Ever hear the term "curb appeal"? It's quite popular these days, and for good reason. That and "staging" have become the buzzwords for the key to selling a house.

When going for curb appeal, you aim to present the front of your house in a manner that is attractive and inviting. Hence, a potential buyer will be positively impressed with the house even before entering. It is sort of a first-impression appeal.

According to the June and July issues of Shop Smart, you can make the outside of your home look great for less than $150. Now that is attractive. Here are some of the magazine's suggestions.

House numbers sometimes get messy-looking over the years. Getting new house numbers will freshen up the entrance and can even enhance the designed look if you choose them wisely. Pick numbers that complement the architecture. If the house has more of a casual feel, opt for colorful ceramics, for example. The cost of changing the house numbers is estimated at $1 to $40.

This can be expensive, but not if you simply fix what's broken. Start by cleaning and pruning the yard, both front and back. Seed any bald spots in the lawn. Add a flowerbed here and there for color and a "welcome home" feel. The cost shouldn't exceed $150.

Check the front door and the garage door. Do they need a fresh coat of paint? Even if the paint on the doors seems OK, perhaps a change of color would freshen up the look. Notice as you drive through neighborhoods the doors that are brightly, boldly colored. Does that appeal to you? If so, copy the idea.

Colors such as red, forest green and cobalt blue all have a "look at me" appeal that could be uplifting for your house's front door. Repaint or restain the garage door even the same color as it is to freshen up the look. A gallon of paint, which is all you should need for the front door, should cost no more than $30.

How about sprucing up your front door with a new or a vintage knocker? One is bound to strike your fancy. Do a Google search of "door knockers" and you'll find so many to choose from that it might take days to view them all. Cost will vary according to size and complexity.

And consider replacing the door knob? New door knobs will also perk up that front entrance. If your house is painted in warm colors, a brass or copper knob will be appropriate. If your house is more on the cool colors, such as pale shades or white, silver metals will look great. And don't forget to freshen up the hinges, kick plate and doorbell to match. All of this should cost around $100.

How about window boxes to add charm? They are easy to install. Brackets screw right into the house. If you choose wooded boxes, they can be painted to complement your house colors. If you choose synthetic boxes, they require no maintenance and they do have a good look to them. Now just add plants or flowers and create a great, homey feel. The box should cost around $50.

Let's expand on those flowers or plants we're putting into those window boxes. Rather than filling the boxes with dirt and planting seeds, just insert potted plants or flowers right in the pot. Find the flowers or plants you like. Buy them in their ceramic or outdoor container pots and simply insert them, pot and all, into the window boxes. Voila! Instant beauty. The cost will be anywhere from $50 to $100 depending on how many window boxes you have and how many pots you put into them.

Think of outdoor house lights as jewelry. Hang a nice piece of that jewelry by the front door for a warm and inviting feeling at night. By day, that same piece of jewelry just looks good. Landscape lights really make a home pop at night. Hardware stores have easy-to-install landscape lighting that even goes on and off at dusk and dawn or with timers so you can have the lights come on at dusk and off four to six hours later. To light up your house outside, the cost will be anywhere from $25 to $150.

How old is your mailbox? Perhaps it is time for a new one. If it is still in pretty good shape, consider repainting it for a fresh look. If it is beyond that, replacing it will be the way to go. The cost will be $50 to $100.

Author Rosemary Sadez Friedmann is an interior designer in Naples, Fla.