ORLANDO, Fla. — A Jacksonville woman won the 2026 HGTV Smart Home in Orlando, along with $100,000 in cash.
HGTV announced Thursday that 77-year-old Karen Hiers was randomly selected from more than 75 million sweepstakes entries.
The total prize package is valued at more than $1.3 million.
Winner initially thought email was suspicious
Hiers, a retired high school substitute teacher, learned she had won after receiving an email that she initially thought looked suspicious.
She asked her son to verify that the message was legitimate before calling the following day to confirm the news.
Hiers has entered HGTV sweepstakes twice a day for several years, according to the network.
She and her husband, Bill, have been married for 55 years and live approximately two hours away from the Orlando home. They have two children, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Inside the Orlando Smart Home
The newly constructed and fully furnished home spans more than 3,000 square feet and includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Its outdoor features include:
- A swim-up bar
- An outdoor projector
- A putting green
- A gourmet grilling station
The home also includes an upstairs game room with a multi-sport simulator and a downstairs lounge with multiple screens for sports and movie viewing.
HGTV described the interior as a modern take on Florida style, featuring light colors, breezy textures, rattan accents and open-concept living spaces.
The home was constructed by Hartizen Homes, with its interior designed by HGTV personalities Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt.
HGTV said Hiers especially likes the backyard and believes the property would make a beautiful family home.
The HGTV Smart Home sweepstakes ran from April 21 through June 19.
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