You only get one chance to make a great first impression, so why waste an opportunity to get a leg up on other sellers?

Whether it’s for better listing photos or to impress during showings, improving your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are five cheap ways to boost your home’s curb appeal:

Front door

Your front door is one of the first things people see when they approach your home, so make it stand out. Brightly coloured doors are popular on Instagram for a reason, as they act as a focal point and create a welcoming atmosphere – just make sure you choose a hue that complements the colour of your home’s exterior. If your home is a few decades old, your door hardware could also use an update. Look for a new handle, knob and/or knocker that plays nicely with whichever bold colour you’ve chosen for the door itself – there are countless styles and finishes available. Other small touches that can make a big difference include a welcoming doormat or a simple wreath, either purchased or homemade, that you can swap out depending on the season.

House numbers

If your house numbers are looking a little worse for wear, replacing them with a more stylish option can immediately add a touch of class to your home’s exterior. You can even match the style of the numbers to the finish on your exterior light fixtures for an especially cohesive look. You might also want to take this opportunity to opt for larger numbers or change their placement to a more visible area if they’re partially hidden, so your home is easier to find for friends and delivery drivers alike.

Lighting

You see your indoor light fixtures all the time, making it hard to ignore those ugly ones that immediately date your home back to the 1970s. However, your outdoor fixtures can be just as important, and proper lighting can make your home’s exterior look it's very best all day and all night. Both form and function are important here, so opt for some new fixtures that mesh with your home’s aesthetic and offer up the right amount of illumination. You can also add solar-powered landscape lights if the path to your front door is long or difficult to navigate at night.

Windows

Large windows can be a major selling point and a beautiful part of a home’s exterior, but they won’t do you any favours if you can barely see through them. Give your windows a thorough cleaning – inside and out – to ensure they send the right message to prospective buyers. If you want to highlight your windows further, you can install window boxes full of colourful flowers to draw attention and brighten things up.

Landscaping

Speaking of flowers, use planters to add pops of colour and visual interest. An empty porch can look barren and unwelcoming, but a couple strategically placed planters can fill out the space and frame your front door.

Also, don’t forget about regular yard maintenance. It’s important to keep your lawn healthy and mowed, garden beds weeded, and trees and shrubs pruned.