A Lake City family isn't quite ready to let their dream home slip away.

In another twist in their ongoing effort to save their "Extreme Makeover" home from foreclosure, Milton and Patricia Harper have reached a preliminary agreement with their bank to take their house off the auction block.

However, it's unclear whether or not the family 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 often was 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.

"We're confident the Harpers will stay in their home," she said.

But the family's days in the home still might be numbered.

The home was listed with Re/Max —- with an asking price of $950,000 —- until the listing expired a few weeks ago.

Max Chavez, a Re/Max associate broker who listed the home for the Harpers, said it appeared the Harpers still were interested in selling the home when the listing expired.

"I'm hoping that they'll relist the property with me," he said.

Their house wouldn't be the first "Extreme Makeover" to be sold.

"Extreme Makeover" homes in Idaho and New Jersey also were put on the market this year. An ABC spokesman declined to discuss problems some show participants have faced.

UPDATE

THE STORY SO FAR

> Previously: The TV show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" built a house for Milton and Patricia Harper in 2005, but the property was listed in foreclosure about a week ago.

> The latest: The family is close to reaching an agreement with their bank to keep the house.

> What's next: After the agreement is finalized, the Harpers will decide whether or not to sell the home.

Staff writer Mark Davis contributed to this article.

ON THE WEB

To see a slide show of the house, visit: www.atlanta.seeinsidehomes.com/productions/id70291/slideshow.html.