First impressions are often the most important, especially when it comes to your home. The curb appeal of your house is the first thing people will notice, and many people want the exterior of their home to reflect the interior of their home. The front entry, yard, driveway, and sidewalk should give people a taste of what they will find on the inside.

This Eden Prairie home looks beautiful with the hydrangeas in bloom.

Act like a guest

The easiest way to evaluate the curb appeal of your home is to act like a guest seeing it for the first time. Walk around your home with a critical eye and a notepad and pen. Take notes on what looks “off” and what needs repairing, replacing or cleaning. Drive past your house in both directions during the day and at night. You might notice something that you’ve never seen before that could use a little attention.

Look upward

Many homeowners forget that the roof is an important part of a home’s curb appeal that others will notice right away. Replace any missing shingles and give your roof a good cleaning if it is dingy or streaked. A roof that is in good condition can help the overall look of your home tremendously.

Add shiny numbers

Clean or replace your house numbers if they aren’t easy to see or if they are dirty. Consider the style of your house (traditional, transitional or modern), and select numbers that complement your home’s style.

Use some pressure

One cost-effective way of improving the look of your home is by pressure-washing dirty siding, the deck, driveway, and walkways. If you don’t own a pressure washer, they can be rented from home improvement stores for the day.

Plant some cheerful color

Unless it’s the dead of winter, there are always some plants that are in bloom. Fresh plants and flowers in porch containers, window boxes and front beds give your house an instant boost.

Add a little polish

A gallon of paint is an inexpensive way to spruce up the front door, trim and shutters of your home. Other inexpensive improvements – a new mailbox, new porch light fixture and a cheerful welcome mat.