A front door not only adds to a home's overall curb appeal, but makes a big first impression since it is the initial part of a home that is viewed up close by visitors before entering the inner domain. Simple improvements to the front door like a new coat of paint or adding magnetic weather stripping are largely considered favorable improvements to prospective homebuyers.

If a front door is being replaced altogether, another smart move for homebuyers is to invest in a steel front door, which costs an average of $600. Homeowners recoup an average of 129 percent of the project's cost when installing a steel door. Not only are steel doors more affordable than alternatives, but they are also considered a crucial feature for homeowners focused on home security since steel doors outperform wooden doors by a ratio of 7 to 1.