Looking to Step Up a Condo’s Curb Appeal? Start With the Front Door!

In "5 Way to Add Condo Curb Appeal," Debbie Rumsey with Century 21 Sea Coast in Encinitas, Calif. suggests sprucing up the front door to attract would-be buyers. Here are a few more tips for getting that condo door looking great for showings:

Pay attention to the details, such as removing cobwebs from the front door light fixture, says Maureen Bray from Portland-based Room Solutions Staging. If the door has a window, don't forget to wash it inside and out. Curb appeal does not stop at the front door, she says. If the condo/townhome has a garage, make sure that door is clean and in good, working condition.

Consider the plethora of front door looks you can create upgrading exterior door hardware, paint/stain color, exterior light fixtures, and unit numbers, says Kimo Stowell a real estate merchandiser with JDS Consulting: Hawaii Home Staging and Decor Design in Oahu, Hawaii. "Stoop accessories can create a virtual endless combination of eye catching details to your condo front door," Stowell says.

Don't forget to address scuff marks from furniture moving and usual wear, says Elizabeth Bolton with Coldwell Banker in Cambridge, Mass.

Susan Uram, brand manager of Olympic Exterior Stains says that exterior stains are designed to absorb into the wood and allow the natural beauty of the wood to show. Condos and townhomes with outdoor facing entrances need to be protected from the elements, Uram says, and need added protection from scratching and every day wear and tear.

If a "furniture-like" finish that shows off the grain (e.g. an oak door) is desired, Uram suggests applying an interior stain followed by an exterior durable varnish. But if you're looking to repaint the front door white or another solid color, an exterior solid color stain would work as well as an exterior paint, say Uram, who suggests the Olympic Wood Protector Solid Color Stain (available at Lowe's in more than 140 colors). For a rustic finish, Uram recommends one thin coat of a semi-transparent exterior stain, which also is good for desks, fences, and siding.