Jan
8
For the Newbies
If you just landed on this blog after entering the Giveaway and need a bit of a Dream Home tutorial, pop on over to our sister site, HGTVPro, which filmed a series of videos that explain the build of HGTV Dream Home 2010 in great detail. You’ll meet the house planner (he’s “Just Jack” to us), the developer, the builder and the designer and learn more about the home’s Contemporary Southwest style and high-end building features.
I just wanted to express thank you for the opportunity that you have given to many for this lovely home. Like most this would be dream come true especially for us after losing your home due to illness. It was the hardest time that we ever went trough. I know that everyone situation is different I wish the best for everyone. Again thank coming the opportunity for this dream..
I would be forever greatful to win this contest as New Mexico is such an "enchanting place." I am a bit displeased that there is no New Mexico flavor anywhere in this home. I didn't see one bit of sautillo tile, niches, local art pieces, pottery or much of anything depicting the great art culture, textures and colors of the southwest. I understand the concept of the beautiful tile on the fireplace etc, but it just doesn't feel warm and cozy like most homes in the area. If I won, there would be some changes made! What were you thinking?
Contemporary Southwest. Not all can appreciate it. By the way, plenty of local art pieces in the home.
Hello to everyone on HGTV> I just wanted to say that I'm very excited about the contest and I'm entering every day. I find myself literally dreaming of winning this amazing home!! I'm counting down the days to the contest is over..lol. I'm in love with the kitchen's glass wall and the fireplace in the entry home. My husban and I have been discussing our move over there if we win, I'm thinking a little sacrifice and we'll both be able to find jobs and maintain our new home. So does anyone know how the job market is in New Mexico? How about the school district belonging to this home?? I currently live in Miami and one of my main concerns living here is raising my children. The lifestyle here is wild and not the best for kids growing up. Well Thank You HGTV for giving us all an opportunity to realize our dreams of owning such a great home!! Love, Elizabeth
I looked up the school in this area for my sister who is an elementary teacher in Minnesota, her name is also Elizabeth. I was impressed with what I read about. The School is only about 4 to 5 years old and one of the top 10 schools in the United States. The High school is in a separate location. The elementary is K – 5th grade if I remember right, again check it out to be sure. Both schools are a short distance away from this area as it explains on the website. They have so much to offer the kids with many award winning programs. I don't mean to make it sound better then what it is. I only know what I read, nothing more. Good luck to you!!
Well that sounds great! How exciting!!! Good luck to you and Elizabeth
Elizabeth, go to the main page and click on San Pedro Overlook. It will take you to the community's website and give a link to the area's schools. Very informative!
OK, thanks Dolores and Good Luck!
Comcast cable is wired in along with high speed cable internet. All utilities are underground.
This is truly a magnificent home. After years of running up and down stairs, I would love to give my parents a single story home. The warm weather and gorgeous views would do them a world a good in their retirement.
I feel like since our haitian family is suffering why not change the prize of the dreamhome & auction it off to the highest bidder & sending the proceeds to haiti talk about changing the lives of families what better way then that god bless you all
While that is a nice suggestion…there are plenty of posts on here of people needing the money or new life…not just wanting. Even if someone is not able to afford to keep the home, which some people are-some are not, then it still changes one's life dramatically. I know that there are some people who can't afford the house, but if they were to sell it they could afford to fully build a house and have extra money…one person even posted about currently living in their car. There are others who may not need the house itself as bad, but can afford mortgage payments to pay off the taxes and keep the house…within this group includes people who have been renting their whole lives but can't come up with a down payment to buy a house or their debt to income ratio is not enough to get the credit for a house (whereas this one you have the equity of the house) but can afford the payments. The other aspect is that HGTV would take a big hit for doing that as this is something that their viewing audience and sponsors look forward to each year…which while people's hearts go out for Haiti, not everyone agrees with your solution.
