Double-Mortgage Trouble

Donna and Jim Edwards have been busy juggling two homes and two mortgages. They got job offers out of state, so they're ready to pack up and move away. But first, they have to get their house sold, so it's the Designed to Sell team to the rescue.

Real estate expert Shannon Freeman shows up first to assess the house. She starts with the exterior, noting that while the bushes growing in a maze-like manner are a little overwhelming, the rest is fine. Once inside, she feels like she's stepped back into the 1980s. What's more, the shiny hardwood floors can't hide the fact that the fireplace is buried underneath clutter, and the furniture is shabby and out of date.

Designer Lisa LaPorta is up next. She agrees with Freeman and lays out a plan for shaping up things as quickly as possible. She will focus on the living room and master bath.

Step 1: '80s a go-go. Say bye-bye to dated features that will take buyers back in time.

Step 2: Switch it up. Rearrange furniture to show off home's selling points.

Step 3: Start from scratch. Demo and redo areas that are past the point of big returns.

Carpenters Steve Hanneman and Brooks Utley pitch in to help the team update this place by going back in time.