The winner of HGTV’s 2026 Smart Home competition has been announced, and it is 77-year-old Karen Hiers from Jacksonville, Florida. This exciting news has been revealed exclusively by PEOPLE magazine, highlighting an impressive prize that includes a fully furnished home located in Orlando, alongside $100,000 in cash. The total value of the prize package exceeds a remarkable £1.3 million.
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Karen Hiers, a retired high school substitute teacher, is an avid viewer of the HGTV network and a devoted fan of designers Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt, who crafted the home. Hiers explained that learning about her win was initially perplexing; the announcement came through an email that struck her as dubious. It took the intervention of her son to confirm the authenticity of the message, and even then, Hiers felt compelled to make a phone call to verify the news for herself, as the reality of winning felt almost surreal.
Residing with her husband of 55 years, Bill, Karen is eager to share their new space with their family. The couple has two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, all of whom are part of their immediate circle. Furthermore, the proximity of the new home—only two hours from Jacksonville—makes it convenient for family gatherings. The couple is also looking forward to introducing their three cats, Tigger, Rags, and Jack, to their new surroundings.
In addition to spending quality time with family, Karen and Bill share a passion for creativity. They enjoy crafting together, with Bill focusing on furniture construction while Karen engages in staining and painting. Other hobbies include quilting and gardening, demonstrating their commitment to a hands-on, fulfilling lifestyle.
Karen’s success in winning the property comes after years of participating in HGTV’s various sweepstakes, entering the competitions twice daily. Her determination paid off when she was randomly selected from an astonishing 75 million entries just before the competition closed on June 19.
The Smart Home itself boasts an impressive design, reflecting modern living while embracing Florida’s sunny disposition. The outdoor area particularly captivated Hiers, featuring a spacious backyard designed for relaxation and entertainment. The highlights of this “next-level” exterior include a pool adorned with checkered tiles, a serene waterfall, and a swim-up bar equipped with built-in stools. This bar conveniently connects to an outdoor kitchen complete with a gourmet grill station.
Beyond the backyard’s attractions, the home includes a putting green, an outdoor projector, and multiple al fresco seating areas, including a dining table that holds seating for six—ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. The interior of the house is just as impressive, featuring three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The design incorporates breezy textures, soft neutral tones, and rattan accents to create a calm atmosphere, all while embracing indoor/outdoor living.
Expansive sliding glass doors seamlessly connect the living room to the pool area, allowing for a constant flow between indoor comfort and the inviting outdoor spaces. The overall aesthetic reflects a resort-like energy that enhances the allure of the Orlando residence.
As anticipation builds for Karen Hiers and her family to make memories in their new home, this win serves as an inspiring story of persistence and hope. The transformative prize offers the opportunity for not only a stunning living space but also a chance to foster family bonds and cherished experiences in the heart of Florida.