From the Atlanta Journal and Constitution:

In another twist in their ongoing effort to save their “Extreme Makeover” home from foreclosure, a Lake City family has reached a preliminary agreement with their bank to take their house off the auction block.

However, it’s unclear whether Milton and Patricia Harper will decide to sell it.

In February 2005, construction workers and volunteers rushed to build what would become one of the most elaborate homes ever featured on the ABC-TV show. Complete with five bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the 5,300-square-foot building resembles a fairy tale castle.

The Harpers were selected among thousands of applicants for the show because of their hard-luck story. When their septic tank flooded the basement, the family was often forced to sleep in their van outside.

The home at 5489 Ahyoka Drive had been slated for auction Tuesday at the Clayton County Courthouse.

The Harpers, who did not return calls for comment, used it as collateral for a $450,000 loan to fund a construction business.

Christine Holevas, spokeswoman for JPMorgan Chase, said a 30-day hold was put on the foreclosure to allow the family to work out a deal so they could stay current with their payments.

Negotiations began last week, and Holevas said she expects an agreement to be signed in the next few days.

The house had been on the market for almost a million dollars; not surprisingly the listing expired with no takers.

Foreclosure delayed, but probably not avoided.