I’ve had a few people ask for an update on the essay contest to own a farm in Howard, Ohio.
So, I went directly to the source of our comments on Thursday and haven’t heard anything back, but if I do, I’ll update everyone.
It had been a while since I visited the site, noticed they have added a few new photographs of the homes’ interior.
Some interesting new discussion points have been presented that make for an interesting discussion on this topic. In a recent Inman News question and answer section, Ilyce Glink was asked by a seller in Florida about using this method to sell their home. Her answer is one that echoes my concerns about this form of selling your home.
Unfortunately, selling a house by lottery is illegal in almost all states. Some states allow lotteries of homes, but these lotteries are generally organized by churches where the proceeds of the sale benefit the charitable organization.
I know that the state of Ohio allows for homes to be given “away” — the Blue Jackets and Dominion do so about every year — but the state makes it very difficult and the process is very cumbersome.
With only nine days until they’d hoped to wrap this project up, I really don’t know where they stand.
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Sadie Lynn is the Boxer of Toby Boyce, a REALTOR with Keller Williams Consultants Realty, and Mrs. Toby. Sadie has been hearing more than she can take about real estate and Delaware since Toby became an agent in July. So, she decided to take into her own hands and created this site to share her new knowledge. Enjoy, my take on Delaware, Ohio and real estate as a general. 
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To comment on the total count of entries. I live hear in Columbus Ohio and there was an article two days ago concerning the contest. The article did say that the contest would be extended and that there has only been a total of 90 entries. Not looking good.
Didn’t Tabitha state, on the other page, that they still needed 3800 more entries? That would mean they had more than 90…huh?
I thought there was at least 1000 entries however the paper interviewd Kimberly Compton and it said 90. ????? JO
I think there may have been a time lapse between when the interview with Kimberly Compton was done and the story ran.
Tabitha had said a while ago that it was going to be in the Dispatch. So, it is possible that the journalist never updated the numbers.
Or the “4,000″ could be a round number and they’ll do the drawing at a number closer to 3,900. Which would make both of them “factual”…
Is the property still going to be given to the one who wrote the best essay? at the end of February, or will they extend the deadline again.
I believe that the rules state that if the number of essay’s need to aren’t reached, they will split the funds raised with a winner.
Tammy is correct that if they don’t get enough they’ll split the proceeds. however nothing says they can’t continue to extend the deadline if they wish.
Hi guys – sorry to have been out of the loop for so long – my father passed away on 12/22/07 and the essay has been the last thing on my mind. ALL RULES ARE ON THE CONTEST WEBSITE – I’ve never seen a question on this blog that couldn’t be answered by reviewing the entire site. I don’t believe there is anything that says the contest couldn’t be extended again after February…just curious, what would you rather see happen? The winner at the end of February to receive 50% of the entry fees as a prize or for the contest to continue until the number of entries are reached?
Either way the winner would be a winner. I would take that money and buy the farm and finance the rest.
Tabitha: I’d rather have what ever is best for the family that currntly owns the property. I would love to have the farm, but do not want to see anyone put too far out of their way just to please me. The money would really please my family right now, but so would the property. Bottom line is, they need to do whats right for them. Either way someone will win something.
I agree that God is going to make it possible for one of his flock to have a dream home through this contest. I am one of many who loves the country, but I haven’t the cash to buy a farm outright. I discovered the contest by accident and immediately felt like my prayers were possibly going to be answered. I am not going to divulge my tales of woe, but I feel that even if I don’t win that means God is helping another believer and I helped by sending in my essay contributing to their winning. I truly believe that God will determine the winner of this essay contest. I have been praying for all of us essay writers that God makes it possible for one of his chosen to win. It is sad that the owners can’t reconcile their differences and keep their marriage together. The farm looks as though the owners did love it and thought of it as home and not just a piece of land. I think it commendable of them to want someone else to love and take care of their home. Good luck to all who are in dire need. I hope this farm goes to a family to love it even if it isn’t mine, as I know in my heart that this is trully a way for a desperate family to have their worthy prayer answered. God bless everyone.
Tammy and Lisa, you should exchange phone numbers via private email. It sounds like the two of you could become close friends. Tabitha, sorry about your loss.
Edna, I can’t grasp what your last entry is about. This contest should be bringing us all, hope, that dreams can come true, no animosity towards one another. I have no tales of woe, and you won’t hear anything negative come out of my mouth. Cheer Up, and God Bless.
Lisa
Edna, I agree with Lisa. I, too, am lost when trying to understand the meaning of your comment. Was that a comment in support of Lisa and I becoming friends or where you trying to hint that we are taking up far too much page space with our comments to each other? And I have tons of woes to tell but will spare you of having to sit through it all. I just love chatting with you all! This is the best and most friendly site I’ve ever been on! EVER! Hi Lisa. Hows the family today? Tabitha, I too am sorry to learn of your loss. May GOD bless you and your loved ones in your time of dispair.
I think Edna suggested private email as opposed to you putting your PHONE NUMBERS on the web. I don’t think Edna had any intention of slighting anyone. She sounded sincere.
