The Official Word on Mail-Ins
Hi folks!
I talked to the legal eagles here at HGTV and we’d like you to follow these directions when you send us mail-in entries:
Hand print your name, complete address, phone number (area code included) and date of birth either on a postcard or on a separate piece of paper no larger than 8½ x 11 inches, and mail the postcard or paper in an envelope with proper postage affixed to: HGTV Dream Home Giveaway, PO Box 53305, Knoxville, TN 37950 (the “Mail-In Address”). Entrants using U.S. mail may enter as often as they wish. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by February 19, 2009, and received by February 26, 2009. Limit one (1) entry per stamped outer envelope.
Postcards do not have to be placed inside envelopes.
Also, all mail-in entries sent to the address provided in on-air spots will be accepted. However, going forward, please use the mailing address listed above.
Thanks!
Mary
Thanks for clearing up the confusion regarding mailing in entries on postcards. I’ve mailed in one entry on a postcard, but did not know to put it into an envelope. I hope this entry still counts. From now on, I will be sure to put it in an envelope.
Also, can you give me any information you have on the red/white gingham checked rug that is on the floor of the guest bedroom?
One more thing…are there floorplans of the house that can be posted on the website, so that we can get a better idea of how things are layed out?
Thanks.
Can my husband and I both enter the contest if we have different email addresses and live at the same address.
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this giveaway on HGTV! Around Thanksgiving my husband and I decided that we needed a change. Our son has autism and we’ve had to give up so much to ensure he gets the education and care he needs. We decided to move to California for a change. Since our finaces are very limited I will be entering this contest daily and often. Thank you for such a great oppertunity. I’m sure who ever win will be thankful!
Hi,
Thanks for the mail- in information, but could you also clarify if it is okay to enter the sweeptakes online, and then also enter by mail? Thanks
I felt like I went to heaven when I saw the house in Somona If I could have had one built it would be just like this one. My husband has bad lungs and we need to move so If God is listening pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee let us win and thank you for building one of the most georgous homes I have ever seen. Who ever wins this place will be truly blessed.
Thanks for the clarification!
Good Luck everyone!!
Am I feeling lucky?
Could today’s entry be the winner?
Go ahead HGTV, make my day….
good luck to everyone.
I have thought about the $ attatched to the contest too (taxes, etc). and here’s what I have come up. I read from some previous winners’ testimonys (esp 2005) that people do end up selling the home because of the taxes… but it is still an opportunity of a lifetime… and still quite lucrative even after selling the house. I mean, you can still buy another house with the $million$ or so you get after all taxes, legal fess, etc. Its your DREAM to with it what you want.
Even on webpages not sponsored by HGTV, an HGTV rep responded and was really informative/ generous… saying that HGTV wants you do do what you want with the winnings.
There are also several options:
1- get a tax accountant for estimated costs (about 20,000 x year in prop taxes, about 200,000 in fed income liability taxes, and… read the fine print in the rules about potential title and closing costs fees)
2- get a home loan for the 1 time income taxes (why not pay for a 200,000 home but live in a 2 mill home?)
3- sell the house… believe me, there will be people who want to buy it. I bet the developed, Steve Ledson knows a couple of people who have been interested in some of his other properties.
So, I am encouraging everyone. I’m applying too, but since it is a “randon drawing” its really up to chance. Everything happens for a reason:)
Gail, what happens to extra information sent (like videos, pictures, “stories” etc)
Are they even looked at since it is a random drawing? Are they a big waste or will someone look at it? You may not know, but I thought its worth a question.
amy
ps- i drive by the house a lot and recently there have been droves of people around it, taking pictures, walking all around the yard with their families…. I think people are really excited abotu this house:) way to go hgtv!
Hi Mary. Thanks for the information regarding the mail in entries. Could you please answer Terri’s question about whether she and her husband can send in separate entries; It would seem as if you could. Also Annie’s question about whether it’s okay to enter online and by mail entry (there might be a possibility of two entries on the same day). Also Mary and Gail give conflicting information regarding whether the mail in entries have to be in an envelope – Mary says “no”, Gail says “yes” — who’s right? Another important question: Amy stated that: the property taxes would be about $20,000 a year (which sounds right for California) but then she said “about $200,000 in federal income liability taxes” — is this in addition to the yearly property taxes and is this a one time tax or yearly? Is she also right that there are potential title and closing costs fees? Gail or Mary, please respond. DBCoop, you’re always a wealth of information, what do you know?
Well, bloggers the odds of winning the dream house are changing every day. I just shared my dreams of winning the DH09 Dream Home with my co-workers and introduced them to the site and now everyone is entering! How dare they!!! (LOL). Well, good luck to us, all. At least they promised that I could have some over-nighters….but, I’m still dreaming of winning. By the way, for you “droves of people walking around the yard with your families taking pictures” — stay off my lawn!
If you enter more than once a day online will the second entry be voided or both. Sometimes I can’t remember if I entered for the day. Thanks
Hi, I posted this in an early entry but it wasnt answered so i hope i can get some clarity with this:
From my understanding each entry has to be placed in its own stamped and post marked envelope and each entry has to be hand written. With my name and address and birthdate.
what about when i mail it to HGTV in an envelope. Like the TO: HGTV and REturn address. can those be labels printed on a computer?
in the rules it says ” Limit one (1) entry per stamped outer envelope. Mechanically reproduced or hand-stamped entries or mailing labels or entries generated by script, macro or other automated means and entries by any means which subvert the entry process will not be accepted”
If anyone knows could you help me out? i dont want to be sending entrys in and they are not valid.
Thank you so much and good luck to everyone who is entering.
Kelly
nevermind i think i just re read it again and it said ” mailing Labels – sorry
Oh my God this house is amazing! My nine year old and I have been looking in all the rooms and have fallen in love, its beautiful. We are living with family members and just have really appreciated the beautiful detail in each room. Although all the spaces are just heavenly, my favorite space is the kitchen, I love to make homemade cookies and roll them up in wax paper to freeze and I’ m also an over stocker; I like to have alot of food stored away. This house is a beautiful place. God BLess the person that gets it and all the people who had a hand in this house being available to someone. Good Luck everyone. I’ m excited and I feel like this house could be mines.
The property is called a “dream home” for a reason. Regarding taxes and selling the home, it’s really important for people to understand what they’re getting into. Any realtor will tell you that selling a $1 million home takes a lot longer than selling a $200,000 home, in some cases, a few years. People have had to lower their selling price several times and still can’t get a buyer. (Just watch any of HGTV’s own programs!) A mortgage for a house like this one will run $7,000+ a month at 6% interest. Realistically, how many people will be able to buy it if you decide to sell?
