Mar
16
Watch the Winner!
Want to take one more look at our winner ambush? Learn more about Cheryl Smith, the winner of the HGTV Dream Home 2009, plus watch exclusive online interviews (we asked Cheryl questions you posted on this blog!).
RIGHT ON, Katydid!!!
Hi Ya’ll
I read the comment from the other blogger named Hope (I’m HOPE (all caps))
I just wanted to say, we must trust that HGTV
Ok So It wasn’t live big deal. I was wondering why HGTV would ambush someone at 11 pm. (I’m in AZ it was 8 pm here)
Congrats to the Smiths!
WHEW….YEAH IT’S GETTIN’ DICEY ON THE OLE BLOG…BUT THIS TOO SHALL PASS….INGRID..YOU ALWAYS PUT A SMILE ON MY FACE….READING SOME OF THESE ENTRIES MAKES ME FEEL LIKE ALICE IN WONDERLAND…FALLING INTO A DARK TUNNEL OF BAD DREAMS….AT THE RISK OF SOUNDING INAPPROPRIATE I GUESS WE CAN BE GRATEFUL THAT OCTOMOM DIDN’T WIN THE DREAM HOME….(LET’S PRAY FOR THOSE BABIES AND CHILDREN SHE ALREADY HAS)….JUST WANT TO MENTION TO NEW BLOGGERS…DON’T ASSUME EACH BLOG YOU READ IS CREDIBLE….REALIZE ANYONE CAN AND WILL SAY ANYTHING….I AGREE WITH A PREVIOUS POST….READ THE RULES….REALIZE THIS IS A FREE SWEEPSTAKES…AND IF YOU DON’T WANT TO PLAY…STAY AWAY…
Hi Ya’ll
I read the comment from the other blogger named Hope (I’m HOPE (all caps)) I just wanted to say, we must trust that HGTVis an honest and fair organization that has chosen to allow people from every walk of life to enjoy in the possibilty of owning a 2million dollar home. Whether your rich, poor, purple or green, WE ALL HAVE DREAMS &We must trust the fact that this a ramdom drawing, no human intervention, no computer bias & if you don’t agree with the legistics of this sweepstakes, then it is best not to apply. Maybe it will takes the sting out of losing.I truly understand how so many of you feel. It’s hard to have your dreams unfulfilled but we must keep our hopes up & and we must keep dreaming. If we look at a standard clock. The hand on the face of that clock doesn’t hit every second at once, but eventually it gets aroung to every second. IT JUST TAKES TIME.
HOPE DEFERRED MAKETH THE HEART SICK, BUT WHEN THE DESIRE COMETH IT IS TREE OF LIFE(this is some comforting words from our blessed Creator himself, PROVEREBS 13:12)KEEP HOPING and DREAMIN’
Lily-Beth Reilly…I agree 100%. Let’s hope the negative comments disappear altogether,and we can all be excited for the Smiths. Ingrid from Sonoma
Congrats to the Smith’s!! Let’s stay positive and keep dreaming!!
How wonderful for you Mr. & Mrs. Smith! I wish you so much happiness in your new home.
If HGTV screens entries before they pick the winner then it is NOT a fair Random drawing, they are picking someone that THEY fell they want to win. Do they tell you on the roles that they screen people ahead of time and what do you have to do or have to meet this? I think it is time for all of us to move on to the next 2009 house and get that felling back that we maybe the next winner. Congrat to the Smith family.
Happy Tuesday, Bloggers and other California dreamers (present and past). Congratulations again to Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Unfortunately, there were a lot of negative and profane comments (which proves our comments are not screened), but many of us wish you well. I believe “The List” joins me in that sentiment. I believe that it was Bonnie and Lovelykitty who warned us in December that comments turn brutal after the winner is announced.
My only regret is that a North Bay California resident didn’t win (namely jealous me), which would have probably increased the chances of them staying in the house. But, it’s the Smith’s house to do however they choose. If they don’t want to stay there, I’ve got my eye on some items in the house that I would LOVE to purchase, but I’m sure that they’ll spend SOME time in that lovely house.
Lovelykitty, JandVsmom, Jenny D, Bonnie B, Ingrid and Bobo, Katydid, are you all up for the SISBP? Lovelykitty, the date you gave April 12th is a Sunday not a Saturday – is that the date you’re suggesting to go play again in Sonoma?
