You get one chance to make a first impression. That’s especially true when people pull up to the front of your house. What does it say? Dated and dull? Or clean and eye-catching? If it’s the former, here are six ways to instantly boost your home’s curb appeal.

Number One

The first thing potential home buyers see is your house numbers. They’re looking for them to make sure they have the right address. Now is the time to make sure they’re easily seen from the street, and what condition they’re in. Putting up new numbers is an inexpensive way to boost your curb appeal. You could also hire someone to paint your house numbers on the curb in front of your home. It reinforces your address and is a small detail that helps add to the big picture. Check your NextDoor app or ask your realtor for professional curb painters.

A New Front Door

A new front door can not only attract potential buyers, but it could also increase your home’s value… and the offers you receive. That’s not the only door that will boost your curb appeal and your home’s value. A new garage door can spruce things up, and entice potential buyers inside.

Give Your Lawn a Boost

One of the fastest ways to raise your home’s curb appeal is to work with what you already have. If you have a lawn, it’s time to mow, trim and weed it. Neglecting your yard is a big mistake and can cost you potential buyers. Small details, like using a string trimmer around the edges, can make the difference between a manicured look and one that’s haphazard. Adding greenery and flowers to the front yard is another way to make your home even more attractive from the street. Don’t feel like adding a flower bed? Place a few container plants around the front porch and walkway.

Make It Sparkle

Rent a pressure washer for a day and blast old dirt off of your home, your walkway and your driveway. You might be surprised at how dirty it actually is, and how much nicer your property looks afterward. If you don’t want to do the pressure washing, or you don’t have time, you can always hire a professional or a kid in the neighborhood. One rule of thumb, however, don’t pressure wash when the temperature is near or below freezing. You could end up with an ice rink on your driveway, and that is never a good first impression to make.

Roll Out The Welcome Mat

This is literally the cheapest tip to follow. Throw out the old welcome mat that’s been through umpteen snowy winters and muddy springtimes, and buy a new one. That clean rectangle on your front stoop is more appealing than a reminder of seasons past.

Touch Up Exterior Walls

Your vinyl siding may be cracked, or your paint job may be chipping. If your home is painted, you can finally put those old cans of paint sitting in your garage to use. Touch up any cracks and chips in the paint. Replace any cracked siding before putting your home on the market. If you have the time and money, you can also have your house re-sided or painted. After all, some colors that sell better than others.

Whatever your budget and your schedule, doing what you can to boost your curb appeal will pay off at closing. You never know when the person who buys your house will ask for a showing. Make sure they want to return with an offer. Your home’s first impression will help you move on to the next chapter in your life, maybe with a little more cash, to boot.