PAHOA, HAWAII: Sheri Smith and John Williams, a couple from California, who now live in Hawaii, have come up with a unique, pro-active way to “sell” their one-of-a-kind 1,300 square-foot custom, never-before-lived-in home in a depressed real estate market - they are offering it as the grand prize in an essay contest.
Smith and Williams, as http://www.WinHawaiianHome.com llc, are sponsoring Essay 101, a contest of skill, where anyone (21 years old or older) can write a short essay (101 words or less) and, for a $101 entry fee, get a chance to win a brand new, custom home on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The contest is open worldwide, however essays must be submitted in English, and must be the entrant’s original work. 101 finalists will be chosen and then judged by community leaders.
This home (affectionately called the “Sweetheart Cottage” due to its many design details) was built by Williams, a local builder, with the goal of selling it immediately and using the proceeds to finish construction of his castle ( http://www.CastleInHawaii.com/), a future vacation rental or bed and breakfast.
Due to the recession, real estate sales are down and thus, this fun and exciting vehicle was created. Contest entries will be made online at www.WinHawaiianHome.com, although postal mail entries will also be accepted. Local schools in Puna to benefit by donation from the sponsor.
Essay 102 is in the works (with two spectacular homes to choose from) and they hope to write an e-book to share their method with others to try to turn around the economy, one house at a time. (Smith is the step-daughter of Don Cherry http://doncherry.us)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE
Covered on local KGMB TV morning news show SUNRISE:
http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/13118/108
Women Entrepreneur:
http://www.womenentrepreneur.com/2009/03/couple-find-unique-way-to-fund-bb.html
