Why is my home not selling: Part 6. Does your home have curb appeal

• It creates an emotional “yes” feeling.
• It signals the home is well-maintained.
• It stands out in a competitive market.

Many sellers focus 90% of their energy on the interior (cleaning, staging, decluttering) and leave the exterior for last—often running out of time. That’s a costly mistake. The exterior is the first (and sometimes only) impression. Winter-Specific Curb Appeal Tips (Minnesota Real Estate)In the Twin Cities metro area (Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, and beyond), winter conditions make curb appeal challenging, but there are still high-impact, low-cost steps you can take right now:

• Shovel and de-ice driveways, sidewalks, and steps — Snow and ice are obvious turn-offs. Buyers worry about slipping and injuring themselves during a showing. Clear paths completely and use salt/sand for safety.
• Remove cobwebs, dirt, and fall debris around doors/windows — A quick broom sweep around the front entrance makes a surprising difference.
• Clear the front yard — Put away hoses, kids’ toys, holiday decorations, trash cans, or any clutter. A clean yard looks bigger and more inviting.
• Check exterior lights — Make sure porch lights and pathway lights work. Buyers often drive by in the evening or early morning—good lighting creates a warm, safe feel.
• Quick touch-ups — Sweep the front porch, wipe down the door, and make sure the mailbox and house numbers are visible and clean.

These aren’t expensive or time-consuming, but they remove immediate objections and help buyers focus on the home’s potential instead of its problems. The Bottom Line In a market where buyers have endless options and start their search on Google Maps, curb appeal can be the difference between a showing and a skipped listing. A clean, safe, welcoming exterior makes buyers feel good about stepping inside. A neglected one gives them an easy reason to move on. If your home has been sitting too long or you’re planning to list your home soon in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, or the south metro, let’s talk. As a real estate agent in Lakeville MN with over 20 years helping sellers maximize value, I’ll give you an honest assessment of what’s holding your home back and a clear plan to get it sold fast and for top dollar. Ready to improve your curb appeal and sell your home? Text or call me today, Tom Sommers with Coldwell Banker Realty, for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s make your home the one buyers can’t pass up.