Marie Miller and DBCoop, are you joining Gail on the Green House blog? Happy Dreaming, everyone – there’s always next year!
Interesting comments ranging from incredible disappointment to heartfelt joy for the family.
Hope this sets them and their entire family up for years to come. Whether they chose to move to California, or not–let’s hope they sell quickly and use the money as they dreamt about.
Echo a previous post, read all the rules before entering any give-away of any kind.
Was there this amount of bad talking about the last dream house and winner’s selection for that one?
Unsure of all the legalities of random, etc. but over and done with; let’s move on.
Just like many of you, i think that a more needy couple shouldve won. Like someone with kids and no house. Also, the house is so modern, i dont think older people should really occupy it. Its a waste.
Yes, I’m happy for the winners. But did any of you receive an increase in spam after entering this contest online? I cannot bear the thought that by entering this contest, it seems I’ve only increased the amount of spam and even junk mail via USPS!
At least this year’s winner showed some genuine emotion …I wonder if HGTV notifies the winner before they arrive @ their door though because if it were me I would have been jumping up and down screaming and crying.
No, I am sure this wasn’t a “live” ambush and I am just as sure they screen the winners so people who actually dream of owning a home like that better have a D&B number, live in a paradise already (Lakeland) and have enough wherewithal not to “bring anyone down.”
It may sound like sour grapes and perhaps a little of it is. All your “winners” seem like they are just moving from one dream home to another. And worry about taxes??? The winner before this house was already putting it up for sale before the hoopla died down.
Congratulations to all winners…we can’t all be that “lucky.” Maybe they can apply for some 0% loan the goverment is giving away. Whatever. Such good acting. Such good fortune. I will think positive. I am positive the winners are screened.
JB
Come on bloggers…if you don’t have something nice to say why post at all??? This is a totally random drawing. The winner is not chosen because of age, race, ethnicity, financial status or lack there of, personality, disability, hardship or any other accusation you can dream up. It is a random drawing. I applaud HGTV for ambushing the winner in advance. The rules state the winner will be contacted on OR ABOUT March 15th. I wish we could have seen more footage with the winner! She was very excited!!! I enjoyed wathcing the videos of her on HGTV. Although the rules do not state the winner should be a deserving one, I think she deserves this beautiful home as much as any of us who entered and perhaps she deserves it more!!! So again I say congratulations to Chery and enjoy your beautiful home in Sonoma!!!!!
Everyone has thier turn, It just wasn't ours yet but one day. Sometimes we have something better in store for us. Our blessings will come one day
Hi everyone. I can not believe all of this negativity for the winners and HGTV. These people won fair and square. Congrats to the Smith family. Thank you HGTV for giving ALL of us a chance to win this wonderful home!
There is one home and over 39 million entrys to win ONE home. Be for real people you all read the rules before entering and did not complain but now that is over you start?
There are 50 states and because two familys win in one state in two years you think it is rigged? A young couple with two children won last year and yet you complain because an older couple win it this year?
For all of you out there who have enjoyed this time on the blog, don’t be disheartened by a few nay sayers.
I hope to see many of you on the green home blog. I wil again enter and try my chances as all of you and be very happy for whoever wins as they deserve to win by just entering.
Thank you Ingrid for being such a gracious host. I hope you stop by the green home blog to say hi. Give BoBo a great big hug. Brenda you take care and play some wonderful music on your piano as I am sure you do
Jandav tell your little one hi and keep smiling. Have fun all with the party. I hope the Smith’s will be able to attend. To all of you who number more than I can remember at the moment it has been a blast. Thank you and God bless.
Cynthia Newland
Brenda: As much as I would like to be able to join you for the SISBP in Sonoma, it would be impossible for me to travel from Michigan, but thank you so much for thinking of me. What I would really love, if, on some blog, you could describe the activities, who is attending, PICTURES, etc. . That way I could be with you “in spirit”.
Because I wont be there in person, please thank Steve Ledson and Ingrid&BoBo. And of course, the HGTV crew, I look forward to seeing the video of our handsome Jack T handing the keys to Cheryl and Linda escorting her through the house. It would be nice to have some chicken and veggies in the fridge for them to make their first meal.
Gee, I’m still dreaming and I love it.
I’m putting all the negativity aside. I feel so sorry for all the folks who don’t understand what the HGTV Dream Home is all about.
