Mountain Home Bound

Before: Lacking a Lived-in Feel
Susanne and Peter Green are eager to finish building their dream home in the mountains, but in order to do that, they need to sell their current home. That's where the Designed to Sell team comes into the picture. They have $2,000 to get this house in top selling shape in 10 days.

Real estate expert Donna Freeman and designer Lisa LaPorta assess the house and agree that it generally lacks a lived-in feel. The large living room was nice and bright, but it just didn't feel finished. The furniture placement was awkward at best and didn't play up the size of the room. It certainly wasn't a cozy place to spend time.

LaPorta outlines her plan to spruce it up, concentrating the team's efforts on the living room, kitchen and master bedroom.

Step 1: Build some character. Use furniture and colorful fabrics to add the warmth that house hunters desire.

Step 2: Don't give an inch. Design every square foot of the home to show buyers its potential.

Step 3: Focus the value. Accentuate the positives in order to elevate the asking price.

Contractor Jim Collins and carpenter Brad Haviland are on hand to help put the plan into action. View the results of their handiwork below.