When preparing to sell your home, especially in the year or two leading up to putting it on the market, it's worth stepping back and asking whether there is one part of your home that doesn't match the standard of the rest of the house.  Maybe you've updated most areas over the years -- kitchen, bathrooms, roof, windows -- but one space still feels dated or neglected.

Buyers often form an overall impression of a home based on consistency. If everything else feels like a "$450K home" but the kitchen (or flooring, or landscaping, or primary bathroom) looks more like "$375K," that mismatch can leave them questioning the value. Even if it's just one area, it can create hesitation -- or open the door for lower offers.

Even if you will only be in your house for another year or two prior to selling, it can be worthwhile to identify and invest in bringing that one last area up to the standard of the rest of your home. Whether it's old carpet that never got replaced, a kitchen that's still stuck in the early 2000s, or a backyard that has never had anything more than minimal landscaping, taking care of that final project can help your home feel complete to buyers.

Of course, every home is different, and not every upgrade pays off equally. But if one room or feature feels noticeably behind everything else, it's often worth addressing -- especially if most of your home already shows well. It can be the difference between strong buyer interest and a home that sits on the market longer than expected.

If you're unsure where to focus or how much to invest, I'm always happy to walk through your home with you and offer a few thoughts. Sometimes, that one last improvement can make the difference in helping your home sell quickly and for the best price.