Jan
21
The Best HGTV Dream Home Videos
We’ve decided to group our VERY BEST videos from HGTV Dream Home 2010 in one place. Sit back, relax and enjoy these top ten from 2010. Then share them with a friend!
We’ve decided to group our VERY BEST videos from HGTV Dream Home 2010 in one place. Sit back, relax and enjoy these top ten from 2010. Then share them with a friend!
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That is so refreshing to have them all in one place, now I can watch it over and over again as I day dream about it, my kids loved it too, they love the house, Good luck to everyone!! This home is so beautiful!! and Thank you Gail for showing it to us, sharing with us and answering all the questions we have…
I agree with you Gbeaupre. It's good to have all the videos in one place. Enjoy!
I so agree. With one click I can see the whole house. HGTV, you're AMAZING!
I agree. My grandboyos would absolutely love it there! I also think that this would be a GREAT Bed & Breakfast!
where can i find photos of the bathroom near the office?
There are photos of the bedroom near the home office. On the home page go to Photos box at the top of the page then click on home office last on the list. The pictures are on pages 11 & 12. Just as beautiful as the rest of the house. We would not change a thing about this house. "LOVE IT!!" HGTV, we are ready to move-in if you pick us. "LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!"
This video is amazing . I watch it everyday . I really like the outdoor areas. I am a patio freak.
Having the videos is wonderful, my husband & I sit and watch them again and again. After watching them all and checking the map we have found that my 83 year old grandmother who has lived outside of Tijeras above the Cibola National Forest for 25 years is only 30-45 minutes away. It would be so perfect to be able to spend the later part of her life with her as I haven't had that chance to spend more than a week here and there since I was a child. Pennsylvania is wonderful but too far away from family.
Besides the house being gorgeous and seeing what a place HGTV created!
Good luck to all!!
Couldn't agree with you more. Our children are currently in college and my husband and I will soon be permanent empty nesters. Love the idea of the home being 1 level as we move to retirement ( we hope!) and that with the multiple guest/bathrooms, we could entertain family and friends without feeling cramped. I think HGTV outdid themselves this year, our favorite one yet!
Yes, thank you Gail for showing us the house and teaching us so much. I've gained inspiration from every room in this house. It's simply beautiful.
I love this house! If I won I could finally live by my family again and that would truely be my dream!
Hope you're able to eventually live near family again, Elizabeth, with or without winning the Dream Home.
Yes, I know that Elizabeth. My mother in Albuq. is 87 years old and needs my help. Given that I have lost my job, I am unable to go out to help. My Dad was a bulider in NM and would have loved this house. He is buried in Santa Fe and I would love to be closer to him. This house would surely give me the new start I need and allow me to return home to what my Dad used to call God's Country. I would imagine all of you can now see why!!, kr
Oh Eliabeth, I couldn't agree more. My husband and I got married last year and unfortunately, have still yet to take a honeymoon…well, we don't even have one planned for anytime in the near future! If we are so fortunate enough to win this dream package, it would be like having a honeymoon every single day! We have our darling little girl Layla who is 9 months old and being able to have her grow up in such an incredible house and community would just be the biggest dream come true out of it all. I know a lot of people out there are putting all their prayers into becoming the mega winners this year, especially those, like ourselves who are struggling to stay afloat. Wouldn't it just be nice as parents to be taken care of for a while and deserve some of the finer things in life?! It's just awesome that HGTV is going to be giving someone that chance and I hope that person appreciates it as much as our family would. I mean, how could you not?! And how unbelievably spectacular is this year's house?! Alright, I think I've used enough adjectives in my ranting!
Here is something I wrote its very inspirational and a Great metaphore ( please if I spelled that wrong I am sorry not so good at all the spelling and Grammer)
Life is like test driving an old 1940s truck, rusted, creaking, and some parts seem to be taped in place, you get in the seat creeks, making you more nervous to even try it, the clerk tells you its ok, it will run great, you sit there for a few minutes waiting for just the right moments afraid that it will fall apart, or worse not even start, you look around the seats are torn up, the radio is missing and space is crowded, you grip the old weaved coating of the steering wheel,
just an fyi…if in the future you are trying to post something long and want it to be able to be read after others post, you may want to put the continuations as replies to yourself so that it stays all together.
Nice tip, adisneyfamily.
it's spelled grammar with an a, not an e, aristotle.
thanks for that info!! Jack —-!!
than you grip the key in your hand, slowly move in to start it, you put the key in the ignition and than turn it, holding your breath that it will start, you just need this one break, it starts on the first try your shocked, you sit there and say hmmm.. sounds great, purring like a brand new car, you put it in gear, slowly start rolling, you are surprise it moves forward with very little effort, you get excited you start going faster, it runs better than any car you have ever had, its amazing you begin to see the upgrades, the new radio, the new seats, keeping the classic look but restoring it, you pull back into the dealer not a second thought hand over the money and drive home with your classic truck, needs a little love but runs great.
The point of this story is life is unknowing, you can find beauty even in the most broken down parts of your life, not all is perfect but with love and guidance it can be just want it’s meant to be… We are all scared to try the unknown but if we don’t we will never go anywhere just stay sitting in that truck and never know that its the best truck you will ever drive. So be like that person in the Truck move forward and dream of every possibility out there, I guaranteed only great things can become of it.. thru lessons or rewards life will never disappoint you
Gbeaupre, thanks for having the courage to share your orignal work with us. I like the point you're making. Sometimes a person can learn more in the "broken down part of life" than in the "everything's good" part of life.
Keep writing!
Ya know….that was exactly what I needed to read this morning. Beautifully written! I was having a conversation with a friend several nights ago and we talked about the different walks that people take in thier lives. I have been very blessed on this journey and I still dream every day about the newest adventure that I would like to take. Life doesn't stand still for anyone. Go out and live your dream! People are hoping to be the ultimate winner of the Dream Home and I hope it happens for the most deserving family. San Pedro Overlook is truly a magical place where dreams can come true.
HI, Could you please clarify if this home is air-conditioned? Does the Campbell Ranch deed restrictions allow the homes to be air-conditioned? I can't imagine this planned community not allowing homes to be air-conditioned if they want to sell homes in this lovely location. Either way, I'm ready to move in. I've packed my toothbrush and a change of clothes. That's all I need. Oops, and I can't forget my husband and two children. We're ready for the move!!! Lovely home and I've enjoyed dreaming about the HGTV Dream Home.
SPO allows for air conditioning and the answer that has been given is that the house is fitted for future AC if the winner chooses to do so. However, at this time there is not AC. It has also been discussed that there is not necessarily a need for AC.
Thank you. I'm new to the blog scene and I appreciate your prompt answer.
I Live in ABQ and have spent plenty of summers in the East Mountains (where SPO is located). My friend lives in Paako, which is a subdivision close to SPO. You really do need AC!
I agree KMO- I can't imagine not having A/C over there. I live in the Albuquerque foothills and it gets very hot!
When we lived in Albuquerque, we had what they call swamp coolers. The unit sat on the roof and pulled air through grates that had water running over them, thereby cooling the interior of the rooms.
yes, I was born in New Mexico and you need a swamp cooler !!
Red Dawin, glad you remembered your husband and two children. They'll probably love the home too!
Yeah- they might start to wonder where you went!
OR it can be her “time out” break. Either way, she’s going to love it!
I'm surprised there's no a/c, but I trust in the fact that HGTV thought it wasn't necessary. Although I'd much rather have A/C than a butler's pantry! I'm not sure we could even afford to keep the home, let alone put in
A/C. I was thinking if we had to have it , we could put a lovely box A/C in the bedroom. I can't imagine how tacky that would look! LOL!!!
there are ceiling fans ;o)
Chrisha, in your dream, you can afford EVERYTHING! Until reality sets in, get it all!
In the Casita has what looks like a Mitsubishi Electric Slimline ductless a/c system on the wall when you first walk in. There is so much to see, it hard to notice every detail. But we are still trying to see all of this beautiful house has to offer. Thanks to HGTV and designers! Great Job on every inch of this home!!!!
I had noticed that front end to a ductless mini split system in the Casita as well. But cannot find a matching compressor in outside photos or tour. If that is what that is, the Casita could be a little cool retreat on a hot day.
It is possible that it's on the roof with the solar panels but the video is too fast to tell and pausing the video does not help. However, there are vents thru-out the house.
Was the information found somewhere that specifically stated there was no a/c put in this home? I'd be very surprised the HGTV felt a dream home with all the conveniences and upgrades they installed did not include a/c, something fairly basic in most newer construction.
It is possible that an a/c unit is on the roof. Oftentimes in construction of flat roof structures like this, the exteriors walls extend up a couple feet or so above the actual rooft. Things like a/c and hvac are then hidden behind these extended walls on the flat roof, hidden away from view.
SPODutch, who is apparently on site at San Pedro Overlook, said no AC.
I've spent 5 years in PHX, there you need a/c. In fact all apartment complexes are required by law to have each unit able to cool.
In the high desert it is possible to not need a/c. (I learned this while staying in NM for a few weeks visiting family) Even though it may be hot outside there is a way to keep your house cool. During the night in the desert it drops almost 20 degrees if not more from the daytime temps. What you do is leave your windows open, in the morning you close them before the temperature rises. You leave the shades drawn where ever possible to keep the sun from warming your house. If you do this properly and the materials that HGTV has chosen to build with will accomplish, you will not need a/c and your house will remain cool all day. This will work for most of the summer months, unless it is unusual high temps then just make a lot of lemonade. Anyway, this dream home has a beautiful patio to lounge around in, so why would you want to stay indoors all the time?
One more question. . . Where are the utilities located for this home? Are the white areas on the floor plan utility areas? Thanks!
Utilities as in a utilities closet? If that is what you mean, it is the empty space on the floor plan between the child's room and laundry room.
Thanks again adisneyfamily for your answer. I'm from New England and our utilities, ie. furnace, water heater, gas meter, etc. are located in the basement. I was also wondering if this home, which was built on a slab, as far as I can tell, is the typical way homes are built in this part of the country? In New England almost all our homes have basements. Do southwest homes typically have basements? Is there a reason that they don't? Just wondering. . . .
Western/Southwestern homes are usually on slab. It's simply the way home building evolved in the wide open spaces of the American frontier. It was easier to build, and space wasn't an issue, so basements were usually left out.
Slabs or homes with crawl spaces are the normal building methods out West. Not having deep frost levels means one doesn't have to build basements that go below the frost lines.
Ed In Oregon, can you please give a little more explanation to your answer. I didn't realize the purpose of basements was going beyond the frost lines. When I think about it, makes sense, even though with basements outdoor water lines still freeze if not turned off during winter.
Lessie,
Outdoor water lines don't generally freeze because building codes also call for the lines to be buried below the freeze line. Basements serve many purposes, one can be to prevent home shifting as Ed states, but it's not necessary. Another reason is to provide added living space by placing the utilities below ground level as with a "Michigan basement" or half basement or cellar. In the midwest we have the added incentive to have basements because of the threat of tornados. Basements are used in home building in just about any area where the water table is not too high or where the ground composition will allow it. My favorite reason for a basement is because of the added living space that is not generally included on real estate records or for tax purposes.
Thank you MOMK. Saved me the time writing a response. Although I would have been happy to do it for Lessie.
Thanks Ed In Oregon.
To ditto DBCoop and EdinOregon…in WA we rarely saw a real basement.
