Remodeling is no panacea for home sellers

A house that's outside the norm for a neighborhood can hobble the owners when it's time to sell.

Some real estate agents and appraisers, however, say many sellers these days feel too much pressure to remodel even standard homes, whether it's because of popular TV shows and flashy home design websites, or because friends or agents recommend it when it's not really needed.

In the case of most homes being readied for sale, "You shouldn't remodel the home," said Mac Mackenzie, an agent at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Irvine, Calif.

"People (looking to sell) are paying too much attention to television, and they're not getting the proper evaluation."

The value of real estate depends on the location, market segment and cycle, said appraiser Steven R. Smith of Redlands, Calif., who has conducted appraisals of homes in the Los Angeles area and throughout the U.S. over his more than 30-year career.

Many houses about to go on the market could use clean windows and perhaps carpet and paint. Maybe a new roof and some other repairs.

Even contractors find themselves pushing back on home sellers' urge to upgrade.

Paul Paniagua, owner of All Pro Builders in Fullerton, Calif., said he's persuaded people about to put their homes up for sale not to remodel, even if their agent suggested it.

"I try to talk them out of it," Paniagua said. He tells homeowners, "Why don't you put the house up on the market for what you're asking for and see what type of offers you get?"

He added, "Some people can just throw a countertop on and that's night and day."

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Remodeling is no panacea for home sellers