Talk about a dream come true! Tricia Smith, a special education teacher from the Bronx, is now the proud owner of HGTV’s Dream Home 2025 — and it’s her very first home.
Smith, 48, beat out more than 118 million entries to win the jaw-dropping prize package, which includes a stunning custom-built home in Bluffton, South Carolina, along with a brand-new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC, a $100,000 check, and a five-year supply of Viva paper towels. The total value? Over $2.2 million.
Originally from Antigua, Smith had no idea her life was about to change forever when her close friend Rob convinced her they were stopping by a “pop-up art gallery” before dinner. Instead, she walked into a surprise celebration filled with photos of the home and cameras ready to capture her jaw-dropping reaction.
“We are here to let you know that you are officially the winner of HGTV Dream Home 2025,” HGTV designer Brian Patrick Flynn announced as Smith stood in shock.
“No, you’re kidding. Is this a joke? Are you serious?” she asked, eyes wide and voice shaking.
When it finally sank in, the moment turned emotional. “I am shocked and excited, and feeling a little faint,” she said, wiping away tears. “I think I’m gonna cry.”
Flynn then asked the question that made the whole moment even sweeter: “Have you ever owned a home before?”
“I have not,” Smith replied. “This would be the first time I’m owning a home. And it’s a hell of a starter home.”
The dreamy 3,000-square-foot property is nestled in the charming town of Bluffton, just a short drive from Hilton Head Island. It blends classic Southern charm with modern luxury and features three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and a spacious open-concept floor plan that’s perfect for entertaining.
Smith says some of her favorite features include the dual kitchens (indoor and outdoor), the gorgeous backyard pool, and the views of a nearby golf course. The house also comes with a golf simulator, private golf cart, pet washing station, fireplace, and a pergola for relaxing in the South Carolina sunshine.
It’s a huge leap from her life in New York City, and Smith is still taking it all in.
For fans hoping to follow in her footsteps, HGTV’s 2025 Smart Home sweepstakes is still open until Friday, May 23. So who knows? You could be the next lucky winner wiping away tears in front of a dream house of your own.
Good for her!