In today's tight real estate market, selling your property means taking every advantage you can get.  To make sure you attract potential buyers, curb appeal is essential.  One way to add style and elegance to the front of your home is with exterior shutters.  Shutters have once again become a popular essential for modern homes.  However, with modern conveniences, functional exterior shutters have become unnecessary in most areas due to heating and air units that maintain consistent indoor temperatures.  Assuming functional shutters are not necessary and aesthetics is your goal, consider the tips below when you choose shutters for the exterior windows of your home.

Check with your local building authority and/or homeowners association prior to installing new exterior shutters.  Some of these entities may require some level of historical accuracy or have some requirements concerning the materials used on the exterior of the structures in your neighborhood.

Drive around and view different houses in your area with exterior shutters.  This can help you see what style of shutter will best compliment the architecture of your home.  Raised panels, louvers, or a combination of the two are the most widely used on most homes.  However, there are others.  A visit to your local home improvement store will provide you with all the styles that are available.

Measure the height of your windows and purchase exterior shutters that are the same height as your windows in order to maintain the symmetrical look of your home.  Check to see if standard sized shutters are available in sizes that will match your windows.  Standard sized shutters are usually around 12" and 15" in width and come in various heights.  If standard sizes are not available for your windows, then you will have to have custom shutters made.  Your local home improvement center should be able to provide this service.

Decide whether you will install vinyl or wood shutters.  Most exterior shutters installed today are made of vinyl and come in a variety of colors.  They are practically maintenance free and last for many years.  However, some homes will just not lend themselves architecturally to a vinyl shutter and wood will be a better choice.  If you decide to install wood shutters, choose shutters made of cedar since they hold up better in the elements than other wood and require little maintenance.

The final step is installation.  Non-functional exterior shutters are relatively easy to install and is a basic DIY project.  Attachment involves screwing or nailing the shutter through its face into the side of the house.  If the exterior of your home is wood, nailing will suffice.  However, if the exterior of your home is brick, you will need to drill holes in the mortar between the bricks and insert an anchor for the screws.

Your choice of exterior shutters should add significant curb appeal to your home by making your windows seem larger and more prominent.  Adding faux hinges and shutter dogs can give your shutters the appearance of being functional as well as adding that final decorative touch.