Well I just want to wish everyone good luck this is my first time posting on the blog on here. I have loved all the Dream Homes . I would love to win this years and move to a warm climate and I am sure it would make my husband really happy . We live in MI and he moved here with me so I could be close to 3 of my 4 daughters and my grandchildren and he hates the cold weather and snow . I was wondering what kind of job market there have in the area where the house is located for nurses , I am an LPN and have been unemployed for quite awhile and winning this home would be wonderful . A new start for myself and my husband and hopefully if we won we could talk the kids into moving too . GOOD LUCK TO ALL
If you look in the newer blogs, there are posts about jobs and specifically nursing…which my understanding there is a need for…though you may be driving 40 minutes.
Hello IrishLPN, i am also an LPN and was wondering the same thing. I'm assuming that being so close to Santa Fe and Albaquerque their has to be a few community hospitals needing nurses
well good luck to you and your husband!
This house is the most amazing home I have seen. It his classy but very comfortable. I have enjoyed taking the tour over and over. It will make someones dream come true. I can see lasting love and joy for someone in this home. It makes you want to go there and just unwind and leave the hustle and problems that life brings at the end of the drive. You can really unwind and enjoy peace and company. Good Luck to all. I know that this home will bring someone pure happiness!!!
I love the home, the features and the landscaping. I do have a question about the land. How much land comes with the house? Is it or can it be fenced without destroying the views? I wouldn't want my pets to run away.
Thanks
It's 3 acres. The only fence you can build is an adobe wall, but many bloggers talked about invisible fencing for dogs.
For all the newbies out there, give a lot of thanks to the bloggers who go way out of their way to provide you answers to your questions and provide pictures too!!
Without them. HGTV probably would not have time to give us all the attention we want!
Kudos to all of them!! You do us a great service!
Hi, I would just like to say to all of the people with worries and doubts. Number one if you did win and you dream of living in NM and you can't afford the taxes, well then best thing I can suggest is to sell the home and buy one in one of the near buy cities. I don't know about you but I could live quite comfortably off of 1.2 mill. I don't think it is HGTV's way to give you a dream and take it all away from you… No matter what happened you still came out a winner, but if you want to be negative and not enter, well then that's just more of a chance for me to win…lol Best of luck to all and Dear God Please Let me Win……..
Hi, I can fully understand everyone's worries about taxes and such. The way I look at it if you can't afford to maintain the financial costs of this fabulous dream home, then sell. I don't know about you but I could live quite nicely on 1.2 mill. If it is your dream to live in the area…well if you go online you will find a lot of houses for sale in one of the towns near by. I do not believe that it is HGTV'S wish to give you a dream and take it away… Regardless of what you decide to do you come out a winner. Now if you are still discouraged and don't want to enter then by all means please don't (just more chances for me to win lol).Thank you HGTV for the opportunity of a life time…..Please God Let Me Win
I've read several blogs asking if the Dreamhome has AC, and I haven't yet seen an answer. I'm wondering about the exact location of the home–some blogs talk of a "gated community," other blogs mention "no fences." One blog asked if there were "association fees."
Is there a site to get these answers from someone on staff? I tried to enter a question on the pro site, but couldn't figure out how to post it.
RE location, I saw one reference to Sandia Park and another to San Pedro Creek area. I'd like to go on Google Earth and actually look at the location. It would be helpful if there were a concise listing of close highways/streets, school district (including school bus service), You know–just the facts!
It is exciting to look at all the footage giving credit to all the suppliers. Think of the publicity they are getting for their investments into this home.
I love it all. I want to live there. I want a fence for my dog, not so much to keep her in, but to keep wild creatures out who would do her harm.
I'll keep looking and reading and learning.
On the main Home Page, find the heading, "San Pedro Overlook". It's about half way down, if you have not found it already. "The gated community for this dream home, San Pedro Overlook at Campbell Ranch" is there. The address to the Dream Home Property is 87 Turquoise Drive, Sandia Park, NM. The address # 87 is also the lot number. This home was built in Phase 2….lot 87. This should help you in your quest to Google Earth the property. I read topographical maps. If you would like to look into this as well, I suggest that you look up the New Mexico DNR website to see is public topos are offered. I do not know much about NM as I live in Minnesota. I hope this helps, all the best to you and yours.
