To “win” an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition house, you don’t buy it; you get selected as a deserving family in need through the show’s casting process, which involves applying or nominating someone via the official casting website (often linked through ABC’s website or casting cranes in the show’s reboot) to receive a full home renovation. The key is demonstrating extreme need due to hardship, but be aware that some past recipients faced financial challenges with high taxes and upkeep after the build, leading to the show’s recent reboot focusing more on family support and organization alongside the home.
How to Get a House:
Find the Casting Call: Look for announcements on ABC’s website or search for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition casting call” to find the official application portal (like extrememakeover.castingcrane.com).
Apply or Nominate: You (or someone for you) must apply, highlighting why your family is deserving of a new home due to significant challenges or need.
Demonstrate Need: The show looks for compelling stories where a new, improved home would drastically change lives, often involving difficult circumstances like illness or disability.
What to Expect (Modern Reboot):
Focus on Organization: The new show, featuring The Home Edit (Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin), also provides home organization services to help families manage their new spaces and lives, addressing past financial critiques.
Beyond the Build: The reboot aims to offer more holistic support, not just a house, but also tools for managing it and life.
Important Considerations (Post-Show Reality):
Financial Responsibility: Be prepared for increased property taxes and maintenance costs, as some past winners struggled with the high expenses of large, new homes, leading to significant debt.
Life After the Makeover: While heartwarming, the financial realities of homeownership, even a gifted one, can be challenging, so a strong financial plan is crucial.