I grew up in Pennsylvania. Our house had a small attic, a basement, a fruit cellar(!) and a garage, so there was plenty of storage room. When I moved to Oklahoma I was surprised to find no basements — our first house had a crawl space and an attic but no garage and the second house had an attic and a garage but no crawl space. Then we moved to Colorado, where we had a crawl space and garage but no attic. Now we live in Georgia where we have an attic and a basement but no garage! It looks like the Dream Home has a huge garage, recycling room, and possibly laundry rooms and utility room for storage, in addition to the playhouse if needed. I have yet to see another house with a fruit cellar, though — I guess only older houses have them!
C&E, I've never heard of a fruit cellar. That's interesting. How did you use it?
We had a "fruit cellar" in the house I grew up in. We had a HUGE vegetable garden in Ohio, and my Mother would do alot of canning. All of the canned goods went into the fruit cellar, which was in our basement.
Of course my parents grew up in the depression, and that sort of activity was NORMAL.
H_S, I know about cool basements. My house has a basement. Never heard the term "fruit cellar," but I've sure seen them on farms. Veggies were usually stored in them. But I understand why fruit would be stored there also.
I also remember canning. Sure hope it doesn't become a lost art.
Lessie, I know that I mentioned my "hot pepper garden" before, well last year I canned (Mason jars) three (3) GALLONS worth of HOT SAUCE of various stules!
Although my mother did ALOT of canning, I never paid much attention to the details — boys are like that I guess. There is a GREAT government web site that has all the needed info.
Will check out the website. I've canned (mason jarred) before, mostly jellies. There's nothing like eating from your own garden. Much better flavor and taste that what's in the store. Thanks, H_S.
You must really like peppers. That's unusual for people from cold climates. I thought they preferred mild or bland food, not the hot , spicy food people from the south eat.
I acquired a "taste" for hot peppers when I was in Thailand, where I met my wife. Although, my mother liked 'em before that.
Makes sense now. Forgot about your wife's background. Yes, you definitely love peppers. Your mom opened the door for you to accept and embrace your future. She was a great woman!
When we lived in NJ (the garden state) I canned almost everything we grew…especially tomatoes. Froze what didn't can well for me, and even made some of my own condiments (chili sauce, catsup, etc.). Since we moved to FL, have not had a garden, as I never knew when crops were to be planted.
Lois, I would think Florida is a great state for growing and canning, especially since you can almost grow year round. H_S and Renee loves and lives Green live in Florida. Maybe they can tell you more about the planting and growing seasons. H_S also cans. He should definitely be able to give some pointers. Who knows, he may have been one of the bikers beside you on the road. J
We were a family of six, so we just used it for additional storage, mostly old clothes (even my dad's old army uniform!), but it was meant for storing canned goods and root vegetables. Most people probably call it a root cellar, but where I grew up it was called a fruit cellar.
From visiting George Washington's homestead at Mount Vernon…I'm guessing the original is Root Cellar as the had a cellar with dirt at the bottom that they would bury the potatos and such in for keeping fresh.
The house I grew up in (Washington Crossing, PA) was originally an old farm house, and had a dirt floor with stone walls held together with mud, horsehair, and clay. We used it for our water pump and our hot water heater, as well as for storing canned veg's and fruit. Never thought about burying root veg's there.
C&E- I'm shocked there wasn't a basement in Oklahoma with tornadoes in that area.
Lessie- my grandma has a cellar off of her kitchen but we are talking a 100+ year old farm house. She puts canned goods (jarred too), as well as some pots and pans that she doesn't normally use and that was where we knew there were always glass bottles of soda growing up…which was really cool because we didn't have glass bottles of soda at our stores in WA and CA.
I think, as MOMK mentioned earlier, that the water table was too high for a basement — we were not too far from a 300-year floodplain.
Ah! That is probably why a lot of places don't have them in WA…rivers and such that flood.
Just woke up and read your post about fruit cellars C&E!! Guess what–we HAVE a fruit (root) cellar!! We live in a 150 yr old farm house.
For those of you wondering how it works: Our basement is built below the frost line but extendeds 2 1/2 feet above ground surface level thus allowing windows for light. The natural heat of the ground below the frost line allows the basement to remain fairly consistent in temperature, but the basement is also heated. So, full set of stairs down to the basement and then there is another short (about 4 steps) down into another cement enclosed single room which has no windows. This lower room remains a consistent 45-50 degrees year round and maintains a fairly consistent humidity because of it's closed state. Root vegetables, dried fruits, canned goods and even wines are stored cavelike. Think of the ancient wine cellars in the French Chateaus.
C&E–did your fruit cellar have the old fashioned access from outside the house with the slanted cellar doors? I can't forget the old song "Playmate" where the singer requests that the playmate "slide down my cellar doors…", or the image in Wizard of Oz where Dorothy is trying to get in the cellar and stomping on the cellar doors with her feet holding Toto tight.
No, our house was actually built into the side of a slight hill, so the basement was toward the back, or lower portion of the hill (a walk-in basement) while the fruit cellar was toward the front of the house and was accessed from the basement — it was completely underground and had no windows. My husband grew up in a house with a coal cellar, though — I guess you could slide down those doors but you would get awfully dirty!
Great memory, adisneyfamily. Is the farm still being used by your family today?
My uncle has taken over the farm…but he lives in a newer house and my grandma still leaves in the farm house (my grandpa passed away 10 years ago…hard to believe it has already been 10 years but it was when my daughter was 3 months old). Anyway, the land has been in the family since the mid-1800's. I am going to Iowa this summer for a family reunion…we rent out a lodge and have over 100 people there.
You should have a great time at the family reunion with that many relatives present. Is the farm still productive? Your grandma must be a very strong woman. Good for her!
My uncle still does corn and soy. It had pigs but he now rents out the pig barns for others to do pigs as that is a more time consuming thing that doesn't allow for you to get away from the house as much and he is now in retirement age…though farmers never really get to retire…they just pass on the farms and still help out.
Adisneyfamily, was that home-made soda? People are very creative and know how to meet their needs, especially during difficult times.
Nope…good old Pepsi, Orange Crush and A&W root beer. I remember even when I was in high school they still had the glass bottles there. I have tasted homemade soda as my daughter made it in 4H a couple of years ago. My vote on the housewarming gifts is the soda maker ;o)
I have always had a basement and attic for storage so I am wondering where do you store an artificial Christmas tree and all the holiday decorations, suitcases, and other large items?
Also, where are the coat closets? Even in New Mexico's mild climate, you would still need a place near the entrances to store your coats and jackets.
Wow, can you tell I'm a mid-westerner!
If you look at the pictures for the laundry room, there is a picture or two of the utilities in the utility closet. Much smaller utilities than I am used to seeing with our oil tank and boiler in our basement.
Thanks Mary for putting the videos together…it's always great to watch as I pick up new things each time that didn't phase me before. I do have a question as to the square footage of the garage and if that is indeed figured into the 3900s.f. of the home. I looked at the old floorplan, but it doesn't list dimensions. I would like to point out a reality check to those who are asking for the house to be downsized in future years…the total square footage is probably including the garage which is probably almost 1000sf and definitely includes the casita which is about 400sf. That leaves the square footage of the main house as about 2500sf which is realistically around your average house size. There are both sides of the argument…'it needs to be smaller in the future' and 'why are some of the rooms so small?' This is meant to put it in perspective. As it is, if you really want a smaller house, the total square footage of the Green Home is just over 2000sf.
I'm not sure about the accuracy of this but I thought I read somewhere that the casita's square footage is around 875 which would be included in the house's square footage of 3900; therefore leaving the house itself at about 3000. I don't believe the garage square footage is typically included, but I could be wrong. Maybe a more informed soul might jump into this conversation.
Quoted square footage refers to 'living area'. I doubt the 3,900 square feet includes the garage at the Dream Home.
I don't think the garage is included in the SQ FT estimate of the house.
Also, did you note that the GreenHome only has 2 bedrooms?
Yes, and none on the main floor. Bummer!
That still brings us down to 3000sf in the main house which really isn't overly a big space (works for me though)…even our military housing is almost 2000sf.
As for the green home, yes- I saw it was 2 bedrooms which bummed me out as I would want the girls to have their own rooms. IF I wasn't to win the DreamHome and IF I was to win the GreenHome and IF I was to keep the home then I would probably have to give up the Master bedroom to the girls so that they had space…which is exactly why the Dream Home is a good size for our family. The other aspect to the Green Home is that so far they haven't given out cash towards taxes…last year's value was $750k. The estimated taxes on that, not including state taxes and other fees, is about $240k…for those who complain about the taxes and say make the house smaller so someone can afford it– that is a bigger difference than the Dream Home with the $500k…which makes the DH more likely to be kept and more for your money.
So true adisneyfamily, at least the added $500k only leaves about $200k for the winner to come up with. If we sold our current home we'd be there!
For us we pay $1600 to "rent" military housing each month…it wouldn't be much more to have a mortgage payment to cover the taxes plus the payment for the HOA fees. Otherwise, I am currently a stay at home mom with a college degree…I can do something to help contribute to life's expenses. I don't think that it would be that much more expensive than our life right now…the other aspect is that right now I have 30 year student loans that cannot be combined so I have about 6 minimum payments of at least $50…if I paid those off with the winnings and lumped those into a loan with the tax payments, it will actually lower my monthly payments…yes, talk your kids out of pricey private colleges.
LOL adisneyfamily! Hubby's getting ready to retire, but we still have two girls at home–no pricey private colleges for them unless they want to pay!!
I agree with you though–I'd go back to work in a second to be able to live this dream!!
I think 2500 sf is about perfect for today's avg home too. I still wish there were a King size bed in the master. and has anyone mentioned the lack of privacy in the casita's layout?? I would not wish to have a view of the commode from the bed. I think most people prefer a more private area for a toilet??
Vicki C, with respect to the privacy in the Casita, please read the blog posts of past topics — it has been talked about REPEATEDLY! Enjoy the blogs!
VickiC, what lack of privacy in the casita? Everyone on the blog agreesthat the casita is great as is.
Your funny Lessie!!!
Yes, I just teased Dutch about putting cafe curtains over the glass wall, as it was his joke. If you win the Dream Home, I'm sure he will provide the needed etching for the glass. Not to worry, Vicki.
Yes, Vicki C, the lack of privacy in the casita has been mentioned.
Heck- my mother-in-law jokes that her inner self is a nudist (never seen that side of her personally and don't care to)…so the lack of privacy would work great for her!
Different strokes for different folks, adisneyfamily. If your mother-in-law is alone in the casita, what difference does it make? I'm sure her thinking is not a surprise to your father-in-law.
That's why I'm sure they'll enjoy the casita as is!
Too funny, adisneyfamily. Fogged glass may not be needed after all in the casita. Because it seems that many don't prefer the casita as is, guess I'll make some adjustments when I win.
Hi Vicki! Click on "last activity" above and find my recent post suggesting HGTV have a bloggers "Casita Contest". I suggested that since the clear glass wall between the bathroom and the bedroom seems to be an issue for quite a few people and would be something they might want to change, maybe HGTV could have a bloggers contest to see who can come up with the most original or best design to improve that area. I haven't heard from HGTV STILL..darn…Maybe we'll just have to have a "not for real" contest. Anyway, go to the thread and see the ideas creative bloggers have! Dream on!
Thank you Mary! I live in Northern Arizona and the "storm" is here. It is so bleak and dreary outside. Now I can sit in here and watch videos of the dream home all Day!
Ladyrynn, how bad is the weather in Northern Arizona? How long will the storm last?
Lessie, so when is your vacation?
H_S, I replied to this comment from my in-box, but don't see it here. None of my responses have been posted.
Yeah, as I posted before, mine went to "entropy in the universe" as well. This time it wasn't (I don't think) a Boolean "abduction!" HAHAHA!
I had an e-mail from friends down in Tuscon, they were talking about big winds. I saw reports of highways being shut down in the Flagstaff area, with tons of snow! I hope you stay safe!
