Downsizing to a Condo

Homeowner Donnajean Ward has taken on more house than she can handle. She loves everything about her tri-level, two-bedroom townhouse, except for the maintenance. The 100-year-old house requires a lot of care, and she just doesn't have the time to keep up with it. So Donnajean has decided to downsize to a hassle-free condo lifestyle. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., just a few blocks from Capitol Hill, this historic townhouse offers a lot of character in a hot, emerging neighborhood.

Real estate expert Terry Haas pays a visit to provide her professional evaluation of the home's selling potential. She loves the neighborhood, including the corner lot, and is impressed by the clean, crisp entrance. Then she goes inside. In the home's only bathroom, Haas finds the double shower curtains distracting and doesn't understand why the room's only window is covered. Also, the mix of brass and chrome is too much for this small room to handle. Haas thinks the master bedroom is spectacular, but the storage space is under-utilized, and closet doors don't shut properly. In the backyard, Haas points out that having a large outdoor space can be a key selling point in an urban setting. Getting rid of the overgrown bushes and cleaning the patio are sure to make this house sell fast.

Designer Taniya Nayak agrees with Haas' analysis and has a $2,000 plan that will turn this house into a quick sale.

Step 1: Unify the bathroom with matching metals and coordinating curtains.

Step 2: Make the most of the storage space in the master bedroom, and create a unique seating area in the sunny nook.

Step 3: Turn the backyard into an urban oasis that will make a buyer feel like he or she is actually getting more rooms for the money.

Contractors John Allen and Matt Steele have the right tools and know-how to be able to take this house to the next level.