After all, this is the most important area of your home to refresh in the fall—especially if you want to sell your home and make a strong first impression.

The brighter outdoor colors and changing textures will likely draw even more attention to your front porch and entryway—giving you a prime opportunity to set the emotional tone for a home tour.

“Not everyone has a porch, but everyone has an entryway. And whether you have one or both, it is essential that each of them creates a moment of immediate, integral interest and pulls a buyer in with its creative and functional possibilities,” says Andrea Thompson, interior decorator and home organizer at Drea Design Services in Pompano Beach, FL.

Start with smart repairs to boost first impressions

First and foremost, take care of small repairs that can make potential buyers question your home’s upkeep, have them wonder if there are more serious maintenance issues, and even deter them from stepping inside.

“A buyer who instantly sees issues like peeling paint, cracked steps, wobbly handrails, buckled floorboards, dead plants, or stained/torn pillows will assume the rest of the home is as unkempt and in disrepair,” explains Thompson.

You can have the most beautifully renovated and decorated property on the interior, but a lack of attention to the exterior will make a buyer prejudge you and your home.

“Don’t provide the opportunity for that negative conclusion. A few minor repairs and updates can make a world of difference,” adds Thompson.

Use fall decor thoughtfully to create a warm welcome

Thanks to warm tones, natural textures, and cozy atmosphere, fall is the ideal time to give your porch and entryway the refresh it deserves. Fortunately, doing so is fairly simple and enjoyable.

“Hang seasonal wreaths or neutral abstract artwork. Wrap green vines around railing spindles and over the balustrade. Add a tabletop fire pit, which is perfect for cool nights. And don’t forget  plants—tall units are perfect for corners while short-vased flowers are best for table surfaces,” says Thompson.

You can also lay down textured rugs in hand-loomed wool, chunky jute, or hand-knotted pile shag as they’re cozy yet durable enough for the outdoors.

Another unique addition is a small floor lamp with incandescent, yellow bulbs that allow for a warm glow on cold nights.

Whatever you do, forgo the photos and mementos.

“No extreme, personal favorite colors. No out-there artistic or design choices. Remember, neutral but creative always wins,” explains Thompson.

Also, don’t go overboard with the holiday or Halloween decor.

“Try to keep everything more general, and focus on creating a desirable lifestyle rather than highlighting a specific personality. You want the buyer to be able to picture themselves living in the space,” says Lindsay Fanali, strategic real estate adviser at Real Estate Bees in Wellington, FL.

Before you list your home, step back, take a look at your entryway or porch, and put on your objective-buyer glasses. The space should make you want to come on in and explore the rest of the home. If it does, it’s time to get the ball rolling.