When Beckie and Aaron first saw their 1930s Cape Cod, they knew they wanted to buy it before they walked in the door. They've already tackled updating the kitchen and the rest of the main floor, as well as the landscaping. The master bedroom is currently dragging down the value of the house so Beckie and Aaron are budgeting $6000 to revamp the dated space. With a good plan and plenty of sweat equity, they might double their investment-and their pleasure.

Kim Bryson has $7000 to spend and a large backyard with lots of untapped potential. Although she'd love to spend time in her yard, it's an ugly embarrassment. As long as she doesn't go overboard, she should see a boost in equity as well as enhancing the marketability of her property.

Todd & Mica Franks have lived in their three-bedroom 1960s rambler for 5 years. Now that their kids are 16, 11 and 5 years old, the house is busting at the seams. An exercise room and fourth bedroom in the basement would provide much needed space as well as add to the home's value and desirability.