House hunters will likely wonder about the age and upkeep of certain big-ticket features in a home like the roof and HVAC system. But they will also likely be interested in just how move-in ready the home is. Sellers can take on some prep work to get their house move-in ready to appeal to the largest buyer pool.

Protected from coastal fog by the surrounding hills, Noe Valley is one of the warmest—and most popular—neighborhoods in San Francisco. Palm trees and spectacular views are plentiful, as are the steep hills and Victorian homes synonymous with the city. When the homeowners of this two-story town house were renovating their master bedroom, they turned to designer Erin Roberts to bring this minimalist retreat to life.

When designer Jana Valdez of Haven Design and Construction was first contacted by her new clients about a master closet renovation, she had no idea it would turn into an entirely new, much larger-scale project altogether. “When they brought me on board, their request was simple: they wanted their master closet to be much bigger,” says Valdez of the San Antonio, Texas project. “But what I didn’t know was that when the home was built eighteen years ago, the original closet’s foundation was five feet over the setback line, which the homeowners didn’t learn until it was too late. So that resulted in a much smaller, much more cramped master closet and they absolutely hated it. The closet was always a thorn in their side.”

The importance of sleep is not a new notion. Not getting the recommended eight hours or so of shut-eye can put a person at risk for a host of health problems, including diabetes, anxiety, depression, and forgetfulness. As it turns out, however, sleep does a lot more than keep our thoughts clear the following morning—catching a few winks also gives our brains the chance to do a little spring-cleaning.

Nestled in Newport Beach, California, the Port Streets community is a cozy haven for family living. Built in the 1960s and ’70s, the neighborhood boasts multiple parks, pools, and a highly regarded elementary school. While the neighborhood may be a desirable environment for raising a family, the homes’ original layouts can be less than ideal. When designer Anna-Marie Claassen of Anthology Interiors was asked by friends to renovate the first floor of their Port Streets home, creating a new floor plan was the first order of business.

Boston Brownstone with an Elevated Update. Filled with Victorian-era brownstones, the South End is one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods. It offers vibrant city life with suburban benefits, including dozens of parks and community gardens. It attracts residents looking for the best of both words—a modern setting with historic roots.