with unused space as millions of people share one room period in many other areas of the world! It never ceases to amaze me that many AMericans think that the bigger it is (whether it be a house, car, yard, food, hair), the better!
 
But who will buy that house in midst of this recession?

Taking in kids with DD needs will contribute greatly to mortgage until housing market improves and then they can sell it to downsize. The house is way too big for just three of them! We should be ashamed of ourselves wanting to live in a huge house yet with unused space as millions of people share one room period in many other areas of the world! It never ceases to amaze me that many AMericans think that the bigger it is (whether it be a house, car, yard, food, hair), the better!

This recession doesn't affect handful of well-off people. I think the house's located in a nice neighborhood so there will be bunch of buyers who are interested in it. If they lived at some apartment or a modest house and they're in a dire needs of money... I will contribute some money.... but they live in a very nice "mansion" (a free remake) and received a big fat check. Sorry but I'm not giving them a dime. They lived beyond their means. Talk about poor personal responsibility.

There are other people who are worse off than them and that's who I will donate.
 
I am so sick of hearing, there are more and more families lost their homes in this country. Government is such SUCKS !!

Don't you think these families should have read the fine print on their mortgages? Alot of people are in trouble because of the re-sets on their ARMs. Losing jobs, etc. but that's not the government's fault. Sometimes there are things they could do better with BUT not to put the blame on them.

Take the Big Three--They're facing bankruptcy because they knew but chose not to retool years ago when they had the oppty. If the gov't says NO to diesel powered cars in fron Europe, then I might say okay fault the government but I don't know the full story on that aspect. I had a diesel BMW in top condition and it was perfect for what was to come BUT she was totaled in a car accident.

What about unloading things that cost $$$--like the family and their house? So many people get upside down in their homes and cars---and losing a lot of 401k.

Bottom line---you have choices and make them the best you can. But don't blame the government for your choices. I don't think they should be totally to blame for what people do everyday in life.

I thought about doing a 401K but 9-11 happened that month and I backed away. Never contributed a cent toward my retirement with the company 401K even though it would have been neat to get matching contributions. Just something about 401ks during that time made me back away slowly.

I was approved for a nice mortgage four years ago on my credit alone. Something inside me said no--don't go for it. Turns out the townhouse was in need of repairs. I could go on and on but the idea is to read everything, ask questions and know what you are doing. Get help if you don't know what you should know. I know you shouldn't blame others for your actions if they turn out to be bad choices.

My .02
 
Don't you think these families should have read the fine print on their mortgages? Alot of people are in trouble because of the re-sets on their ARMs. Losing jobs, etc. but that's not the government's fault. Sometimes there are things they could do better with BUT not to put the blame on them.

Take the Big Three--They're facing bankruptcy because they knew but chose not to retool years ago when they had the oppty. If the gov't says NO to diesel powered cars in fron Europe, then I might say okay fault the government but I don't know the full story on that aspect. I had a diesel BMW in top condition and it was perfect for what was to come BUT she was totaled in a car accident.

What about unloading things that cost $$$--like the family and their house? So many people get upside down in their homes and cars---and losing a lot of 401k.

Bottom line---you have choices and make them the best you can. But don't blame the government for your choices. I don't think they should be totally to blame for what people do everyday in life.

I thought about doing a 401K but 9-11 happened that month and I backed away. Never contributed a cent toward my retirement with the company 401K even though it would have been neat to get matching contributions. Just something about 401ks during that time made me back away slowly.

I was approved for a nice mortgage four years ago on my credit alone. Something inside me said no--don't go for it. Turns out the townhouse was in need of repairs. I could go on and on but the idea is to read everything, ask questions and know what you are doing. Get help if you don't know what you should know. I know you shouldn't blame others for your actions if they turn out to be bad choices.

My .02

:gpost:
 
Don't you think these families should have read the fine print on their mortgages? Alot of people are in trouble because of the re-sets on their ARMs. Losing jobs, etc. but that's not the government's fault. Sometimes there are things they could do better with BUT not to put the blame on them.

Take the Big Three--They're facing bankruptcy because they knew but chose not to retool years ago when they had the oppty. If the gov't says NO to diesel powered cars in fron Europe, then I might say okay fault the government but I don't know the full story on that aspect. I had a diesel BMW in top condition and it was perfect for what was to come BUT she was totaled in a car accident.

What about unloading things that cost $$$--like the family and their house? So many people get upside down in their homes and cars---and losing a lot of 401k.

Bottom line---you have choices and make them the best you can. But don't blame the government for your choices. I don't think they should be totally to blame for what people do everyday in life.

I thought about doing a 401K but 9-11 happened that month and I backed away. Never contributed a cent toward my retirement with the company 401K even though it would have been neat to get matching contributions. Just something about 401ks during that time made me back away slowly.

