HGTV’s 2024 Dream Home Is Already On the Market for $1.9M—Here’s Why

HGTV’s 2024 Dream Home could turn into a gold mine after hitting the market for $1,999,950—just three months after it was gifted to one lucky sweepstakes winner (along with a $100,000 cash prize and a brand-new Mercedes-Benz) in the network’s annual house giveaway.

Marie Fratta, a teacher from New York’s Westchester County, was stunned when she was chosen as the recipient of a fully furnished three-bedroom, four-bathroom property on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, FL.

The win was “strange” and “surreal,” Fratta said in an interview with People.

So what prompted her to walk away from her “dream” home?

Some might assume that the property has appeared on the market because Fratta opted to reject the home in favor of a cash prize. This is an option that is offered to every winner of the Dream Home draw—in the event that they don’t want to relocate or cannot afford to pay the property tax and upkeep for the house.

The cash prize alternative provides an “out” that several winners have chosen to take in the past, including Susan O’Gorman in 2020, Emily Muniz in 2018, and David Rennie in 2016.

But Fratta did something unique and far more lucrative with her win.

Cashing in on a win

Instead of rejecting the home outright and accepting the alternate cash prize of $650,000, the elementary school educator accepted the house from HGTV, then listed it for sale soon after, explains the home’s listing agent, Rebecca Staples of Xcellence Realty.

Fratta’s savvy thinking could now see her laughing all the way to the bank, potentially earning her more than three times the prize money she would have walked away with had she chosen cash in place of the property, which has an approximate retail value of $2,069,595.

Fratta listed the home for $1.9 million—and just a few weeks later, already has a contingent offer.

While the exact details of the offer have not yet been made public, it’s clear she’s made out with quite a prize.

Interior design excellence

This year, the HGTV Dream Home was designed by celebrated designer Brian Patrick Flynn. During an HGTV special, Flynn walked through the home with fellow designer and TV personality Breegan Jane.

When Jane first sees the finished exterior, she remarks on the long driveway and how it vibes with the colors on the house.

“One of the things that I absolutely love is the way the pavers pick up the frame of the windows, and it just creates that dramatic entry,” she says.

She also points out the large porch, which features plenty of seating. There’s also a small gathering area off to the side of the outdoor area, perfect for intimate hangouts with friends and family.

There’s a lot to love in the living space as well, such as a big fireplace and sliding doors that open to the screened patio. Meanwhile, the kitchen is large with a big island, enough space for four seats, and skylights to let in extra sun.

Playing with a palette

Flynn used a lot of blues in both the living room and kitchen, which Jane says is “very oceanic” and “speaks to the outside elements.”

Flynn went in a different direction for the pantry and garage. When he and Jane look at the finished pantry, Flynn explains that the persimmon paint color is the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2024 Color of the Year.

The soft orange hue is a subtle addition to the pantry, beautifully playing off the white cabinets well—but it’s a serious statement on the walls and ceiling of the garage.

Of course, the main bedroom is dreamy, with a vaulted ceiling, a massive closet, and a luxurious bathroom.

Flynn explains that while he was bold with color in other rooms, he wanted the main bedroom to be filled with lighter, soothing shades.

This home has three bedrooms in all, plus a loft sitting area that opens to a large balcony. When Jane sees this bonus space, she points out the sink and fridge, which would make it easy to entertain up here, or perfect just for sitting and relaxing.