The exterior of your home, in conjunction with the landscaping, has the ability to make or break the first appearance. Just as important as accessories are to completing an outfit, the perfect front door can instantly increase the curb appeal of your home.

To gain the viewpoint of the potential Buyer, walk across from the front of your home and give it a critical look. Is there something that is less than appealing? Does it look neat, clean and most of all, inviting? Take notes and decide where your improvement dollars might be best spent.

Whether you replace your front door, or spruce up the one you now have, the improvement will be noticeable. You will get your share of positive comments from friends and neighbors about how handsome the house looks.  

Depending on your home's exterior finishing, you might consider painting the door a color that complements the color of the trim, rather than matching it. Consult a color wheel, and consider the colors located adjacent to the trim color, or directly opposite. Red, purple, or green front doors are not uncommon today.

The door is a relatively small space, considering the expanse of the front of most homes, so you can choose an unconventional color for the door and not have it overwhelm the facade. And because of the small area of the door, it can be easily repainted if you change your mind. Some experts have reported that a yellow door adds immediate impact and clearly says, 'Welcome.' 

If you have a solid wood door, consider refinishing it. If the wood is particularly beautiful or interesting, you can simply oil or seal it to show off the grain. Talk to someone at the paint store or the home improvement store about the best way to enhance the appearance of your wood door and protect it against the elements.  

You can also freshen up the entrance by polishing or replacing the hardware on the door. If the doorknob, lock, and kick plate are shabby, buy new ones. Measure what you have before you go shopping.  

New doors range in price from about $100 for a steel door off the rack at the home improvement store to a custom designed wood door, which can cost thousands. Because of durability and affordability, steel doors are very popular. Steel holds up to the elements better than wood, which can expand and crack after a few years' exposure to sun and rain.  

A steel door must be painted regularly to prevent rust. If you are feeling artsy, you can apply a gel coating to a steel door and use a graining tool to create a faux wood finish. Some steel doors include decorative glass and cost a bit more but they add unique style.  

Fiberglass doors are popular for special orders. Special order fiberglass doors cost a little more than twice what you would expect to pay for a steel door. Fiberglass doors do not dent or chip, and are impervious to the weather.

Steel and fiberglass top the list of popular door choices, but wood doors continue to do well. Wood surfaces must be refinished and varnished every few years, depending on how much they are exposed to the elements. Mahogany is a popular choice, especially in wet or humid climates, because it does not expand or contract much. Oak is an excellent wood for a front door but is very hard and does not accept paint well. Keep this in mind should you decide to paint it later on. 

Consider whether your home is stucco, siding, or brick, and note the interesting architectural details. Your front door should enhance the existing elements, not compete with them. Newer homes with cleaner exterior lines can take on an elaborate door, though the design should be in keeping with the home's size and style. New stock doors give you dozens of options, while a custom door is often the focal point of the property. Whether you paint, refinish, or replace the door, freshening up the entrance is sure to enhance your home's curb appeal.