This is the information directly from the California Property Tax office, specific to property taxes on a newly purchased property and is a good guideline:
To estimate property taxes on a property in California, you can use 1.25% of purchase price as a rule of thumb for the 1st year’s tax bill. When you purchase a home, the county tax assessor reassesses the property and sets a new property tax amount based on your purchase price. Your property taxes will be approximately 1% of your purchase price, plus any voter approved bonded indebtedness of the community (hence the 1.25% rule of thumb).
Proposition 13 limits property tax increase to 2% annually. In future years, the tax assessor is allowed to increase the accessed value by 2% appreciation per year.
Homeowner’s Exemption
This is a deduction of $7,000 from the “accessed value” and applies only to owner-occupied properties. Once you’ve purchased a home you will received a card to fill out to apply for the exemption. The card must be completed and returned between March 1st and April 15th. Applications submitted after April 15th, but before the end of the year will qualify for only 80% of the exemption.
Supplemental Property Tax Bill
The Supplemental Property Tax Bill is for the difference between the tax based on the seller’s assessed value and the tax based on your new assessed value.
I think that there is way too much use of white furniture in this Dream House. While white gives a clean look, when one sees it in room after room after room, it really looks like lack of imagination to me. I also agree with another blogger that the children’s bedroom should be a gender neutral. Not only is it clealy designed for boys, but for boys who like cars. While the house is over 3,000 squre feet, it acually looks small. The family room will not function well at all as an entertainment media room. I think this is one of the poorest Dream House floor plans that HGTV has done. You almost need a basement where you might put a media room, game room, and extra storage. The idea of the wine being stored in the study is absurd!
Thank you for clearing up the mail-in question!! I had actually tracked down the Valpak Promotions Director to inquire which address was correct. Although I never did receive a response from him, I am pleased that someone else got through to the right people and the question has been answered. I had to think that I wasn’t the only one confused. Now I can start mailing in my entries as well.
Please clarify, is okay to enter the sweeptakes online, and then also enter by mail? Thanks
Thanks amykquerin – what great information!
I would love to live in this house, but if I won, I’d have to sell it as well. The income and property taxes alone are astronomical!
My dream would be to sell the house, pay off all debts (student loans, cars) and buy a modest dream home. I’d donate some to charity, give my family some and I think that would still leave me enough to invest so my husband and I would never work again! Talk about a nice life! Here’s how it would shake out (humor me):
2,000,000 prize
-20,000 property tax
= 1,800,000
-320,000 1x Fed income tax (rate of 16%)
=1,480,000
-140,000 1x State income tax (rate of 6%)
=1,340,000
-120,000 closing costs/title (6% of 1.8mil)
=1,220,000
-100,000 pay off all debt
=1,120,000
-120,000 (charity & family)
=1,000,000
-500,000 BUY MY DREAM HOME!!!
=500,000 balance to invest
That sounds like an awesome scenario to me!
Thanks for the clarification Mary.
BUT can you advise if we can enter both online and thru the mail or if that’s not allowed? I know a lot of people are leaving comments inquiring about this.
Thanks!
Danielle
Hi Gail: Am I understanding your “Legal Eagles” that you may enter as aften as you wish if you do a “mail-in?” For example, if I hand print my name, complete address, phone number (area code included) and date of birth on a separate piece of paper no larger than 8½ x 11 inches, I can enter 10 times a day if I wish??
This house is a dream. My husband and I, along with our two kids, have been waiting for an opportunity such as this one. This house is a dream. Whether we win or not, God is good to us. It’s amazing to have this opportunity!!!!
Hey Coop!
Where are you…have you left for your property overseas?
Wow, what a BEAUTIFULL House I just want to say Good Luck to everyone. I would love to call a home my own and stgop renting I dont even know what its like to have your own House. My Husband and I are so tired of renting and throwing our money away, So If we did win this Dream Home if would be a blessing but its really maybe a 1 and a million chance. So Good Luck everyone.
Sorry guys I cant type today. One word should be stop and then it should be It insted of if. But you get what Im saying I hope. LOL
It would be wonderful if the federal taxes were only 200,000 but it would be more like 700,000+-one time plus a large chunk to state taxes plus the closing costs plus the 20,000k/year of yearly property taxes. Hopefully you could take a mortgage out for that cost but you would have to qualify for the mortgage and be able to afford a 700,000k mortgage(more than 5k/month). Even if HGTV could pay your taxes as many have suggested, then you would have to pay taxes on that money. Catch 22. Most would have to sell the house. Still you would have quite some money after selling and would probably get some vacations in the home before you sold but I would not quit your job and plan your relocation to Sonoma quite yet.
This Dream Home is amazing! Definitely my dream home. Each room has a different style, but unique and comfortable. I love the decoration choices for each room. But the kitchen has my heart. I love to cook.The designers each did an awesome job. This home would be the perfect place for my family. I would love to move my disabled father to this location to see if he would progress in his recovery. My father has had 3 strokes now and has had a hard time recovery. Due to him being disabled, he and my mother lost their home. My mother was the only one bringing in an income and couldn’t handle the mortgage anymore. This home would be such a reward to my father once he recovers and comes out of the nursing home. Winning this home would bring back dreams and hopes for my parents and myself. As much as I love this home, I’m sure alot of others are wishing for it as well. Good luck to all who enters and may God bless the lucky one and their family.
I’ve been right here, Marie, enjoying all the wonderful comments on the Dream Home blog. I’d like to get over to Sonoma to take the Ledson Harmony Foundation benefit tour for just $20 before I head overseas, so I’ll stay connected to the HGTV blog for awhile yet.
I admit that I did sneak away from my post for just a few moments to locate that mysteriously “missing” powder room/half bath downstairs, and sure enough, just as I remembered, it’s STILL there (off the stairway/study-entry hallway), and clearly shown on the floor plans I printed out back in June ‘08, as well as being briefly covered in online video tours AND the HGTV DREAM HOME Special. That’s apparently one MAGIC powder room, able to appear and disappear at will, according to some of the HGTV bloggers.
Just how many mail-in entries per day are you planning on hand-writing and sending off in separate, stamped envelopes, Marie, 10, 20, 30, or more? I guess the rest of us hardly stand a chance against such determination! Those folks at HGTV might as well start drawing up the winner’s affidavit of eligibilty with your name on them, and locking in a certain MM’s street address in Brookings, OR on their GPS system in preparation for the winner’s “surprise” reveal!
And, if I haven’t said it yet, have you had YOUR HGTV excitement yet today?
I’ve never one a thing my entie life. I’ve never owned anything but a car. I was raised in an orphanage for 14 years of my childhood, sent myself to college and received my BFA with a double major in Interior Design. My greatest obsession in life since early childhood has been houses and architecture.
I’m putting my energy and inner wish out into the universe, hoping this year will bring some good fortune to my life.
This house encompasses my childhood dreams, desire to live in California and own a dream home. To me a house is not status, rather an an artist extension of my inner self.
To you universe, I wish to manifest good luck my way!!!!!
