Sarah Schram is the brand manager for Wayne Dalton.

Imagine you’re helping a client find a new home. What do buyers notice first when they turn onto a street in a neighborhood they’ve been coveting for a while? The exterior of the home, of course. An attractive, well-kept house is going to catch their eye.

One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to boost curb appeal is to replace the garage door. Think about it – it’s the largest and most-often used entry point of a home. The garage door can make up to 70 percent of the front of the home, and is the first thing someone notices on the exterior; yet, it is often overlooked when homeowners are looking to enhance curb appeal.

Here are some things to consider:

4. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value survey, installing a garage door results in a return on investment of more than 80 percent – even more than a kitchen remodel!

3. A home can reflect the personality of its owner. Custom-painting a garage door, for instance, could help match shutters, trim or the overall design aesthetic.

2. A wood grain finish on a door provides the beauty of a real-wood look without the maintenance of a wood door.

1. Protect against the elements…and look good doing it! Homes located in areas that experience severe weather (such as hurricanes or snow) should not have to sacrifice their curb appeal. When high winds hit, a reinforced garage door is one of your home’s most-important safeguards against severe weather. The garage door can protect and be stylish at the same time.

Brand manager for Wayne Dalton, Sarah Schram is a versatile marketing manager who develops new selling solutions for the company’s dealer partners. She also handles the marketing and brand strategy for Wayne Dalton, including creating marketing materials, attending trade shows and supporting dealers in the field.