As for the tales of woe, I’m sure we all have them, some are just choosing to share them with everybody and some of us are not.
I thought Edna sounded sincere but wasn’t sure. She has been posting the most kind and pleasent comments thoughout the thread. I was just wondering if she was asking me to stop taking up so much page space or not. The last thing I wan’t to do is offend anyone. And I don’t want to take up too much page space either. All you nice people are why I think this is the best and most friendly site ever! I love reading all the comments and questions posted and saying hi to y’all in the morning. So, Edna, if I am taking up to much space….just say so. Everyone should be able to enjoy this page, not just me. And people have to be very blunt with me or I’ll find what ever good I can in the comment and take the whole thing as supportiveness. (Did I spell that right?) Oh well, GOD bless you ALL and good morning to AL. One last thing. Some things that are typed don’t sound the same when read as they do when said. With that said…I meant this comment to be read as a happy, cheerful and possitive one. I am not being a smarty pants in this comment or the last one either.
Tabitha – I’m also sorry to hear about your loss, and know that I understand what you are going through. I’ve been told it gets better.
Everyone Else – Thanks for the great dialog on the site. I’ve had a lot of visitors and written a lot of posts on this blog; but this is my favorite collection because of the stories that people are telling and willing to share. Thanks for making this a vibrant site and I wish everyone of you where to win it.
Tabitha,
My mother died right before Christmas 12 years ago, So the Christmas Holidays are the most difficult for me. I am truly sorry for your loss, I will Keep you and your family in my prayers.
I do also like the friendliness of this blog. We are here to raise each other’s hopes up about the farm to be given to someone, if not that, let’s just raise each other’s hopes up about life itself.
Gotta Run, Good to see you back, Toby……..
I believe there is another home in Ohio being given away in an Essay Contest…see http://www.essaycontests.com.
I hope the farm in Howard finds a new family…sounds like all the entrants are excited and hopeful.
Looks like all the hype and excitement just died all a sudden. Well, I’m sure everyone is still hopeful. I thought I’d stop in and say hi to everyone and see what might be new.
I forgot to mention, Stephanie says to say hi for her also. So…Hi all!
I understand folks’ concern about people having to borrow funds to enter the contest and/or for a drive to look at the place.
There are some hard-core realities to winning a contest like this,
While there is indeed equity in the farm, there’s a matter of paying the taxes. Even if you are able to get an equity loan to pay the taxes, you still have to have a source of income to pay those taxes. And while the farm may be beautiful, that beauty takes a heap of work to maintain.
If you have no means of paying for an entry fee or gasoline, how can you afford to service a mortgage and maintain the farm?
I don’t think people were being harsh at all, they’re just pointing out the reality of the situation.
A lady has posted some information, on the other page, about the contest. She said the owners have decided to split the monies, raised through the contest fee’s, with a winner within the next thirty days. She said it is going to be about eight thousand dollars or so. That’s a pretty big chunk of money. Well, if that’s what the owners are doing, who ever wins will have the money to cover the taxes. They can put it away when they cash their winnings in at the bank. Good luck to everyone that has entered the contest!
If you are the winner, and you had to barrow the money to enter, I hope you paid them back already. Once they find out you won cash, they may be looking for some interest on the loan. So be quick, pay it back now (if you haven‘t already)! Before they find out, lol
Here’s the link to the other page for those of you that do not already have it: http://www.delawareohrealestate.com/2007/09/06/write-an-essay-win-a-house-in-howard-ohio/
I was searching for homes for sale in Howard, Ohio and came across this website/chain of blogs. I was born and raised in the Howard area and was curious to see what I could find out about this property. There is a Knox County Auditors website that anyone can view which shows detail information about any property. Here is the link…. http://www.knoxcountyauditor.org/Data.aspx?ParcelID=21-00328.001 I hate to burst you all’s bubble, however it appears this may have been a scam. From this website you will be able to observe that the current owners of the 11105 Hill Rd address are still the original owners (COMPTON MICHAEL V & KIMBERLY G) and have been since 1998. If there was a contest winner there has been no property deed transfer or sale transaction through the county auditors office. What a shame….totally sad what people are capable of doing to other people. Lord Forgive us all.
My apologies! After reading more blogs from an attached site it looks like there was a cash reward and the house did not sell. Please forgive my previous harsh words….next time I should mind my own business, eh. Lord forgive me.
Observer – Don’t worry. At least you were mature enough to admit you hadn’t read the entire post. Have a wonderful day! – Toby
OBSERVER: please go to the official contest website for accurate information – people get a little hot under the collar in this blog and there isn’t room for speculation
Tammy, and Lisa, I did not intend to come across that you were taking up too much space. I have enjoyed reading everyone’s voices on here. I felt that you were destined to meet on here and become friends. Exchanging numbers privately in email to talk to each other one on one was my intent. Sharing and caring as kindred souls. Edna
Hello again, I hope that I have not offended anyone on here with any of my comments. I have felt enriched by sharing in these posts on here with all of you wonderful writers. Somehow, I have felt connected in these dialogs from everyone. God bless each of you. I am very grateful for his blessings to me, and pray he blesses everyone else more. Thanks Edna