Space Seekers

Sonia and Robert Rivera live with their very extended family, and have come to realize that their space is just too close for comfort. They look to the Designed to Sell team for help garnering a top-dollar sale of their current home.

Real estate expert Shannon Freeman is first on the scene. She is pleasantly surprised by the neat lawn out front, but once inside the house, she finds clutter in some areas, a dark family room that appears disjointed from the rest of the house, and a master bedroom that needs repairs.

Next up is designer Lisa LaPorta, who agrees with Freeman and establishes a plan to focus the team's energies on the family room and master bedroom. Here's how:

Step 1: Bridge the gap. Create a seamless home between the home and its addition so buyers will see it as one.

Step 2: Open sesame! Use color and natural light to create a bright, airy feel.

Step 3: Complete the picture. Take care of unfinished projects so buyers have less work and offer more money.

Steve Hanneman and Brooks Utley are eager to pitch in.

Family Room
The flooring was in shabby shape, there was glass missing from a door opening, and the fireplace and windows were all but ignored.