893116 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdreamhome%2F2009%2F03%2F17%2Fa-note-from-mary%2FA+Note+From+Mary2009-03-17+19%3A50%3A35Maryhttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdreamhome%2F%3Fp%3D893

1. I have a question I have been wondering about for a year, probably has been answered but I just now clicked on this blog for the first time. Why did the winner from last year not look excited – actually they reacted so strangely, my husband and I couldn’t figure it out. If we ever won (and we do live in a home that we are paying off, it looks nice but we are just barely hanging on to middle class!) I don’t think I can adequately describe how ecstatic – speechless – to the point of fainting – we would be! Thanks – Katie

   Katie S. on March 28, 2009 at 10:13 am
2. I too am disappointed that I didn’t win. But the odds are not in our favor. I bet the Smith’s will sell the house. I would hope they would not want to be that far away from their kids and grandkids.

   I think HGTV should have an entry fee for the dream home. that way it would weed out the people who really don’t want the house for whatever reason. And those of us who really want and need a house could enter. Proceeds could help pay for taxes for the winner and give the overflow to charity. If I would have won the house we wouldn’t of had to uproot our lives as far as job, friends, family-I live in the Bay Area. And we probably could have kept the house to.

   Just a thought…

   Joan on March 28, 2009 at 6:09 pm
3. I thank HGTV for running this sweeps in the fairest way possible. It gives everyone an equal chance. It’s silly to see those who love to make all kinds of “qualifications” before entering the sweeps. What next? posters saying that there must me a minimum of 4 kids so the house would get good use? LOL

   Jon s on March 29, 2009 at 1:11 pm
4. Lovelykitty….so far the 18th works for me, thank you.
   Deborah Candrell…go in to the diynetwork.com and you will find all the information on the log cabin.

   Kristine on March 29, 2009 at 4:01 pm
5. I don’t want to ever see this contest decide to have an entry fee. Just because few of the winners live in the house they won does not mean they do not need it. This house, if handled properly, will set up any family financially for years to come.
   And in the end, they can live whatever dream they want which is ultimately what I see this contest being. Live YOUR dreams.

   collegemom on March 30, 2009 at 10:21 am
6. Those who think an entry fee would be necessary in order to “weed out” those who won’t live in the house,should just enter raffles, they exist..they have them in Calif., Ariz. and other states the raffles help charities, it lowers the odds, and they have alot more prizes. THIS is a sweepstakes, period…to charge a fee would change it into a contest requiring an entry fee, or a raffle, both of which are not allowed in some states because of regulations, now wouldn’t that be unfair to the people who lived in states barring raffles? this SWEEPSTAKES is for everyone, if you don’t like the odds, don’t enter. I’m blessed by owning my home, but that doesn’t prevent me from wanting to win the dream home like anyone else. I would sell, pocket the proceeds, and live out my own “dream”

   sheilagg1 on March 30, 2009 at 12:41 pm
7. Hello Mary! Hello Super Fan Gail!! Has Cheryl arrived at her Dream Home in Sonoma yet? What a thrill!! If she has not been in California before, at least not in the Sonoma County area, she is in for a real treat! I’m extremely happy for her, and can only wish her much happiness as she arrives in paradise! Toast! A votre sante! Salud! Prost! Sanitas bona! Vivat Na zdrowie! Iechyd da, Iechyd da!!

   Marie Miller on March 30, 2009 at 5:03 pm
8. Hey Kristine, glad that date works for you. It will only be a few of us as the interest for the SISBP fell off after the winner was announced, and some people had other activities planned around that time.

   I was thinking that maybe those who want to come can meet up at the Ledson Hotel Saturday April 18th at 12 noon.

   I am open to any suggestions or changes if anyone has any .

   lovelykitty on March 30, 2009 at 7:21 pm
9. The dream house winner(s) should not be limited to people who own homes, should be anyone who enters the contest have just a much chance to win as anyone else. The people who commented on the age, and homeowner should not enter are the ones obviously do not understand contest…Also, who select the winners, is it someone who works for Hgtv or a offsight organization.

   e smith on March 31, 2009 at 1:19 pm
10. Dream home for sale:

    http://www.frontdoor.com/for_sale/listing/4036-427515/696-Grey-Rock-Pkwy-LAKE-LURE-NC-28746

    -ashman- on April 1, 2009 at 5:13 pm
11. I hope they got the problems with the Lake Lure Dream Home fixed! Like lack of WATER!!!

    If they did, that’s a good price. I loved that house!!

    lovelykitty on April 2, 2009 at 4:37 am
12. Wow! I loved that DH in Lake Lure. I had each bedroom assigned to a family member and friend for Thanksgiving weekend after I won. My dream was to spend the holidays there and then I would have to sell it because I wouldn’t be able to afford the taxes. So sad when it didn’t happen…

    You people who think that only renters or homeless people should be allowed to win a Dream Home are dreaming in a league all your own. How do you think anyone would be able pay for taxes and upkeep after winning? Should HGTV charge us all a fee to view their website to help the winners stay in the homes? I am a homeowner, albeit a small home, and would love to have more space for my family to gather on weekends and holidays….why should I be excluded from dreaming of such a wonderful dream?

    Best of luck to all those who have a dream!!

    susan on April 2, 2009 at 10:08 am
13. Mary – Are you going to show a video of the 2009 winners – M/M Smith – taking a tour of their new Sonoma home? Anxious to see the retired folks finding their HGTV rainbow ending…in Sonoma! May their life be full of blessings in their new home. Congrats! Ann

    Heidi on April 2, 2009 at 11:26 am
14. It would be hard to find something not to like about the Lake Lure Dream Home with its 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, exercise room, craft room, billiard room, wine room, sleeping porch, office, sauna, 5 fireplaces, separate in-law/guest wing complete with kitchen, Oversized two car garage,Outdoor fireplace & living spaces…..Okay what’s not to like about the Lake Lure Dream Home….the Price, and of course, the taxes!! Always a problem for we peasant proprietors! But, we can still DREAM BIG!!!

    Marie Miller on April 3, 2009 at 11:36 am
15. Hi Everyone,

    Oh My goodness, I’ve missed so much, Guys when you are turning 40 life changes drastically, you see everything differently and your responsibilities increases. well thats in my case.

    SISBP needs to take the front page, its time!!

    lovelykitty >> you are right, the interest did die, but those who are still here can make it posible.

    <<<<>>>> Everyone would have different dates in mind of course so maybe A dates should be picked and we work towards it. what I would have done is have the party before the winner is anounced so as to get the interest of the bloggers but that could be worked on for 2010 I hope.

    <<<<>>>> Could everyone be on their computers (on the blog) on Sunday night at 10pm?

    1st person to post at 10 PM on Sunday (this Sunday) gets a $100.00

    PLEASE POST A DATE FOR THE SISBP

    example: June 27th 2009
    (That would also confirm that you are attending the SISB)

    REMEMBER DATES ONLY (nothing else)

    LETS DO THIS.

    Esla

    Esla on April 4, 2009 at 8:32 pm
16. Only trying to help

    Esla on April 4, 2009 at 8:36 pm