Mar
3
We Picked the Winner
This morning, in a drawing held at a local fullfillment house, HGTV president Jim Samples randomly selected — from almost 80 million entries — the winner of the HGTV Dream Home 2011 Giveaway. His response when he saw the location? “Wow, I’ve never been there.”
For a refresher on how we choose the winner, please watch our Super Fan’s informative video.
Excited? Think it might be you? Only time will tell!
Well that lets me out – they built one of the Dream Homes in MD – I am sure he has visited MD before.
Well, I don't think he has ever been to Arkansas or my little town. I am not giving up on the dream till Monday the 14th. Then I will just have to find a new one if my family is not the winner. =)
You know that they already announced the winner, don't you? Look at the most recent blog and you'll get all of the information. A beautiful family from Hinsdale, Illinois, won this year's dream home.
OMG….i really hope its me!!!!
God Bless the winner!!!!
This is soooo intense
i wonder if there's a possibility that jim has never been to cali… hmmmm LOL!
Here's hoping.
Well, maybe it depends on where in Cali, Teal81. I know he's been to Sonoma.
I wonder if he has ever been to Wyoming ??????
Yeah, could be, or maybe he has not been to St Pauls, NC!!!! Whereever he has never been, somebody will be so very happy, as the home is extremely awesome….
I am anticipating the balloons at the door! I wonder if Jim Samples has been to Oregon! It feels like waiting for the Lord to return….anticipating the day. I will also cheer with the winner if it is not me. What a gorgeous place to live. I love all the windows and the view — a taste of heaven on earth! I wonder when they will appear at someone's door? A-N-T-I-C-I-P-A-T-I-O-N………WINNER!!
I dont know why but I really think it's Cape Cod Mass! Hope so!
I hope he has never been to Southwest, VA. I am originally from NH and have wanted to move back to the area for many years now. This would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me and my family… I hope and pray I won:Ps. Of course, I will keep the house as a my primary residence…
Wow how exciting!!!!:D Almost 80 million entries thats alot of dreaming.Thanks HGTV!! Mr. Jim Samples always keeps us guessing!
I agree – How exciting!!! I think Mr. Jim Samples had chose this saying to keep us guessing. Who knows if he is being sarcastic or factual? Either way – it keeps all of our dreams alive!
I second that motion! If Mr. Jim Samples has never been to California before, what's been keeping him? As a matter of fact, if he'd like to send the Surprise Dream Team, led by Monica Pedersen, they're sure to enjoy the mid-70's temps that we're enjoying now. Come on down!
Do we know if he is holding a ball or an actual piece of paper with a name on it? I can not tell! I only entered online, so here's hoping it was a virtual bin!
WOW!!! Only a little more waiting to see who wins. It is fun looking at Mr. Samples with the ball for the chosen bin. Lots of enteries but it just takes 1 to win like with the HGTV Oasis giveaway. Good luck to ALL!!!
You've got the right attitude, AZPeaks! Good for you!
I'm going to throw a wrench into this and say maybe he was being sarcastic (like he's been there many many times). Hey, you never know… HGTV has a habit of throwing us curve balls…
It definitely would be in the tone and inflection which we don't have right now, Muchomacho. So
that could be a possibility, too! I'm happy the winner has been selected. I'm having a thumbs up
party for all of the bloggers today!
That's a great way to keep everyone excited, Deerspring. Think I'll join you.
If that's the case, maybe it's Knoxville, Tennessee. ???
Are you in Knoxville, TN, DHWinner? If so, no problem. Maybe he's simply saying he's never been on YOUR STREET.
Now that's a very depressing thought.
im thinking the same way. i posted it wolla go. im figuring georgia.
The hint is so much fun. This is how I choose to read it. So you’re coming to little Flagstaff, AZ!!!!
Hoping he was just being sarcastic or joking – since they built one of the dream homes on MD’s Eastern Shore, I am sure he has been to MD before….