Do you live near Prescott lady? My dearest friend lives in Prescott, and you remind me to give her a call to see how she is doing.
Every morning I put aside 15 or 20 minutes to look at your website and dream about this perfect home the HGTV Team has created. I hold my breath, say a small prayer, then push that enter button. I know my chances are slim to none, but thats ok. It's fun to have the dream, THANKS FOR THE DREAM HGTV!
One big fan among many,
Tina
I like the way you think Tina Samp! Enjoy your daily 15 minutes of Dream Home Dreaming!
I HAVE BEEN WATCHING HGTV FOR A LONG TIME AND JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW JUST KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND I WILL KEEP ON ENJOY THE SHOW MILDRED
like theevery thing you do on all the shows just keep on doing them good work
Yes. Keep dreams alive that came to us years ago, this is one, but what about the ones we can act on.
Have to agree, it's fun to have the dream! Someone has to win the wonderful home in the Land of Enchantment why not us!
Hi Tina,
I'm another Tina that does the same thing everyday. It's a nice retreat to dream a little everyday of what it might be like to live there. I also appreciate all of the "negative comments" which serve as points to consider as I plan what it would be like to live there, and what I'd need to get in place should I actually win!
Tina
Thank you MARY!!! I love watching GAIL's enthusiasm …. even more, I love her little giggle when mentioning the bathroom in the Casita!! The other interviews were great as well…. especially with the eye candy of Jamie….. hehehehe…..This year's DREAM HOME is amazing, spiritual and so generous…. How could there be any negative comments?? HGTV's DREAM TEAM went above and beyond on the concept and execution of what will become someone's real DREAM. I am still in shock over the $500,000 added in this sweepstake package. Love life by living green and having a DREAM…….
Don't be in shock, Renee loves and lives Green. Enjoy! This is the best opportunity for the winner to keep the Dream Home.
Don't forget the big IRS first on the $ 500.000
I think that is why she is loving it as it helps make it possible for someone to keep the dream.
Exactly, adisneyfamily…. I am not worried about the taxes…. I have always paid my share and should I win, I gladly will hand over my portion!! Heck, it is still a bonus to me!! Thank you … you are so correct.. with the $500,000, it makes it possible for someone to keep the dream… and actually live it if they like!!
i'll hand my share to the IRS, but I don't know how "glad" I'll be about it ;o)
Well… you would be glad to win.. so handing over "our" portion is just part of it! Though, I would find a Tax Attorney/Money Manager to help me keep as much in my hands as possible…… hehehhee…
I will try to snap out of it…. but, the bank account keeps reminding me of how much they will like some additional friends!!! heheheheheee >……. Missed u….
Renee loves and lives Green, the green ones in your bank account are not the only ones looking for friends to join them. Just think, if you win, your greenies will have lots and lots of friends. So will you….friends who are really wolves in sheep's clothing trying to separate you from your greenies.
Yes… I will have to be wise……
Don't worry, you're going to be very wise. Your husband will also help you be wise!
Isn't the $500,000.00 for the taxes that will have to be paid on the "Dream" home and other prizes? W e figured the taxes on the house, car, the housewarming gifts, transportation to the house and moving expensives would put a deep hole in the $ 500,000.00. No matter how much you plan there are always unexpected expensives that need money right now. If an a/c unit needs to be installed–more expense.
I love the house and my son really thought the towel warmer in the master bath a neat idea. He wants to get one installed in our present home-prefereably in his bathroom.
You can actually use the $500,000 however you see fit…. The taxes will be over $700,000. If I won, I think that I would keep the home for a few years before making a decision to move or stay… Haven't decided how much to take a mortgage for… and I won't worry about that until I win!! I would install a swamp cooler/evap system… I love how they work and they really cool it down with a added moisture bonus. I too, love the towel warmer… I would put wet wash cloths in there to give myself a wonderful facial, clean my son's face in the morning and lay on my husband's back from working out….. Good Luck, Sylvia!
The beauty of this home is truly breathtaking. In tough times when a lot of us are strugglin to make house payments, it is wonderful to think that this home will be won by a very blessed person. Thank you to HGTV and all the sponsors!
Laurie, I agree with you. The winner of this home will be blessed.,
Oh my gosh! I'm entering every day. I'm IN LOVE with it and it would be the perfect place to start my life with my fiance! It looks like a retreat which would be perfect for our crazy busy schedules. *fingers crossed*
Becka, You're in love with two–your fiance and the 2010 Dream Home. Can you handle that much love at one time?!
I am s excited about this house. We have to move to albqueque, NM in May I would love to live in this house. Struggles only make us stronger God Blesses those who stand with him even when times are tough. God Bless whom ever wins this beautiful home. Good Luck to all and remember GOd is always with us.
Hockeyb77, wouldn't it be great if you were to win the Dream Home. You'd move to NM just in time to live there. Awesome!
yes it would be great, what a blessing that would be truly a gift from God it would be to whom ever wins it
I love your post, good words that we all need to keep in mind and heart daily. Good luck to you, both in your move as well as in the sweepstakes.
I haven't seen or read about the A/C unit for the home, does it have one?
Answered in a previous post. See above.
No A/C. But the duct work is there if you want one!
Love your posts. Saw ceiling fans in most of the other rooms, but not in the Great Room or Kitchen. Am I missing something?
The home doesn't use forced air, but radiant floor heating, so adding air conditioning is a little more work, and they probably didn't have a sponsor lined up for it. Locals said the climate there near the mountains doesn't get so hot that its a necessity.
They already did the hard part of adding AC, which is the duct work. House has all the ducts already.
I live in ABQ. Most homes here don't have air conditioning. Many do have evaporative coolers that work well in our dry climate. From what I've seen though, few homes in the East Mountains (where the Dream Home is located) have either. We cool off nicely in the evenings here because of the altitude so ceiling fans handle most of the work, but it would be easy to add either A/C or an evaporative unit with the ducts in place.
I'm glad to get your point of view, kh7. Others have been nearly cranky about it getting 90 degrees there a lot, but I didn't think that was true. I think you're right.
Good question but don't you think that it would get to hot in the home without one.
Not according to the locals.
With the $500,000 you get in prize money, you can have the AC installed… the duct work is already done.
My family and i love this dream home so were alwats looking for new videoe and blogs so wjen im not checking ouy this amazing place one of my daughters are.
Yasmin Lindsey, at least your family has the same dream. Good for you!
Thank you Mary. Thank you Gail, your videos are best of the best. I feel like I'm on a private tour with you. I love all the rooms, I just can't pick out a favorite one. I especially love the casita. It becomes more exciting with each passing day. I'm looking very much forward for the night they pull into my yard with their cameras and tell me I've won the dream home, the Terrain, and the $500,000 in cash. I will say Hi to all my blogging buddies and invite you to visit. Practice up on your Tina Turner dance moves and songs Lessie, I'll have a margirita waiting for you at the door or vice versa. You to Coop and H_S_, even if you don't want to dance with the troops (Lessie, Renee, Katydid and all the others who have agreed to dance) you can be the audience. We can put the tables together in the parking area and have a party. Maybe Gail, Monica, and Jamie will attend and join the dance. I promise to have smelling salts for myself and Renee if Jamie comes. I continue to pray and feel for the people of Hiati, I just can't be sad all the time. Keep on dreaming and as Coop says Happy Turquiose Trails to everyone.
Nanaporch, if you win, sounds like we're going to have a great time. I'll be there!
Nanaporch…. I may need more than smelling salts… hehehhehehe.. I might get tongue tied!!! I will be there!!!!!
Renee loves and lives Green, after one of Nanaporch's margirita's, you'll be just fine! Two, and you'll take the lead as Tina Turner and 'Retha!
Lessie…. I will make sure to wear my "heels"!!! Two…. or three!!! hehehehee
Now you've got the spirit, Renee loves and lives Green. You're ready for the Revue.
nanaporch: You are just the greatest reason why I want one of us bloggers to win. I can just see Coop and HS sitting back in their director's chair, smoking their cigars (really their felt tipped pens) and saying kick higher, girls, and then the beat kicks in, and we high-step-it down the stairs, Lessie leading the way, and grab a partner. I'll take Jamie, because he's young enough to be my son, so put your smelling salts away, nanaporch.
So, party on, and be assured that prayers for Haiti will continue from this group.
Katydid,
WHAT STAIRS?!? I'll high kick it, but can't do stairs. Noone mentioned any stairs……oh no what am I going to do…..
What was I thinking? I guess that every stage has stairs…..but the Dream Home has NO stairs.Yiipeee.
Going down stairs is a nightmare for me, due to my poor vision, I have no depth perception If I can have a margarita in one of those turquoise glasses, I'll carefully set it down before we dance around on those beautiful pavers.
MomK, no stairs. You're in!
Too funny Katydid.
I won't be the AUDIENCE, believe me– I'll be IN the show!
Sure hope a blogger wins because this is going to be one great party.
Several comments after watching the top ten:
The wide-angle lens videos are kind of trippy.
Monica and her Norteno Margarita video are MIA. The pop-up window stated "this video could not be found."
After watching all the videos, I can now recite the GMC Terrain commercial by heart: "It plays, it saves, it sees, it rolls, and it's all standard. Introducing the Terrain, the all-new smaller SUV from GMC."
Does watching all of the top ten videos along with the commercials qualify us for one extra DH entry for each video watched?
The other thing that I would add is that when I watched it, it looped…meaning that at the end it looped back to the very first video…I thought it looked really familiar and after it went back into Gail's videos (again) I was sure that it was looping.
Maybe it is subliminal messaging…..hehehehehehheheehehehe …. Coop…. you will purchase a GMC Terrain should you not win the HGTV Dream Home… while putting Lumber Liquidator floors in the back……
Right on!!! Extra entries are always at the top of my wish list. Also, could we get an extra entry for every good suggestion we make? I need more entries…one a day just isn't enough
( Coop, you should be awarded the extra entry just for being able to recite the commercial, don't ya think?
Don't agtee with him C&E. Remember how great Coop's memory is? It's only natural that he learns quickly. Fair is fair – only one entry daily by computer.
NO IT DOESNT!
This home is stunning as all of the previous HGTV Home Giveaways have been. If I were to wish or want any of these homes, it would be this one. As I said the home is stunning and the open living concept is what my husband and I would like if we were able to build or buy. Secondly, the drier climate would be attractive and necessary to our health issues. A few years back we made the decision that we are parents were no longer living and our grown children were doing well, we would move to a drier climate. We love the New Mexico climate. You can really get all four seasons there without the 9-10 months of rain we get here in the Portland, Oregon area. My husband reminds me to enter daily for the giveaway. We are and have been big, big fans of HGTV and it tickles me that my husband enjoys all of the programs as much as I do. He's really into Holmes on Homes at the moment and we love International House Hunters. We could only dream.
Kristine Jones, just think…if you won the Dream Home, your move to a drier climate will happen quicker than you planned. Nothing wrong with that, right?!
For all those who don't think there's double doors for the Master Suite: Check out the second video –YOU CAN SEE THE DOUBLE DOORS TO THE MASTER SUITE!
I wanted to say that and didn't- it's true- a good view of them!
YEP…. but, I guarantee you that next week … there will be a question of "why did HGTV not put doors on the Master Suite?"…. But, thankfully we have loyal bloggers to assist!!!! ………. if they feel…….
thank you Lessie I didnt see that . I will watch again ,
Hope that satisfies everyone’s curiosity about the master suite double doors.
