What first impression is your home giving?

Whether you are looking to sell or not, having great curb appeal is important and doesn't have to be difficult. Aside from just cleaning up (gutters, landscaping, walkways etc.), there are some easy things you can do to make the outside of your home welcoming. Here are 5 simple ways to improve your home exterior.

1. Add, paint or replace shutters. Shutters can make a huge difference in how the outside of your home looks. If yours are broken or weathered, consider replacing or painting them. If you don't have any, look into adding some.

2. Freshen up your accent colors. Even painting your front door with a new color that pops or complements your other colors can change the look of your home. Consider changing your trim color too or just giving it a fresh coat. Paint is an inexpensive way to give new life to your home inside or out.

3. Update your digits (or add some). When someone is looking for your home for the first time, where will they find your address as they pull up? Whether it's on the mailbox, above the door or somewhere else, make sure it looks good.

4. Check your mailbox. Is yours crooked or rusted or unappealing in some other way? Consider replacing yours if needed or just sprucing up the one you have with landscaping to frame it.

5. Update your lighting. This could be as simple as replacing your door and garage lights or extend to adding lighting to highlight your landscaped areas or outdoor living spaces. New fixtures will give your home a new look, especially if yours have rusted or have just weathered over the years.