Curb appeal is a common topic in the real estate industry. A home is more likely to draw attention among potential buyers if it looks appealing from the outside. However, curb appeal also affects the way you view your home. Pulling up to a beautiful, well-kept house and yard will make you even more proud of the place you call home.

Here are seven easy and effective ways to improve your home’s curb appeal, including simple landscaping, tidying the yard and updating some exterior features.

Make Your Front Door Pop

Your front door is where you return after a long day of work and welcome friends and family inside. A bold color will emphasize the uniqueness of your home, but a fresh coat of a mellow hue will also be inviting. According to Zillow, black front doors are “in,” boosting home values by roughly $6,000.

You may even opt for an entirely new door if yours is damaged, discolored, or simply out-of-date. A warped or rotting door is a sign that the interior of your home is neglected too. Fortunately, a fresh, modern entrance can bring your curb appeal back to life.

Put Out Some Plants

Potted plants and flowers bring eye-catching landscaping to the front porch, adding a pop of color and freshness. Changing your potted plants with the seasons is a fun activity showing the pride you have in your home. It won’t be long before you’re eagerly brainstorming plants for the upcoming season.

Keep Things Tidy

The front of your home can easily become cluttered by your hose, sprinklers, porch furniture, toys, debris and more. Keep it looking tidy by always rolling up and securing your garden hose, hiding trash cans and organizing the front porch. Pick up and put away all the toys or tools in your front yard after use.

Upgrade Your Windows

New windows and doors can significantly improve your home’s look, inside and out. Like your front door, discolored, rotten or outdated windows are a reflection of what’s inside. Updated windows will boost your home’s curb appeal while conserving energy and lowering your electric bill. It’s an investment that pays off in a higher home value, lower utility costs and aesthetics.

Mow the Lawn Regularly 

Mowing the lawn is a simple task that can greatly boost curb appeal. Mow and edge your lawn regularly to keep it looking neat. Other regular lawn maintenance tasks include watering, removing weeds, fighting pests, fertilizing and dethatching. Lawn maintenance can be demanding, so hiring assistance can be worthwhile if it’s within your budget.

Bring Happiness With Flower Boxes

Flower boxes flourishing with colorful flowers and greenery make your home look nice while bringing smiles to the faces of passersby. Like with potted plants, you’ll likely find joy in changing the look of your home’s exterior every season. You may choose vibrant perennials in summer and poinsettias and evergreens during the winter holidays. The varying decorations are something you and your guests will enjoy through the seasons.

Update Your Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture undergoes substantial wear and tear due to changing temperatures, humidity, rainfall and various other factors. Keep your outdoor furniture looking fresh by cleaning it regularly, dusting off cobwebs and repainting or staining as needed. Replace furniture that is unsafe or beyond repair with new pieces.  

Improving your home’s curb appeal creates a desirable first impression while increasing its value. Some tasks, such as updating your windows and doors, can save you money while reducing your home’s carbon footprint. Most importantly, your home’s superior curb appeal will give you a greater sense of pride every time you return home.

Author bio: Mauricio Jaimes is CEO of Davis Window and Door — a one-stop solution for the perfect replacement, remodeling and new construction of windows and doors.