….ok so its right before you get to the master bathroom right?…these eyes are as good as they use to be..lol
Im going to have to watch it again…all i saw were the curtains
I must say, I enjoyed watching all of the videos all over again. One of the most simpleist and unique parts of the home that is one of my many favorites is the MONOLITH. Who was it that decided it would be a very spiritual thing to have a giant standing stone included? Whoever it was surely made an awesome decision. Very spiritual. Deep gratitude to HGTV. Mahalo.
I love it- my daughter however said,"How is that a statue- it's a rock!"
Kananilehua, please tell me more about the monolith being spiritual. I didn't realize that. Would like to know why you see it as spiritual.
To Hawaiians, all rocks come from our Mother Haumea or another term is Papahanaumoku – Papa who gives birth to islands. Rocks are the foundation from which we build our heiau or spiritual centers. These places have great mana or spiritual power – just like the pyramids of Egypt and of the Maya. Platforms with upright stones are energy attractors for the God energy to help to bring abundance for all mankind. Very spiritual. It would be interesting to get the GPS coordinates for the home – it's all about alignment! Mahalo Lessie for asking.
Aloha, Your post is so interesting about the spiritual meaning of rocks. I had no idea. I am so glad you think the monolith is a good thing for the Dream Home.
Please let me ask you a question. Once, visiting the big island, I picked up a piece of lava rock the size of which I could hold in my hand and took it home. It was to add to my rock collection. But when I got home, I read that removing any lava would anger the spirit Pele and would curse me. Now I don't believe in hexes of any kind, but did I dishonor any spirit? I would hate to do that. Please help me understand.
Mahalo
Aloha Katydid, mahalo for your question. The first word that comes to mind when reading your post is – Intention. If your intent was with the goodness of a pure heart, then you have not dishonored Pele or any other spiritual essence. A good practice (for future reference) is to ask permission of Pele and from the forces of nature around you. After asking, tune in to the energy around you. If you feel it is good then permission was granted. If you feel the slightest doubt or uncertainty, then don't do it or harm could come to you or to a family member. When taking, you must always give back something in exchange. It could be in the form of a lock of hair, your voice in prayer or song, or a lei of appropriate greenery. Pele is a very sacred Goddess our people. It is not too late to offer a song or prayer. Spirituality has no boundaries – it crosses space and time. Aloha, Kananilehua.
Kananilehua, how do the spirits of your people deal with the many vacationers who do not honor them? Like Katydid, I wouldn't have known and probably would have taken the lava. What about those who move to the island and live according to their customs, not yours?
Good questions!
Hi Lessie,
The value of learning about and experiencing a culture besides your own is immesurable. I feel for those who visit or live in another's country and do not learn or try to learn what is both appropriate and inappropriate. What are the protocols, customs and traditions of the host culture? What if you came to my home and walked in with your shoes on? You see, in Hawaii, it is customary to take off your shoes when entering one's home, just as it is in Asia. I would say…if you don't know or are not sure…just ask, just like you and Katydid are doing now. There are people who will share. Aloha
Thank you so much for your in depth reply to my question. You have caused me to be much more in tune with nature in the future. Whether it's picking up shells from a beach, or a pine cone from a forest or a flower growing wild. I have to admit one horrid thing I did, if only to warn other tourists. At a brief stop on an island in Mexico I dug my hand down in the sand (far from the water) and found a beautiful small shell. I dropped it in my bag and when we got back to our room I put it on the couch in the foyer. The next morning, as we were passing that foyer I saw the shell move! I felt so bad, I picked it up and rushed down stairs to the beach and placed it on the sand. I guess I knew it would not survive, so now I am singing and praying. Love your quote "Spirituality has no boundaries – it crosses space and time.
Mahalo, dear friend.
t
Mahalo to you too spirit sister. Aloha.
kananilehua, I have lived on the Big Island for a little over 4 years now. I'm originally from Los Angeles, CA. My fiancee and his family are native(locals for generations), however have no hawaiian blood lines. I've always been curious about the hawaiian culture, and only know about "local" things. I would love to hear more about what you know about Hawaii, its culture, spirituality, etc. You have had some great input into this particular post. Can't wait to hear more!
Aloha Jessica,
So, we're on the same island! We might even be neighbors. There are so many layers to culture and spirituality that it is hard to begin to describe. Since your fiancee's family has their roots and ties to the BI, start with them and what they know. You will find that although not Hawaiian, they probably know a lot of the area that they live and the environment. That is where we begin, with the land or `aina – our Mother. Are they farmers, fishermen, hunters? How do they connect with the land? Do any family members practice the ways of their ancestors? If so, what are they and how do those practices connect them wih the land? Start by learning about your own traditional practices. From there, you will begin to make the connections to others. Mahalo for asking and for sharing.
We might be neighbors! I live in Waikoloa, near the elementary school. My fiancee and his father enjoy fishing. His brother is a surfer. They are originally from Pa'auilo. As far as their fishing, they climb cliffs (near Pa'auilo) and pick opihi's too. They read charts on tides and constantly watch the ocean for changes that science can't predict. They don't use any traditional Hawaiian techniques to fishing. However, his father does put fresh ti (?) leaves under my daughter's beds/cribs to scare away bad dreams and spirits. Beyond that, I know nothing. Thank you so much for your response.
Ummmm…I am LOVIN' this thread! Thanks kananilehua!
I know a little bit about Feng Shui, which is different than the Hawaiian beliefs. Both are so interesting to me. Feng Shui is an ancient art and science developed over 3,000 years ago in China. It is a complex body of knowledge that reveals how to balance the energies of any given space to assure the health and good fortune for people inhabiting it. Feng means 'wind' and shui means 'water'. In Chinese culture wind and water are associated with good health, thus good feng shui came to mean good fortune, while bad feng shui means bad luck, or misfortune.
With Feng Shui, different areas of your home, as well as your garden, represent different things in your life. For example, the Southwestern corner governs marriage prospects and marital happiness and this is the area of the garden where it is recommended to place a large rock. This area represents Big Earth so it is a good place to put a stone statue or a large rock or boulder. I am not sure which corner of the house it is where the monolith is placed…I'll have to go figure that out.
Living the Dream!
If the sunrise room truly faces east, then the front entry faces south and I think that puts the monolith squarely in the southwestern corner — coincidence or great planning on HGTV's part? I wonder how the rest of the house measures up according to feng shui principles? Shouldn't the front entry face east (or am I thinking of some other discipline)? And isn't there some rule about not letting chi (energy) flow out of the house? Truly fascinating!
So glad you figured that out C&E…thank you! I got a little sidetracked with work.
So, then…due to the location of the Monolith…HGTV could advertise this giveaway as:
"Enter for your chance to win HGTV Dream Home 2010, a contemporary Southwest-style home situated in the shadow of the breathtaking Sandia Mountains in Sandia Park, N.M. The grand prize package — PRICELESS — also includes $500,000 and an all-new 2010 GMC® Terrain, Marriage Prospects and/or Marital Happiness."
LOL!
Living the Dream!
LOL Lynn, now I know that I HAVE to win. I have two daughters to marry off and my marriage could always use a pick me up!
Whew!! Finally figured out how to sign in!! FYI this is MOMK here.
Love your picture MOMK aka Kimberley C Kennedy!
Living the Dream!
You are too funny Kimberley C Kennedy, but I understand your comment.
You guys are too funny! LOL!
You are too funny Lynn. I like it!
Now who wouldn't want to win a house with those amenities? Love it!
You're right C&E the Navajo believe the front entry should face east, because of the rising sun nothing harmful comes from an eastern direction.
Sheila Griffin-Dawson, is there any meaning to the door facing South other than welcoming me as it's Southern-rooted winner?
Kananilehua, please answer my question under your comment on page 3 of the Drape It Like Woodrum blog. Thanks.
What a beautiful home, I hope I win!!!!!
I live in a trailer that is over 30 years old. The only thing older than the trailer is me, but I am hoping to retire soon. I live in Idaho and we have snow and cold weather, so I dream of retiring to a warm climate.
Good luck and I still hope I win!
Carma, NM is definitely warmer than Idaho. I like your words, "the only thing older than the trailer is me." Simply means you've got a lot going for you! Continue to persevere!!1
I've also lived in Idaho and I visit New Mexico several times a year. You will get the colder temp. in the winter. So, you will not be without snow. If you plan to get away from the snow, New Mexico is not the place.
A Dream Home Blast from the Past: a primer for those HGTV dreamers who need to know everything about Dream Home 2010, and it's glorious fourteen year history from years gone by.
2000 HGTV Dream Home – Nehalem, Oregon
The 2000 Dream House was built to reflect the rugged environment of the Nehalem Peninsula in Oregon. The modified Craftsman architecture is designed to accentuate the beauty of the woodland surroundings and the spectacular views of the coast. The home features stunning accents like bamboo flooring, hemlock ceilings, and dramatic windows.
Winner of the 2000 HGTV Dream Home Giveaway: Mary Barker of San Antonio, Texas was selected from about 5.3 million entries.
I can't wait to read about 2001 HGTV Dream Home( Number #5). Thank you Coop for informing us (newbies) about Dream Homes in the past.
Thanks for sharing a little about previous Dream Homes and Dream Home Winners.
Thank you COOP….. can you imagine, only having a little over 5 million entries???? It is amazing how each and every year has brought more people, "dreaming" about the HGTV home giveaway!! I remember entering in 2000… and dreaming… and I am still dreaming…………
Keep dreaming, Renee loves and lives Green. This blog needs you, whether you win or not. Always keep sharing with us.
No problem…. I have entered yearly with no win and I am still having fun… and loving the "dream" of it!!! I am sharing…. always!!!! You, too!!!!!
You're already a winner! Everything else is extra.
Well said!
Linda hung a canoe from the ceiling of the great room this this amazing dream home, which featured beautiful slate floors… Chris Casson Madden hosted the special. more fond memories…
Hi all,
I wanted to start a new thread in hopes of getting feedback on some issues I've seen running through the blogs.
On the issue of air conditioning, I've been looking at homes for sale in Overlook and some of the surrounding communities–most have what is commonly known as "swamp cooling" or evaporative cooling systems which are better in "desert" climates because they introduce moisture. There are many benifits to this, cost is the biggest, saving furniture and fabrics from dehydration is the next. And don't forget, the high desert is NOT all that hot at any time of the year what with the 4 seasons and the night time temperature drops.
On the issue of having pet dogs, I have also seen homes for sale in San Pedro Creek that DO have dog kennels. Safety would be my biggest concern though. We live on 3 acres ourselves and we use underground fencing which keeps the dogs contained very well, but another blogger does mention that there is more concern about the local wildlife coming onto your property there rather than keeping your animals contained. Specifically coyotes and wildcats.
San Pedro Creek is developed by the same developer, but a different HOA than San Pedro Overlook which means they *might* have different rules. Here's a thought…not that anyone would necessarily want to do it, but can you build a "wall" enclosing the paved area by the garage and casita so that dogs have a little space to run without you and otherwise be outside when they are elsewhere…just a thought- don't know if it is allowed or if anyone would want that look. Personally, we don't have a dog right now so I haven't really bothered myself worrying about that.
I think you could build an adobe wall–kind of like the ones surrounding the patios only higher. If you look on sattelite views of San Pedro Overlook, some of the homes seem to have this kind of wall enclosing gardens or yard spaces. Keep the pets in and critters out.
Wonder how big the gardens are and how they keep them watered?
drip irrigation Lessie! Most of the homes in Paa Ko and San Pedro Creek for sale list drip irrigation systems, a small few list sprikler systems.
And yes, I know that SPC is a different community, but SPO only has one home currently listed for sale. Check out the listings at http://www.melaniepeak.com/ You can look at both homes for sale and vacant land in all three gated communities.
You've got a good eye, adisneyfamily. Hadn't picked up SPC. When I read San Pedro, I automatically assume SPO.
