Patricia Harper of Lake City in Clayton County near Atlanta, told WSB-TV that she and her husband took out a second mortgage 15 months ago to finance a construction business. Unfortunately, their timing was bad with the housing crisis getting started.

Harper said the couple had reached an agreement with Chase Home Finance to avoid foreclosure.

Lake City Mayor Willie Oswalt said that he is confused by the Harpers' dilemma. Oswalt worked as a volunteer on the makeover, which was sponsored by Beazer Homes.

"Beazer gave them $100,000 cash, paid their mortgage off and they still can't make it," Oswalt said.