Turning Playtime Into Profit

Kira and Ron Swann want to move their three growing girls closer to extended family. They hate to leave behind all the memories in this home, but it's time to move on and make some new ones. Before they can do that, they need to sell their current home. Lucky for the Swanns, designer Lisa LaPorta and the rest of the Designed to Sell team signs on to help them whip their home into shape.

Real estate expert Shannon Freeman gives this home a thorough once-over to help sell it in a flash. She has a really good feeling after seeing the home's neat appearance and the welcoming rosebushes at the entry. Her first impression fades once she gets inside, though. First stop: the living room. She thinks the fireplace looks more like a doggie door and less like money in the bank. Awkwardly-placed furniture and a dining table make for a confusing, crowded space. Once in the would-be family room, she says the heaps of toys are taking up valuable real estate while sabotaging the room's true potential.

Designer Lisa LaPorta signs on to help this family revamp their home for maximum profit. She wants to make the living room feel more formal with furniture placement that focuses on the fireplace. She also wants to transform the playroom into a casual living area that highlights the home's second fireplace. Here's how she'll make it happen:

Step 1: Chuck the yuck. Replace or remove anything that seems worn or dirty to give the home a fresh look.

Step 2: Pick a purpose: Decide what the room is for, so buyers can imagine themselves using it.

Step 3: Simplify the space. Remove personal items and preferences to attract a wide variety of tastes.

Carpenters Steve Hanneman and Brooks Utley are signed on to remake the spaces into buyer magnets.