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Denver Company's Home Giveaway Sweepstakes Sparks Controversy

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 0:48 GMT by CBS News

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Denver Company Offers Chance to Win a Home in Controversial Sweepstakes Promotion

A Denver-based real estate technology company, Homie, is generating significant buzz – and controversy – with its latest marketing tactic: a sweepstakes offering the chance to win a home valued at up to $750,000. The promotion, launched recently, has drawn attention for its unconventional approach to homeownership and sparked debate about whether it’s truly accessible or simply clever advertising designed to generate leads.

Homie, founded in 2016 by Robyn Garrett and Sunny Carlson, initially disrupted the traditional real estate model by offering flat-fee listing services – a significant departure from the standard 5-6% commission typically paid to agents. They’ve since expanded their offerings to include home buying assistance and mortgage brokerage, positioning themselves as a one-stop shop for real estate transactions. This sweepstakes represents another attempt to shake up the industry and attract potential clients.

How the Sweepstakes Works & The Catch

The "Homie Home Giveaway" requires participants to register online at [ https://www.homie.com/giveaway ]. Entry is free, but there's a crucial catch: entrants must provide their contact information and agree to be contacted by Homie for marketing purposes. This immediately raises questions about the sweepstakes’ primary objective – is it genuinely about giving away a home, or primarily about building a massive lead generation list?

The winner will receive a deed to a house located in Aurora, Colorado. The property itself is described as a "production-built" home, meaning it's part of a larger development and likely lacks the unique character of custom homes. While valued at up to $750,000, the actual market value could fluctuate depending on current conditions.

However, the “free” house isn’t entirely free. The winner is responsible for all property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and any necessary repairs or maintenance. Furthermore, Homie retains the right to select the specific home from a pool of properties they own. This means the winner doesn't get to choose their dream location or style; they receive what Homie deems suitable.

Legal Scrutiny & Concerns About Transparency

The sweepstakes has attracted scrutiny from legal experts, particularly regarding its transparency and potential for misleading consumers. While sweepstakes are generally legal, regulations require clear disclosures about the odds of winning, the value of the prize, and any obligations associated with it. Some critics argue that Homie’s promotion doesn't adequately emphasize these aspects.

"The key is whether they're being upfront about what people are signing up for," explains Denver-based attorney Sarah Schauer to CBS News Colorado. "If they're leading people to believe this is a straightforward giveaway, and not highlighting the fact that they’re collecting contact information for marketing purposes, that could be problematic."

The terms and conditions of the sweepstakes, available on Homie’s website, do mention the lead generation aspect but some argue it's buried within lengthy legal jargon. This lack of prominent disclosure is a common point of contention in similar promotional campaigns. The Colorado Attorney General’s office has reportedly received inquiries about the sweepstakes and is reviewing the promotion to ensure compliance with state laws regarding consumer protection and advertising.

Homie's Defense & Business Strategy

Robyn Garrett, co-founder of Homie, defends the sweepstakes as a legitimate marketing initiative designed to introduce their services to a wider audience. She emphasizes that it’s not intended to deceive anyone and that participants are fully informed about the terms and conditions. She argues that the lead generation aspect is crucial for their business model, allowing them to connect with potential clients who might otherwise be unaware of Homie's offerings.

"We believe in disrupting the traditional real estate industry," Garrett stated in an interview with CBS News Colorado. "This sweepstakes is just another way we’re doing that – making homeownership more accessible and exciting for people." She also points out that the winner will benefit from owning a valuable asset, even with the associated costs of ownership.

Homie's strategy aligns with their broader goal of challenging traditional real estate practices. By offering flat-fee services and now this high-profile sweepstakes, they aim to attract clients who are looking for alternatives to conventional agents and commissions. The sweepstakes generates significant publicity, which translates into increased brand awareness and potential customer acquisition – a valuable return on investment even if only one person wins the house.

The Bigger Picture: Marketing in a Competitive Real Estate Landscape

Homie’s sweepstakes exemplifies the increasingly aggressive marketing tactics employed by real estate technology companies vying for market share. The traditional brokerage model is facing disruption from online platforms and flat-fee services, forcing established players to adapt and innovate. Sweepstakes promotions, while potentially controversial, offer a relatively inexpensive way to generate buzz and attract attention in a crowded marketplace.

Whether the Homie Home Giveaway will ultimately be deemed compliant with consumer protection laws remains to be seen. However, it has undoubtedly sparked a conversation about transparency, marketing ethics, and the evolving landscape of real estate transactions. For potential entrants, carefully reading the fine print is essential before providing personal information and hoping for a chance at winning a home.

To view the original CBS News Colorado article, please visit: [ https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/denver-company-home-buying-sweepstakes/ ]