<DIV id=yiv683321252> <DIV>Shirley,</DIV> <DIV></DIV> <DIV>You are so kind to help me out. The whole Dreamhome site is a bit overwhelming, unless one literally has hours to search and read–and perhaps if one is younger and more adept in this computer world than I am.
</DIV> <DIV>Thank you so much for your assistance \”Minnesota\”– from \”Missouri\”!</DIV> <DIV></DIV> <DIV>I'm off to Google Earth! </DIV> <DIV></DIV> <DIV>Pat</DIV> <DIV>
— On Sun, 1/24/10, IntenseDebate Notifications <notifications@intensedebatemail.com> wrote:
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There is NO Air conditioning installed in the dream home. Locals said there in the mountains it isn't a necessity. If you wanted to install fencing you'd have to talk to San Pedro Overlook about what you wanted to do, because they have regulations regarding what kinds are acceptable for the development.
<DIV>Dreamm -</DIV> <DIV></DIV> <DIV>Thanks for the info. On one of the videos, the contractor said the roof extends well out beyond the windows because of the intense heat and sun (or words to that effect). I've never been to NM, but a mountain breeze sounds wonderful. I'm sure if the home needed AC, they would have installed it–they didn't cut corners anyplace!</DIV> <DIV></DIV> <DIV>Best of luck to you in the drawing.
— On Sun, 1/24/10, IntenseDebate Notifications <notifications@intensedebatemail.com> wrote:
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Why no swimming pool? I love this dream home!
Hello Lynn. I do not no why there is not a pool at the dream home, but what I do know is that there is a swimming pool at the Community Center near the entrance of this gated community. Look up, "San Pedro Overlook at Campbell Ranch" for full information. You will see color photos, history on the walking trails, year round stream, and all additional amenities. The community center is so beautiful. It is a large additional area/space where you can entertain self, family, and guests. All the best to you Lynn! Shirley
The only HGTV dream home to have its own swimming pool that I'm aware of, (Tyler, TX) had it because some vendor donated it to the project, according to the local tour guides.
Hi
Just wondering if you win if you are given a check for the $500,000.00 at the time you win. I know you have to pay taxes on it. Can you use it to help pay for the taxes on the car and insurance on the utilities? Put the rest away to go toward the taxes on the house?
They can handle it multiple ways. It may be separate from the home, with IRS withholding for its portion taken out of it, or they can make it payable to the account of the Limited Liability Company (LLC) which normally holds the dream home property title and just sign over the LLC ownership to the winner.
The dream home prize awarding paperwork process normally takes months to complete.
Meant to say insurance on the house. Thanks
Snow Snow and more snow!!! The roads are completely iced and snow packed – the trrain is gorgeous but traveling is more than treacherous today. I am just wondering inf HGTV can provide a Snow Plow to mount on the SUV to clear the road to Dream House. How is snow removal going to be handled? It is not a frequent problem but one can get snowed in and should an emergency arise – snow removal is essential.
Sandiaman
I have been entering to win this beautiful home with the most incredible views. Just like everyone who has entered, I too have high expectations to win. I am at a transition time in my life and could walk thru
the front doors of this house and know immediately that this is home! It is not only about winning, but
every time I take the tour of the house. I get the most peaceful and serene feeling and I love the culture
and the location would be right in the middle of both sons and their families to visit more often. Not to mention friends and more family members to share all of this beauty. Oh, and how I could put the home
office to great use, for that matter the entire home inside and out. HGTV we are getting close and I wish
good luck to all.
Thank You,
Diane McDaniel
Love..Love..Love..the "DREAM HOME GIVEAWAY BUT I have a few questions that I would love an answer to:
1. How does HGTV pick the winners?
2. How are you notified?
3. Should I start getting my wardrobe ready..along with hair and makeup so I won't look like a everyday housewife? Sure don't want to embrass myself or HGTV.
