Getting a Rancher Ready to Sell

Carole and John Dickson and their daughter Danielle have outgrown their one-thousand-square-foot home. They bought a spacious new place, so they need to sell this one rather quick. Located in the prime real estate market of Falls Church, Virginia, the quaint 1950s rambler home should be an easy sale.

Real estate expert Shirley Mattam-Male comes by to provide her professional opinion. She loves the neighborhood and the home's charming exterior. Her love turns sour once she sees the 1950s-style kitchen –– the mismatched countertops and missing cabinet doors will be a big turn-off for buyers. Mattam-Male is quite taken back by the exposed hot-water heater, furnace and the single-unit washer/dryer that are sitting along the hallway. In the spare bedroom, Mattam-Male is confused by the room's purpose. She can’t tell if it is a music studio, office or a bedroom.

Designer Taniya Nayak agrees with Mattam-Male’s assessment and has a $2,000 design plan that will get this home sold quickly.

Step 1: Clear out the clutter in the spare bedroom and give it one clearly-defined purpose.
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Step 2: Conceal the utilities that are sticking out in the hallway.

Step 3: In the kitchen, ditch the kitschy 1950s décor and coordinate the countertops and cabinetry.

Contractors John Allen, Matt Steele and host Shane Tallent are ready and rarin’ to get the job done.