Status: FORECLOSED 2017
Probably should have led with this: the Nickless case haunts me more than any other. On September 26, 2008, Extreme Makeover arrived in Holt, Michigan to transform Arlene Nickless’s 1860s farmhouse. Her husband Tim, a beloved nurse and “true Renaissance man,” had passed away that January after a painful 7-year battle with Hepatitis C, leaving Arlene alone with three young sons.
The Family
Tim Nickless was remembered as a loving husband and father, a gifted craftsman, mentor, and environmentalist who served as president of the Lansing Area Flying Aces model airplane club. Sons Aaron (11), Noah (9), and Andrew (7) lost their father at heartbreakingly young ages. That’s what makes the Nickless story particularly tragic and endearing to us who followed them.
Years of Struggle
For years, the family fought to keep up with the increased property taxes and utility bills. Utility companies and charities helped with donations, but it was never enough. The beautiful new home required maintenance a widowed mother of three simply couldn’t afford. As someone who has tracked dozens of these families, Arlene’s nine-year fight stands out as among the most determined.
The Foreclosure
In September 2016, the home went to foreclosure sale and sold for approximately $113,000. The six-month redemption period passed with Arlene unable to find the money. By 2017, the house appeared on auction website Hubzu for $176,000, and the family was given until Monday to vacate.
ABC’s Response
ABC stated that it advises each family to consult a financial planner, adding “Ultimately, financial matters are personal, and we work to respect the privacy of the families.” Critics noted this sounded more like legal protection than genuine concern. I learned everything I needed to know about how ABC viewed its responsibility from that statement.
Last verified: January 2026
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