Getting Closer to Family

Renee and Jib Heintz have outgrown their two-bedroom starter home and are ready to move cross-country to be closer to family. But first they have to sell their current home — and the sooner, the better. They have enlisted the help of the Designed to Sell team to help them inflate their bottom line.

Real estate expert Donna Freeman is the first team member to provide her input. From the outside she thinks this house looks like a fixer-upper. She is immediately struck by the bright purple trim, drab front porch and lifeless flower beds. Inside, she is pleasantly surprised to find mostly minor problem areas.

Designer Lisa LaPorta arrives next and agrees with Freeman's assessment. She formulates a three-step plan to breathe new life into this place. The focus will be on the curb appeal, kitchen and bathroom.

Step 1: Finish the job. Tackle that wear and tear so the home doesn't feel like a fixer-upper.

Step 2: Find neutral ground. Tone down the home's color palette to gain widespread appeal.

Step 3: Stop traffic. Spruce up the curb appeal to catch buyers' attention.

Carpenters Steve Hanneman and Brooks Utley lend their helping hands to the project.