Hey, cool, this means I can order my prepaid postage postcards now! woo-hoo! And Coop, last year, I entered by mail a little over 100 times AND entered online everyday. I thought for sure HGTV would be knocking on my door! Oh well….this year, 200 mail in entries!
PS. I’ll be sure to give a SHOUT-OUT to my fellow bloggers when I win.
Okay, between Marie and 4dewdrops, do I really stand the chance of a snowball in Sonoma?
I didn’t realize in the past that information entered for the entry was not a guarded site. Now adays it’s not too smart to send information even on your address certainly not your phone number over the internet unless a guarded site. Mail in is much better to me. One mail in is all needed to me, if you’re intended to win one is enough.
Why do you have the ENTRY page for the Dream Home unsecured? People are entering personal information with no protection.
I will not be entering until it is secured.
There was a question about husbands entering with their own email even if they live at the same address. I would like some feedback on that too. It is a question I have and don’t want to prevent my hubby from entering if he can enter too….what is the scoop on that:
can spouses who live at the same address enter if they have seperate email accounts??!!!
I was wondering if anyone can do the tax break down again this year? A very kind and smart CPA did a generic break down last year. State tax differs from state to state, but the federal should be consistent. I am guessing total to be around $800,000 on the $2,000,000. would love to get a clearer picture.
Marie Miller: You have twins??? So do I. Aren’t they a blast? Your story of the potato vines jumping out of your pot on your deck was delightful. Reminds me of my story of trying to contain mint. I planted it in a pot and put the pot on the ground….well, the mint escaped through the drainage hole. Because of its location it is very easy to control and now I have fresh mint every summer.
Coop, I have my HGTV excitement EVERYDAY, because, like lovelykitty, I DREAM BIG! I try to limit myself to viewing one room a day, so now I’m off to visit the kitchen again.
Love to all dreamers and thanks HGTV.
I hope I have been entering correctly.
I have been filling the entry form online. But how exactly does the contest work? Are all of the online entries printed out, and somehow mixed in with the “snail mail” entires? Does my online entry count, or do I have to mail an envelope in? Thanks in advance for the clarification
Once you enter online the first time, it states that next time you can just enter your email address to complete the form. However, when I try this, all the blank areas are returned in red with a notice that they all need to be filled out. Anyone run into this issue and found a way to solve it?
I am so excited about this years house! Last year I mailed in over 600 entries, all handwritten. I looked forward to it each night as I watched HGTV and wrote out my post cards! My 6 year old and I thought for sure they were coming to our house…we’ll keep trying. If we win we would move out there with my newly 94 year old Grandfather. These New England winters are brutal for him!! Thank you HGTV for keeping all this going, there’s a lot of hope and dreams brewing because of you!
Ok, I understand that the entries have to be handwritten, however what about the mailing address on the envelope or postcard, can that be on a mailing label or does it have to be handwritten as well?
Someone from HGTV please clarify.
I’m VERY impressed, Katydid, that you can actually limit yourself to viewing just ONE room of the HGTV Dream Home a day. How do you do it? I don’t have the willpower—it’s like taking just one sip of wine, eating one potato chip, or savoring one piece of rich melt-in-your-mouth chocolate; it doesn’t seem humanly possible! Unable to sneak but just a peek, I need to view ’til the tour is through. Is it just me, or are there other hard-core Dream Home dreamers out there in blogsville who share this idiosyncrasy? Surely I am not alone…
Hi everyone,
i was going to send a post card but is that kinda weird to have my birthday visible for everyone to see?
4dewdrops – when u entered last year did you do this with your prepaid post cards?
any input? thank you! Kelly
OK…I thought I had this whole thing down until I started reading every ones questions.
Last year I entered online every day.
)
I also hand wrote my mail ins. I hand wrote HGTVs address and my address on the envelope as well as the info on the card inside. I thought I was doing it right but now I see questions like…If we mail in the same day as an online entry that may count as two votes in one day. I am Starting to get confused and wonder if I was disqualified last year. I’m not taking any chances this year….I guess I’ll just do the online entry….Oh well…Safer for the planet.
Both my husband and I off work for medical issues.Although we are in our 50’s ,we now have custody of our beautiful 7 year old grandaughter.What a time for us to win a green home and move to a warmer area,and where theres so much to do.The ice and snow is sometimes alot here, so it would be an answer to all our prayers for a new home where we would have room and sun!We watch HGTV all the time,and all our ideas from all the great shows.god bless you all at HGTV, AND TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO NEED A HEALING HAND OUT THERE,GOD BLESS THE USA!!!!! Good luck to all…
I’m still confused too…must we choose one or the other? Online entries or mail entries? We can’t do both? Also, it says online per valid person per valid email address, does that mean I can enter myself as many times as email addresses I have, like work and home? Or, is it simply one email entry per day, period, OR as many by-hand mail entries as you can humanly afford/write out. I would love some clarification, I think I’m screwing up my chances everyday, and that would be really sad!! That would turn my dream into a nightmare. MARY, or another HGTV contact, please HELP!! We want all our entries to count. Thanks.
Are prepaid postcards accepted? To me they would fall under the mechanically reproduced or automated category. Can you please clarify? I dont have the money to spend on postcards and postage for it not to be valid.
Julia,
I’m confused too. I hope some-one clarifies your questions. I would like to send in some US mail entries. I’m currently entering on-line and so is my husband, not to many chances that way. BTW do you really think it’s $200.000.00 for the fed taxes? WOW!
Hello everybody
I just want to say that I have been entering every day since Jan. 1 and not going to stop until Feb. 16. I think my family is the lucky winners. I cant want to move to Sonoma CA
Take it from some one who has lived in the area. Sonoma isn’t all its cracked up to be. There’s the wanna-be wine snobs, the many who are just struggling to hang in there and homes that are being foreclosed at staggering rates.
HGTV doesn’t want you to know the truth about California. It’s in a serious nose-dive. The state is bankrupt! That “Dream” Home may not be sellable at the price it is being taxed. So, for those of you who think you’ll just be able to unload it because you won’t be able to afford to own it, think again. You could be stuck with the proverbial white elephant.
Every year the homes get more outstanding than the last one. This years home is absolutely amazing. I really hope that someone who really needs this home wins it. Last years winner already seemed to have a really nice home. Some of us have lost our homes and could really use a dream home. I really hope that it goes to someone who needs it desperately. Maybe HGTV, could make that as one of their rules, for the future. Good luck to all of us who really need a home for their family. Good luck to all and thank you HGTV for all that you do…….M
Hey Bloggers, I guess I’m like DB Coop — I can’t just look at one room when I come to this website –although I do have favorites, in which I linger. (Katydid must have extraordinary control). I couldn’t wait for this contest to start and now I can’t wait for it to end! I so excited and would be soooo ectastic if I won! I’ve been entering online once a day, but as much as I want to win this house, I can’t imagine sending in 100 – 200 mail entries a day — were you just kidding, 4Dewdrops?