The excitement…Anticipation.AHHHH
I am praying and claiming every day that my wonderful GOD will bless my family with this chance at something new and bless me so that I may bless others in my life that so deserve a break in these hardest of times. If I do win it will not be luck, only the grace of GOD.
this is it I’m so scared I really love the house and the tour was amazung we stayed at the ski log three mintues from the dream home and the people we met were so nice the winner is so lucky
Has anyone kept track of Mr. Samples' travels over the past few decades? If so, let us know which states he HAS traveled to before. We'll try and figure it out from there. ^_^
Is it too late to become best friends with Mr. Samples' secretary, Coop? I'm sure she knows the answer to your question.
I suppose we can rule out the last 14 dream home places, unless as someone stated above, that was a sarcastic comment. I hope not, because if he's being sarcastic then that means he won't be coming to me.
Along those lines, heiditoad, remember that Mr. Samples has only been with HGTV, as company president, since October 2007. That means, at most, he will have been to the Florida, California, New Mexico and Vermont Dream Homes, along with the Green Homes.
However, since we are now talking about "location," it's possible that every state is still in play.
I'm glad that he wasn't there at the start, since the first Dream Home was in Jackson Hole. Maybe I'm still in the running!
Of course you're still in the running Wyo_Girl. We all are!
Last year I remember more pictures of the drawing so I ask… Mary could you please share them if you have them? I don't want this excitement to go away!!! Thanks for all that you do for us bloggers!!
wvstorm……Not 80 million people….80 million entries. I know I alone have more then 20 entries. FEEL A LITTLE BETTER EVERYBODY ? **** Good Luck Everyone
I know 1498 entries were mine! (1300 handwritten ones + the 98 online entries)
good point! Thanks!
Not really, Debbielee27 because he's been to my state.
Oh, don't get discouraged Lessie. I really don't think he was referring to the State
Good Morning to all…. When he said " Wow I have never been there." Just maybe he was talking about the city not the state. So I am guessing he has never been here to Lake Elsinore, Ca
i'm hoping he's never been to san diego
right on Wendy!!! hope it's the city that he had never gone before for not the state!
Good response, WendyB. Hope you're right.
I think he was talking about the city/town, or maybe something else?
OOOkkkkk! I'm now convinced DBCoop is the man or the women with the inside scoop!! I kinda missed your blogs yesterday. Where were you Coop?? I didn't go back to look at your formula for figuring out how many total entries were submitted; however, I believe you were pretty much on the money!! You're either a genius or like I mentioned above in so many words…A secret agent blogger****DBCoop****…007? B)
Hi Lucyourdog. Mr. D B Coop here on the line. As for my formula for figuring out the number of entries, I'm going to have to go back and see where I went wrong. Must have been a number or mathematical calculation out of sequence, because my answer was off by 3,017 entries. Oh well, it could have been those last minute mail-in arrivals that threw off my final estimate of 76,543,210.
lol, i'm glad you clarified one question for me…Mr DBCoop!
Look 007 Coop, you are too much! Off by 3,017. You gotta be kidding. I like round numbers, so I never would have GUESSED the exact number.
Sorry I got the number wrong. That is still a lot of people. And a lot of dreams. Good Luck.
Melly1979 after reviewing the informative video by Superfan Gail what I gathered was that all bins—online or mail-in—– is assigned a numbered ball. They pull a ball and then go to the mail bin or computer based on the number on the ball. If it is a mail bin they blindfold someone and have them choose from the pile if it is online bin they hit the spacebar to get the name of the lucky winner. Hope this helps:)
Good morning! I had a feeling this would be the day they would do the drawing! Just to change things up and leave us hanging!!! Did you notice the balloon colors? I see Lessie's red, my green…..there were others…….sorry, I don't remember…..if you see your color let us know!
Now we can all start jumping every time the phone rings, someone comes to the door, or if we see strange cars/vans in the neighborhood!
Don't forget to keep your cell charged!
As to the location…….we've been there before….I'd still like to say, Washington is kind of out of the way……
Happy dreaming everyone!
Maine is opposite of Washington? But then again HGTV has been to Campden, ME? Anyone else feel like their over thinking this thing?
Are you displaying balloons, Lucyourdog? As soon as I get a copy of Jim Samples' travel schedule, I'll let you know.
Lessie, have you found that schedule yet?
