SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rent.com, the nation’s No. 1 Internet listing site in the rental housing industry, announces the launch of the “New American Dream” video and essay contest. Owning a home has long been considered a part of the ultimate American Dream, but a record number of foreclosures and the resultant devastation to the economy have caused many Americans to rethink this concept. According to a recent Rent.com survey, a whopping 87 percent of U.S. adults don’t consider owning a home to be the most essential aspect of their American Dream.
“Millions of jobs have been lost and millions of foreclosures filed since the start of the recession. In the midst of such chaos, many Americans are wondering if homeownership is a part of their American Dream,” explains Christina Aragon, Director of Customer Insights at Rent.com. “In light of this, Rent.com is encouraging individuals to share their personal American Dream for the future, whatever it might be.”
Contestants are asked to simply submit a 1-minute video or 250-word essay describing their New American Dream by visiting http://www.rent.com/newamericandream/ for a chance to win free rent for one year, up to $10,000. Whether the New American Dream includes traveling the world, sending the kids to college, starting a business or becoming a rockstar, Rent.com wants to hear from everyone! Entries will be accepted from February 14, 2011 until May 2, 2011.
Twenty-five finalists will be chosen based on the number of online votes that their submissions receive. Americans can vote for their favorite submissions starting May 3, 2011 by visiting the contest webpage at http://www.rent.com/newamericandream/. Winners will be chosen based upon a combination of community votes and the votes of a panel of expert judges.
Today, American Dreams can vary from traveling to exotic destinations to having enough savings in the bank to live comfortably. The contest invites individuals to share their personal New American Dream for a chance to win one of three fabulous prizes including a dream Caribbean vacation to the U.S. Virgin Islands where no passports are required for U.S. citizens.
- Grand Prize (one winner): Free rent for a year, up to $10,000 (total)
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First Prize (one winner): A dream Caribbean vacation package
- $3,000 worth of jewelry from Diamonds International
- Hotel accommodations at the 4-star Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort on St. Thomas for eight days, seven nights
- Round-trip air transportation for two to St. Thomas
- $500 in dining and activities certificates
- Honorable Mention Prize (five winners): $100 Visa® debit card
For more information and to enter the contest, please visit http://www.rent.com/newamericandream/.
About Rent.com
Rent.com is the nation’s #1 Internet listing site (ILS) in the rental housing industry enabling renters to find a residential rental property online using a free robust search tool. Rent.com has the most online traffic and the largest inventory of contracted property listings. As the only national ILS with a pay per lease business model, Rent.com allows property managers to cost-effectively fill their vacancies. Prospective renters can search the site’s detailed property listings, including contact information, pricing, photos, floor plans, and virtual tours. With the ability to directly contact property managers, finding the rental housing of your dreams is as easy as 1-2-3.
In addition to providing renters free access to detailed property listings and robust search tools, Rent.com rewards renters with a $100 prepaid Visa® debit card if they: (1) find their property using the Rent.com website, (2) tell the property owner or manager they found their rental home using Rent.com, and (3) report to Rent.com signing a lease with a property that participates in the $100 Reward Program. Rent.com is dedicated to giving renters a convenient way to find the perfect place to live.
Visit Rent.com’s blog, The Shared Wall, for information, advice and insight on the world of rental living at www.rent.com/blog. You can also follow Rent.com on Twitter at @RentDotCom or like Rent.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/rentdotcom.
About the USVI
Ranked as one of the top travel locations the world over, the U.S. Virgin Islands is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the magnificent tropical environment that the islands have to offer. With three islands to choose from – St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas – and no passport required, the easily accessible USVI offers an experience for everyone, be it world-class duty-free shopping, a vibrant culinary scene or diverse SCUBA options. Beach bums will be delighted to know that there are more than 87 beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands to explore, from Magens Bay on St. Thomas to Trunk Bay on St. John, which consistently rank as two of the top ten beaches in the world. Discover USVI
Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort
As a 4-star, award-winning Caribbean resort, the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort on St. Thomas provides guests with an unmatched experience on an island rich in beauty. This resort in St. Thomas features spectacular views of majestic Charlotte Amalie Harbor and offers white sand beaches, comfortable accommodations, five restaurants, six bars and 3 swimming pools, all promising an unparalleled Caribbean vacation. Learn more