Did you know most buyers make a subconscious decision on a property within ten to fifteen seconds of pulling up to the home? If you're breaking into foreclosure investment, you need to know how important curb appeal is.

For key information about updating and upgrading the exterior of a property quickly, keep reading to learn how.

1. Clean it Up

Start by clearing out all the debris from both the front yard and the back. If there are any rundown structures on the property, check your local by-laws and have them removed if possible.

Then, have the property power-washed. Either do it yourself with a rental or hire a company that can power-wash the house, windows, deck, garage and even the driveway. You'll be amazed at how a good cleaning can really rejuvenate a property.

2. Paint It

From the window sills to the house itself, paint it. A fresh coat of paint on a tired deck or cracked shutters can really brighten and freshen a property to make it look almost new again.

3. Replace or Repair the Deck or Porch

If power-washing and painting a front or back porch still isn't helping, you may have to invest in having the deck either repaired or replaced. Remember, a front porch that sags to one side and is missing it's railing isn't going to appeal to potential buyers.

4. New Fixtures

From the door handle to the knocker to the mailbox, replace your outdoor fixtures to add curb appeal to the property. An outdated porch light, for example, can drag down the overall appearance a house. While a new one won't cost much, it can make a home seem contemporary and fresh.

5. Add Some Greenery

If there isn't time to plant flowers or shrubbery, add some greenery and plant life with potted plants or plants that have been pre-grown in a nursery. However, if you're handling a number of foreclosure investment properties, potted plants can be moved from house to house as needed.

6. Stage the Front Porch

Just as you would stage the interior of a home with simple furniture, stage the front porch with nice lawn furniture that can either be returned, sold or used again after you sell the house. Focus on making the front porch an inviting entranceway to the home.

7. Turn on the Light

Leave the front and rear lights on if you plan to show the real estate at night. Also, consider setting up tasteful solar lights in the backyard or along any walkways that could use a little extra illumination.