One couple in Colorado has chosen to offer their home on the market, not in the traditional sense, but in an essay contest. To enter, this contest does have a one hundred dollar entry fee, which would only be refunded if the contest does not reach the allotted amount of 2,000 entries by the contest end date of May 25, 2008.

Located near four area lakes, the home sits at 33 Walela Lane, in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. It comes with four bedrooms, two baths, about 1/4 acre of property, and major appliances included. The home's value is stated to be close to two hundred thousand dollars on the contest website, though in an interview on the "Today" show with the home-owners, the amount was closer to one hundred and seventy-four thousand. Either way, well worth the entry fee for the cost of this home, though with some reservations.

The guidelines for essays are quite loose, and somewhat vague, though this leaves plenty of room for personal creativity. There is no required subject, this is left to the entrants imagination, with the only real guideline from the rules listed on the contest's webpage being that the essay must be five hundred words or less. Though there will be an independent judging panel consisting of from five to nine judges who will judge the essays, there is no indication of who those judges may be, though it is stated that they will not be related to the owners.

Upon request, I was provided with the following judging criteria, though met with a refusal of any information on the judges panel:

1. Adhere to structure: 500 words or less
2. Creative Content
3. Standard Usage
4. Authenticity

Though this concept is a great way to win this house, the couple seems very nice, and it would be a great value, with the cost of entry and the lack of information on who the judging panel might be, readers might be best to use their own discretion in choosing whether to enter or not. However, should you wish to go ahead and try your luck, send your one hundred dollar entry fee (in U.S. dollars) in the form of a cashier's check or money order along with your essay to:

Colorado Home Essay Contest
P.O. Box 436
Fort Collins, Colorado 80522

Find out more HERE