Fall may be the end of summer's blooms, but even in this season there are still stunning ways to amp up your home's curb appeal.

Curb appeal is important for a number of reasons. We judge the condition and value of a home based on first impressions. This is exactly why staging and cleaning a home before showing can bring in buyers and renew interest. Curb appeal is a large factor in creating excitement for a home and for drawing buyers into the home.

If a potential buyer drives by a home and the yard is unkempt, overgrown, and paint is faded and chipping, then they may assume the inside of the house in just as outdated.

You want a good first impression and Fall gives us some wonderful options.

In order to reinvigorate life into your property during the autumnal season. it's time to add color. Spice hues associated with Fall (pumpkin, rust, brown, and sage green) are perfect accent colors.

Mums are an inexpensive way to add brilliant color for many weeks during the Fall. Be sure to buy mums that have lots of unopened blooms. If they already look spectacular it means they are almost done with their blooming cycle.

You can plant mums in the soil or simply drop them into a pot you have on hand. Add them to entry ways and around your mailbox.

Another great Fall plant is the pansy! These can last far into the winter and look great as border beds.

Seasonal decor can get people into the spirit of the holiday season. Just be sure to remember that less is more and tasteful is best.

Pumpkin displays are also perfect for this season. Choose a wide range of sizes and shapes, pair them with ornamental corn or straw bales and you have a charming accent to your home.

Wreathes can also infuse color and fun into a drab season. Find one that has lots of color (either leaves or flowers) and it hang on your door with a wreath hook or a command hook. Either can be removed at the end of the season with no damage to your door.

As a final step, be sure to attend to your yard itself. This means cleaning up any clutter (toys and summer decor), trim trees and prune shrubs. Add mulch to flower beds to create a neat and orderly look.

Revitalize your curb appeal this Fall and let buyers see how beautiful your home truly is!

Published: September 22, 2011

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Carla Hill, M.A., works on the Realty Times staff as Managing Editor for our online publication. She also is Producer for the real estate news channel, seen daily on RealtyTimes.com and on video newsletters nationwide.