This would truly be my lifelong dream. Thank you all for the chance to dream and enjoy. It truly has been an honor.
HGTV works with an independent company to randomly pick the winner from all valid entries.
Their usual mode is to have a film crew surprise the winner a few days before the airing of the "winner announcement special." They usually try to set it up so the winner is expecting to be out in public, at a friend's party, or arriving at work, so they don't look completely unkempt at time of the surprise. Last year they even called beforehand with a story of the winner being one of five "finalists" and HGTV wanted them to be home on the Monday night, just in case they were picked as the winner, which is when the film crew showed up with baloons. The television show publicly aired later that week.
They'll probably give you time to get prettied up if you ask before continuing the filming.
With respect to #1: go to the top of THIS page, type "winner drawing" in the "Search the Blog" box, and click the button. You will find a video of the actual process. Enjoy, and good luck!
Thank you so much for the info…I guess I didn't realize just how many 'DREAMERS' there were out there. The video made me see everyone is looking for the one in many dreams they want.
After reading a lot of the blogs from people that really need this wonderful home, I see that maybe some of my dreams have already been answered. I have a wonderful family and I already have a home, so maybe the 'GOOD LORD' will answer someone elses prayers that really does need this home for a roof over their families head and reward them with this 'DREAM HOME' and make just one of their dreams come true.
Good luck that one special entry.
God Bless the fullness of your heart for seeing life and others the way you do. Your sentiments sound just like a friend of mine that lives in Duluth, MN; her name is also Sandra.
Everyone should read your comments. Sounds like you are already the lucky winner here.
Blessings come to you and all you hold dear.
Shirley Disterhaupt, Sturgeon Lake, MN.
I can't wait to win this DH! I will not be able to keep it most likely, but with the money I walk away with, I will be able to pay off my current home! (mind you I have been laid off for over a year) Buy a DH I can afford, pay off ALL of my debt, fund my son's college education and put up money for my daughter's education. Take a fabulous vacation with my husband (never had a honeymoon), and still have a nice next egg! Now that's my DREAM!
Keep Dream Alive! Thank you HGTV! See you in March!
I was amused to hear, in the HGTV ads for Dream Home 2010, Jamie Drurie's comments about the area. Editors, get your pens out before you put these ads on the air! Good old US Highway 66 never connected Albuquerque and Santa Fe. That was old, and never romanticized, US Highway 85, or old State Highway 10, now called Highway 14. They are just as interesting as 66 in their own ways, but Nat King Cole never sang a song about their winding ways. Let's see….."Tijeras to Cedar Crest, thats the road we like best. On up to Sandia, I'll be glad to to see ya. Let's cruise on to Paako, have ourselves a taco." Hmmmm. Nope! Just doesn't have that good old King Cole ring to it.
Last year I lost my Mom, my job, my house and my boyfriend and turned 60. Needless to say I have been really sad a lot. But, when I saw the Dream house I felt a joy in my heart, what a beautiful home and landscape. What a wonder it would be to wake up in the morning to such a glorious site and listening to the coyotes howl at night under those starlite skys. I had to give away most of my horses last year but I still have one and I can just see us traveling through thoses hills. Yes, what a dream situation it would be. I would take my sister and her children and we could have a very healthy life there.
One can dream. Thats why they call it the Dream Home. Thanks for the fantasy HGTV
You must be a strong woman to bare so much in your life Judy, I do understand. Now you have a clean slate for new beginnings one again, and all the love you new from your loved one will simply be with you, amplifying your life and blessing you on your way. Maybe you don't have to just dream any more. Do you feel like it is time to put your feet upon a new road, you and your best friend, your horse? Maybe your dreams are telling you it's time; time now for the new you, my courageous sister, to emerge.
Beautiful women, I encourage you to make the plans you are already contemplating, move them into action, one step at a time, and the way will open.
With all my heart, someone how cares and sees you.
