Two Super Bowl viewers could get $500,000 toward their dream homes. That $500K might not go far in … [+]
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For two lucky viewers, this year’s Super Bowl won’t just mean bragging rights or a smorgasbord of finger foods and beer. Thanks to a new contest launched by online lender Rocket Mortgage, it could mean their dream home as well.
During the big game February 2, the Rocket Mortgage Squares contest will offer $50,000 in cash for randomly drawn winners at each score change (up to 30 of them). At the end of the game, two grand-prize winners will get $500,000 to potentially use toward their dream home.
What that “dream home” will look like, though? Well, that depends on where those winners are located.
Let’s take a look at just how different $500,000 looks in the country’s biggest real estate markets:
Chicago
For $500,000, this Chicago high-rise apartment is within reach.
Courtesy of Randolph Romano, Dream Town Realty
If you’re looking to stay in the downtown area, $500,000 can get you a pretty nice pad in a high-rise. Here’s a two-bedroom unit available at $500k in the Park Place Condo building. It boasts a top-floor location, a pool, gym, and playground and a 24-hour doorman.
This home in Chicago’s Dunning neighborhood is listed at under $500K.
Courtesy of Ewa Kalwajtys, American Realty Chicago
Willing to live in the ‘burbs? This cute five-bedroom in Dunning is an option. Completely updated and renovated throughout, it boasts white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops and an expansive wood deck. There’s even a finished basement with a fireplace.
Los Angeles
Here’s what $500K could get you in L.A.
Courtesy of Mimi Lee, Realty ONE Group United
Five hundred thousand dollars won’t get you much in the City of Angels, but it will get you this immaculate tiny house. It’s just 888 square feet, but it boasts three bedrooms, two baths and a low-maintenance yard to boot.
A look at what $500,000 could get you in current Los Angeles real estate.
Courtesy of Marco Rodriguez, Realty Strategies, Inc.
If you head south of the city to West Athens, then this quaint five-bedroom is within reach. Built in 2007, it offers an updated kitchen, new appliances and stone countertops.
New York City
Here’s what a $500K “dream home” would look like in Manhattan.
Courtesy of Jane Nicklin, Compass
In Manhattan, $500K could get you this studio co-op on 34th Street. The 12th-floor unit comes with a doorman, furnished roof deck and recently renovated bathroom. It’s just a few blocks from Hudson Yards.
What a $500K can get you in Staten Island.
Courtesy of Steve Kazoleas, Ben Bay Realty Co.
If you’re willing to go out to Staten Island, you’ll get more bang for your buck, with this three-bedroom, 1,500-square foot property. It boasts a finished basement, covered patio, and hardwood flooring throughout.
Houston
Here’s what a $500,000 “dream home” looks like in Houston.
Courtesy of The Tracy Montgomery Team, Keller Williams Northeast
Houston’s where contest winners could really get some bang for their buck. On the Northeast side of town, $500K could get you this massive, six-bedroom estate nestled along Lake Houston. With more than 6,000 square feet, it offers a gourmet chef’s kitchen (plus an outdoor kitchen, too), a heated in-ground pool and a media room.
Here’s what $500K could get you near downtown Houston.
Courtesy of Tina Schwarz, Keller Williams Realty
Want to be closer to the sights? This three-bedroom townhome could be the right fit. Located near downtown, as well as the Houston Zoo, the Houston Arboretum and the Museum District, all the city’s cultural hotspots are within reach.
Phoenix
Here’s a look at what $500,000 could buy you in the Phoenix area.
Courtesy of Torie Ellens, MyHome Group Real Estate
That contest money would go far in Phoenix, too. This five-bedroom, 4,000-square foot estate would be an option, offering two patios, a pool, an island kitchen and more. It’s even equipped with the latest smart home technologies, including smart locks, the Ring video doorbell, a smart garage door and a learning thermostat.
A look at what $500,000 could buy you near downtown Phoenix.
Courtesy of Patrick McCabe, RE/MAX Fine Properties
If urban living is more your thing, this three-bedroom unit in the Encue Biltmore is a winner. The brand new property is pet-friendly, offers a private courtyard and comes with an attached two-car garage. There’s also a shared pool and barbecue area.
Philadelphia
For $500K, you could get this turn-of-the-century house in Philadelphia.
Courtesy of John Miglionico, Weichert Northwest Philadelphia
On the Northwest side of town, $500,000 (well, actually $490,000) can get you a five-bedroom, 3.5-bath property complete with a wrap-around porch, original hardwood floors (from 1925!) and newly renovated kitchen.
Here’s what $500,000 could buy you near downtown Philadelphia.
Courtesy of Mike McCann, Keller Wiliams Philly
Want to live closer to the city? This historic two-bedroom apartment in Society Hill is an option. Built in 1900, it boasts two bedrooms, two baths and a wood-burning fireplace. (It sort of looks like the Home Alone house, too!)
San Antonio
$500,000 could get you this sprawling estate outside San Antonio.
Courtesy of Josh M. Boggs, Keller William Heritage
In Texas’ second-most popular city, $500K can go pretty far. This four-bedroom, 3.5-bath rustic estate is just one example of what that chunk of change can net you. With panoramic Hill Country views, an expansive guesthouse, an outdoor kitchen (and shower) and Travertine floors throughout, it’s as spacious as it is stylish.
Here’s what $500K could buy near downtown San Antonio.
Courtesy of Nicholas Kjos, Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty
For easy downtown access, a three-bedroom unit in this brand new development might be best. Boasting concrete floors, Viking appliances, screened-in porches and private garages, they make urban living more comfortable (and more spacious) than ever.
San Diego
For $500,000, you could get a one-bedroom property in this San Diego high-rise.
Courtesy of Richard Farmer, KRC Realty
In San Diego, downtown living will cost you. Though you can find an urban unit for $500K or less, it likely won’t be huge. Take this one-bedroom, one-bath unit. Priced at $499K, it offers 873 square feet, high ceilings and easy access to the city’s top amenities.
A look at what $500K could get you in the San Diego area.
Simona Battaglia, Coldwell Banker Point Loma
For more space, you’ll have to venture out a bit. East of the city, you’ll find properties like this four-bedroom home. At $495K, it boasts two baths, nearly 2,000 square feet and a wood-burning fireplace.