Love to all dreamers
You know what we can all play the lotto and hope we win and we can enjoy homes just like the one in Sonoma
Whatever? I also agree with the others, that a family with children should have won. Or someone that doesn’t own a house. So for all those of you who say your soooo happy for the couple….stay true to yourself and stop lying about how happy you are for them, unless your also retired and old.
Winning an HGTV dream home is something I’d love to happen to me when I’m retired and old….
I hope Coca Cola gave the winners enough money to be able to pay off the taxes on that prize so that there will finally be a Dream Home winner who can afford to keep their house.
Congratulations to Cheryl Smith and her family. YOU deserved to win!
Before I read this blog after the winner is chosen, I pray that this year the posts will be different. They aren’t. Most of the posts are filled with hatred and jealousy and just show that you hateful people SHOULD NOT have won! Thank GOD the people full of HATE did not win. Maybe this is why your entry wasn’t chosen? KARMA!
It is the same thing year after year. If a family wins, then the house should go to a couple without children. If an older couple wins, then the house should have been won by a younger couple with or without kids. If a retired person wins, then the house should be given to a working family, etc. etc. etc. What is wrong with so many of you that you begrudge this winner her prize when she did exactly what all of us did…she entered a contest….FREELY.
I’m surprised year after year that HGTV still builds these homes. They get so much grief from sore losers that I wonder if it is even worth it to them.
I am constantly amazed at the mean spirited people that frequent this blog. Oh by the way, just because a person doesn’t post does not mean they do not read this blog and they deserve to win just as much as anyone.
I know on the Blog Cabin, people actually asked if the bloggers could have MORE entries than those that didn’t post. What NERVE these people have to even think they are MORE entitled than others.
My mother always told me that WHINERS never win. It looks like that is true. Keep whining people because you are only showing your TRUE self, and that self is disgusting and undeserving!
Another letdown.
Bring back Joan – she is the best.
The new woman bringing the good news was just
awful. Another winner from Florida. Hmmmmm
Everyone,,,don’t be so hateful towards the couple who won. They will find out soon enough that this “dream home” will most likely be placed on the market within days of winning. We all forget that unless they can afford the “gift tax” (which is 45-50% of the value, of the prize) a whopping $800,000-$1,000,000 they will have no choice but to place it on the market. One of the tour guides said in the 12 years of the dream home, only 1 winner was able to actually move in. They seem like a lovely, genuine couple and I hope they can live in the “dream home” and have all 8 grand children playing in the back yard, if not, I pray they can sell it in this tough market for enough to cover the tax. A new construction home built in the same community, sat on the market for 2 years for an offering price of 4 million, and finally sold for 2 million. So even here in Sonoma, real estate has had a down-turn. You can thank good old Uncle Sam for the harsh tax laws!
I was just happy that these Smiths were genuine people and GRATEFUL.
AC, just cos they’re retired and own their own home doesn’t mean we should judge them and assume that their lives have been a bed of roses. They lived as Cheryl said ‘in no-man’s land’, their house is probably worth 150K.
They just seemed like a couple who’d worked all their lives and would have a smile on their face even if they were living in a studio apartment in the Florida ghetto.
So yes, I’m ecstatic for them and whatever they decide to do with the house, I hope they’re as happy as it looks like they’ve always been.
I wasn’t able to watch the show on TV but viewed the video clips online. Congratulations to the Smith’s! The geniune surprise and enthusiasm was very refreshing. They seem to be truly deserving of such a fabulous prize. Married 44 years…WOW…and they appear to be loving, active grandparents. Good luck to you in all your decision making in the coming months. Thanks HGTV for making someone’s dream come true.
seriously… you all need to get a life! it’s a contest with stated rules… you didn’t win… who really cares? I’m amazed how many people put energy into this.
I actually toured the Dream Home and wasn’t all that impressed. They said that it was built in six months, and it showed. They should have used shoe molding to cover the gaps where the hardwood didn’t met the baseboard. The colors were too over the top in the living room and master, and I didn’t care for light fixtures, but that isn’t something that can’t be changed. Victorian isn’t my taste anyway.
