Brightening the Bottom Line

Susan and Oscar Montalvos and their three sons are ready to move on to bigger and better things. Their current home is bursting at the seams with the boys and all their toys. The Designed to Sell team signs on to help this family of five give their home a contemporary feel that creates a top-dollar sale.

First, real estate expert Shannon Freeman takes a look around and provides her honest assessment, starting with the exterior. She is concerned that the house is located on a main street with lots of noisy traffic right at the curb. Once inside, she is doubly concerned, saying that the log-cabin look is dark and gloomy, and the sellers are missing the mark by filling the rooms with furniture rather than showing off the windows and hardwood floors.

Designer Lisa LaPorta echoes Freeman's remarks and takes the analysis a step further by establishing a plan to create a contemporary, open feel in this house. Her focus will be on the living room, family room and combo office/bedroom.

Step 1: Light the way. Do away with dark elements so buyers can see their way to a sale.

Step 2: Simplify. Edit unnecessary pieces to highlight the value in each room.

Step 3: Knock on wood. Update the log-cabin look so the home has a contemporary feel and a top-dollar look.

Carpenters Steve Hanneman and Brooks Utley lead the charge to get this family out of their cave and into a new home.