I haven't found his schedule yet, CeeJoy. Kinda busy this week and haven't gotten around to looking up his travels. Matthew did some great research on Jim Samples and also listed some states he has been in. Have you read Matthew's research?
I'm sure we over analyze everything! Fun isn't it???
I'd say Washington is out of the way, CeeJoy, especially from HGTV headquarters. So keep hoping and dreaming!!!!
I'm still in the dreaming mode!
Good…..dream on!!!
has he ever been to connecticut ?. well if it is talking about the town …. hes def never been to mine ! this gives me hopee ! please keep me updated !
There has been a lot of speculation as to where Jim Samples has or hasn't been……there is quite a list on the next blog. You might want to check it out! Keep dreaming……..it's still several days before HGTV reveals the winner!
I know . I keep remembering to dream big ! I wanted to tour the dream home on March 12 , but I just remembered "they ambush the winner that day . i guess ill tour it another day or wait until i win it to see it !"
As you can see , i'm a little girl with big hopes and dreams ! good luck to you
Who knows where Mr. Samples has or has not been? Is he telling the truth or being sarcastic? If he is straight up, then I suppose the winner is not from the states of past winners, so Florida, Iowa, Tennessee, West Virginia, Illinois, Texas, Missouri, California, oklahoma, and Pennsylvania are all out. Unfortunately, that includes me from Illinois. Best of luck anyone from North Dakota and any other state not listed here or on Mr. Samples past travels.
I don't think he goes to the Winners home or home state. Maybe I'm wrong.
As far as I've seen in past giveaways, he (or whoever was the president of hgtv) normally met the winner during their winner's weekend at the Dream home, but each giveaway has been a little different so its hard to be sure.
Correction, dmurph41. You left out Maryland. In fact, past Dream Homes have been in:
2010 – Sandia Park, NM
2009 – Sonoma, CA
2008 – Islamorada, FL
2007 – Winter Park, CO
2006 – Lake Lure, NC
2005 – Tyler, TX
2004 – st. Mary's, GA
2003 – Mexico Beach, FL
2002 – Sherwood, MD
2001 – Camden, ME
2000 – Nehalem, OR
1999 – Rosemary Beach, FL
1998 – Beaufort, SC
1997 – Jackson Hole, WY
NEWS FLASH! Jim Samples has only been with HGTV since October 2007!
they sure like florida dont they!
Can't blame them, Becky. I like Florida too!
has anyone figured out if hes been to connecticut ?
Did you notice that the mail bins don't seem as full this year? I wonder if there were just more bins this year? Sometimes we can see more numbers on the bins…….more picture's please!
Oh my, I just noticed all of the bins stored up high……that certainly looks like more bins!!!
If you look close you can see he is standing in front of bin #4 because to the left the bin says 3 and to the right it says 5. I doubt if that means anything though. Also I really think that he is talking about the city or town, not the State. It is easy to find out where he has been. I have already checked it out and found out quite a few places. I only mentioned just one above in a reply, and thought…I really don't want to ruin anyones hopes. Good Luck To EVERYONE
Sometimes they show us a picture with higher numbers on the bins….a wide angle floor shot. I would love it if a mail in entry wins…..only because this is the first year I mailed an entry, and not just entered online!
CeeJoy, the only way I would love it if a mail-in entry wins is if the mail-in entry is me. Otherwise, I'm just happy for the winner!
LOL Lessie! Just think, IF it is a mail in entry……next year the mail-in entries will out number the online entries! The Postal Service would love that!
CeeJoy, if a mail-in entry wins, post office employees will NOT be laid off! They will probably advertise for all HGTV giveaways!
We'll never know all the places Jim Samples has or has not been, Debbielee27. As long as he hasn't been to YOUR place, it's a place he hasn't been before.
There is a very good chance that if Mr. Samples has been to Washington, he's still never heard of my town!
CeeJoy, as far as I'm concerned, Jim Samples will get "ROASTED" at Alice's Restaurant and I think I'm the perfect person to do it since I only share "gossip" which may or may not be true!
I did not mail any this year:( So the mail bins are shorter by approximately 2,500 that I used to mail) Couldn't afford the big postage bill this year….
