People wouldn’t want their homes to look the same as the rest of the block if they were so focused on it. “curb appeal.”

It doesn’t matter if you’re selling — The National Association of Realtors states that 49 percent of houses are purchased based on this one factor. Or, if the homeowner plans to stay there longer than the Powerball lines. Every homeowner wants what has been called “The Home of the Future.” “that quality that makes you say ‘wow’ when you first see it.”

How do you achieve this? Here are some top tips from the pros.

* Addresses aren’t just for mailboxes. Each numeral can be painted in bold strokes. “You spruce up your landscape with plants, so why not liven your home address the same way?”Angie’s List

* Glam the front door. For those who dare, lipstick-red is a good idea. Forbes suggests that those who don’t want to paint it or have houses that aren’t neutral colors should consult Forbes. “try a more muted shade like sea-blue, sage-green, or even black.”

* Replace your roof. This is the most important, as Better Homes and Garden’s often-cited calculation states that 40% of curb appeal of a home depends on its roof condition. Although you might be embarrassed by the not-so-subtle clues from your neighbors that your roof is in poor condition, it may not be too much. If you are even considering selling, what is the first thing potential buyers will see?

“It’s a huge turn-off, and only makes them predisposed to find even more things they hate about the house,”Patsy O’Neill (a Sotheby’s Montclair, New Jersey sales associate) said.

How do you fix it? Jason Joplin is the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence’s program manager. He has written a glowing testimonial about the beautiful new line of Glenwood Shingles. GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer (gaf.com). “It’s the industry’s thickest triple-layer asphalt shingle,”He says. “Not only does that result in an authentic wood-shake look at a fraction of the cost of traditional wood shake, but you’re also getting enhanced fire safety and lower maintenance.”You’re also helping the environment.

* Pressure time. It can be as fun as water pistols for adults. You can use a gardenhose to clear dirt and debris off your property (set to maximum)! HGTV warns, however: “Be careful not to dislodge, or get any water underneath, your home’s siding.”