Rent.com Offers Free Rent For A Year

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 anymore.

“In light of this, Decisive media has learned Rent.com is encouraging individuals to share their personal American Dream for the future, whatever it might be.”

“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 one-minute video or 250-word essay describing their New American Dream 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)

- 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/ .