Look t it this way, AlaskaHGTVFan. Jim Samples hasn't been to Alaska. So you're still in the running!
2,500 mail entries?!! 2011 could be your best year ever.
I'm sure those of us that had never entered by mail before met or exceeded your 2,500! Chin up……the online entries seem to be the winners!:D
I'm going to go with the most optimistic interpretation that other bloggers have expressed, and that is that Mr. Jim Samples' comment, "Wow, I've never been there before" was a reference to a well-known town (by name and reputation) in a popular state. He may certainly have been to the state before, simply not that particular town. And there I will rest my hopes!!!
i think i'll rest my hopes there too! i actually live in a suburb of san diego– chula vista. so, we'll see!
Been to Chula Vista many times. I used to live in Ramona.
Teal81, CeeJoy, Coop, even EdinOregon, all these Californians (or former Californians) sticking together. What's up with that? Y'all trying to make this a West Coast vs East Coast thing or a California against all the other states thing?
Since most of the pas winners have been from the East Coast or the MidWest, I think it is only fair that the Best Coast gets the nod this year Lessie! ^_^
Best Coast?! Gee Ed, I didn't know I was surrounded by water! If you're referring to America's western border, I guess it's ok if a West Coaster wins! Especially if they're a blogger!!!!
If that's so Coop, that's two strikes against me. He's been to Maryland and my city is not a well known city. To enjoy the rest of the Dream Home journey, I'll be realistic and take myself out of the running. Instead I'll cheer for the winner.
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA!!!!
I think maybe Vermont, but somewhere else beside Stowe.
It COULD be for a mail-in entry, Melly1979. However, the bin balls are used for both physical AND "virtual" (computer) bins, so whether the winning name was chosen from a mail-in entry or computer generated entry is still an unknown at this point.
Please never have been to Oregon! Please never have been to Oregon! Please never have been to Oregon! Please never have been to Oregon! Please never have been to Oregon!
they do have a dream home in Oregon but maybe Mr. Samples has never been to Oregon!
True, but that was in 2000 and Mr. Samples started with HGTV in 2007
What?!!! Jim started with HGTV in 2007?!! Are you trying to make me happy, Ckhjjohnson? if so, you've done a very good job. It seems that the great state of Maryland in back in the running!
Thats what I meant.
I'll vote for Oregon. Especially if it's Albany Oregon! ^_^
I am in Clackamas, OR (near Portland) so we aren't too far apart! Good luck
And good luck to you too! ^_^
Too funny Ckhjjohnson.
What she said! Goooooooo Tigard!!!!
I'm with you but I'm chanting Michigan!
MICHIGAN! LINDEN, MICHIGAN!
Melly1979, you could be right! It looks like a bin ball! Last year he was looking at the computer! Time will tell………..maybe it paid off to send in some post cards.
Anyone out there NOT send a mail in entry??
Hi CeeJoy-
I just entered online this time. I think Jim Samples stood there so he could be photographed under the sign that said how many entered.
I wonder if Jim has ever held the ball like that before? It caused me to immediately think "mail in!"
How can you choose mail in or computer, then it wouldn't be random right? I guess I don't understand how it all works.
Watch Gail's video and it explains it all. It's linked above in Mary's introduction, under "Super Fan's informative video." It really IS informative and will answer your questions.
I'm guessing that Mr Samples has NEVER been to Susanville, CA in the northern Sierras where is it cold & snowy.
Fingers crossed……love HGTV
Uh ohhhh, I’m going to be out of town that day! If you need me, Mr. Samples, I’ll be at my mother-in-law’s home in Kansas City, MO. Just FYI ;-}
After taking the refresher course from the informative video by superfan Gail I gathered that it is still up in the air about if the entry was pulled from a mail-in entry or online. What do you think???
Well..if it was a mail in entry, it would be a virtual bin..wouldn't it? That's the confusing part..I think I need to watch the video again.. :S
The ball picking is just the first part to determine a bin # either real or virtual. They're not going to give away the info on whether its mailed in or online at this time. On the night of March 19th, yes.
I agree with you Dreamgirl03.
Do you think he's ever been to NH??? Please let it be NH!!
