You only get one chance to make a first impression and the same holds true for your house. When friends, family or even buyers pull into the driveway, they make a judgment: this home is well-loved and inviting or this home needs some serious TLC.

That means it’s vitally important to invest in your Charleston landscape, creating incredible curb appeal that’s the envy of the neighborhood. When it comes to your home’s façade, focus on these three areas:

Porch – Is the overhang sagging and the paint peeling? You want a porch where you can gather with friends on a cool evening in the fall or where your children can play on a summer day. If your porch is large enough, add a couple of chairs, a table and some plants, creating a sense of warmth and comfort. If your porch is small, add a couple of small potted plants or a hanging basket for a splash of color.

Front door – Like a welcoming smile, your front door is the gateway into your home. A boring door with faded paint sends a message that you aren’t particularly invested in your home. Give your house an easy facelift by replacing the front door or repainting your existing door – maybe even in a fun, bold color. Here’s an article about the meanings behind front door colors.

Landscaping – This is the most critical piece of the curb appeal puzzle. Creating a lush, beautiful and inviting landscape design for your Charleston home is an ideal way to add value to your home. Not only will you be happier coming home to such a lovely space, but in the event you decide to sell, your house will be more appealing to potential buyers. In fact, this article notes that 71 percent of homebuyers find curb appeal important when selecting a new home. So don’t overlook this critical home design detail.

If you home needs a major overhaul, work with a Charleston area landscape designer to create a plan suited for your space, budget and abilities. You don’t want to plant dozens of shade-loving plants in a space that sits directly in the sun most of the day. A designer can assist in selecting appropriate and native plants that work well for Charleston’s climate and won’t require a ton of maintenance, which is especially important for working professionals and busy families.

You can also use plants to cover anything less-than-lovely about your home’s exterior – a utility box, the view of the neighbor’s swimming pool or even the garbage cans on the side of the garage. But be careful not to go overboard. A plant like bamboo is great for creating a shield but it also spreads and can take over your whole yard if you’re not careful. And too many shrubs can overwhelm a home, particularly if you don’t keep them trimmed and shaped.

Again, that’s where a landscape designer can guide you in the appropriate plant selection to create a space you, your guests and even the FedEx delivery guy will love. Remember, your home is a reflection of you and you want that first impression to be a great one.