MADISON, Maine (WABI) – For many, owning your own home is a life-long goal. In just 500 words, that dream can come true.
An essay contest began last week with the winner getting a duplex in Madison.
Why you would want an income property, how you would manage it, and why it would change your life?
Answer those questions along with $125 and a home could be yours.
“We know that rent is very high,” answered current owner Stefanie Jones. “People are struggling to pay $1600 rents and whatnot. So, to win an income property for $125 and have that money in your pocket, it’s awesome.”
Jones and her husband tried for over a year to sell the home. She said with a saturated market, it just wasn’t moving, and it was time to think outside of the box.
“We specifically want to do something to give back to the community,” added Jones. “We are settled and good in our life, and it is, it’s an opportunity to give back to the community, if we can.”
All you need to do to enter the contest is write an essay of 500 to 550 words by Nov. 30 with an entry fee of $125.
10 judges not related to Jones will determine the winner who will receive the two-studio unit building that comes with shed space and one-third of an acre.
She has an idea on who she wants to see call it home.
“I would love someone that might not have the opportunity for home ownership to win,” responded Jones. “Maybe it’s a single mom struggling with kids, maybe it’s a renter in low-income housing, maybe it’s somebody that just might not have the funds right now to be a homeowner, but would love to be a homeowner.”
Jones says it’s that title of homeowner that so many work toward and one could get by answering a few questions in an essay.
“I mean home ownership is everything,” commented Jones. “You’re not putting money in a landlord’s pocket anymore, you are doing things for yourself.”
A link to apply or learn more about the contest can be found at this link.
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