by Chuck M.
Member since:
September 7, 2007

Would you spend $100 and write an essay to win a home/farm with almost 50 acres?

October 04, 2007 08:31 AM EDT
views: 120 | rating: 9.9/10 (32 votes) | comments: 46

Would you?  There is a family in my area who are "giving" away their home via an essay contest.  The catch is that you have to submit an essay along with a $100 entry fee, which is non-refundable and the contest is limited to 3000 entries.  A third party along with the homeowners will pick the winner.  You have to say why you want the home.  It is situated on almost 50 acres and includes barns and a large pond.  The current owners wish to give something back to someone, who otherwise would not have the means to purchase a home.  Additionally, with the tough housing market this is a way for them to move their house as well.  With the $100 entry fee, they are assured of getting their money as if they sold the house.  Anyhow...I thought I would throw this out there and see how many people are interested in this.  If there is alot of interest, I can post more information on it.

Chuck M.

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Comments: 46

carmel m. Oct 4, 2007, 8:35am EDT
Personaly, no. But I do know a lot of people who would.
Shawn M. Oct 4, 2007, 8:38am EDT
I'm interested.
Melanie S. Oct 4, 2007, 8:41am EDT
I'm interested!
Laura C. Oct 4, 2007, 8:42am EDT
It's a neat idea, but I wouldn't pay to enter any contest.
Μόףףý ● ķ ~ Oct 4, 2007, 8:44am EDT
So they're "giving away their home" for $300,000? I hardly think that's "giving" it away. But to answer your question, no I wouldn't spend 100 bucks on a 1 in 3000 chance. But I'm sure a lot of gamblers would.
Rob Appell Oct 4, 2007, 8:48am EDT
Only if I was guaranteed to win. The owners get $300,000...not a bad haul for holding a contest where they 'give away' their property to the winner. Looks like they're the real winners.
Mel B. Oct 4, 2007, 8:53am EDT
No I would not spend $100 and get stuck hauling up animal feecies all day. Nah, nope, not gonna happen.
penni d. Oct 4, 2007, 8:59am EDT
there will only be ONE winner....the owners will be assured of their'non-sale' price.
you have to give them CREDIT for thinking OUTSIDE the box....home sales are sloooww, kudos to the inventive folk! i wouldn't, but only because i have no wish to go back up north,and a 100 is a LOT to gamble with!
thanks for spotting something different, chuck......:0)
Stacey "Yeah, I Said It" H. Oct 4, 2007, 9:01am EDT
Ummm, that would be a no for me, this sounds like a hustle.

I've got a bridge I'm giving away, it's located in Brooklyn and the only catch is that you'll have to move it!
Suzette Vaughn Oct 4, 2007, 9:03am EDT
50 acres is probably worth a lot more than 300k. I bet they get all 3000 entries. If it was local and a decent peice of property I'd actually concider it.
Jamie ~grant me the serenity..~ G. Oct 4, 2007, 9:07am EDT
Neat concept but nope from me.
Marianne R. Oct 4, 2007, 9:22am EDT
I love to gamble. So if I was seriously interested in the location and property, sure why not. It's a 1 in 3000 chance. That's not bad odds.
J R B. Oct 4, 2007, 9:30am EDT
No, do not wish to live in Ohio.
Vivian P. Oct 4, 2007, 10:21am EDT
no I don't write that well
Heidianna "Coriander" T. Oct 4, 2007, 2:52pm EDT
If I wanted to move to Ohio, I might think about it! :) It's definitely an interesting and catchy way to "sell" their house!
Jennifer N. Oct 4, 2007, 3:46pm EDT
No. $100 isn't a lot if you win, but if you don't you just paid $100 to have someone read your essay... which you can do for free in numerous places.
Shawnee G. Oct 4, 2007, 9:48pm EDT
I agree that 300k is not alot of money for a house, existing barns, plus 50 acres. I think that is a steal, whether they sell it at that or hold a contest. Amazing deal for the winner, and hopefully someone who really benefits from the chance to own will get it.
Apryl Just Apryl Oct 4, 2007, 11:24pm EDT
Please post. I have written many times on gather of my longing for a home in the country. Describing the trees, the pond, the meadow and the smells of the country. It is my hearts desire, It is my lifes dream.
Melinda ~choosing happiness~ S. Oct 5, 2007, 9:43am EDT
I'm not much of a gambler!
Jerrica K. Oct 5, 2007, 9:48am EDT
That's a great idea...I don't know if I would do it for that particular piece of land, but it's really appealing.

