Perhaps it's the way the home sits on the property, or the mix of clapboard and fieldstone, the expanse of grass carpeting, the stately columns, the boisterous symphony of greenery and brilliantly colored flowers. This is it. I don't care what the inside looks like. I want it. That's curb appeal.
Curb appeal extends to neighborhoods as well.
Meticulously maintained homes in the estate section of town enjoy solid curb appeal whereas poorly kept neighborhoods do not. Interestingly, even your neighbor's state of curb appeal can positively or negatively affect your home. One way to find out is to take pictures of your property from various angles. Show them to friends, family, colleagues, anyone known for providing painfully objective feedback. Find out what's appealing about the home and grounds, and what needs improvement.