Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. How do you ensure you ll get the selling price you want for your home in a buyer s market? Now is not the time to install those granite countertops you ve been dreaming of because you probably won t get your money back. To get the best price you can without breaking the bank, grab a roller or hire a painter. Paint is the tried-and-true, budget home improvement that realtors recommend. Pay special attention to the areas that potential buyers will see first. On the front fa ade or even just the area around the front door, scrape and repaint any peeling or flaking areas to improve that all-important first impression. Be sure to repair any damage, nail holes or cracks, and choose an eggshell or a matte paint finish to take the focus off any imperfections. If the paint s still in good condition, a light pressure wash will brighten it up and welcome visitors. If your front door is purple or your wallpaper saw Nixon impeached, now is the time to go for cream, white or beige. Some realtors even recommend repainting the whole interior in off-white to provide a clean slate. It might not be your style, but the more neutral your home s color palette, the more possibilities a buyer will see there, and that s where your work will pay off. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

The technique of faux painting adds grace and sophistication to any room. Striped effects create rich textures and handmade detail that cannot be matched by wallpaper patterns, and they make a room with a low ceiling appear taller.

The technique known as faux painting adds grace and sophistication to any room. These combing effects create rich textures and handmade detail to the wall finish, which cannot be matched by similar wallpaper patterns.

Faux leather techniques create striking textures and handmade detail that cannot be matched by similar wallpaper patterns.

Faux painting adds grace and sophistication to any room. Color washes create a softly patterned handmade effect that cannot be matched by any wallpaper patterns.

Faux painting techniques, like this double-process burlap strie, can add grace and sophistication to any room.

Bob goes into the bathroom where painter Dirk VanKoughnett is painting the walls. VanKoughnett is using a high gloss paint, a surface that is enjoying renewed popularity. Originally high gloss paint was used because it was more durable than other kinds of paint, but in modern times that is no longer the case. VanKoughnett explains that high gloss paint is more difficult to apply because all the light bouncing off the paint emphasizes flaws. A skim coat of joint compound was applied prior to the paint to ensure a smooth surface and fewer flaws. VanKoughnett is using a roller with a quarter inch knap to make sure there are less bubbles in the paint. Bob discusses with VanKoughnett the benefits of using the highest quality brush when working with high-gloss.

Whether you want to put up new wallpaper or switch to painted walls, removing wallpaper is a key way to give a room a fresh start.

Bob meets with Pat Estevez to discuss exterior paint selection and application techniques. Several paint colors are being used to accent the kitchen addition. Acrylic paint is used to stand up to the harsh sun and resist mildew.

Bob watches decorator B. Smith paint a lavender stripe pattern in the girl's bedroom of the Habitat for Humanity project.