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Homes with curb appeal always have one thing in common: an impressive front door. But getting one isn’t always a budget-friendly pursuit. On average the project will cost you $1,685, according to Realm, a free-to-use source that aims to help homeowners untap their potential home value. The good news is replacing your front door (opting for a completely fresh style, upgraded hardware, or new paint color) can add $8,165 to your overall investment, translating to an impressive ROI of 484.55 percent. 

The exterior upgrade is a no-brainer. The only question is, what should you change? As we’ve learned in the past, houses with a glossy black coat of exterior paint on the front door, like Farrow & Ball’s popular Railings hue, can sell for up to $6,000 more than similar homes. A classic Dutch door is another solid pick for its pure versatility (you can close the top, unfasten the bottom, latch them together, add a windowpane, and use the ledge as a perch). Or allow light to stream into the entryway via a frosted glass door that instantly offers up a contemporary look when paired with Moroccan tile flooring. 

While you’re tackling the front door, consider making a few other key updates outside that will boost your home’s value. Painting the exterior or paving the driveway can add around $10,500, while swapping out the windows for efficient ones can add almost $15,000. When one door closes, another one opens.