Please read and rate my entry:
A Scandalous Overture
Cynthia W. Oct 5, 2007, 3:11pm EDT
I wouldn't do it. I have no desire to live in the country again.
Jennifer F. Oct 5, 2007, 3:16pm EDT
I'm not a gambler - those odds are pretty hard to beat.
Veronique AKA Zoe Oct 5, 2007, 11:35pm EDT
I would be interested.
Veronique AKA Zoe Oct 6, 2007, 6:47pm EDT
I do hope you post more information, as I would be interested in finding out more.
Peggy D. Oct 6, 2007, 6:57pm EDT
Where exactly is it? Some pics would be a bonus.
Kathy W. Oct 7, 2007, 9:05am EDT
I will definitely enter the contest! Even if I do win and if I don't want to live there, I could deed it over to the state parks department or land trust...and take the tax credits; or donate it to a women's shelter or a struggling family. In fact, I have family that is struggling in Ohio. How cool! Tell me more, please? Where in Ohio?

Wilka
Nancy O. Oct 7, 2007, 10:20pm EDT
I wouldn't but alot of people would . For the sellers sometimes they can get A LOT more money that way than if they just sold outright. The made a movie a while back with this premise
Nancy O. Oct 7, 2007, 10:21pm EDT
I should read before I push post !!!!!!! It should say They made a .....
Sophie S. Oct 8, 2007, 8:30am EDT
I would do it. I would look into the land itself, it may need more work than I could ever handle but for $100 dollars and some of my time that is not a bad investment. You can always sell land, or you could always work it. Not sure I would farm, but I know I would love to have land to start a horse ranch. Its my dream life.
Pam L. Oct 9, 2007, 6:55am EDT
I would probably do it if it was legitimate. Are you considering doing it? I could write what heck of an essay from my heart . . . with my love of horses, dogs, and various farm animals.
Trish A. Oct 11, 2007, 2:53am EDT
Oh, if it were closer to our present home. I've read of these contests a number of times and would enter them if the land was closer to my husband's work. It would be an adventure.

My husband dreams of a pond, land and a barn for his horse.

I wish them the best.
Chuck M. Oct 12, 2007, 5:07am EDT
Ok..haven't been on much the last few days...here is a link for you to check out....
www.winafarm.bravehost.com/description.html

Also..do a search for Orwell farm essay contest. You will find some articles on it written by various newspapers.
Chuck M. Oct 12, 2007, 5:12am EDT
It is legitimate. ...and yes I'm doing it. The $100 entry fee isn't going to change my life, but if I win that would be nice place to have. The land alone is worth the price if you should win. Of course, I'm already close to that area so that makes my decision easier. Those far away...If you were to win, I would just sell the place.
Christopher K. Oct 12, 2007, 10:07am EDT
1 in 3,000-no,i dont think i would...the odds are to vast away from my favor
good luck to you
Christopher K. Oct 12, 2007, 10:07am EDT
if you win it,send a mail to me to let me know..hope you do.that would be a great prize
Kylee **Queen of Karaoke** S. Oct 12, 2007, 1:30pm EDT
There was something similar to this where I live, but it was a historical building and it needed lots of work.
M & M. Oct 13, 2007, 6:05pm EDT
Interesting, but not for me. Thanks anyways.
I'd do it. In the Dallas area, each year a group gets together and builds a "dream house" and sells raffle tickets for it for $100 each. The proceeds always go to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and the house is usually worth at least $250K.
I tried To warn you Oct 21, 2007, 5:09am EDT
i have seen this done before, and never entered. With that kind of acreage, a clever person could win the prize and sell off half or more of the land, rent the home out, a lot of things you could do with it. Even if you sold the whole property cheaply, you could possibly pay off the home you have now!
Jaye S. Nov 7, 2007, 1:41pm EST
If I thought I had a chance at winning and had $100 to do it, I definitely would.
Jaye S. Nov 7, 2007, 1:42pm EST
That is a fabulous idea. I never thought of it that way. I think you gave me an idea :)
Jaye S. Nov 7, 2007, 1:42pm EST
What if they only got 200 entries and ended up having to give away their house for much less than it's worth?

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