Monk, love the time you've taken to read the blogs and give a summary of all you've read. Thanks for reminding me about swamp cooling.
The coyotes, and cats are in full regalia in this neck of the woods, so an enclosure is probably important. There might be a way to build a run outside of the garage and wall off that entire area.
The web site for the community states that NO perimeter fencing is allowed. Frankly, that restriction sounds absurd. I'm sure it's written in the CC&Rs but I hope when the development is built out and the residents take over the HOA, they will change that restriction. For security, privacy and household pets, most people would like to be able to have fencing. When CC&Rs become unreasonable, courts are usually reluctant to enforce them. If the HOA or another resident had the nerve to sue a neighbor for building a fence, I could just imagine the negative publicity they would get.
Why trash up the neighborhood that have million dollar homes with chain link fencing. I would fight it if I lived there.
The weather in NM is very unpredictable. It can change at any time. Swamp coolers are the best way to go.
Continuing my thoughts:
As to taxes; well that's the one big problem with all of the dreamhome giveaways. Estimated federal taxes on winning this $2m prize reach about $700,000. I just wish they would base the value of the winnings on actual retail price and not MSRP since we all know that MSRP is always way above what you actually pay for anything. That's why I'm keeping an eye on the comp home sales in the area; hoping to convince them the house isn't really worth the $1.5m they currently value it at when I win–lol. If you note in the rules they say that the $1.5m is the "current" home value. With the current housing market you may find that it's value is depleted and thus the taxes on it. I would hate to sell our current home, move all the way to NM and then find out I couldn't afford to keep the house! I do know that many (if not all) of the people who have won the DreamHome in the past have had to sell out. Oh well, at least I'm finding out that if I did have to sell, there are other houses nearby that can be bought cheaper.
According to the IRS you pay taxes on Fair Market Value(FMV) not the Approximate Retail Value (ARV) that HGTV quotes the value at. The catch is that if you can't get HGTV to agree to the value that you believe in the documents that they submit the the IRS, then you have to argue the point with the IRS. None of us will know what the actual value is except that person who wins.
Worse perhaps, you probably receive one 1099 with a total additional income figure from hgtv. <Giving you several hundred 1099s, one for each item is unlikely.> So unless you get a hold of some kind of tally sheet with individual prices, how do you argue the fair market value of a bowl of fake grass is NOT $359?? Arguing the fair market value for each furnishing would be a big job. I'm not sure how hgtv would feel about you keeping there bookkeeper busy changing the 1099 as you document each on sale item.
I think you do have to argue it with IRS since most of the items in and connected with the DreamHome are probably "donated" to HGTV in exchange for promotional consideration. Those "donations" are usually valued upon MSRP and not actual retail value or fair market value. So are you paying taxes on the MSRP of the items "donated" or the FMV of the promotional consideration given?
I think the easiest thing to bargain with is the FMV of the actual home and property because, with the current housing market most home values have decreased. I know that many of the homes in the area surrounding San Pedro Overlook have been on the market a very long time and have dropped their asking prices considerably.
Sounds like too much trouble to me. Too many numbers!
I can't agree Lessie—NOTHING is too much trouble to live this dream! And if you're not a numbers person like me, it's simply a matter of hiring a good tax accountant and asking the right questions.
If I don't win, I'd sure like to know that someone else knew the right questions to ask so that they would be able to keep this home. Then maybe they'd invite me out for a nice long extended stay–LOL
I just gave you more numbers and options under Lynn's post about tours.
I don't know that someone would argue all of the decorations (though the price of those would change from when they were donated)- there would be no way to know the value of every single item unless you had a list to compare to and I doubt HGTV will be giving that…I think it would be the bigger items like the actual house and the car. I would hope that they would give you a dollar value for the house and property seperate from right now where it is lumped with the decorations. They give you a value for the car which covers for the options that you choose up to the value- HOWEVER, I went to the GMC sight and "built" a car with all of the options and it cost less than the value stated in the prize info…so there is some differences all ready.
Adisneyfamily This sounds like a real nightmare, A winner would be unhappy if he or she had to deal with a problem like that.
I wouldn't Ladyleo. I'd had a professional help me.
all you have to do is have it appraised, I think you are reading into this to far in advance worry about the issues if you win it,
H.S. Thank you for submitting the link to us but this Link doesn't work. It comes up ERROR.
I deleted my post with the bad link. I'm not sure what went wrong. You can find the link on a post by "adisneyfamily" on under the "Drape It Like Woodrum" topic. It is REALLY worth reading!
H_S, was going to ask why you deleted your link. Now I know. I'm behind on the blogs. Should catch up sometime next week.
I granted your request and posted the link on this blog too.
Thanks! There is so much good information in there.
Thank you, H.S.!
Sorry, for the link error above I'll try again.
http://www.hgtv.com/dream-home/a-winners-tale/ind…
Please check with a financial professional before selling your home and moving to NM if you're the winner! If you win, we want you to stay as long as you want and not move because of tax burdens.
Lessie – I'm in lucky situation that I have no mortgage and have been saving up to move to the SW, so I could afford the taxes but would they really treat the house as straight income? I'm very curious about this. I thought I might have a chance because how much this means to be me and how much I prayed to Jesus, especially while in Santa Fe but seeing how many other people feel the same I think my Mom, brother, and hopefully one other might be making the move ourselves as planned so I guess I don't need to sweat it too much. As long as Jesus is with us either way I'll be glad.
Yes- sure on the taxes being counted as income…not only has it been discussed on here many times, but I have looked up the guidelines to sweepstakes on the IRS website and others have confirmed with accountants.
Thank you, I did check into this today and it seems like this would single out the majority of applicants. When I wrote I could afford the taxes I meant the monthly property taxes not the multi-hundred thousand dollar tax payment in 2011. Guess I got caught up in the 'dream' and forgot about reality. Appreciate it though, have a wonderful weekend.
Keep the dream as if you win and can't keep our lovely DH, there is a cash option from the developer and I've seen a lot of houses with the same sqaure footage for less…you can find a dream that suites your budget and tailor it to you. Keep looking at this beautiful house and seeing what you like!
Thank you for the information on the dogs, I would be worried about keeping a dog outside because of coyotes but also because of the rattlers. I was horse back riding in Bernalillo and was told not to let my horse eat the sage brush because of the snakes.
Are you sure about paying taxes on the house as if it were straight income? I'm not doubting you but that seems so high that it would rule out so many applicants it seems like there should be a sticter vetting process than just US Citizen over 18. The best way to lower the cost of taxes is have the $500k donated directly to an accredited 501(c)3 charitible organization.
Celina, why donate the money when you can use it to help pay taxes?
Okay I promise, swear on my next flight and I don't joke about flying (trust me) I only wanted the house, but the darn income tax thing never occured to me before I started reading the blogs, I was thinking property taxes okay no worries (as if I really have to worry anyway). Plus if you keep the money you only get so much of but if you donate it to a 501(c)3 org then the full amount can be donated and HGTV gets a write off to I think. I was thinking property taxes okay no worries (as if I really have to worry anyway). It's still great to dream though. The little Alice and Wonderland house is just so adorable for a little girl.
Sorry I need to not have the tv on and serving dinner while typing.
No problem Celina. You can have the tv on and serve dinner while typing. You have a generous heart. Once you won the Dream Home, you wanted others to also be blessed. That's a good thing. I can understand why you wanted to donate the money to a 501 (c)3. That's what I would call passing it forward. Hope you're blesed whether you win the Dream Home or not.
I'm such a scatterbrain sometimes. The donation thing is partially selfish, a large enough donation to my church would get someone a stained glass window "In Loving Memory of….." plaque for my Grandmother. Your reply was very sweet and i really appreciate it!
If you win I can yell out I KNOW LESSIE! And then there will be 8 people I know out there when I finally make it
God Bless and fingers crossed
Simpest and probably the only thing to do for all of us with an average icome is to sell it ASAP. You then pay tax on the sale price and can forget about all the other guesses at value. Remember the $500,000 cash is also taxed as income so the total tax bill will probably be nearly 50% of the estimated value plus the cash part. Still, nice to walk away with about $1 million after Uncle Sam has his chunk.
I wish someone would give a clear answer to the amount you would be left with. i did not think they would tax you as income you earned. How can that be? What about a gift tax?
You will be taxed at he highest federal & state tax band for income. That's a fact. No way out. If you have other income that will be included. The Cruze family were, in most peoples opinions, very foolish. Trying to keep the home against good advice and refusing to read or accept the local laws on rental. Even if you can rent the property out you still have to pay tax. That's why none but the Cruzes have kept (or failed to keep eventually in their case) a Dream Home and most have sold very quickly. The dream is winning and having all that cash, after sale and tax, to do with what you wish.
Anyone who isn't a multi-millionaire and who wins the house needs to read the story of the Cruze family if they have any delusions of trying to keep the house. They are the only people who tried to keep a Dream home and didn't sell ASAP. It's an exercise in folly to try to keep it under most circumstances. Just sell it, there are plenty of millionaires who will want to buy houses like this just for the prestige, and have a great life with your prodceeds (after tax).
It matters nothing whether a component of the prize was donated to or purchased by HGTV. It's the value assigned to it by HGTV that counts for the tax, unless you sell it. If the winner wants to keep some items HGTV can tell you the value but it means nothing except for insurance purposes if it's a work of art or suchlike, as you will have paid the tax on that value figure anyway.
Two aspects about the cruz family winning…it is my understanding that (1) the cash prize was $250k…the $500k pays a lot more towards taxes and (2) that they didn't work and planned to live off of the money which is not realistic- you still need to keep working as well as you can't live extravagantly…you may have the nice house but you still might be eating some cheap spaghetti on a regular basis to stay within budget.
I wonder if it would be lucrative to rent the property out??
Only if it's permitted in the subdivision or place that the house is constructed. That was why the Cruze family fared so poorly (apart from stupidity). The subdivision forbade rentals.
However, that will not help in the short term to pay the tax bill in 2011. Try getting a bank loan on the collateral that you have a high end B&B or rental property. I think they will just laugh in the present financial climate.
I think it is totally UNFAIR to tax so much for something that is won or given to. Take me for example. I suffer from the economic situation in this great country of ours. I currently reside where there are very few, if not any jobs available. The recession has not receded here. I am unemployed, not by choice either. I don't have a home of my own. I have been blessed to have parents who gave me a room to stay in and a vehicle to borrow once in awhile. Fortunately, since I have the misfortune of no income, I am able to return to college for a second degree with the aide of a Pell Grant. If I were to win I would have to fight tooth and nail to keep the dream. Don't think I wouldn't either. I would do almost anything to have a home to call my own. I may have to move over 1000 miles to live there, luckily I don't have the problem of having to sell a home to get there. (Got to look at the bright side even if it is almost impossible to see it) Possibly if I won I could get a first-time homeowner deduction? This is one good advantage for a person who has only had the opportunity to rent.
Anyway, back to being unfair…if a person is lucky enough to win, (which I hope it is myself so I will have a home, live near two cities with great career opportunities for both myself and my beloved who is overseas atm) the gov't makes it near impossible to keep your dream which is given to you. It's not fair to have such a high tax rate on winnings of any kind. The reason why the majorities of us sign up for sweepstakes and play the lottery is because we are desperate to stop having to struggle to pay bills. That's what most of us Americans do is only live to work to pay bills, feed, and shelter our families.
Even with the good people of HGTV giving the extra 500K isn't enough for most of us to keep the house. It does help a great deal and is greatly…enormously appreciated. Wonder if the good people at HGTV would have a job available for a passionate photographer with a Graphic Arts degree and getting a Networking Degree to help pay for this wonderful home? I am still willing to dream and hope that my name is picked. It would change my life for the better and help my family in so many ways. It's an opportunity of a lifetime. I would do my best to not let the IRS take away my dream if it is to come true.
