Getting Top Dollar for a Split-Level

This bedroom used to feel too small and too purple to attract a buyer. Now, a new furniture layout and neutral wall color help the room feel more spacious. Lowering the bed and eliminating the footboard creates the illusion of more space. Potential buyers are always looking for square footage. Now, when they walk into the room, that's what they will see.

Before, the dining room (not shown) sported wall guards, mismatched furniture and too much green. The wall guards have been removed, and the walls are repaired. New dining chairs and window treatments complement the neutral wall color, and a wrought-iron chandelier that used to hang in the kitchen now adds a touch of elegance to the dining room.

Tip: When hosting an open house, be sure to set out a floor plan with the dimensions of each room so that potential buyers can see exactly what they're getting and can envision furniture placement in the space.

Master bedroom makeover products

bed skirt: Bed Bath & Beyond - Hotel 600 18" - 1048213932
brown toss pillows: T.J. Maxx - 665095
comforter: T.J. Maxx - 504540
queen sheets: Marshalls - 016114276
bed pillows: Target - 062050168
suede fabric for headboard and grosgrain ribbon: Hancock Fabrics - Chocolate Plush 001627876 and 261581515
curtain rod: The Home Depot - 843623004051
ceiling medallion: The Home Depot - 091421265161
table lamps: The Home Depot - 050276871576
paint: Monarch Paint & Wallcovering Company - Jonesboro Cream 241 (eggshell)

Dining room makeover products

dinette set: Kmart - 07200082923
window panels: Linens 'n Things - horizon 80 x 84 - 029978017995, 029978017926
blue plates, blue cased bowl and scalloped plates: Ross - Coba Inca - 400023136081, 400018854754 and 400021742949
napkins, table runner, vase, dining room chairs: T.J. Maxx - 689058, 956238, 274195 and 307379
table cloth: Bed Bath & Beyond - 70 x 104 Baycrest 5163707024
chandelier: The Home Depot - 718212076477
candles and batting: Jo-Ann Fabrics - 8545337 and 5019237
place mats and napkins: HomeGoods - 477374 and 416975