Tips to Make Your Home Attractive to Potential Buyers

Adriana and David Lane are moving across the country, but the journey is on hold until they sell their house. That's where the Designed to Sell team comes into play. They will use their talents and a $2,000 budget to try to speed things up for the Lanes.

Real estate expert Donna Freeman starts off the process, offering her assessment of what can be done to boost the bottom line. She says that the exterior of the house is not inviting to a potential buyer, a crucial ingredient in getting shoppers into the house. Once inside, she finds more of the same. Clutter is littered about, and great selling features such as the living-room fireplace, are not being played up properly.

Designer Lisa LaPorta agrees with Freeman and lays out an improvement plan that focuses on the living room, dining room and master bedroom.

Step 1: Build on a good thing. Enhance the home's selling features so they can do their job.

Step 2: Expand the horizon. Make the cozy layout feel larger so buyers will increase their offers.

Step 3: Gussy it up. Create an inviting style that will leave buyers wanting more.

Carpenters Steve Hanneman and Brooks Utley agree to help LaPorta and the homeowners put the plan into action. See the results of the group's work below.