The reality for almost anyone who wins these Dream Homes is that they can’t afford to keep the home. It is in a neighborhood of other Victorian style homes, and several are for sale, with pricetags starting at 1 million. The fact that Ledson has offered to buy it back should make them jump on it, however, I doubt that he’d pay 2 million for it. I certainly wouldn’t. Also, the house directly across the street from it is a SHACK. It most likely was there before the neighborhood was developed by Ledson. Anyway, of course I wish the best for the winners and hope that they come away with some money from the sale which most likely has already taken place. Good luck!!
I am ashamed of the people on here that have posted such nasty things. How dare you sit there and say that the Smith family doesn’t deserve it because they are older or because they own a home already. It is a terrible thing to try pull the race card as well. Yes, there are people suffering due to the economy, BUT they have hope. Things will get better. EVERYONE that entered knew there was a very good chance that they would not win. Don’t make the Smiths cry when they read the blog. You all know that they entered online, so chances are they read the blogs too! Don’t even think for a moment that the winner was “chosen” and it wasn’t just pure luck. I would have loved to win this house, but I didn’t and just because I already have a house doesn’t mean I didn’t deserve to win. Fair is fair. The Smiths won and I sure hope they don’t read the terrible things that some of you have posted (you know who you are and you should feel about two inches tall right now) but if they do I hope they let it roll right off their shoulders and enjoy their dream home. Remember it’s called DREAM HOME GIVEAWAY for a reason, not realistic home but DREAM HOME!
To the Smith family from my family, ENJOY your new home!!!
Congrats, I hope all goes well for the winners and will be able to keep the house a for a lot longer than all the previous winners. Having a house in Sonoma, CA is truly a dream come true.
Congrats to the Smith family. I hope they
atleast go out to see the dream home. I know
if I had won it. My husband and I said that
we could afford maybe a year of living there.
Then we would have to sell the home.
I was disappointed that so many people were so negative about either them not winning or
because the Smiths were white and not homeless or poor. Sore loosers I guess. Enjoy
your new home!
Our country is in tough times with practically everyone suffering in many the same ways and otherwise. Greed has certainly put its stamp on many of our citizens. Why can we not be happy for another when something good comes along? Think! Whoever wins anything must be able to accept the responsibility of taxes, upkeep, etc. that goes along with ownership…this lasts a lifetime! Hard working people are just as entitled to have something given to them as anyone else; most successful individuals, including those who may already be retired, have made sacrifices to have obtained their goals. We all have choices in life and most often the end result reflects these choices we have made. Thank you HGTV for being so generous and adding to the excitement and zest of life for those who really care about others. You are appreciated.
Has an apartment dweller ever won a house? All of the winners I’ve seen already have a home. Just asking…
i love this program because so we can get idea how decorate a house please please i dream to win i need to fix my kitchen and my house im no working right , AND I FEEL REALLY SAD BECAUSE I WANT TO DECORATE MY HOUSE BUT I CAN’t DO IT
Check out what I found in one of the other posts in this blog. It was posted by Kevin Potter. Thank you Kevin for letting us all know this…
“I don’t want to burst anybody’s bubble, but this probably wouldn’t be the best prize for a retired couple to accept. First of all, if they are on Medicare, Medicaid or are receiving anything from Social Security they will lose those benefits. Then at the first of 2010 they will have to pay 35% Federal Income tax and 10.3% CA state income tax on the ARV of $2,052,450 for a total of $929,760 in income taxes, not including the $23,000 annual property taxes; first half due in November and the other half due in February. And if they can’t afford that and wish to take out a mortgage to pay for the taxes the monthly payment on that would be $7,447 per month, or so. And if they decide to sell the house within the first 2 years and since it will most likely not be their primary residence it will be considered an investment property. The winners already have a home in Florida, and most likely won’t be able to sell it in time to take over ownership by the date HGTV chooses. Capital Gains tax will have to be paid unless they do a 1031 exchange and use all the money to buy another house, which the taxes would be a 35% federal capital gains tax + 10.3% state capital gains tax on the sales price of the house (assuming it sales for $1,800,000) for a total of $815,400 in capital gain taxes. Leaving them with $307,290 minus any other taxes and fees they may need to pay after it’s all said and done.“
I sent him a message and we’ve talked… he is so smart and knows a lot about finances. The winners should talk to someone like him to know fully what they are getting into. You can even look him up in the UT, CA, or AZ Department of Insurance databases… just google it and you can find him. HGTV doesn’t allow anybody to post their contact info so you’ll have to do a little research. Or just click on my name below and do a search there, much easier. I’m still happy for the winners and I hope they can keep the house for a very long time and have the home of their dreams…
Congratulation to the winning family. All the very best
I thought the home was beautiful but the winner’s were not very good actors. My sister,her husband and myself went to South Carolina last June and was wanting to tour the Dream Home there. We went to the Hospitality Center and ask to go on a tour and the lady told us the tours had stopped 2 weeks before. I laughed and told her it was okay because I was going to win it anyway. Her response was,”No you aren’t because the winners were here 2 weeks ago to see the house”. I said I thought it was suppose to be a surprise and she said “No way”. after I saw the winner’s this year and what bad actors they were then I knew the lady was right. She also said that most of the winner’s couldn’t keep the houses because of the high taxes for winning the house. She said that the taxes and other legal obligations would be several hundred of thousands dollars. If it isn’t a surprise please don’t make the winner’s fake a srprise because it makes them look stupid. I was totally shocked to find out it wasn’t a surprise. The tour for the house in South Carolina cost $20.00 a person and I thought this was a little ridiculous. I wanted to say that I have been really disappointed in the deception of the show.