I was approved for a nice mortgage four years ago on my credit alone. Something inside me said no--don't go for it. Turns out the townhouse was in need of repairs. I could go on and on but the idea is to read everything, ask questions and know what you are doing. Get help if you don't know what you should know. I know you shouldn't blame others for your actions if they turn out to be bad choices.

My .02

I agree with you.
 
I am sorry to see what they have been going thru at this moment; however, I hope they will find some help to prevent them from losing their beautiful house which is best suitable for their autistic son.

Remember they are not only the family from the Extreme Makover Home show who are in danger of losing their house. Some families from the show are about to lose or already have lost their houses.

And, the economy in Michigan where they have lived, is in very very bad shape.
 
I am sorry to see what they have been going thru at this moment; however, I hope they will find some help to prevent them from losing their beautiful house which is best suitable for their autistic son.

Remember they are not only the family from the Extreme Makover Home show who are in danger of losing their house. Some families from the show are about to lose or already have lost their houses.

And, the economy in Michigan where they have lived, is in very very bad shape.

good post
 
No Jiro. Please, you need to educate yourself first before you make such gross generalisations about the very beautiful Vardon family.

I have been following the family and since the show & still kept tabs on them.

Their oldest son, Stefan, wrote to the show, not the Vardon parents. The oldest son went to Australia for the summer on the parents' firm intentions he go and not worry about his younger brother Lance.

Stefan grew up interpreting for his parents and when Lance was born with the dual disabilities. Blindness, deafness and autism, Lance would bolt out of the door and leaving his parents freaking out & running after him in the middle of the night searching for Lance.

Larry, the father, would sleep would Lance to ensure Lance's safety. Judy, the mother, gave up a lot of her hobbies so she would make sure Lance prospered both at home and school.

Both parents really suffered financially but kept each other sane with a lot of love. You could see the love in their marriage and in the family.

Through the show, Stefan was given an all-expenses paid for university program. You could see how Larry and Judy would break down so many times in the show because they were happy for Lance's safety. They didn't worry about finances because it was all about Lance and his safety.

Stefan at the end of the show said, he could now go to university without worrying about his brother's safety.

Now Jiro- you tell me if the Vardons should sell their home?? I don't think so. I really hope the whole Deaf and DeafBlind community rallies behind the family and does fundraising. It does take a whole village to help raise a child, in this case, Lance.

You can see the recap of the whole show here. - source

Lance is hearing - not deaf.
 
Don't you think these families should have read the fine print on their mortgages? Alot of people are in trouble because of the re-sets on their ARMs. Losing jobs, etc. but that's not the government's fault. Sometimes there are things they could do better with BUT not to put the blame on them.

Take the Big Three--They're facing bankruptcy because they knew but chose not to retool years ago when they had the oppty. If the gov't says NO to diesel powered cars in fron Europe, then I might say okay fault the government but I don't know the full story on that aspect. I had a diesel BMW in top condition and it was perfect for what was to come BUT she was totaled in a car accident.

What about unloading things that cost $$$--like the family and their house? So many people get upside down in their homes and cars---and losing a lot of 401k.

Bottom line---you have choices and make them the best you can. But don't blame the government for your choices. I don't think they should be totally to blame for what people do everyday in life.

I thought about doing a 401K but 9-11 happened that month and I backed away. Never contributed a cent toward my retirement with the company 401K even though it would have been neat to get matching contributions. Just something about 401ks during that time made me back away slowly.

I was approved for a nice mortgage four years ago on my credit alone. Something inside me said no--don't go for it. Turns out the townhouse was in need of repairs. I could go on and on but the idea is to read everything, ask questions and know what you are doing. Get help if you don't know what you should know. I know you shouldn't blame others for your actions if they turn out to be bad choices.

My .02

I have known three of beautiful families who work very hard. One of them lost his job. One of his wife battles with cancer, the health insurance do not coverage for the chemotherpathy. One of family sign on the wrong spot with the bank which is adjusting instead of fixed. He can't control with the amount rolling up and down. Their banks are processing to take over their houses. The children may go to shelter homeless people. It is really horrible sad because they struggle to ask for help. The government did not care to taking their homes way.

Same situation with my Dad when he had his heart attack. His health insurance was terminated when he admitted to the nursing home. Government took over his house to pay expense the nursing home. When he becomes recovery 75%, he will be homeless. No car No house No IRA No life insurance, etc... so so sad... for my Dad !!!

I know you shouldn't blame others for your actions if they turn out to be bad choices.

You need to be careful what you said. Thanks !
 
This really tugs my heart because, I feel for the autistic son. He needs a place where he can be familiar with which is understandable but, however, with the mortgage issue - That is something they should have looked at on before engaging a deal with the bankers or whomever it is.
 
I have known three of beautiful families who work very hard. One of them lost his job. One of his wife battles with cancer, the health insurance do not coverage for the chemotherpathy. One of family sign on the wrong spot with the bank which is adjusting instead of fixed. He can't control with the amount rolling up and down. Their banks are processing to take over their houses. The children may go to shelter homeless people. It is really horrible sad because they struggle to ask for help. The government did not care to taking their homes way.