Another winner….This is one of my favorites so far, and what a wonderful location…Have talked about vacationing in this area of the country, but haven't made it so far…
This house is beautiful! I am looking to re-locate to Texas and hopefully get into medical school..but this house could change all that…maybe I should start looking at schools in New Mexico
Hope for the best, right? Good luck to all!!
I use to live in Vegas where we also had scorpions (my husband found one under his pillow) , vinagarroons(they are fast little suckers and love to climb) give me the creeps,I don't care what bugs they eat,to rattlesnakes. I don't think anyone will be sending their little toddlers out to play in the yard.
Vinagarrons are fast but do not sting or bite they are blind and squirt liquid that smells like vinager for protection.
We pick them up by the said stinger and let them crawl around on our hand.
We also have the black cenipeeds with the orange legs very deadly.
We squish scorpions,shoot snakes,chop cenipeeds into a million bits and ask questions later.
Gorgeous house. I would love to win it with my husband and kids but if there is someone more needy out there then I hope they win it.
I love the dream home and the area in NM. I live in Northeast OK and have very high humidity and currently have 7" of ice and snow on the ground.We have been to NM quite often, but in the Northeast area where my folks lived and are buried. We are retired now and would love to live in the dream home where the humidity is low and all that sunshine. I took up acrylic and oil painting when I retired and can visualize myself painting the bright colored sunsets from inside the sunrise room. I love the pueblo design and all the beautiful tile work. It is awesome. P.S. We have scorpions here too, so that is not a problem.
I WAS WONDERING HOW MUCH LAND CAME WITH THIS PROPERTY AND HOW MANY MILES OUTSIDE OF ALBUQUERQUE THIS HOME WAS? I'M A NEW MEXICAN AND YOU'VE DONE A WONDERFUL JOB CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF NEW MEXICO.
Anita; got to "wheres the grocery and read the blogs there and you can find out all kinds of info on it. Hope it helps.
I am always dreaming this beautiful House……
I really wish i win this house…God Knows right…Good luck guys
I dream about the house everyday, as I look through the rooms. The house is absolutely beautiful,
I hope me and my kids win we need a place of our own and a fresh start.
i just love it. I am dreaming about it. That winner will be in a fantastic environement inside and outside as well job well done by the HGTV team.
I am always bemused by the kitchens in Dream Homes that I have viewed (television and web). This one just makes me laugh out loud. As with previous years it looks wonderful on TV and in pictures on the web. This is a kitchen where the owner says, "Don't I have a fabulous kitchen? Now, lets go out to eat". It is pretty much unusable. The ovens are just slapped against a wall far away from any counter area and farther from the fan and stove top. My initial thought on a remodel would be to move the ovens closer to the stove (the window is nice but might need work there) strip off the back splash up to the top of the fan housing and replace with stainless steel (you ever tried to clean the grout from a tile backsplash? Do it once and you, too, will want to rip it out. Probably needs more work but I would need to measure it all up (yes, I would entertain a complete tear down to the studs and rebuild it using most of the existing material).
But this is just my opinion (which is really not worth anything)
I don't think its as non-functional as you're implying. There is lots of counter top areas to work with when prepping things and you can always add a roll up cart. I think the stainless steel back splash idea could work, but lots of folks think the house is too modern and industrial styled to begin with, and at least the back splash tile adds color and extra sparkle, beyond the commercial look. I'd just think of a smaller insert of steel or glass or silestone could be done by the cook tops to reduce potential cleaning chores..
Thank-you HGTV for a great opportunity! This house is wonderful. I am honored to have an opportunity like this. The staff is very talented and considerate to our earth. God is awesome!!! My family would enjoy every moment in NM.
Hey
I love this house and have been entering to win everday for the last week, but the first few times i entered as if i was entering for the first time. Im just curious if this disqualifies and if i should enter with a new email address.
Thanks in advance, Benji
I pray to The Lord we will win HGTV Dream home. We have a large family including children and grandchildren that will Thank God and HGTV for the opportunity to relocate there. I am a Registered
Nurse, and I have pray to God before the opportunity came to play for this game if my next assignment
will be in New Mexico according to his will. Well, may the will of God be done. Thanks.
