Friday Funny: Stranger Than Fiction

A woman in Alexandria, VA uses an essay contest to dispose of her properties.

1 minute read

August 29, 2003, 5:00 PM PDT

A 79-year old woman, in Alexandria, Va., "is offering five properties to winners of an online essay contest. After paying $100 to enter, contestants must explain, in no more than 75 words, why they want to own one of the properties and submit the essay to USDreamProperties.com." The woman revealed her intentions by saying, "'This contest ... is a way to open the door to everyone' by offering real estate to people who might otherwise not be able to afford it....She acknowledged that she is not 'giving away' the properties. If Johnsen receives the maximum number of entries allowed by state law, she stands to reap about $24.8 million for property that has been appraised at $3.7 million, including jewelry that she is prepared to throw in as bonuses....The essays can say anything, 'as long as it's positive,' Johnsen said."

Thanks to Connie Chung

FULL STORY: Chance to win real estate for $100, essay

Friday, August 29, 2003 in The Chicago Tribune

Housing Humor Virginia

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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