I don't think he's been to New Hampshire, Dreamhomefan. You're still in the running!
Here's to hope. I'll bet he's never been to Stockton, CA.
Even I have been to Stockton and I don't travel all that much. Wish you luck tho.
I haven't been to Stockton, CA and neither has Jim, at least that's what I heard at Alice's Restaurant. In fact, I've heard a lot of things about Jim Samples. Will share them as soon as I run them by Alice.
Go as Alice when she's 10 feet tall? Well I'm glad to hear that Jim has never been to Stockton…. gives me hope Lessie.
Alicesoneysmom is Alice, Audwanna. She's in Seattle. Have you heard that Jim Samples has a crush on Alice? Whenever he's in Stowe, he orders from her restaurant because he loves her fleet of cars. Personally, I think it's just a way for him to get close to her.
Alice found this link on the back of a bill he used to pay for his order.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qaq-htCmfUQ
Regarding Mr. Sample’s comment, if he was simply making a statement of fact, we would have to rule out any states where HGTV had homes built. I’m willing to bet that the winner is from Puerto Rico or Hawaii.
Remember they pick a ball for both mail in or internet. All entries are grouped into bins or virtual bins and assigned a number. They put all numbers on balls and pick from them. So there is no way to know if it's bin or virtual at the moment. Could be anyone still! Can't wait to find out.
theranchco there is one way available at the consent of Mary of course… and that's by viewing more pictures of the drawing!!!
She did mention that "Last Year" the president got to hit the space bar on the computer to draw the name. I bet this year the entry was a mailed in entry. I am bummed I only entered via the internet.
There has been a Green Home in MA, so I'm guessing Mr. Samples has been to Massachusetts. I'm still dreaming anyway. I know there is a blogger from Alaska, maybe the least likely state that Jim Samples has been to. Well, we'll all know real soon. Good luck everyone.
I think Mr. Samples goes to the home on Winner's Weekend to turn over the keys to the winner, so that would mean he's been to MA.
I am praying for my family that it is me. It would be a blessing for sure and such a wonderful place to live! My heart gas been in the mountains for so long and would be a dream come true!
I really hope that he's never been to Connecticut!!!! GOOD LUCK EVERY ONE NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE!!!!
Well, I might be trying to psyche myself up. I live in Atlanta and I'm pretty sure Mr. Samples has been here, as so many HGTV shows are produced here. Here's hoping he's a little sarcastic!
Until March 12th, please consider yourself still in the running Muchomacho. Don't stop dreaming now.
Keep in mind that the bin ball can represent EITHER a mail-in OR a "virtual" (computer) bin. Selecting the bin ball is the first step in the process. The number on the bin ball tells whether to then choose a winner from a particular mail-in entry bin, or go to the computer and randomly select from one of the virtual online entry bins.
From the looks of it, the bin ball seems to be lettered with a higher number. That would indicate a virtual bin. Only a few people know for sure at this point.
You crack me up! Are you sitting there holding a magnifying glass up to the computer screen? **Running to get magnifying glass**
Ever see the movie No Way Out with Kevin Costner and Madeline Stowe (ironic last name, huh?)?? Anyway, the agents wait forever for a magnified view of this photo with her and Costner so they can identify the "mystery man" and go after him. Really great movie…highly recommend it if you like espionage types of films. This whole exchange reminded me of that scene! LOL
We need more pics from Mary!! C'mon give us hint.
Darnit! Considering last year's winner was in New Orleans, LA … it seems unlikely he hasn't been there yet. Or perhaps he was being a tad bit sarcastic, lol. Who knows! The suspense is killing me
Is anyone else shocked at the number of entries by the way? Nearly double the amount of last years! Geez.
Thinking of this is making me procrastinate! Lol, I need to get back to work. See ya everyone. Keep your fingers crossed.
Since people could enter twice a day online (once at frontdoor.com, once at hgtv.com) I'm not at all surprised to see the number nearly doubled since most entries come in that way.
Ah, so I'm guessing they added the whole "2 entries per day" thing this year? I use to enter this a few years ago but stopped, so I can't remember how it was done in the past.
