Return to Childhood Neighborhood

College sweethearts Roni and Doug Jackson have been raising a family on Chicago's South Side, but now they are ready to pack up their two boys and move closer to Doug's childhood home in the city's historic Hyde Park neighborhood. They enlist the help of the Designed to Sell team and their $2,000 budget to get this place in good selling shape as quickly as possible.

Real estate expert Bethany Souza starts her evaluation of the Jacksons' property at the entrance, where she sees the children's artwork in the window. Once inside, she's impressed with the high ceilings and light, airy feel. Once back down to earth, though, her focus goes directly to the chaotic dining area that's filled with children's toys. The formal living room has lots to offer, but the furniture and decor are crowding its best feature, the fireplace.

Fortunately, design expert Monica Pedersen is on hand with a plan to get this spacious home on and off the market in a flash. She wants to play up the dining room with new lighting and furniture. Then it's off to the family room, where she'll focus on the fireplace. Clearing the clutter and scaling down the furniture will give the illusion of space and the reality of a fast sale. Here's the plan:

Step 1: Stage it for grownups. Create a sense of sophistication in the space to appeal to more buyers.

Step 2: Clear the clutter. Excess pieces crowd the space, making it seem smaller than it really is.

Step 3: Company's coming. Appeal to buyers by showcasing the home's entertaining spaces.

Carpenters Chad Lopez and Robert North are ready to renovate this home for a speedy sale.