Unlike what most homeowners want to believe, the first impression of your home is not formed once you ushered your guests into the living room. Yes, that warm fireplace or bay window might give your space an upscale charisma, but that effect does not completely replace the impression your guests have already established when they first got out of the car.

Maybe your yard has been cluttered with tools and intrusive weeds. Maybe those rails need to be fixed and repainted. Whatever the problem is, those exterior “defects” is making you look bad, and your home unattractive. And sometimes it’s not completely your fault either. Maybe you’ve faithfully kept up with your house chores, but the home just needs some fresh paints or new decors. No worries. Here are 3 ways to improve the exterior of your home without quitting your job or getting a loan.

Create an Organized, Inviting Space

Your front lawn or porch is what distinguishes your property from the public sidewalk. Start off by uncluttering your lawn and porch by removing any garden tool and miscellaneous item from those spaces. Oftentimes, mowing the lawn and clearing up your overgrown yard will recreate that artistic layout you’ve always dreamed of. If you are not a fan of garden design, then buying a few pots of seasonal flowers or plants will not only sprinkle some new colors to your existing landscape, but also enable you to strategically position them around the pathway to establish an attractive focal point. Finish off your makeover by adorning your front porch with some hanging plants, patio furniture, and attractive garlands to beautify your entryway with a touch of nature’s sweet figure and irresistible aroma.

Repaint Your Front Door

If your home is completely worn out with peeled paints, then a makeover is inevitable. However in most of these cases, you only need to repaint sections of your home — like your porch, fence, and even door — to redefine points of interest and evoke a fresh color contrasts and dimensions. As ThisOldHouse points out, more homeowners are realizing the power of personalizing their front door with more sophisticated and unique colors like Robin’s Egg Blue, Sassy Green, and Raspberry. According to the color consultant interviewed in the same article, “adding a stately shade can make a simple cottage-style door look more sophisticated … while a casual, bright hue can make a formal facade friendlier and more whimsical.”

Upgrade Your Windows

Are the eyes of your home as vigorous and sparkling as you would like them to be? Upgrading the windows that overlook the front yard will not only increase your view from the inside, but also from the outside. Having energy efficient windows that come in newly glazed glass and attractive frames will definitely freshen up the eyebrow dormers and improve your home’s overall performance. If your windows are efficient and relatively new, repainting the trimmer with a brighter hue will help them to stand out in a charming fashion.

Time for an Exterior Makeover

Maximizing the curb appeal of your home does not need to cost a bundle. Sometimes, making small changes will make a huge difference in your overall appearance. Get started by examining the exterior of your home and identifying areas that may be dying for some love.