1oversea, if I understand your situation correctly, this particular home in this particular neighborhood would not be something that would be to your advantage fighting for. Remember it's in a gated community with constant HOA fees due every year. HOWEVER, think of it this way—you win, you get a fantastic vacation and then you sell the home back to the developer. You pick out your options and get your new GMC Terrain, you pay all of the taxes owed and walk away with over $800,000!! Now you get to buy or build the home of YOUR dreams, in the exact place YOU want to live and work AND have the money to stay there.
Exactly!
I really like the way you think!
We want to live in the home.. and pay whatever the winning taxes are.
Thanks for the Tax info MOMK :^)
Hi MOMK, How are you? WOW! I just realized what you just said about the taxes. Lets say if i win…I can not afford the tax.. Mercy
My son, Austin was watching the tour of the Kids Room with me. He yelled, "Mom, thats my room with Woody and Buzz! Look it has my clothes in it so I can be Woody!" Cute for a 4 year old to say that! And it all looks like it would fit him nicely!
Very cute story — good luck!
Tiffany82, what 4 year old wouldn't identify with Woody and Buzz? Your son's statement is very cute.
..FLASH FOWARD….SCENE 1 What would we be doing in this incredible house of ours. The keys have been turned over to us, we have danced with the staff, the indredible food has been eaten, there is a warm glow of excitement that permeates through the house and on our faces, kids. stand in anticipation. What's next?
Well…I don't plan on using the towel warmers on a regular basis, but I think after we get there and are able to take time to breathe a sigh of relief that the fuss is behind us, I'm thinking a nice bubble bath followed by nice warm towels. It sounds great in theory…but usually if I manage to get the time to take a bubble bath the baby ends up joining me halfway through because she doesn't want daddy anymore and the older daughter is also finding an excuse to come talk to mommy…what can I say- my girls love me, but it doesn't leave much time for myself.
Hi dis, what a delicious feeling, its so exciting to think about climbing into that big tub at least for awhile by yourself, and then for baby to join you. There is alot of family pleasure here!
What about taking that bubble bath during the day when the baby is asleep, your daughter at school, and your husband at work?
I don't know why I never thought of that ;o)
I was thinking the same thing earlier, before I saw this post! I have a baby girl and a 4 year old boy, so I was right on track with your statement. LOL. =)
Sit down with a good tax accountant and figure out whether to start sellng your old home or this new wonderful dream home. I would be looking at all of the financials and hoping and praying that I would be able to keep the dream. Meanwhile I would be enjoying every second I could spend in the dream!
Can you tell what career I'm schooled in yet adisneyfamily? Yep, I'm in accounting–just can't seem to get the numbers out of my head–LOL
My dad is an accountant too…numbers must run easy in the family as my college professors in the math department were trying to get me to switch my degree to join them. i figure that by the time I have keys to the DH, I will have already figured out the finance side of things.
You will always have numbers floating around in your head, even for winning. My husband is the same way. I get into the theatrics, and he thinks about how things add up. A good combination
I'm into the theatrics too! That's why I have to keep reminding myself to think about the numbers. Otherwise I'd be totally devastated if we won and didn't have the where with all to be able to keep the home.
My theatric side says–"OK, I've won the house and now I'm going to find a way to KEEP it!! I already have dreams of winning our state lottery one week and the DH the next–LOL. Then no financial worries and I can stop the numbers flying around in my head!
I will say that adisneyfamily's link to the 2002 DH winners blog interview has really helped a lot!
That was my starting point even before this blog…it allowed me to look realistically but still dream…I'm sure my husband is sick of hearing about the DH. He probably thinks that he won't hear about it any more after March, but then another house will come along. In reality, this particular house I like better than the others…who knows maybe it is meant to be.
Hi Mom K, I read your post, and looked at the numbers game, and realize it's going to be interesting process, figuring out what to do. Selling the DH back to HGTV and their assignees- I wonder if that's an option, and keeping your eye on the comps in the area, to establish the true value of the property. I am checking out adisney's link as well.
MOMK wouldn't you have to worry about paying the taxes on the lottery if you won that a week before the dream home. I'm not gonna worry until the taxes are due, that gives me almost a year to enjoy.
Nana, this is MOMK, I'm actually signed in now–yeah! Anyway, no worries about taxes on the lottery–they take 'em before you even get your hands on them–40% right off the top, kind of like a guillotine–lol
MomK, it's great having an active blogger with accounting experience. Get prepared for all the tax questions you will be asked!
I'm sure you'll find a way to keep the Dream Home if you won, MomK.
Janice Vegas, EVERYTHING GOOD is next if you're the winner of the Dream Home. Enjoy the journey!
Less…..You too, my love. I wish your poetic mind, body and spirit, the all of the all, and EVERYTHING BLESSED. My feeling about this group is that the communication, poetry, tax analysis, family stories, tribulations, and trail to the next wonderful win, no matter great or small will continue.
Enjoy a few wonderful sunrises and sunsets then straight to the best realtor in the area and put it on the market. With all the advertising and slideshows it will sell within a few weeks tops and then we can plan a future of financial security for us and our kids.
Then I would have both my son's there with their wives and my 3 grandchildren. We would just go for hike's during the day, ( investigate those trails), then I would have a great big bar-be-que! then I would just go down on my knees & give thanks to heavenly father for all of my family's health–and a wonderful blessing that we had just received, a HOME! My husband would no doubt find a recliner & a bottle of wine, and watch the sunset with me….Nice! Dream!
—-Then all of you would be invited out there to see it too! I would turn it into a B&B, the Casita it's perfect!!
Years ago, I remember going on a trip through the Southwest with my family, my mom and dad, the adventurers that they are, in search of original adobe structures. The stops and discoveries and close look at homes that we saw, were a reminder of the great past. There were always family discussions about the art of building a home that could protect a family from the harsh desert environment and provide beauty. This years Dream Home- the simple lines and placement on the land, and repect for the environment remind me so much of the childhood experience.
What a great childhood experience, Janice Vegas. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Lessie. Sometimes I receive a personal comment from you, and its like getting a special message from a friend, a surprise letter in the mail.
if I did not thank you yesterrday for being so responsive and a joyful participant in this on this bogmedilla, I made up this word, because blog is boring and this blogmadilla is not. , I will thank you now. I get the sense that you would be a great friend, educational or project counterpart, avid listener, wonderful in a poetry circle and there must be worlds to your personality. We all interesting mysterious, fascinating, smart hardworking, funny, and all blessed , with thousands of attributes.
"Blogmadilla." Haven't heard that one before. Thanks for creating a new term for our blog. So, what would you call us, instead of bloggers? No need to thank me because I enjoy meeting new people, especially "mysterious, fascinating, smart, hardwork, funny, and blessed people with thousands of attributes." You've summed up this group very well. Glad you're part of our blogmadilla.
Laughing at your response and love the light-hearted approach along with our serious side.
When ALL bloggers understand and enjoy the journey to the Dream Home, they will realize we're all winners, even though only one of us will receive the keys to the home. My motto, "Enjoy the journey, as well as the people you meet along the way."
No it doesn't. It only hypes the Dream of what can be yours! Aw Coop, anything for one extra entry. Wish it was that simple.
Coop, how's our weather? You ok?
Yes Coop, I've been watching weather channel and wondering too.
Adisneyfamily, do you think Coop has escaped the CA weather and taken a trip to SPO?
I just read that all time low barametric pressure records were being set out there! Hope all is well with you Coop!
Coop hope you aren't having to use your kayak. Can you tell we're concerned about you. Maybe your just napping. My husband loves to do that. Let us hear from you soon.
I'm still here! My pool is nearly overflowing, the back yard is beginning to look like my own private lake, but no serious issues so far. It has not gotten over the mid-40's today, which is REALLY unusual for the area, even this time of year. I can at least be thankful I sold the mountain vacation home a few years ago, and don't have to be concerned about shoveling the snow off the decks before it collapses down the hillside!
According to forecasts, the worst rains and thunderstorms will actually come tomorrow. I can't wait for the fun to begin!
Thank you all for you concern. I plan to stay connected to the world despite the odds.
Its good to hear that you're okay so far. I hope it stays that way tomorrow! Last week we were freezing in Florida, now its 60's & 70's here!
At least you seem to be keeping your sense of humor
Thank you so much for your in depth reply to my question. You have caused me to be much more in tune with nature in the future. Whether it's picking up shells from a beach, or a pine cone from a forest or a flower growing wild. I have to admit one horrid thing I did, if only to warn other tourists. At a brief stop on an island in Mexico I dug my hand down in the sand (far from the water) and found a beautiful small shell. I dropped it in my bag and when we got back to our room I put it on the couch in the foyer. The next morning, as we were passing that foyer I saw the shell move! I felt so bad, I picked it up and rushed down stairs to the beach and placed it on the sand. I guess I knew it would not survive, so now I am singing and praying. Love your quote "Spirituality has no boundaries – it crosses space and time.
Coop always does. And now I know what he means about posting out of order. Egad!
Good to see that you are hanging in there COOP… today was 85 ….. crazy, I know.. Make sure that you are safe!! Keeping you in our thoughts!!
Oh all right, Coop, send some of your rain our way if you must — just don't get washed away as we would all miss you terribly!
Lessie where are you from and where is Coop from?
-I'm from NY, we've had a mild winter so far. I may move in the next month or so.
Terri1, I'm four hours away in Maryland. Coop is in San Diego. We've had a pretty mild winter also. Adisneyfamily is not that far from me. She said snow is in the forecast for next week. Didn't quite believe it because it was sunny and warm yesterday and the day before. Today, the weather has changed. It's colder and I see snow flurries. Seems like adisneyfamily was right after all.
Thank you MARY for putting all of the best of the best in one location for our viewing and our entertainment! You certainly have made our lives a bit easier.
In regards to the Dream Home Public Tours, please review this article…
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/othercities/albuquerq... target=”_blank”>http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:klQcEkW26WYJ…” target=”_blank”>http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/othercities/albuquerq...
In addition, I found out that in lieu of calling the high school about tickets, you can go to their website at http://www.eastmountainhighschool.net and they will be updating information regarding the tours. I believe they may be starting the beginning of February.
Hope this helps!
Living the Dream!
Lynn, can't thank you enough for keeping us updated. You are such an asset to fellow bloggers. Thanks for all you do!
I probably won't get the oppurtunity to visit in person (guess I better win it if I want to see it!), but thank you for the links as well as the positive light the article puts on the community the DH is associated with.
Very interesting article, Lynn, and it addresses some of my questions about the builder's lawsuit. Also, I remember that SPODutch said that there would be a $1.5 million cash option, and this article seems to confirm that.
It does confirm it and while I have been the first to say "keep the house if you get it!", I will say that if there are still legal issues surrounding the house then the cash offer may not be a bad idea. I just did some quick number crunching and after taxes…
(1) If it is the $1.5 million plus the $500k and the car then it would still be about $700k in taxes (not including state taxes and your own income tax) which would leave $1,300,000.
(2) If for some reason you didn't get the $500k (I don't know why you wouldn't ???but let's plan worse case scenario) $1.5million plus the car would be about $506k in taxes leaving $999,3000.
Just something to think about…having it confirmed gives you more to think about as you can build your own dream home, pay off bills, and still have money left over depending on how you spent it…the bigger aspect= no house payment (which I've seen several others post that they are also stay at home moms).
Oooooh adisneyfamily, you really do know the way to my heart!!! I just LOVE those numbers, especially when they start adding up in my favor!! I still want the house, but the cash could be used to build an exact replica on another piece of land right there in NM!! Or even buy one of the homes currently for sale in the area.