By the way, Gail, can you clear up the questions we all seem to have about multiple entries (e.g. mail in and electronic)? Good luck to all us dreamers.
What is the house number?
I have read all of the blogs, and while I was much amused with the reading, I know in my heart of hearts I am the winner this year!!LOL. I am thinking something good has to happen soon, and why not let it be this? I love this home and the area. I live in Wisconsin!! Ok people I know you have all seen the happy cow commercials:) I have to say I am not a happy cow living in WI. I am already packing so move on over, and to copy a phrase from above, stay off my lawn!:)
Hi Mary,
My husband and I just got married 3 months ago and we went to Sonoma for our honeymoon. I absolutely love the town! Its so beautiful and peaceful. I was wondering what part of Sonoma the dream home is located in? Is it near Historical Sonoma Plaza? I would love to know only if you are allowed to disclose the location. I’ve been dreaming about owning a home in Sonoma since my husband and I left. Good luck to everyone and I hope one lucky winners “dreams” come true!!!
Does writing on the Blog increases your chances of winning? If it does then I guess I am out of luck. three kids rule my life.:)
You’re not alone Coop! I tour this home every day & imagine living there..I try very hard to imagine the actually living & breathing in each and every room…maybe this is peculiar, but I feel the imagination may cross the line into reality!! I not only tour the HGTV presentations, but I also view my own photos taken when I was in Sonoma! I love Sonoma County & also Mendocino County…this is HOME to me! What would we be without DREAMS?
I read an article last year about past winners and many of them only entered once! So there is hope for everyone. Don’t sweat it if you aren’t sending in 100s of entries. Good luck to all!
Hi,
Where can I find out information on that beautiful tub? I want one for my master bathroom. Also, that shower looks great. May I find out the dimensions?
What about a tour of the inside of the Dream Home? We live about 1 hour away and would love to tour it.
Thanks!
AH! My long-time DREAMER blogger buddies : MM, Lovelykitty, Katydid, and DBCoop (and Ingrid, too). I don’t have the self-control of Katydid…so I admit, I am hardcore like DBCoop (by the way, loved your food & wine analogies). I have to limit myself on this site purposely, as I have work and family life to tend to as well, which is a good thing, or I would visit and linger much more often! MM & K –I think that is fantastic that you both have twins, and are just realizing it now, after these months online… Obviously, we have other things in common, as well. Let the story continue!!
Oh My Gosh…I am in love..this house is so amazing. Me and my 7 month old watch the Dream Home program on On Demand everyday. I mean, everything from the beautiful wood floors all the way up to the ceiling just leaves me speechless. I have tried to pick my favorite room but it is just impossible. I have 3 girls and we already sit and talk like we are going to be moving to Sonoma. My husband laughs at us. I told him “you never know you might just be transferring your job to California”. Before I met my husband, me and my 2 oldest daughters went though some really hard times and I have prayed for a long time that one day, whether it is the HGTV Dream Home or not, that I can give them a home like this. They deserve it so much. They have been through alot more than what most 8 and 9 year olds have been through. So naturally when I saw this home I started entering. I just want to say to all the people that had a hand in creating this home that it looks absolutely heavenly. Good luck to all.
I AM CONCERNED WITH IDENTITY THEFT. IF I ENTER PERSONAL INFORMATION, LIKE MY BIRTHDATE, WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ENTRIES AFTER THE CONTEST? DO I NEED TO ENTER BIRTH DAY OR JUST BIRTH YEAR?
Whoever said “winning isn’t everything, it’s how you play the game” obviously didn’t know about the HGTV Dream Home sweepstakes!
Oops! Did I say 100 entries PER DAY!? No, I’m obsessed, but not that bad yet. Besides, with triplet 5 year olds and an 18 month old now, it’s enough to complete 10 mail in entries a week! I see there are twin moms here too, hurray!
To Kelly: Yes, last year I did use prepaid postcards to enter, but this year (because Coop’s paranoia has rubbed off on me), I am entering with stamped envelopes so all of my info. is safe and sound and away from prying eyes.
And, I am entering online everyday, once a day with only one email address. Plus, I am entering about 10 mail in entries per week (all 10 entries are in separate, stamped envelopes, but I do mail them on the same day). As I see it, you can enter by mail as often as you like and online only once a day.
Don’t worry Coop, I’ve been doing this for, what….4 years now? And people have won by entering only 11 TIMES! Just goes to show you that if it is meant to be, it will happen (but of course, I’ll give Fate all the help she can get!!).
AH! I see where I made my mistake…I should have said that I completed about 100 mail in entries total, and I also entered online everyday.
COOP! That comment about “snowballs chance in Sonoma”….omg…LOL!
I have ever sooo dreamt for a house so beautiful. My children tell me that this is the house I always wanted or they wanted. It is very beautiful. I Have been entering for 3 year and I pray that I will win. My kids are already talking about who is going to get the kids room. I know it’s kinda silly but you can you never know. Just keep dreaming and it might come true. I see my self there every day and that keep the stress away. Thank you for all that you do to make dreams come true.
Dear 4dewdrops!
OMG!! Five year old triplets and an 18 month old!! I cannot imagine how busy your day must be…I remember when my twins were five years old (they pulled me from one direction to the next)!! Do you also work outside the home? Super Mom? Do you have a support group with other mothers of multiple births? Do you have Fraternal, Identical, or Mixed triplets? Do you have a triple stroller, three bouncy seats, three high chairs, three car seats, bottle props, and other necessities? How did you survive the early years of parenting triplets? Did you have more than one diaper changing area? Did you have help?
When my twins were born, it was a struggle to find support of any kind as I lived in a very small community in Northern California! (Gualala)!! However, it wasn’t long before I found myself involved with other parents in a Parental Participation Group to form a nursery school (PALS). It was fantastic & helped tremendously in those early years of two to five years old! Anyway, I think it is great that you also had a single pregnancy, birth & have the experience of having one baby at a time (although you also have the three five year olds)! After my twins were born (boy & girl), I said that’s it, no more! Anyway, congratulations on having triplets & another child besides…Wow!!!
Hi Bonnie: I impressed that you read all the blogs ’cause I’m not so sure anyone else remembered that my children are twins!
Hey Coop!! Glad you are still here as I enjoy your comments so much!! I guess I was surprised that you could actually mail-in multiple entries per day!! I guess it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to mail off 10, 20, 30, or more? However, I don’t believe it gives me any better chance..it only takes one entry to win!!! I do like your idea that the folks at HGTV might as well start drawing up the winner’s affidavit of eligibilty with my name on it!! I could certainly handle the “surprise” reveal! What are the chances? One in 50 billion? I can’t any fathom how lucky one person could be to be chosen?
HGTV, I would like to know if we could enter once per day on -line, and place entries in the mail the same day. Please let me know.
I notice that the houses around the property are much smaller and older rather than comparable houses. Can you please give some information about the neighborhood?
