From One Family Home to Another

Jeanine and Bradley May are moving from one family home to another. They are selling the townhouse Bradley grew up in to move into Jeanine's dad's childhood home. Helping them increase the bottom line of their sale is the Designed to Sell team of experts, who are armed with a $2,000 budget.

Real estate expert Shannon Freeman is assigned to give the house a thorough exam, pointing out areas that need work. She begins with the exterior, noting that "there is nothing that makes this house stand out." Moving inside, she is even more disappointed, likening the home to a two-star hotel!

Resident designer Lisa LaPorta steps in next to lay out a plan for putting Freeman's suggestions into action. She intends to focus her efforts on the living/dining room, bathroom and master bedroom.

Step 1: Modernize for money. Create an updated style to gain widespread appeal.

Step 2: Light the way. Use natural light and new fixtures to brighten the homebuyers' view.

Step 3: Find the center of attention. Play up the home's focal points to step up the asking price.

Carpenters Steve Hanneman and Brooks Utley sign on to help LaPorta and the homeowners implement the changes.