First impressions do matter in many aspects of life -- and is particularly important when you're trying to sell someone on a six-figure purchase. "We call it the 'halo effect' when a buyer assumes from the way you care for the exterior that you also take care of the interior," says Vickie Robinson, a licensed real estate broker for Prudential Realty in Piedmont, California. "The same applies when a buyer sees granite or other expensive materials used in the kitchen: they assume the home's finishes are high-end throughout."

lawn maintenance

Make sure your lawn and garden are neat and tidy. It may seem obvious, but in the hustle and bustle of moving, this is often overlooked. Mow, edge, water, weed and freshen up your mulch to make entire yard look as presentable as possible. Give your lawn plenty of water and fertilize it if necessary to ensure it's vividly green. Adding shrubs and plants will also add to your lawn's attractive appearance.

add some color

Nothing draws attention like colorful flowers. Well-placed flowerbeds are a simple and inexpensive way to make your home look enticing to prospective buyers. "The key is to plant the garden as soon as you know you're selling, and to use the same plants/color scheme throughout," says Robinson. "Nothing looks worse than what is obviously, 'I went to Home Depot and bought one of each plant I saw and plunked them in.'"

Pay special attention to the walkway up to your front door, and line it with decorative containers full of colorful bulbs -- yellow being a recommended hue. And don't forget your front porch -- give the potential buyers something pretty to look at so they won't be as likely to notice little imperfections.

it's all in the details

Make even the most minor repairs before that "For sale" sign goes up. Inspect your mailbox, lighting fixtures, fences, doorways and windows -- these are all things homebuyers see before they even step foot in your house, and you want to make a great first impression. If your potential buyer sees something broken or damaged on the outside, they may think twice before coming inside to look around. (One more fix not to miss: Be sure the locks work. Having the real estate agent struggling to unlock or lock your door will make an impression -- just not a positive one.)

a fresh coat of paint

An easy way to give the outside of your house a quick face-lift is to simply put a fresh coat of paint on it. If you don't have the time or money to do this, just freshen up the shutters or trim (clean and touch-up paint as needed) and you'll notice a significant difference. Also, realize that the front door is key. If you can't repaint it, Robinson says, at least be sure it's totally clean.

start at the top

Your roof is an important selling point, so ensure all shingles are intact, all repairs have been made, and that the whole place looks good. While you're up on the roof, check out your gutters to make sure they are cleaned out and functioning properly.

outdoor recreation

Highlighting the different ways people can enjoy your yard is a great way to tempt them into wanting that garden for themselves! Porch swings, patio furniture, jungle gyms and so forth are excellent selling points and enable people to envision themselves enjoying the same things with their family. Just make sure they are in tip-top shape before showing them off.

first impressions

Whether or not it's a fair assessment, the exterior of your house can make or break a sale. It's the first thing buyers see, and truly sets the tone for the how they view the rest of your house -- or if they bother at all.

Want to be sure you don't miss anything? Consider getting a second opinion by having a friend look at your home objectively, because it can be easy to forget about the little faults you're so used to seeing.

Whether the housing market is hot, cool or somewhere in between, an investment of time and money to boost your home's curb appeal is always going to be worthwhile. Create a positive and lasting impression in every buyer's mind by making sure the exterior looks its best. As an added bonus, you will get to enjoy walking up to your picture-perfect home for a little while!

Want to know more? Check out these articles:

• How to save real money when moving
• Moving to a new house? Get organized for an easier move
• 10 easy but essential steps for home selling
• See all articles about moving to a new home here!