Can you tell me the artist and/or location where the two paintings in the dining room are from? I love them!!! Thanks!
OK, I spoke with HGTV today. To clarify the Rules when submitting an entry ” ON-LINE”= A wife and husband can BOTH enter on-line once per day ( AS LONG AS THEY HAVE DIFFERENT E-MAIL ADDRESSES)!!! But remember, you may have to RE-ENTER your information AGAIN the next time. As far as using Multiple e-mail addresses and entries for YOURSELF ONLY, I Don’t Know— but I think the rule is ONE internet ENTRY per Day, per Person.
Good Luck Everyone– I’d love to live there too. I was there 20 years ago, and we loved it– We really immediately Connected to it. We thought about moving there at the time, but never did.
Diana
I understand it says “mailing labels” are invalid on the entries, but are they invalid on the outside envelope either as the return address or the HGTV address??? I just want to know for sure because my family members are arguing with me over which interpretation is correct and I don’t want to have entries be counted as invalid. Thanks!
oh my gosh!
all these questions about mail-in entries!
i’m glad i don’t have to reply to all of these! lol
from what i understand,
if entering electronically, meaning on hgtv’s website, one can only enter 1x per day.
and if entering by snail mail, its freakin limitless!
handwritten entries: meaning the paper inserted in the envelope or the postcard mailed in by itself
use labels for envelopes.
please correct me if i’m wrong.
i’m sending in 1,000,000 entries each day through snail mail….lol
I love old town Sonoma! How far from the main plaza and the old adobe is this house? It looks as if it might be outside of town in a neighborhood of less expensive homes. Could you post a map of the town to show where it is located? It might be difficult to sell the house in California’s plummeting housing market if it is the most expensive house in the neighborhood even though Sonoma is a desirable address.
LOL! That house is MINE!!
COOP: Potato chips, wine and chocolate aside, let me tell you how I do it. I have viewed videos, tapes, pictures and the special until I feel sure I could go into the Dream Home blindfolded and find my way around. When I scrutinized the kitchen I discovered an open pantry door….showing vertical plate racks . Nice, but where do you store the vac? BRENDA: I have no self control what-so-ever, That’s why I’m addicted to this blog.
4dewdrops: Your three of a kind beats my pair. Congrats.
Marie Miller, I won’t be sending in any mail entries. Times are tough here in Mi and I can’t afford the postage. Bonnie: lost my train of thought, so I’ll just say thanks. Off to dreamland. Thanks HGTV .
When entering the contest it won’t let me scrool down to Ut as my state it only does the first 6-7
Mike
I absolutely love this house, it is my favorite of all the dreamhouses so far. Great colors, decor, landscaping, etc. Great job dreamteam!
Can more that 1 person from the same household enter the contest, if they have different email addresses.
I don’t think that you need to put postcard entries in an envelope because you have already paid postage when you purchased the postcards from the post office
I have been entering since the very 1st dream home 13 years ago and I have to say that I still am praying that I might be given one of these fantastic homes. I am a single mom of 4 boys and even with some help from family when things get totally unbearable, I still struggle and I pray daily for some sustainable help. So, like so many many folks out there, my sons and I are so so excited about what could be. Good luck to all and please please let my family be the winners soon…keep up the great great work HGTV people…loving your shows and now without TV I am loving your websites instead….but honestly, wish I had TV again cause there’s so much I miss watching on HGTV…God bless everyone….gotta go…bye for now…
Hello ! I also wanted some clarification about the mail-in and e-mail entries. If we enter both on same day, will they be disqualified? Also, how are the electronic entries going to entered along with the mail-in entries; are they going to be printed out and all (mail and email) entries going to be in one big bin from which one lucky one will be pulled out? I am praying so hard to be the blessed one in winning this amazing home. It would be more than just my absolute dream home, in my dream town, but also it would fulfill my dream of being closer to my elderly father whom I would bring along to live with me. I could already imagine him sitting in the backyard enjoying the amazing weather and beautiful landscape, enjoying the time he has left on this earth. Thank you HGTV for giving us this opportunity to at least dream. Please make my dream come true !!! Lots of love…….
I have to say that all the “HGTV Dream Homes” have been spectactular, but I think they miss the what real folks want. Most people would like 4 bedrooms, plus a study or an office, 3.5 bathrooms, large family room, large kitchen with room for family & friends, large dining area. Then last but not least a 3 car OVERSIZED garage. Good Grief these small garages are ridiculous.
Having lived in New England all our lives, you can imagine how our curiosity was piqued when our daughter decided to decline college offers in the East to attend Stanford in Palo Alto, sight unseen! When it was time for her freshman orientation, the family all flew out together a week early. In order to become familiar with her new surroundings, her Dad & I toured the Bay area and wine country in Sonoma. It touched us in a very special way. We relished the thought of visiting her as much as possible, and since her graduation, we have always “dreamed” of owning a home in Sonoma! The Dream Home certainly fits the bill. We could just imagine the HGTV Dream Home filled with our own family, as well as all the friends that were made during our daughter’s wonderful years studying and enjoying all that northern California has to offer…
How is this fair to the regular joe?? I read on the blogs ,that people are sending in 200 to 300 postcards a day, If you have the money to do that, you don’t need the dream home. The people who don’t have tons of money to put in, can only enter once a day for free on the web. HGTV is this really fair?
To answer my own and others questions about the limit on mail-ins I read the rules nad e-mailing an entry is once a day this is what it says for mail-ins:” Entrants using U.S. mail may enter as often as they wish. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by February 19, 2009 and received by February 26, 2009. Limit one (1) entry per stamped outer envelope”.
So…it appears we can snail mail as many times per day as we want. Can Mary confirm this?
Lisa
I have sent in 181 so far and enter online daily.
Good Luck everyone
It is not about having the money to do it, it is about using your resources. I use a prepaid stamp machine. A stamp is a stamp!
donna: Yes, it’s fair. Some people can’t afford a computer and the only way for them to enter is by snail mail.
I’m not to lucky with contest but would be a dream come true for a place my best friend and family to come to a spot where he was born and lived 55 years ago and could take care of his parents and all to come to and be able to be together. Had a bad 2007 year and miss family and friends get-togethers Good luck and may the best one win!!!!!!!!!
What a beautiful house and landscape. I have been following and entering the Dream House contest for the last 6 to 8 years.
Sonoma is a great choice for the first Dream house in California!
It may sound a little odd but when I lived in Whittier many years ago, I especially loved the fruit trees and plants in the outdoors/yard around the home. How large is the property that the DH is built on? From the landscape video, it is hard to tell. Does the DH sit on more than 1 acre? In addition to the vineyard, herb garden, etc, are there also any citrus/fruit trees?
Good luck to everyone, its seem to be too big of a dream house for me, but i will keep dreaming, because right now me and my boyfriend with three kids, and we lived pay check by pay check every month i don’t know if i can pay for all the taxes that for the house, but i’ll keep dream and hope.
