Win a house in Aylmer for $100 and an essay

It may be the cheapest house “for sale” in Canada. For $100 and a persuasive essay, you could own a home in Aylmer, Ontario.

If you want to sell a house in tough economic times, real estate experts say it helps to create a buzz.

However, when you live in a tiny community of 7,000 people, it’s not always easy to get the word out.

So, Calvin and Diana Brydges have come up with a creative solution to off-load their property. They are holding an essay-writing contest, and the winner walks away with their three-bedroom home.

To win, entrants must submit an essay explaining why the house would benefit them and send a $100 entry fee.

If they get 3,000 entries by the end of August, they’ll choose the winning essay and give the house to the author. If they don’t get 3,000 essays, they’ll return the money to all applicants, minus the cost of postage.

The Brydges, who own a local thrift store, came up with the creative idea while struggling to sell their home, which had been on the market for two years.

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They got the idea from a similar contest in the movie “The Spitfire Grill,” and thought they would try to raise $300,000 – roughly their asking price – and give the 2,400-square foot home with a swimming pool and large back yard to the winner of the contest.

“My husband and I looked at each other and the bells went off. We wondered if we can do this,” Diana said.

After nine months of researching the legalities, the couple decided to go for it and so far they have around 200 applicants.

The Brydges said some of the stories they have received have been very touching, and they’ve received letters from as far as Japan and even Australia.

If they get enough entries, the couple hopes to relocate to Barrie.

Although they have received some tearjerker entries so far, the couple said they’re not just looking for sad stories.

“We are not just looking for tear jerker stories. Everyone has a story on how this house will benefit them. (It can be a benefit of any kind) All submissions are read and compared against other entries and the best story wins,” the couple wrote on the contest’s Facebook page. 

So what is the secret to winning? According to the Brydges, the key is to forget about grammar and speak from the heart.