Love :
To every one in NM from Fl
I am a lady who always loved the cottage look…but you have made this dream home so warm and inviting…I simply love it. I have lived in the same town all my life…have not traveled much…have done some research on New Mexico and would so love to live there.
I hope I win…..My kids will love a big house to play in…. And my husband would love that casita, it would be his home away from home…. And I am so in love with the kitchen…. I am going to start eating lucky charms every morning maybe that would give me some luck LOL….
I would love to be somewhere new in a beautiful new home that I can call my own….. also I would love to show off that GMC…. I think if I win my family and I would be the only people from GUAM out there.
This is nearly as bad as Christmas Monring!!! wanting to know and just can't hardly wait for the time to pass so everyone can find out if they get the one thing they really want.
Good luck to all..hope you get it
My comment is that people should know this house is built for the one and only .
Yep! Just made for me.
I love this beautiful SW pueblo style home, always wanted one but could not afford to purchase. You've thought of eveything! Hats off to HGTV! Jack you are great. If I win I will spend my sunrises and sunsets outside admiring the view of this land watching the begining and ending of a new day , thanking Our Heavenly Father for this beautiful creation and then my days enjoying this house and I know this will feel like heaven on earth. Good Luck All! I will continue to dream , remember dreams do come true.
Is the house totally solar, or does it have regular utilities?
It has regular utilities also.
I will truly appreciate this House. This is a beauty, I am retired and waiting for my wife to catch up. I would love to see my son and his family come and stay for awile as far as the taxes and fees are concerned If you have a mortage now you will know it comes with the property. The real estate taxes are not that high. If someone wins and don't want it < I will take it off your hands and let you keep the car. tax free. Love reading these blogs. May God Bless Boxcar
There must be annual or monthly homeowner dues. Does anyone know what those are? I heard that the taxes weren;t that much, but I wonder what they would be? Like everybody else, I am visualizing myself and husband in that home along with the kids and grandkids visiting us often.
Christina, here's some basic tax info that other bloggers have posted: Income taxes for receiving the prize (due the following April 15): Roughly 40% of the total prize value, or approximately $800,000, will go to federal and state income taxes, depending on the state where you live. Property taxes each year: Approximately $10,000. HOA dues: There are annual dues of approximately $2400. This covers primarily the maintenance of the grounds (landscaping), private roads, community center/pool, gate/concierge, and snow removal.
Wow !! Maybe if I post something here and really suck up to the HGTV people they will pick me !!
I could write about how cool the house is this year. I could tell them that I have always wanted to
live in New Mexico. I might mention that the new vehicle and all of the furnishing are simply the best !!!
I could possibly tell them that the crew and the builders did an outstanding job on this house.
Maybe I could ask how much a person would have to pay in gift taxes for a prize with this value.
I don't think that the $500,000 would come close to paying the taxes on a $2.5 million house.
I could talk about having to sell the house and the car as soon as it is won. I could start a blog with other past winners and we could all talk about the house that we won but that we could not afford.
Sad that you could actually win this house and have it put you in financial difficulties.
There should be a link on the HGTV site about your options if you do win. Maybe a link to a tax advisor or an attorney. Have a nice day.
There have been many links and posts about taxes. Most recommend that the winner consult a tax advisor, because everyone's situation is different. Also, "sucking up" doesn't work in a sweepstakes where the winner is drawn at random. I hope you have a good day.
I think she was being uber sarcastic. Apparently she's been entering every year and is now bitter because she has not won. Optimism is always the harder path to choose.
I think you're right, Kiminila, and I love your words: "optimism is always the harder path to choose." Sadly, with people like this, they don't usually even go back to see if anyone replied. They just want to fire off "drive-bys" and ruin everyone else's day.
What a DREAM HOME. Oh no, it's not a house; it's an art.
I have not seen any mention of the solar panels on the roof of the Dream Home. what's up?