November 06, 2008 09:00 AM Eastern Time 

The Ugly Election Isn’t Over!

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--November 4 has come and gone, but the polls aren’t closed yet. The ugliness and nastiness continues until Nov. 15 when voting ends in the second annual HomeVestors® Ugliest House of the Year contest. It’s up to the American public to decide who will walk away with the “honor” of the Ugliest House of The Year.

“They are also a testament to the obstacles we can overcome to rejuvenate existing communities across America.”

For the second year in a row HomeVestors of America, Inc., the company famous for its "We Buy Ugly Houses"® billboards, is asking America to select the Ugliest House of the Year by voting online at www.theugliesthouse.com where the ugliness is on full display for all to see. Voting ends at midnight, Nov. 15.

In return, the company that pays cash for houses will also be giving three lucky voters some extra spending money just in time for the holidays. Voters who cast their online ballots can enter in a drawing for $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 in prepaid debit cards, making an attractive offer for an ugly vote.

Over the past 12 years, HomeVestors franchisees have bought more than 36,000 houses for cash nationwide. Franchisees were asked to nominate the ugliest houses they purchased in 2008. HomeVestors has become a household name for buying the biggest eyesores in a neighborhood, and these top 10 finalists for this national “un-beauty” pageant are no exception.

“Americans may think the national election is over, but they’re probably thinking about the secondary contest. This is the real decision that must be made,” said John Hayes, president and CEO of HomeVestors. “Since the polls opened Oct. 15, voters have cast their ballots daily. It’s a close race, but the definitive winner will be up to America to determine.”

This year the ugliest houses in America were found in Atlanta; Chicago; Daytona Beach, Fla.; Houston; Kansas City; Milwaukee; Norfolk, Va.; Philadelphia; Richmond, Va.; and Washington D.C.

“These ten finalists are proof of the challenges we take on to help people out of ugly real estate situations,” said Hayes. “They are also a testament to the obstacles we can overcome to rejuvenate existing communities across America.”

The ugliest house, along with second and third place runners-up, will be announced Dec. 3 at the HomeVestors Annual Convention at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas and posted online at www.homevestors.com.

About HomeVestors of America, Inc.

Founded in 1989 and franchising since 1996, Dallas-based HomeVestors® of America, Inc., has more than 220 franchises throughout the United States. The first franchise company of its kind, HomeVestors® trains and supports franchisees who specialize in buying homes in need of repair. Most commonly known as the "We Buy Ugly Houses"® franchise, HomeVestors® strives to make a positive impact in each community. More information is available at www.homevestors.com.