How is it really fair? If they are sending in about 300 postcards, they have to pay for 300 stamps. So if they can pay for 300 stamps why cant they afford a computer. Plus, you can go to the public library or a family/friends house and use the computer for free. The dreamhouse should be for those of us who really need a home, not for those who are greedy.
Does any one know if there is a bathroom on the first floor? I can’t seem to find it.
Good luck to all! It is a beautiful home!
People who actually live in Puerto Rico (US Territory) can enter to the contest?
Wow. I have been reading through all of these comments and cannot believe some of the comments some of you are making!! First of all…this is a DREAM house. That means it is something you can only dream about. HGTV did the best they could to find a nice location, come up with a beautiful house and decor and then, give it away!!! I can’t beleive that some of you are complaining about a DREAM house that you don’t have to buy, get to move right into, or sell and then be set for life. Unbelievable!! You shouldn’t even enter. Seriously…complaining about the color of the furniture, complaining about how close the nieghbors yard is? Get real. This is a FREE house and yes, you have to pay the taxes, but it is an opportunity of a lifetime!! Stop complaining about the DREAM house. Do you honestly think that they could please everyone? I have 2 girls, but I tell you what, if I win this house, you won’t see me complaining about the boys bedroom or the fact that the furniture is white. It is FREE AND beautiful! If you don’t like it, don’t enter to win it and spare everyone your disapointment. UGH. STOP COMPLAINING about the FREE house!!!! You sound like if you did win, you would just compliain all the time abou the DREAM house you won that isn’t decorated the right way and is too close to the naighbors pool. REALLY?
I have a 3 year old and a 4month old, both girls. I tell you what. If i won this house, I wouldn’t worry about where the play room is going to be or that the room is decorated for a boy. I would move in, have fun and enjoy the beautiful house. It is a dream come true to just own something like that!!! Shame on all of you for complaining.
Come on entrants! Read the rules, don’t read what you want to see INTO the rules! The bottom line; one online entry per person per day, PERIOD. Mail in entries are unlimited. Since a mail in entry is NOT an online entry it does not count as an online entry. Don’t waste blog space wanting clarification of something clearly evident. One means one, not … well does it mean per email address… Yes we all could have a thousand email addresses if so desired, but again One online entry per day. Now asking for clarification of unstated items is understandable. i.e. I think I may have accidentally entered twice on one day, does that void my entries for that day or the entire contest? Now that is a reasonable question.
Where is the pool? Can’t live without a pool. Also, is the property fenced? How many dogs are allowed? I wish the description included some numbers on lot size, etc…
I have read the blogs and can’t believe how worried people are about the entry rules…just enter! As one person noted, it only takes one to win.
As far as California being in a real estate nose-dive…some areas have been very stable and even resilient, I suspect Sonoma is one such area.
Hi, I (we) really, really want this house. I’m very impressed with the simplistic, victorian and bungalow hybrid style. My shoulders are warming just thinking about the California sun (it’s a whopping negative 25 here). I’m very excited to win, my first move would be to change the children’s room into a nursery…and to make use of the two fridges, we’d be more than happy to host vacationers for a weekend or two to help pay for the high taxes
-Good luck to all.
Hello everyone, I just want to say good luck to all of you. However, I think this one is mine. LOL! Since this contest began, I have sent in 51 entries per day and will continue everyday for a little over 2000 entries!!! As I explain why, you will completely understand that I need this vacation home……… I have 9 children!!! I have more kids than that couple Jon &Kate on tv. I always wanted to have a big family so my husband and I had 6. And If my life wasn’t hectic enough, I adopted 3 more. Needless to say, I am exhausted. Every morning I get up at 5 a.m. get everyone changed fed and ready, take them all to their 5 different schools (preschool, elementary, middle, high school, and college) that start at different times, take care of the baby,clean, cook (for 11 people everyday 3 x s per day), wash 6 loads of laundry per day, go run errands, get groceries, pick up all the kids when schools out, help with homework,feed them, clean up dinner mess, bathe them, change them, put them to bed and finally sleep for 4 hrs. just to wake up and do it again. I NEED A DAMN VACATION!!! I have no problem paying the taxes. I just want to have a QUIET vacation home that my husband and I can escape to. When I saw this one, I knew this was it. So I am increasing my odds and praying for a little luck. p.s.- I think I beat the lady with 5 yr. old triplets and an 18 mo. old baby
WELL SAID, JIM– I couldn’t of said it BETTER !! Personally, I would not want to violate any of the rules,or take any chances– I’m sure that the Ritway Corp. will ensure that eligibility was honored for the lucky winner.
I would love to live in the Majestic, Beautiful, Peaceful area of Sonoma. You kind of connect with yourself, spirituality, and the environment there. Linda, the Interior Decorator, did a Great Job too!!! How lucky to win Ethan Allen furniture too, huh? For me, I left my heart in San Franscisco.
Good Luck to Everyone Again!!!
Diana
i am going to be visiting sanoma soon, are there tours available for the HGTV dream home?
s. patel
This comment is directed towards Venessa who is entering 51 times a day for a total of 2000 entries, has 9 kids, needs a vacation…. To mail 2000 entries you are spending a minimum of $500 for postcard postage and closer to a $1000 if using envelope entries. Reminds me of a news story of a local area person who mortgaged their house and used the money for over 56,000 lottery tickets. The lottery was won, by a person who bought one ticket. If you are in a desperate situation Venessa, why not apply the money spent on entries to the situation itself? You can still enter once a day online for free. Just a thought….
You are absolutely right, Meggan. It is a beautiful FREE home with furnishings. I would love to have all of that. You can change whatever you want to accomadate your family…because it will be yours, or use it to buy your dream home. But I still would like to know if there is room for a pool (because Sonoma can get HOT) and security for dogs (a fenced yard). It would make it truly a place for me! My hope is that it will go to a family that will love it! Blessings to all! Thanks Meggan and Jim for the reality check…
I have been on the lookout for the publisher who has this years Dream Home layout! Is there one? And if so please let me know! Practicaly every day I fisit my local bookstore hoping to find it! Is this a secret?
This house is absolutely gorgeous! My husband and I are looking at places to retire and Sonoma, CA is high on our list. We are still pretty young for reirement but like to prepare early. We love the area and the house and after spending most of our lives in a cold and windy climate this would be just the ticket. Anyone would be thrilled to win this beatiful home. One question, does the chef Bobby Flay come with it? Ha ha just kiddin.
Angel and I are California dreamin on a cold Chicago day! When is the exact date of the actual giveaway?
Well after signing up for the HGTV DREAM Home in Sonoma, CA I was in awe of what bloggers write…it’s only a dream, to win I mean, it’s like the movie with Shirley Temple in “The Little Princess”. May God Bless the person who wins in everyway possible.AMEN!