In response to Marry June’s comment – Wow, that info sure makes me not want to enter any more Dream Home contests. We’re better off (and stand more chance: JUST MY OPINION) winning the lottery. To the winners: Congrats on your new headache! LOL
You know what I have been in the background reading these posts and boy oh boy how mean people can be. How jealous, how ugly you posters that made all those nasty comments about the Smiths. I must admit I was somewhat disappointed that I didn’t win, but I knew that with 39 million people entering would only be “the luck of the draw”. I am over that now because I realize that this was not for me and that there is something much better for me. Realistically, I could have not afforded this house, the taxes, the upkeep and God knew that and so he saved me as He did with you haters. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Jealous hearted people never get nothing good. Maybe it was not your time; can’t you be happy for someone for once in your lives? Stop all your bickering and complaining and be appreciative for somebody other than your selfish self. God forgive you, for you know not what you do!
Now, with that being said, I am going to enter again for the Green Home and if I don’t win that, then there’s next year and the year after that and the year after that. Remember, the Smith’s entered every year for 10 years before they won! Remember quitters never win and winners never quit.
To the Smiths, God bless you on your endeavor to try to keep that beautiful home in Sonoma. I, too, have grandchildren, but not as many as you, and I know they will love your new backyard and family bar-be-ques. Whatever you do, pray and ask God for guidance and he will lead you to the right decision. Congratulations again and I hope you enjoy your first walk-through in your new home.
Ok, I hope Scarlet A’s comment was not true! If it is, I am highly disappointed in HGTV! What a shame!
I am also so happy to see the winners enjoyment. This is one beautiful home and my husband and I fell in love with it when we toured. I was so happy to finally have one in California so I could tour in person. I can’t wait to see the video of winners weekend.
I LOVE the idea of a a GREEN home here in FL. Hope my
husband and I are the winners! (No offense to anyone of you ~ if we can’t, we hope it’s you ~ smile.)
I watch the HGTV channel (and the Green channel) all the time. Love the idea of great green ideas. Can’t wait!
Wish my trailer was as a good as their OLD home. Can’t help for feelin’ a lil jealous.
I was soooo wanting to win this house
but I’m soooo very happy for this wonderful family! It seams they deserve that house!! Congrats to them!!! God bless!!
Hello All
I’m laughing at many of the comments who offered their thoughts on “why” they shouldn’t had won or that only “white” win. Can’t you all just be happy for the wonderful couple who won! If you won, would you want to read all the negative comments left about you? jealousy is so not cool! Have hearts of gratitude and you too could be a recipient of something this awesome!! Good luck to all of you as you continue on trying to win the houses! It’s TRUE! It can happen to any of you! In the mean time, lets all be HAPPY for the the Smiths and their family!
Thanks HGTV for giving your viewers something to look forward to every year.. Also LOVE the Green home! What a FANTASTIC idea! Congratulations to the Smith’s,hope this will make your retirement more enjoyable.
I thought I read that this couplke isn’t even interested in moving to California…then why enter the contest??? The ambush was definitely scheduled as you can tell she is excited, but over doing it for the tv. Plus, don’t you find it suspicious she has on a brand new bright re coca-cola t-shirt??? I am sure that is one of the sponsors and they asked her to wear it for the “ambush”. Too bad.