Have to go do my happy dance with my calculator now, I'm bringing it with me when I visit my new home too–LOL
MomK, it certainly doesn't surprise me when two numbers people are excited over NUMBERS! You and adisneyfamily are in numbers heaven.
Words are my thing…I'm just practical with numbers…part of my 'sob story" (which I haven't given any of on here as this is a sweepstakes and so whatever is in our life doesn't matter) is that I got a divorce from my abusive ex-husband when my older daughter was two. I finished up my college as a single mom…so, I know how to be good with numbers…it was necessity. While that is only a small portion of my life story, I wouldn't change it as i wouldn't be where I am now and I wouldn't be who I am without enduring that. I am happily remarried and have another beautiful daughter.
That's a great story, adisneyfamily. I really admire your strength, and look how happy you are now!
MOMK here! We just HAVE to meet adisneyfamily!! Too much in common. Divorced (very similar situation) single parent for 16 years and then remarried (started second family–my eldest birth child is 18 years older than my youngest) plus we adopted another and fostered many more over the years. I'm ready to retire now (even if I go back to work) and just finish raising my last two in my beautiful NM dreamhome!!!
I would "read" the situation as: $1.5 mil for the home "buy back," the $500k & GMC are separate.
I agree with you, H_S.
That was my guess…I just don't like the unknown so I prepare for either way.
Adisneyfamily, you sure you aren't a numbers person. You crunch numbers faster than anyone I know.
like I told Momk….it's something that i am good at and my college professors in my math classes tried to talk me into switching my major from English to Math…i didn't and (1) numbers do get boring for me and (2) I don't necessarily like math…but who knows maybe I need to take some accounting courses so that I can manage my finances and house taxes if I win (joking- I have no interest in that- that is what the professionals are for).
adisneyfamily that might be a way for you to keep the home, you could always get a job doing taxes out in NM.
Gee- my dad (an accountant) would be so proud- LOL- and while he's a good accountant, he won't be the one figuring out the finances if I win…I learned early in life that business and family don't mix.
)
That's a great lesson to learn, the earlier the better!
You get the house and all things in it valued at $1.5 million, the car for $38.375 and $500,000 cash. That's it, nothing more, nothing less. Read the rules it's all in plain English. Why ponder these myths?
The total tax bill is calculated on the total prize value, that's the ARV for the house etc, car and the $500,000. That's a total of $2.038.375 to pay tax on (about $714,000 federal plus whatever they owe on their pre-existing income; plus the state income tax rate enforced in the state in which the winner lives – an average would put that about another $90,000). The cash isn't separate for tax purposes or somehow not included in the tax bill. Please tell me who, on the collateral of a house in today’s market can get a bank loan for $800,000 or more to pay their tax? Sell it ASAP (I would keep the car) take the profit, pay the tax – federal and local – and rejoice with about $1 million profit. Plenty to buy or build another house and live comfortably for the rest of your days.
No "myths" the article quotes the CEO of Campbell Corp., "Part of the process to attract the Dream Home and finalize the deal was a guarantee to HGTV that we would buy back the home for $1.5 million, if the winner chose to receive cash instead of the Dream Home."
Thanks, Lynn that answers several questions.
Thank you, Lynn, for this article. It provides a very revealing look into the legal machinations involved in the DH2010 project between the developer and builder.
Hopefully, details will be ironed out and the tours will begin soon.
Lynn,
WOW!! Thank you so much for linking us to that article!! I am learning so much just by participating in these blogs. It really seems like HGTV is doing EVERYTHING in it's power to help out this year's winner! Cash to help with taxes and now the option of taking cash if keeping the home isn't a viable situation for the winner!
I still LOVE this dreamhome and pray everyday that I win it and can keep it; but it's also nice to know that there are alternatives just in case. Selling a home like this with the current economy and housing market would be such a long hard row to plow.
Looks like the builder may have caused himself a world of grief what with the publicity surrounding this project.
MomK, HGTV always gives it's viewers the best. That's why I like them.
Has anyone called the phone number listed to find out about the tours yet?
Not me, since I'm not going on the tour. Only tour I'll get is the winner's tour.
Same boat as Lessie, but I looked up the link to the school and the high school website said they haven't finished contracts with HGTV but to check back.
I was told that it will be updated on the website as soon as the contracts are signed. I know that they are anxious to get the tours going. I think your best bet is to keep checking the East Mountain High School Website which is above in this original post. Hope this helps! Wish I could go!
Living the Dream!
Lynn, you are just a gold mine of information! Thanks for doing all the hard work!
I feel kind of bad for the school as I'm guessing they were counting on the tours starting earlier and thought they were getting more money.
Because I am retired from a school system, I feel even worse for the school as they are most likely getting many calls per day about the tours. They're trying to educate kids, but I am sure they are very busy with Dream Home followers!
I am going to be in Santa Fe in a week. Can we tour the HGTV house??
Read the previous comment by Lynn Coggin.
Love the new video Mary!! Thanks! I did have the same problem as one other blogger though in that one of the videos wouldn't play ("can't be found"). I LOVE the fact that HGTV is including the $500k to help pay taxes!! Do you happen to have any stats on how many of the previous dreamhome or greenhome winners have been able to keep the homes? I would love to know.
None have kept them long-term, but one (or maybe more) lived in the Dream Home for about a year or so.
Thanks Lessie,
I thinks it's wonderful that HGTV is really looking to help change that by adding the $500k to the prize. I would love to be the first to be able to remain in the home and maybe write a blog 18 months down the line about how great it is to STILL be living the dream!
MomK, if I won, I'd kee bloggers updated until HGTV started the 2011 Dream Home virtual tours. No one would be interested in yesterday's unfulfilled dream.
Keep reading, MOMK. I just happened to have posted some comments on Dream Home winners past, and how they came through the process to realize their own dreams as a result.
I ALWAYS read your comments DB–LOL. I know that winning and the eventual financial windfall are great dreams come true. I'm just really caught up in the dream of KEEPING this house, financial windfall or not.
Gotta keep getting the calculator out and running the numbers over and over again. No A/C, no problem; no privacy in the Casita, no problem; how far away is the store, no problem—I just dream of KEEPING the house!
You've got the right attitude MomK. "No problem" is the perfect answer for dreams.
I saw on Front Door Real Estate the 2008 Florida HGTV home for sale..Wish I could afford it but that would never happen. So I just pray and enter everyday. Would love to have this house.
Bobbie, lovelykitty gave a link earlier which showed the 2008 Florida Dream Home sold. Maybe it's on the market again. I lovethe water views.
Ok, so the 500,000 is not to have fun with and pay bills but it is to help with the taxes if you are poor and wanna try to keep the house. I told my daughter it wouldn't be worth it. We would cash out and by in the city thereby actually bettering our lives.
Ebony, since you are logged in here, you are more likely to get my answer about the playhouse, which I think you asked about. You can see it on the Back Patio tour and also there are a couple of pictures in the Back Patio photo gallery. Have fun exploring it with your daughter!
As requested- here is the link to the HGTV 2002 DH winner's interview:
http://www.hgtv.com/dream-home/a-winners-tale/ind…
It has a lot of great information- especially about the process.
Thanks, adisneyfamily.
Thanks adisneyfamily!! Great link! Really liked him encouraging people to get a tax consultant immediately. I see he thought about leasing out the house, and I know that I read somewhere else about the 2009 DH winner attempting to turn their house into a B&B but they couldn't get zoning approved. Some very creative ideas about trying to keep the DH. I don't think the HOA would allow a B&B in a gated community and I'm not sure that they allow leasing either. I agree with the 2002 winner though that I'd try to MAKE time to spend at least a little time living in the home before selling it if I couldn't afford to keep it.
Somewhere else I read that you will get an extra tax penalty if you sell the home without owning it for 2 years (maybe living in it that long)…so, my thought is have it two years and get the full feel for it. I know that we can swing it financially that long. After that we will either be so in love with it that we don't want to move or we will know what we are looking for in a house and be able to build one that we won't be making payments on (rather than making payments on a loan for the rest of the taxes for the next 30 years). But, I do definitely plan on enjoying the DH if I win it.
The tax penalty you are referring to would not apply. The current income tax laws allow one to exclude $500, 000 in capital gains on a house they lived in for two years. There would be no gains on this house unless you sold it for more than it is presently valued at – a highly unlikely proposition!
Good to know…not to mention the cash out option was verified in that article today; so, if someone was to take that then they would not be "selling". Thanks.
exactly correct Ed… you would not qualify for a 1031 exchange ………… The tax penalty deals with investors flipping properties….
Wouldn't that only apply to a capital gain? OMG, I need a tax consultant!
H_S, that's why I refuse to get sucked into the tax numbers. If I win, I'll consult a professional. Otherwise, numbers are not allowed in my dreams…UNLESS they enhance my bank account!
Thanks for the link. Very informative!
thanks so much for the information.
This is a really informative link, adisneyfamily, so I'm commenting to make it bump back to the top!
I hope my family wins this amazing home. It would be a blessing from god to win this home. We are a verry poor family and would love to win something.
Thanks,
Ellie Barron
Ellie, even if you don't win the home, you're blessed.
I love this house with a modern but comfortable setting everyday I dream of what my dream home would be and this house i can see my children living in, as i can see my family staying to visit watching the sun rise and set.
SO……..I encouraged my new friend, Lay Powell, to get a website and start a facebook so he could display his artwork…..and…guess what? Lay just created his facebook page this afternoon! I am so happy for him! Please go to his facebook page and you will be able to see more of his art and sculptures, many of which are for sale should any of you be interested. Wait til you see them!!!!! He just started this so make sure you keep checking back because he'll be adding more and more all of the time.
Anyway, I just want to confirm that I love my friends I have met through HGTV! Go Lay!!!!!
Living the Dream!
GREAT WORK, Lynn, as usual!
Way to GO LYNN!!!
I like the one that is shown "indoors."
I'm with H_S. My favorite is the one pictured "indoor" sculpture.
Thanks once again, Lynn, for moving this whole body of information about Lay Powell miles ahead of where we were only a few days ago.
LYNN, you are AWESOME!!! Thanks.
From the archives:
"While most of the HGTV Dream Home winners chose to sell the home and remain in their home states, Illinois native Don Cruz moved his family to Tyler, TX to take up residence in the 2005 home for a few years. California native Tina Carlson and her family maintained their Beaufort, SC 1998 Dream Home as a vacation retreat until 2005."
"All the winners who chose to sell their HGTV Dream Home have used winnings to fulfill their lifelong dreams. Mary Barker was building her future retirement home in east Texas when she won the 2000 HGTV Dream Home in Nehalem Point, OR and took early retirement. In 2001, Kathy Keadrick, a single mother and art teacher from Kansas City, Missouri, sold the home near Camden, Maine and now spends her time traveling to buy Native American art for her school."
And they all lived happily ever after…..
The Cruzes ended up with nothing after selling the house for well below market value and paying tax and back taxes. Pig headded ness isn't too smart.
"After winning the 2003 HGTV Dream Home in Mexico Beach, FL, John Groszkiewicz granted his wife's wish to be a stay-at-home mom who has time to volunteer at her children's school. Kathi Nakao, a retired state worker from Sacramento, CA who won the 2004 HGTV Dream Home on the coast of St. Mary's, GA, loved the home so much, that rather than uprooting her family to move in, she chose to sell it and renovate her existing home to resemble the one she won. Previous winners Donald Cook of Alum Creek, WV in 2006, Bob O'Neill of Johnson City, TN in 2007 and Stephanie Dee of Solon, Iowa in 2008, decided to sell the homes to finance their own dreams a little closer to friends and family. The 2009 HGTV Dream Home winners, Cheryl Smith and her husband Joe, chose to sell their Sonoma, CA Dream Home back to the developer, Mr. Steve Ledson, in order to stay close to their grown children and grandkids."