I believe it is fenced. It has a dog house, so one can assume. Also from the tv show, it showed bushed for privacy on the perimeter. I believe there was also a fence. Could be wrong though.
I also want to know what happens if you enter more than once a day online. I have done it a couple of times by accident. I don’t know whether that one or that entire day is voided. Or your chance at all.
Personally if I had 500-1,000 for postage and envelopes… or enough money that the 200,000 taxes wouldn’t matter, I would just go on a vacation… or buy a time share or something.
Everybody who enters this contest wants the house for one reason or another. Anybody who wins will be happy and deserves it. Congrats to that person… though like everybody else, I hope it will be me!!
How will the mail-in entries be disposed of after the winner has been chosen. I really want to mail-in additional entries, but I was an ID Theft victim (CCs) in the past and writing my name, address, and DOB just worries me to no end.
Hey guys, while we are talking about the taxes etc. I was talking to my husband about this issue and he made sure to remind me that it did say the total prize package is worth $2mil.. basically, the care, the furniture etc.. not the house it self so please keep this in mind it may ease some with regards to the cost of taxes to come.
It’s true…I am spending quite a bit on postage about $800 plus the cost of the supplies. I fell in love with this place and can totally imagine myself there……just the two of us (without all the 9 kids!) every other weekend. That’s what this thing is all about. Dreaming and having good fun. Like in Vegas!
And yes, I have had vacations and own other properties; There’s something about this particular place. And being a mathematician, I know that my odds are greater with each additional entry. But you are right. Anyone can win this thing even with one entry. That is what makes it fun and it’s a chance I’m willing to take and besides the anticipation is soooo exciting! If I don’t get it, you all can have a laugh on me
)
I’m not quite sure where the $200,000.00 in taxes is coming from. From my understanding, the federal income tax is 35% for anyone or couple making over $350,000.00 which would mean that the income tax alone on this home is $700,000.00!!!! if this home is valued at 2mil. Then you also have the $20,000.00 a year in property taxes. The government takes its cut no matter what and doesn’t care who you are or how many children you have because this is an asset and nothing is ever free. Sorry to be a downer but please tell me if I’m incorrect on this because I would love to be told i’m wrong. I know that the $700,000.00 loan I would need for the taxes is way out of my monthly income….
I agree with y Mary S with regard to the amount of taxes. Someone up there got it wrong. But I will say, I shared the number of children I had to show that I was in need of a vacation not anything else. I can certainly afford the taxes and any other costs associated with acquiring a $2 mm prize. Remember this is supposed to be fun. As for people who mortgage their house, now that is just plain stupid. Me and my husband own several companies and are fortunate enough to have a comfortable, secure future and are able to spend what I wish on postage without breaking the bank. GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY! And stop thinking so hard. Whoever wins it, rich or poor will have the option to sell and keep $1 mm….Not bad people. HAVE FUN!!!!
I think that HGTV and all the people who put this thing together are a bunch of great people with huge hearts. This contest shows that there are still dreams out there left to believe in. Thats what I felt when I first heard of the contest 1 week ago. I wont bore you with all my financial issues but, I will wish all of us GOOD LUCK!
This home is every person’s dream, it has everything one could ever ask for…this would indeed be a dream come true!
I too would love to win this house. It is nice to have this dream isn’t it? good luck to everyone! I think we all have good reasons as to why we would love to win. This would be a blessing and a dream come true for my family as well. keep on dreamin…it will come true for one of us!
It states that for the mail in entries, the entrant’s name, address, etc. needs to be hand written. Does that also apply to the HGTV address or can that be printed via computer?
Thanks!
Wow!!! This house is so beautiful! I saw the pictures and they almost brought a tear to my eye! This house is too perfect!!! Good luck to all who enter… For one lucky family this house will be an everyday thing… (crossing my fingers… lol.)
I was also wondering if my husband with a different e-mail address could also put in his entry even though he lives at the same address.
Thank You,
thank you so much for this opportunity i never win anything but just to have this opportunity is a blessing, my husband i have six kids and with him working three jobs sometimes four we couldnt even dream about having a house so nice and provide the space that our children need thank you i love your show.
Winning would be unbelievable! Hope everyone has a strong heart to bear the news when they’re told they have won.
I wrote two postings and they didn’t show.
How come?
IN ORDER TO KEEP THIS GORGEOUS HOME LOCATED IN SONOMA ( A PEACEFUL AND TRANQUIL TOWN). THE WINNER MUST BE IN THE FIVE FIGURE INCOME, SO AS TO KEEP UP WITH THE TAXES, EXPENSES AND UPKEEP…OTHERWISE THE WINNER WILL HAVE TO SELL IT AND WITH THE CLEAR CASH, PURCHASE A HOME THAT MEETS THEIR FINANCIAL CRITERIOR.
MAY THE WINNERS MAKE THE CORRECT CHOICE.
GOD BLESS!
I for one want to thank HGTV for making this dream possible for someone. This contest lifts spirits and hope for those who otherwise have a dreary existance and need some excitement in their lives. A once a year boost is very uplifting. If you don’t win this year…try again next year, you might be the one.
As a senior citizen and retired Rn, I wonder why your dream home give aways are not made handicap friendly with large entry days to all rooms, a bedroom on the ground floor, and consideration in the bathrooms for those handicapped. I would love to see one of the dream homes especially designed as a green home for the elderly.
WELL, NOW I KNOW FOR SURE IT’S TIME FOR A MOVE TO THE HGTV DREAM HOME IN SONOMA:
TONIGHT THE TEMPS HAVE DROPPED BELOW ZERO AND MY HUSBAND LOOKED AT ME AND SAID, “NOW IT’S TIME TO THINK ABOUT THAT MOVE TO CA…” (HA! HE HAS NO IDEA I HAVE ENTERED THIS CONTEST.) WE PROMISED EACH OTHER YEARS AGO THAT WE WOULD RETURN TO SONOMA…
Jim Jim Jim, so quick to criticize, the rules say: limit one (1) online entry, PER VALID EMAIL address, per eligible person per day. So if you do have a thousand email addresses you can enter the whole thousand of them if you like.
Vanessa: I think youre being selfish. Give other people who dont need a vacation home and that need a home have a chance.
I love the country charm in the Sonoma Dream Home. Sonoma is a wonderful place ,I love the wine country. May the Lord bless the person who wins this Dream Home.
Hi everyone just wanted to make sure im doing this correctly.
I already have hand written my entry on a seprate piece of paper and put it in the envleope.
i have also hand written the HGTV address on the envelope.
Ok so heres my question. If i dont put my return or “from” address on the envelope would that be considered “a non valid entry”
and this is strickly on the envleope.
any help? i would hate to mail my entries in and they’re null and void.
Thanks everyone and good luck!
