Rather than simply put their Columbus, Ohio home on the market, Deanne Railing and her husband decided to go down a different track and invite people to submit an application made up of a US$150 ($193) fee and a 250-word essay in an effort to find the person who would be best suited to take ownership of the 575 square metre house.
The Railings have set a topic for the essay, “A Life Well-Lived,” which they said was inspired by a family tragedy.
"We chose the topic because my husband epitomizes that,” Railing told ABC News in America.
“When he was 17, he broke his neck skiing and became a quadriplegic, he cannot move from the chest down,” she said.
“He persevered and it wasn't easy, my husband is outgoing, he is personable, he doesn't mind laughing at himself, but doesn't laugh at others. He just has a great attitude and doesn't give up.”
An anonymous panel of judges will examine the essays to pick a winner based on who has the most uplifting story.
The competition runs until November 16 and the Railings have built in a failsafe to ensure they’re not left out of pocket if a winner is chosen for the house that features two fireplaces, an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and private balconies.
The competition is open until November 16, but a winner will only be chosen if a minimum of 4,500 entries are received. If not, all application fees will be returned.
If the Railings meet their entry target, they will have effectively sold their house for US$675,000.
Pictures via columbusloghome.com.
