How to win a 76-acre ranch in the Hill Country for less than $7

A Texas couple is raffling their property after five years.

Courtesy of Katy Ballard

For many, owning a piece of Texas Hill Country land is a lifelong dream. Jason and Katy Ballard are making that dream more accessible by raffling off their 76.06-acre property some 112 miles northwest of San Antonio.

The Ballards’ decision to raffle their property, just seven minutes from the town of Mason, follows a growing trend of landowners using innovative raffles to reach a wider audience outside of conventional real estate sales. Located about 45 minutes from Fredericksburg and within two hours of both Austin and San Antonio, the land can all be yours for less than $7. Inspired by the raffle of an Irish Cottage and a similar move by owners of the Texas Hill Country resort, the couple decided now is the right time. 

" We saw [The Yurtopian Hill Country resort] go live and we thought, 'wow, what a perfect opportunity,'" Katy explained to MySA. "This could be a really new trend for how real estate is transacted. It seems like it's starting in Texas, but we think this could be a real trend nationwide and even worldwide. So we want to jump on it and see where this takes us."

Courtesy of Katy Ballard

Mason is known as the "Gem of the Hill Country" and the Ballards tell MySA their ranch is mostly untouched, offering both trees and cleared pastures. A meandering seasonal creek also runs through the property, along with a hand-dug well providing water. The property is fully fenced and has electricity and fiber internet at the property line. It currently supports cattle grazing through December but could be used for hunting leases, ranching, homesteading or investment.

The raffle is hosted on U.K.-based Raffall.com, where tickets cost about $6.40 each. Entrants must be at least 18 years old. With special promo code TEXASFUND, 10% of ticket sales will support Texas Hill Country flood relief efforts, Jason explained. 

Courtesy of Katy Ballard

The winner will be announced December 23, provided 190,000 tickets are sold. The winner can choose the land or a $300,000 cash prize. After the announcement, the winner has until January 23, 2026 to finalize the purchase under a Farm and Ranch Contract. This raffle offers a chance for someone new to claim a piece of Texas Hill Country and build their own legacy.

Though parting with the property is bittersweet, Katy noted, "The dream still hasn’t changed... We want to slow down a little, enjoy life, enjoy our son and enjoy land here."

By Nicholas Hernandez, New Braunfels Digital Reporter

Aug 14, 2025