Kelly
I have only entered online, but it would be surreal to actually win, my 6 year old has been talking about packing up everything and moving there ever since she toured the house online. We keep telling her that the chances of us winning are slim and to not get her hopes up. It says somewhere that the house is valued at 1.8 mill so the car and furnishings are only 200,000? It seems with everything it would be a lot more. Honestly it would be a dream to live in house like that but it would be hard to afford to do so.
Kelly – I would place your return address on the envelope… AND hand write it!!
After reading the mail-in rules about 40 times I concluded that it’s best to just hand write everything if you decide to stuff an envelope and mail-in your entry. This includes the return address on the envelope. Although the rules clearly state that for postcard entries the HGTV address and your address/info. must be hand written it’s a little vague about the outside of the envelope for the other mail-in entry. I first thought that the “entry” itself would only need to be hand written, but after looking further it would seem obvious that if they want you to do it for the postcard, it should be the same for the envelope. If not, then why not use a return address label for the postcard and just hand write the remaining info. (DOB & phone #)?
If you go through all the trouble to hand write your info. & hand write the HGTV address on the envelope, you should go the safe route and hand write your return address as well. Then there leaves NO question about following the rules.
My heart be still, my dream home.Wow this is a beautiful house and the the location hgtv is the best ever.Keep it up, and keep giving us hope and wishing that one of these year we too can win. Socorro Jackson
Mary was right about the taxes. One could get a mortgage against the house and property to pay the taxes. At 4.5% (about where they will be mid-year) and a 30 yr mortgage the monthly payments would be $3,546.80, and the property taxes about $1,666 ( if $20K/year is correct). That’s about $5200 per month and you haven’t paid utilities yet. Kinda steep. Selling the vehicle and using that for taxes might help a little, very little. But it is a great dream… Sonoma is GREAT!
There is no way I would live on the San Adreas fault. Im an east coaster and dont mind the snow. Besides I couldnt afford the taxes and maintenance on a house like that. I would sell and buy a two family house with a huge basement that I could turn into a rec room for my boys and dogs and move my wonderful mother-in-law next door (yes I totally adore my mother-in-law)
I personally can’t imagine any place more ideal to live one’s fun-filled years (young, old, or in-between) than the historic California wine-country town of Sonoma. Ah yes, heaven on earth, with a sun-soaked tropical rendezvous thrown in now and then to some exotic foreign locale. In my mind, life doesn’t get any better than that.
So, all I can say is, if you miss out, don’t blame me. I may be guilty on a few counts, but one thing I know for sure, the San Andreas is no fault of mine.
Nina, Nina, Nina, the rules say: limit one (1) online entry, per valid email address, PER ELIGIBLE PERSON per day. I may be mistaken (it often happens), but to me these stated rules mean one per person. I personally am not taking the chance of disqualification by entering via more than one email address on the same day. While HGTV is quite vague about entries and do not seem concerned about clarifying issues such as this, thus my opinion is to weigh toward what is definitely known to be ok. But if you wish to enter more than one email address per day, I do wish you luck.
Vanessa, I am glad to find out you are not in a desperate situation. Quite the contrary. You have several businesses and can certainly afford the taxes and upkeep on a two million dollar prize. I compliment you on your accomplishments. You are entitled to win as much as everyone else. If you wish to use the Dream Home as an every other weekend vacation getaway from your nine kids it is certainly your right. Your dream is your dream. Hang on to it! Ummm… could I stay in the home on the odd weekends?
Jim, did you even read the eligibility section of the rules?
Nina, if you think you can enter as many times online as you want simply by using a different email address, then by all means enter away. But to accuse someone of a mentality lapse simply because they interpret one per person as actually meaning “one per person” is a bit childish don’t you think?
Jim, get a life man. If someone wants to submit 51 entries a day, then good for them. Everyone has their own set of circumstances. To each his own. Settle down brother and enjoy the inauguration.
Jim– I do Agree with you. I wouldn’t want to even Possibly Void Out my Chances of Winning on my Own Doing. Why are there blogs about the San Andreas Fault?? I’m plugging my ears!!! If the neighborhood is near the San Andreas Fault ( and it might be because there is an area of Napa Valley that is)— I won’t sweat it. Besides, they are predicting that the next “Big” one is going south to L.A.
Diana
“Don’t sweat it” is a perfect phrase for winning the Dream House Diana! Most will not be able to maintain the taxes and upkeep. In that case “don’t sweat it”, sell it and have a nice nest egg. If the sell amount is considerably lower than the estimated value, use the appraisal for a reassessment of tax. Bottom line, you still have a windfall! If you are afraid of the SAF, sell it! You are not required to live there. Take the profit from the sell and buy a home far from the fault line. In fact I am sure HGTV doesn’t not expect the winner to actually live in the home. It is about the excitement and anticipation. It doesn’t matter your current situation, rich, poor or somewhere in between. It is a “Dream”, your dream on how it will make your life more enjoyable!
I did some investigating and found out that the address is approximately on the corner of 5th Street East and Patten. Do a Google maps search and then a street view to get an idea of the area. Winning this house is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You’d owe about 800K in state and federal taxes (yet CA has announced that they are suspending state tax refunds this year due to lack of money), and you’d have to pay the 20K in property taxes right away, PLUS insurance, which would cost about $1700/year. And think about homeowner’s fees of maybe $200/month. Just in taxes, insurance, fees, upkeep and utilities…you’re spending about $6K per month, not including food, gas, entertainment, clothing, car repairs and everything else. And you’re still on the hook for those income taxes. The lesson here is twofold: taxes will kill the American dream, and sometimes the simpler things in life are more enjoyable…like your median priced home in your own neighborhood with your old friends, etc. just because your current home isn’t the best or biggest, enjoy what you’ve got!!
Jim, I did not accuse you of anything. But you are entitled to “interpret” it as you wish.
Nina, duly noted. You may be right, as I’ve posted before, it wouldn’t be the first time I was wrong, and surely not the last.
) Good Luck.
JIM– I would Love to make this “Dream” a “REALITY”. If I won, I would hate to sell it. Not only is the home “Perfect”,but living in that area is like, “living in Paradise”. But I know that all I’m doing is “dreaming”, I guess it’s kind of like “your chances of winning the lottery”. I will say though, three of my old co-workers all moved out to SanFrancisco last year, and another good friend has been living in Sacramento— so I already have friends!! It would be awesome!!! But damn, if I do not win, I’ll still have my own “wine party” here in Ft. Myers, and we’ll all just “pretend” to be wine connoisseur’s. GOOK LUCK to you too, JIM — if this dream doesn’t come true, another one will one day.
I am still wondering how they combine the “online” entries AND the “mailed” entries for the drawing? Does anyone know?
Alaska, Although I do not have knowledge of the HGTV process, one common process is to assign online entries a progressive number, scan mailed entries and also assign a progressive number to the scan. Picking a winner would consist of selecting a random number from 1 to the highest progression number, then matching up the selected number with the assigned progressive number and then verifying the person listed.