Trading in City Life

Stacie and Steve Williams and their three young daughters are ready to break out of their home and head for a seaside retreat. But they have to make a profitable sale first. The Designed to Sell team and their $2,000 budget intends to help them do just that.

Real estate expert Donna Freeman is the first team member to offer her advice. She begins with the exterior, noting that the dead grass and dated front porch are not exactly welcoming. Once inside, she said it feels like she walked into the back entrance of an office-supply store. The furniture is uninviting and awkward, but there is potential, nonetheless.

Next up is designer Lisa LaPorta, who agrees with Freeman and lays out a home-improvement plan that's sure to boost the bottom line. The focus areas will be the exterior, living room and master suite.

Step 1: Set the stage. Decorate blank areas to create visual appeal.

Step 2: Draw the curtain. Create an appealing outside to entice people inside.

Step 3: Take a bow. Finish incomplete projects that might scare up the audience.

Helping Lisa make these top-dollar changes are carpenters Steve Hanneman and Brooks Utley.