10 Things NOT to Fix When Selling Your Home

Thinking about selling your home in Huntington Beach or Orange County? Hit pause before you pull out the sledgehammer. You might be planning a big list of fixes, but here’s the reality: most of them are a waste of money. After 20+ years of helping sellers close deals for top dollar in Southern California, I can tell you with confidence—buyers care less about perfection and more about potential.

In this post, we’re covering the 10 things you should NOT fix before selling your home. These are the most common mistakes I see sellers make, and avoiding them could save you thousands. At the end, I’ll share exactly what you should focus on instead to maximize your sale price.

Prefer to watch instead? Here's the full video:

Want tailored advice on selling your Huntington Beach home? Contact me here.

1. Major Renovations (Like Full Kitchen or Bath Remodels)

We’ve all heard it: "kitchens and bathrooms sell homes." But dropping $50K on a kitchen remodel right before selling? Huge mistake.

• Most remodels only return 50-70% of their cost.
• Buyers may rip out your new design anyway.
• Partial or rushed remodels often signal corner-cutting.

Do this instead: Paint cabinets, update hardware, change faucets, swap lighting. Lower cost, higher ROI.

2. Replacing All the Flooring

If your floors are dated but functional, skip the upgrade.

Buyers expect to make updates. Unless the flooring is heavily stained or smells like pets, leave it. Refinish hardwoods if needed and consider area rugs to hide imperfections.

3. Small Driveway & Walkway Cracks

Hairline concrete cracks are completely normal in Southern California homes. Don’t waste money repouring concrete.

Pro tip: Power wash, pull weeds, or relevel pavers for a fresh, clean look.

4. Full Roof Replacement

Unless your roof is actively leaking, don’t replace it. Get a roof inspection and share that with buyers instead.

5. Replacing the Front Door

Front door upgrades rarely provide strong ROI. Instead, paint it, add a new doormat, and clean the porch. That’s your curb appeal win.

6. Window Coverings

Buyers usually replace them anyway. Remove heavy drapes, patch holes, and let in as much natural light as possible.

7. Large Landscaping Projects

Skip the new fire pit or outdoor kitchen. Focus on basics: mulch, mow, trim, edge, clean. These add massive perceived value without major cost.

8. Replacing the Fireplace

Fireplaces add charm, even if they’re outdated. Clean it, confirm it works, and don’t worry about a redesign.

9. Mismatched Partial Fixes

Don’t replace one faucet or one light fixture if you’re not replacing all of them. It draws attention to corners being cut. Either match everything or leave it alone.

10. Over-Improving for the Neighborhood

In areas like Huntington Beach or Costa Mesa, make sure your updates match local comps. Over-improving = lost dollars. Check recent sales in your zip code and align with the market, not above it.

So What Should You Fix Before Selling?

• Declutter: Less is more. Thin out closets and countertops.
• Deep Clean: Hire pros for baseboards, vents, windows, and pet zones.
• Fresh Paint: Use warm neutrals. High ROI for low cost.
• Deodorize: Neutral smells = more offers.
• Stage the Home: Clean, simple furniture and layouts increase emotional appeal.

Want expert help preparing your home for the Orange County real estate market? Schedule a call today.

And don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube for weekly expert insights on buying and selling real estate in Huntington Beach and the surrounding areas.