Same situation with my Dad when he had his heart attack. His health insurance was terminated when he admitted to the nursing home. Government took over his house to pay expense the nursing home. When he becomes recovery 75%, he will be homeless. No car No house No IRA No life insurance, etc... so so sad... for my Dad !!!

I know you shouldn't blame others for your actions if they turn out to be bad choices.

You need to be careful what you said. Thanks !

I try to be and sometimes it's not that simple when there's a lot of things staring at you in the mirror. Just roll with the punches whenever you can. There are things I have done without for so many years just because I can look at the mirror and think twice about what I do.... Some people don't like what I say sometimes but this is a forum. With that said, there may be a silver lining more for him. Good things do come out of bad things sometimes.

Back to the choices---the woman with cancer, did she make sure she was covered in case of needing chemo? ?? I feel bad for her. I'm trying to point out that she or her husband may made the choices that led her down this path. There are things in booklets that covers this, that, these, those things. My guy is not covered becuase he chose not due to high premiums to but I PUT him on Ameriplan so he would have something to fall back on in case of anything. That includes hospitals, treatments over $2,500.00. Heaven forbid anything happens BUT one should be in a position to be able to do something about medical bills and getting them paid as opposed to worse alternatives/options. Ameriplan is not insurnace but a discount health plan to back up what we have and to keep costs down. Choices. Choices. Choices. Whatever you can do. If this helps you feel better, I got screwed one month when I had bills from one ER visit for my daughter's finger. They went all the way to the limit that would then enable me to get all of those bills paid off cleanly but it has been a long time coming so I kicked a bill in the mail for $40.00 just to be done with it. Then I found out the ER dept was very willing to take care of everything for me as long as I had the whole bunch--but unfortunatley I didn't so a choice like that put me in a position where I am forced to pay two huge ER bills every month where I could use the money to put towards other debt. Oh well, but it's my fault. Not the ER, not the government. I put the kids on MediKids and all of us on Ameriplan soon after that so I wouldn't be doing this again. Things happen, ya know?

That's horrible about your dad. I'm so sorry to hear that---a lot of people are dealing with this. Again, that's why some people are making choices to make sure they stay out of situations like this. If the "gov't" took everything, then he must have had something in exchange for it, like Medicaid. I am not very versed in this, but it sounds like your dad had to let go of alot of assets to go on Medicaid or Medicare. ????? This is where I am aware I may be "not careful" with what I'm saying so if this offends you, then I am very sorry. I'm only making a point here and there about people making choices. My parents have set up long term care insurance in case "this situation" ever occurs.

The family who signed "on the wrong spot" for their house---this exactly made my point. People need to be very careful signing contracts and reading the fine print. I am not saying this to make you feel bad. Peace.
 
They should have sold the house and get something cheaper..... They can easily reap on close to or above a million dollar for that house.

Who would buy a million dollar house in Michigan? I wouldn't. (No offense to those that live in Michigan--I'm not a Wolverine fan. :lol: )

No Jiro. Please, you need to educate yourself first before you make such gross generalisations about the very beautiful Vardon family.

I have been following the family and since the show & still kept tabs on them.

Their oldest son, Stefan, wrote to the show, not the Vardon parents. The oldest son went to Australia for the summer on the parents' firm intentions he go and not worry about his younger brother Lance.

Stefan grew up interpreting for his parents and when Lance was born with the dual disabilities. Blindness, deafness and autism, Lance would bolt out of the door and leaving his parents freaking out & running after him in the middle of the night searching for Lance.

Larry, the father, would sleep would Lance to ensure Lance's safety. Judy, the mother, gave up a lot of her hobbies so she would make sure Lance prospered both at home and school.

Both parents really suffered financially but kept each other sane with a lot of love. You could see the love in their marriage and in the family.

Through the show, Stefan was given an all-expenses paid for university program. You could see how Larry and Judy would break down so many times in the show because they were happy for Lance's safety. They didn't worry about finances because it was all about Lance and his safety.

Stefan at the end of the show said, he could now go to university without worrying about his brother's safety.

Now Jiro- you tell me if the Vardons should sell their home?? I don't think so. I really hope the whole Deaf and DeafBlind community rallies behind the family and does fundraising. It does take a whole village to help raise a child, in this case, Lance.

You can see the recap of the whole show here. - source

Good post Mrs. Bucket!

I am sorry to see what they have been going thru at this moment; however, I hope they will find some help to prevent them from losing their beautiful house which is best suitable for their autistic son.

Remember they are not only the family from the Extreme Makover Home show who are in danger of losing their house. Some families from the show are about to lose or already have lost their houses.

And, the economy in Michigan where they have lived, is in very very bad shape.

With high unemployment as well!
 
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