Looking to own property in the Catskills? It'll only cost you $150, some time to write an essay, and of course luck. One couple is giving away their lakefront vacation home and you truly can own it.

Andrew Bares and Kelly Lavorgna are giving away their vacation home in a very creative way after not seeing any bites from the local housing market after listing the home. For 200 words and a $149 entrance fee, someone will win the lodge. This contest is being called the Lakefront Dream Home Contest.

This waterside retreat is situated on 5.5 acres, with more than 250 feet of lake frontage on spectacular Swinging Bridge Reservoir in the town of Bethel. So what type of question do you need to answer?

“How would owning the Lakefront Dream Home change your life?”

Your entry must be written in English and contain no more than 200 words. All entries must be submitted on or before April 30th, 2017 at midnight EST, and must comply with all terms and conditions set forth in the Official Rules.

According to New York Upstate, each essay will be judged on seven criteria:

- Essay Structure
- Creativity/Originality
- Organization & Clarity
- Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling
- Unique Voice
- Sincerity
- Imagery

10 judges, many of whom are English teachers, will  determine who best answered the question. At least 5,500 essays must be entered, totaling $819,500, or else the contest is canceled. The new home owner is also responsible for property and school taxes, as well as a $1,500 yearly homeowners association fee, and paying income tax since winning the property would be considered income. The property has an approximate retail value of $750,000.


BONUS VIDEO

More From 96.1 The Eagle