It is January, which means many of you in Anaheim, Fullerton, and Corona are walking around your house with a clipboard, making a list of things to "fix" before you list your home in March.
You might be thinking about knocking down a wall, adding a pool, or finally redoing that guest bathroom.
Stop.
As we head into the 2026 Spring Market, buyer behavior in our area has shifted. They are no longer paying a premium for "trendy" upgrades. In fact, some of the most expensive renovations you can do might actually hurt your resale value.
I want you to keep as much equity in your pocket as possible. So before you call a contractor, here are the three renovations you should absolutely SKIP this year.
The "Open Concept" Demolition
For the last decade, everyone wanted to knock down every wall in their 1970s Placentia or Brea ranch home to create one giant warehouse-style room.
The Local Reality: Buyers are over it. With more people in Orange County working from home permanently, "noise pollution" is a real issue. Buyers are actually looking for defined spaces—a living room that is separate from the kitchen so they can take a Zoom call without hearing the blender.
- The Cost: $15,000+ to remove load-bearing walls.
- The ROI: Minimal to Negative.
- Do This Instead: Keep the walls. Use that money to stage the rooms so they feel distinct and functional.
The Backyard Oasis (Pools & Outdoor Kitchens)
We live in Southern California, so we love our outdoor space. But adding a brand-new pool specifically to sell your house is a financial disaster.
The Local Reality: In newer communities like Eastvale or parts of Yorba Linda, buyers often have access to incredible HOA resort pools. They don't need yours. In older neighborhoods like Orange or Riverside, buyers see a pool and see a $200/month cleaning bill and higher insurance premiums.
- The Cost: $80,000 - $100,000+.
- The ROI: You might get 40-50% of that back if you are lucky.
- Do This Instead: Sod and Sod. A clean, green, manicured lawn is cheap to install and makes the yard look massive. Let the new owner decide if they want to dig a hole.
The "Pinterest" Kitchen (Matte Black Everything)
You’ve seen it on Instagram: Matte black faucets, dark navy cabinets, and patterned cement tile backsplashes.
The Local Reality: Trends move fast. What looked cutting-edge in 2023 already looks "dated" to a buyer in 2026. "High-contrast" kitchens are out; warm, neutral tones are in. If you remodel your kitchen in Anaheim Hills with highly specific taste, you are narrowing your buyer pool.
- The Cost: $60,000+.
- The ROI: Variable (risky).
- Do This Instead: The "Refresh." Keep your cabinets but paint them a creamy white or soft greige. Replace the hardware with classic brushed nickel or brass. It costs a fraction of the price and appeals to everyone.
Bottom Line
In 2026, buyers in North OC and the Inland Empire are paying for Maintenance, not Trends.
They will pay top dollar for a home with a new roof, new windows, and a fresh coat of neutral paint. They will not pay you back for the $5,000 custom closet system you installed.
If you are planning to sell this Spring, let’s do a 15-Minute Walkthrough before you spend a dime. I can point out exactly which repairs will give you a 3x return, and which ones you should ignore completely.
Save your money for your next house. Call or text me at (714) 844-5696 to set up a quick chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Unlike major remodels, fresh flooring has a massive ROI (often 100%+). If your carpet is stained, ripped, or smells like pets, replacing it with a neutral, mid-range carpet or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is one of the best investments you can make. It creates that "New Home Smell" that sells houses.
You don't always need to paint the whole house. Often, painting just the trim, the front door, and the garage door is enough to boost curb appeal significantly. However, if your stucco is peeling (common in older Fullerton homes) or the color is extremely faded, a full exterior paint job usually pays for itself.