Adding Life to an Empty House

The kitchen is dark, some cabinets have broken knobs, and the wallpaper is dated, but it has good basics, Donna says. The flooring is fairly new, plus the tile on the countertops is a nice neutral color.

The bathroom is not in great shape. It's not as clean as it should be, and there's too much clutter on the counter. Designer Lisa Laporta thinks it's worth spending a little extra from the budget here, since it's the only bathroom.

The guest room is dull and has no clear definition. Lisa wants to turn it into a den and bring in more natural light by cutting a hold in the wall and having a French door installed. The door will also provide access to that great backyard.

Lisa agrees that this house could use some lightening up. She wants the $2,000 budget to be spent sprucing up the kitchen, bathroom and guest room. Here's how she lays out the game plan:

Step 1: Give it life. Add character and warmth to areas buyers find lifeless.

Step 2: Make it shine. Update old features and appliances to give the home a crisp new feel.

Step 3: Lighten it up. Maximize the home's appeal by bringing the outside in and brightening the dark spaces.