The two entries a day is new this year Calculators and so is the cash option vs the house. I really thought there would be over 90 million entries. I was surprised it was "only" 76 million and some.
It would be nice to know the state that the winner lives in!!!!! OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH the anticipation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i personally wouldnt wanna no just because then i'll become really excited or really dissapointed. im fine the way i am just hoping its me
but wat ever floats ur boat 
The WOW in his comment makes me nervous. Is it a weird far away place? Like WOW never heard of that place before. If he just said I've never been there before, I would be more at ease, but the WOW is throwing me off. What does everyone else think?
How about the State of Anticipation? Or High Anxiety? Which is where millions of HGTV fans across the country are hanging out right now!
By the way, if I'm the lucky Dream Home winner, HGTV, just leave a message on my voicemail. I'll get back to you as soon as I can clear my schedule…which should take me two or three seconds at most.
haha
DB, Im not sure they are going to call you first , or do they ? I thought they ambush us by surprise ??? lol
Coop knows that they often call ahead of time to make sure you will be there on the day they do the ambush. They tell you that you're a "finalist", but I think they only tell that person. Otherwise, it would be so cruel to the others who cleaned the house and waited around all day, wouldn't it?
This is as much as they'll give away publicly until the television special airs.
How many entries came in and that the drawing event occurred.
The ball could represent either method of entry depending on the number it is.
The greenhome giveaway teaser quote was that the state "was interesting." (New York, where the urban oasis was being done, the blog cabin was being done, and where he's said in the past he'd like to see more market share when they had a dream home interiors display in New York City.)
I'd be completely surprised if he hasn't been to the state listed on my entries….
"I'd be completely surprised if he hasn't been to the state listed on my entries…." Does that mean you're still dreaming, Dreamn_again?
Okay I tried to stay away and live my life as normally as possible once the entering was finished. Obviously, I couldn't help myself from taking one last peek! Wow!! I just watched the video from Gail on how the winner is picked and read some entries. Way too exciting and nerve-wrecking all at the same time!! Here's to all of us with our fingers and toes crossed!!!!
Hey there Deerspring! I knew that some of you would be chuckling when you "saw" me again!
I do so love this home!!! I have missed Stowe since the day we left! It's just all so exciting and emotional!! I have planned some projects to be done around our house beginning in a few weeks in the event we don't win. I'm trying to stay optimistic, but I have to be pragmatic at the same time and get things done around here. If we don't win, we are planning to put our house on the market, and as Sabrina Soto would say from Get It Sold, new homeowners do not want to inherit unfinished projects! 
How have YOU been??
If the DH for next year is not a New England home where I can try again and still be close to family, I won't be entering- but, I promise to still blog with you!! You've made this whole experience so much fun…especially for a rookie DH contestant and blogger!
You're so right!! I will do that if they don't knock on my door next week! Thanks for reminding me about that option!
I hope you still enter next year. It's perfectly OK to take the cash option or sell the house if it's not in your favorite location. Then you could buy a home in Vermont after all!
Aloha…sorry I won they already called me….;););););)
Jim has only been with HGTV since 2007, so if he does attend every Winner's Weekend at the Dream Homes, that would only have been DH2007 (maybe), '08, '09 and DH2010. So don't rule out all the states that have been home to previous Dream Homes, if he was indeed serious. If he was being sarcastic, maybe it's someone from his hometown of Atlanta. I'm still not giving up hope!
Also…"location" means City and State..not just State..
Very good point msadditude!!
Something to think about!!
Melly1979, If that is the case. I wonder why she changed the wording?
For many a hopeful blogger, our best hope is that she copy/pasted from the previously used and approved Greenhome giveaway announcement text and accidently forgot to change "state" to "location" in the editing.
For the pessimists, in the crowd, the idea that the complaints that "it sure didn't sound like their state or puerto rico" was likely to have been included in describing where the winning entry was from, caused her to change the text, so they can stop whining and still imagine they're the winners up to the official announcement on March 19th when the television special is aired.
He also attended the GH 2008, 2009, and 2010. I looked up the GH text and he said something to the effect that "Now that's interesting". I think he was referring to the winner's husband's name Kermit, living in a green house.