Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is this for real? What's the catch? Why are you doing this?
A. This is 100% for real. No catch. We are doing this to be able to achieve our goals in a horrible economy. By offering the home in this skill contest, the owners of the home will be able to repay loans, finish the Castle and at the same time help our future (our local schools) in the process AND offer a home to someone who might not otherwise be able to acquire one. It's a win-win scenario for all involved.
Q. Who picks the winner? How will you make sure the contest is fair?
A. The contest is supervised by legal counsel. The sponsor (WinHawaiianHome.com, LLC) guarantees that every single essay will be read and evaluated individually before the top 101 entries are selected as finalists. A panel of three impartial judges will each pick their top ten winner(s). Then the judges will pick a grand prize winner, second place and third place winner. The names of the judges, all of whom are well-educated, will be kept anonymous. None of the judges are related in any way to the sponsor. Decisions of the judges will be final. During the judging process, no information that would identify the author will appear with the essays presented to the panel. The finalists and winners will be chosen objectively by the judges, evaluating the essays on thought, creativity and sincerity. No entry will be randomly chosen under any conditions. The contest will be conducted with integrity during every phase.
Q. What is the deadline and how do I enter?
A. The contest period begins December 1, 2008 and ends May 1, 2009.
THE CONTEST WILL BE CLOSED AS SOON AS THE TARGET NUMBER OF 6,000 ENTRIES IS REACHED - We suggest you enter as early as possible.
Q. What if enough people don't enter?
A. If not enough entries are received by the deadline, the contest may be extended up to 101 more days. Notification will be posted on the website WinHawaiianHome.com. We don't anticipate that happening, but if the target number of entries (6,000)
are not received by 101 days after 5/1/09, the rules have a contingency plan whereby CASH prizes will be awarded. Besides three top cash prizes, depending on the actual number of entries, there may also be 101 finalist prizes. PLEASE READ THE CONTEST RULES carefully before entering.
Q. What kind of deed and title will be conveyed to the winner?
A. The title will be conveyed via a warranty deed. An Owner's Title Insurance Policy will be provided on the property to the winner to ensure a clear and legal transfer of title.
Q. Can I "snail mail" an entry or money?
A. Online entry is preferred through the website WinHawaiianHome.com, but US Mail entries will also be accepted. PLEASE READ THE RULES CAREFULLY.
Q. When will the winners be picked?
A. Finalists will be picked within 15 days of the closing deadline (or extended deadline), and final winner(s) will be picked within 15 days after selection of the finalist entries.
Q. How will the prizes be awarded?
A. The winner will be notified after confirmation that they are eligible to receive the prize. If the first place winner is found to be ineligible for any reason, then the second finalist will be confirmed and the process will be repeated until an eligible winner is found.
Winner of the home and second prize and third prize will be notified FIRST by phone and also by REGISTERED MAIL within ten days after being chosen by the judges.
Q. If I win the house, will I have to pay income taxes on it?
A. The sponsor cannot provide tax advice, we suggest you consult your tax advisor. As with any contest or prize, Uncle Sam will expect his cut. However with a debt-free warranty deed providing the winner with thousands of dollars of built-in equity, this should not be a financial burden to the winner. Exactly how much taxes you will be responsible for will depend on variables, one of which is your current tax position.
Q. I have a home that I need to "sell". How can we do the same thing you're doing, with our home?
A. Make sure you "sign up" to receive email updates for a "how to" e-book soon to be published.
Q. I don't see my question here. Who can I contact to ask?
A. FIRST READ THE RULES CAREFULLY, then if you still don't see your question, Go to the Contact us page to post your questions. You will receive a response within 48 hours.
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