Unusual Homeselling Incentives

Pay a $100 essay contest entry fee…but no mortgage…

Buy one home and inherit the owners' retirement home…

Membership to a golf club…

A car…

What are these?

These are some of the "creative" ways in which homeowners are attempting to sell their homes.

After seeing her home sit on the market for three summers, one woman decided to give it away to the winner of an essay contest. She wants to use the $100 contest entry fees to pay off her mortgage and closing costs. (So far 500 people have entered and she is hoping for more to be able to cover costs.)

A couple thought to sell their home and will their retirement home to buyers willing to care for them in their old age. The home was sold, but the buyers did not take on the bonus of the retirement home in exchange for caring for the sellers in their golden years.

Other sellers have tried more conventional incentives, like cars and other material goods as a way to sell their homes.

Added incentives, above a market-based price and a well-cared-for home, can sell a property, but I would caution sellers before they take such extreme measures.