By the way, it seems that our well-known house planner, Jack Thomasson, has been involved in planning all of the HGTV Dream Homes except the very first one in Jackson Hole, WY in 1997.
Great information, Coop. By the way, we've been wondering your "kayak" status with all that lousy weather out there.
The home in Mexico Beach was one of my favorite!! I loved that home….
Thanks DB,
It does make me wonder though about Lessie's reply to my earlier question about stats on if anyone kept the dreamhomes.
And see? I did read your posts–LOL
Still Dreaming about keeping the Dream
PS, The heck with staying close to family–they can come visit and stay in the Casita—LOL
Now that's the right attitude, MOMK. You can always enjoy family and friends…long distance.
FYI: please verify all information by me. Why let the truth stand in the way of a good comment?
Thank you, Coop for the information about the owners of the HGTV Dream Homes of the past…very interesting to read.
Great summary Coop. Thanks.
Coop you are a well of information. How do you do that?
How do I do it, you ask? Years of focus, watching my back, and being prepared for all outcomes (aside from being incredibly lucky) has served me well more than a few times in my lifetime.
Plus, having the time to stay informed of all that interests me at home and abroad is the benefit of a generally low-stress life in retirement!
Which I think goes to show that dreamers don't always finish last!
Now, back to the joys of HGTV blog-land!
Like your comment Coop. There's more to a well-lived and fruitful retirement than losing interest in the world and doing NOTHING!
I am bummed that the Sonoma winners sold the home I truly loved that house and all it's green features. If I was to win a dream home, I would pack up the grandmas and let them live in the dream home all year and we would spend whatever days we could with them. The dream home looks like a perfect retreat, espec. since we have not had a real vacation in 18 years.
Thanks Coop for the wonderful information you are bringing to the forefront of my mind….I had forgotten about some of these stories! You're the best!
Living the Dream!
WOW, lots sell the home, I wouldnt do that, I would move in to it, We dont have a home so it would be great, but we do plan if we do win to donate some money, time, and our car not perfect car but a good car to a needy family as well… We know how it is to need help and cant get any… a lot of people do!! Thank you for this bit of info. Very intresting…
Utterly breathtaking! My mood immediately changed after watching the virtual tours. Every inch is divine! I love the turquoise accents and natural wood decor! Absolutely a dream…….I hope I'm the lucky one whose dream comes true ; )
Kellyn, HGTV provides excellent therapy – FREE! And you have the opportunity to win the home. Even better therapy.
Our family spent Christmas in Santa Fe a coupleof years ago and I have been dreaming of moving there ever since. My husband is an artist and he has spent a lot of time painting in the region and loving the landscapes! I am a soon to be retired educator and I love the serenity and diverse culture the southwest provides. The high desert is a magical place and one that intriques us very much. We are huge fans of HGTV and have followed this contest over the years, but winning this Dream Home would be our DREAM come true! Catherine Rosa, Gainesville, GA
I love this home. I live in Ohio and ready to move. HGTV you have out done yourself again. My fingers are crossed and I'm ready to go.
Thanks
I used to live in Ohio (Austintown, Canfield, Ashtabula), good luck, LLG!
Hi LLG I live in OHIO also Fairfield area. Good luck on winning.
I live in Cincinnati, & feel your pain!!!
Janice Vegas–check out LynnCoggins thread about DH home tours. It has a link to a local article that is VERY enlightening. It's NOT just about home tours for the DH!
Hi MamaK, I am going to check out the Lynn Coggins thread that you suggested. I have to get on it tomorrow as I am rewriting a script for an educational documentary, and I wanted to check back with my favorite addiction, this site, and new friends. I like the way you and Coop really analyze every phase of the project. Kid you not, every one of us would do the same at the winner's circle
The beautiful scenery would be an artist's dream. The house is beautiful and could be a great home. Can you be more explicit on the construction of the house itself? What kind of roof does it have?
Look at the following site for a video about the "Roof."
http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/pac_ctnt/text/0,2595,…
The site linked above has all of the scoop on the building and choosing process.
I am a 100% disabled Veteran and in a ele. wheelchair. Is the Dream Home handicap acc.? I would Love to win, but no need if I couldn't get around in it. It is a Dream Home for sure!
One blogger, last week (?) posted about how "wheelchair" friendly this home was.
It seems to have wide open spaces for a wheelchair, but you would need to get the bathtub and things retrofitted for anything you need as it is not handicap accesible in that aspect. Good luck!
Hi David,
Janice Vegas here, if you won you could have ramps built in areas of the house where there was a slight elevation. Although looking at the front elevation, and through the house you prob would not have many problems. Showers, countertops, the front entry could be considerations. My grandma lived with me years ago, and I redid an entire house so that she could navigate- most of the time faster than I did. Keep dreamin just like the rest of us.
Here's the link to the original article about the HGTV DH lawsuit that was refferred to in the link LynnCoggin posted about home tours.
http://albuquerque.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/st…
MOMK Are there any up dates on the lawsuit? It sounds like poor business, and greasy dealing.
Lynn's link is more up to date on the situation and more positive…just be sure, if you are the winner, to check the status of that out when deciding whether to keep the house or take the cash out option.
Thanks MomK.
I read on the message board , $410,000.00 has been deposited with the New Mexico courts, as of Jan. 11, 2010 the lien has been removed.
VERY interesting – had seen some mention earlier of this contractor's lien, so good to get the actual news article. This Campbell Ranch CEO appears to be a real putz. Thanks, MOMK, for posting.
If I were you I would read the article that Lynn posted which is an interview with the CEO of Campbell Ranch so that you have the other side of the story.
I agree with you adisneyfamily about checking out both articles. That's why I posted this other link. We're not there, not involved, so it's best we look at both sides.
Okay-my first time writing in a blog-EVER!
I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments and also love this house as much as the rest of you! I thought I was the only one obsessively looking at the videos and the photos as well as entering the contest daily. But to my surprise, I am one of the thousands of people who are on the site daily-dreaming of becoming a winner!
To Lessie (the nicest ad most devoted blogger on the site) if I win this home you and a guest are both invited to stay for a long weekend–you can stay in the casita!!
Welcome! I'm sure , Lessie will respond.
I think Lessie has quite a fan club as she has a true heart and wears it on her sleeve.
Welcome, CLP! Glad you joined our blogging community. You're going to love it here. Thanks for the offer to stay at the casita. I accept!
CLP, I had to meditate on your comment before responding. Thank you for your gracious comment, but it is too great an honor for me to accept. Why? I feel that each blogger brings something different and special to our community, and I appreciate and value them all. Besides that, we probably think alike and that's why you feel a kinship with me. There's certainly nothing wrong with that.
Look forward to reading your comments. Again, welcome to the blog!
Its one of the best houses I've seen yet on this show. I just love the great views it would be a great place to come home an relax.
It's my favorite so far too. I'm guessing you are Army by the name you have posted…the nearest Army bases are Fort Carson and Fort Bliss…6 & 4 hours away…just an fyi. Good luck!
Don't forget the Air Force bases close by. Kirtland AFB is in ABQ. and Hollman AFB is in Alamagrodo (3hrs south).
Oh yes- I know about the AFB and that's great for medical and benefits, but if an active duty Army wins and intends to keep it then they will be a weekend commuter…which I have talked with my husband (who is army) and he is willing to be a weekend commuter as with his job he'd be deployed a lot anyway. He said that the girls and I might as be somewhere where we are happy and he would try to get stationed as close as possible so that he can visit as often as possible when he is not deployed.
You're absolutely right, Spc Brian Wilmoth! We all love the views.
I seem to see new beautiful amenities every time I view the photos or videos. Everyone look at the Casito patio #6 photo of the miles of picturesque desert, what breathtaking scenery!!!!!!!!!! ; )
-Wow, to Monk's comment, I didn't think the federal taxes on a prize valued at that amount would be 30% or more, would this in fact be the case. I will research it, but I figured that was the reason for the substantial prize money. In any case I think HGTV or whoever set the MSRP is close to worth of the Dream House, as with all of them.
It's considered income…look at my post under the Shawl blog where I fully break it down and quote the IRS website.
Yeah, I figured a stated amount on a gift/prize would be considered income, but at the first of the year and that high of a percentage. Do you know we (Americans) pay roughly 46%, conducive of all taxes, if it keeps increasing we'll consider leisure time more valuable than working to just pay taxes, boy, the normal distribution (Gaussian) is getting close to the mean now, terrible.
-Thanks, I'll definitely check out your breakdown on the "Shawl."
Peace out!
Will check out photo 6 of the casita. Thanks.
Hi Terri1, MOMK (not Monk) here! As with all prize winnings, yes it is considered income. I know that if you win lottery prizes over $1M the Fed always takes 40% off the top to cover the taxes. Therefore if you win a $1M lottery prize you actually take home a check for $600,000. Then you figure your year end taxes and possibly get an overpayment refund, depending on your tax situation. The difference here is that housing market fluctuations could change the actual retail value of the home and the property it lies on making it worth more or less than the $1.5M it's currently quoted at. Since the market is currently down, taking the $1.5M cash option may be the more financially beneficial option.
I Just realized it was MOMK not Monk, "sorry," that's kinda funny though. Yes with the market down, the market value could be lower, but I think the added acreage is a factor to keep the 2 million mark. I didn't know any gift (income) over 1 million the IRS took exactly 40% before years end, wow. That is not counting the other taxes, and closing costs, bummer.
i hate to go against MOMK as she is an accountant, but when i checked teh IRS site before it said 25% should be withheld…i heard elsewhere (one of the posts as this has been covered before) that with this type of sweepstakes HGTV may not have to withhold the 25% (500k) off the top and therefore it would be tax time when you pay it all…guess it is a wait and see for the winner.
HGTV withholds nothing. You get a 1099 form and a tax bill for the entire ARV + the $500,000 unless they subsitutue cash then it's all the cash they give ($2,038,375). It's considered income and taxed at 35% federally. It depends on which state you dwell in as to the portion that goes to state income tax. Don't forget you need to add your personal income into this too for your total tax bill for 2011.
One way to lower the tax bill may be to get a certified home value appraisal from a realtor. The tax man may accept this and it may well be lower than the $1,500,000 ARV. Of course selling the house within the year will result in tax only on the ammount actually received from the sale. Don't try selling it for $1 to a relative though or a religious group. That will not work.
This beautiful home is breath taking!
Okay, I hope that I have not been working too hard. But, I thought that I saw a water feature in the video. It may have been a fountain that flashed before my eyes from some other location.
I have to wait until late at night to sit and watch the home over and over again. The kids all have to be in bed because they know the home better than I do. It is delightful to hear them talk about their favorite rooms in the home. The casita continues to be a favorite with our oldest daughter. She has always been very thoughtful of others (would love to have family close-grandparents). It's amazing when your children have souls that are so blessed with kindness and consideration for others. The laughs and kisses are the frosting on the cake.
Dream Big!!!!!!!!!!!!
i think it was wishful thinking…unfortunately no water feature. (or fortunately depending on how some have been talking)
Austin, seems like you have a great family. Continue to enjoy them! Where did you see the water feature. Maybe we can help you find it.
Austin, I've been loving your family since day one. Now you're teasing me about a water feature. When all the kids have gone to bed you are watching the Dream Home videos and pics over and over again. Is it possible you have fallen asleep and dreamed the water feature? Tell me more about the fountain that flashed before your eyes. Kindness is always a blessing. Wishing you much more laughter and joy.