You don’t need ghosts to scare off a buyer.
Sometimes it’s not the supernatural—it’s the smell of cat litter, cluttered counters, or a door that just won’t open.
According to a Real Estate Witch survey, 52% of Americans would buy a haunted house if the price was right. But in reality, it’s not spirits that send buyers fleeing—it’s the small, overlooked details sellers forget to fix, clean, or disclose.
Here are the top red flags that make buyers second-guess your home—and how to stop them before they kill the deal.
1. The Smell of Something Sinister
Nothing repels buyers faster than a bad smell. Pet odors, cigarette smoke, mildew, or overly strong air fresheners can make people wonder what’s lurking beneath the surface.
A whopping 94% of Americans fear home repair issues more than ghosts—and mold (70%) tops the list. If buyers can smell the problem, they’re already imagining thousands in hidden repairs.
What to do:
- Deep-clean carpets and upholstery
- Replace air filters
- Remove—not mask—odors
- A clean, neutral scent says “move-in ready,” not “mystery smell ahead.”
2. Cluttered Chaos
Too much “personality” can make it impossible for buyers to picture themselves living there.
Messy countertops, overstuffed closets, and piles of laundry make a home feel smaller—and suspicious.
When 53% of buyers already worry about surprise costs, visible clutter makes them think: What else is being hidden?
What to do:
- Pre-pack extra items
- Clear counters and closets
- Aim for “model home,” not “lived-in maze”
3. Dim and Dreary Lighting
A dark home instantly feels smaller, older, and less inviting. If a buyer asks to “turn on the lights” and they’re already on… you’ve lost them.
What to do:
- Swap in bright, daylight bulbs
- Open blinds and curtains
- Add lamps to dark corners
Bright = Bigger. And a well-lit home helps buyers see your space—and your care for it—clearly.
4. Creepy-Crawly Corners
Cobwebs, dust, and bugs whisper one thing: neglect. Even one spider web can trigger questions about what else might be crawling around—and 65% of buyers say termites are scarier than ghosts.
What to do:
- Hire a professional cleaning and pest control service
- Check corners, basements, and light fixtures before showings
A spotless home doesn’t just shine—it signals “this house is loved.”
5. Unfinished Business
Half-done projects, chipped paint, and dangling light fixtures scream “money pit.” Even minor neglect can make buyers nervous.
What to do:
- Finish small repairs before listing
- Patch paint, tighten handles, replace outdated fixtures
These small details show your home has been maintained—and reassure buyers that no ghosts (or hidden costs) are waiting in the walls.
6. Weird Layouts or Locked Doors
Buyers fear what they can’t see. Closed or locked doors during a showing instantly raise red flags. Their imagination will do the rest—and not in a good way.
What to do:
- Keep every room open and accessible
Use light, furniture, and decor to make awkward spaces feel intentional
Transparency builds trust. Even an odd layout can feel charming when it’s clean, open, and well-lit.
7. Overzealous Décor
Yes, it’s fun to decorate for the season—but there’s a fine line between festive and frightening. Too many themed or personal touches distract buyers and make it hard to focus on the home itself.
What to do:
- Keep décor minimal and neutral
- Stick to warm, inviting seasonal accents
You want buyers to remember the house, not your Halloween collection.
When “Haunted” Isn’t the Problem
Here’s the twist: more than half of Americans (52%) would live in a haunted house if the price was right. But they won’t live in one that smells like mildew, feels dark, or looks neglected.
Before worrying about ghosts, fix the basics—clean, brighten, and declutter. Because what really scares buyers isn’t the supernatural… it’s uncertainty. Thinking of selling? Don’t let small slip-ups spook serious buyers. Let’s walk your home together before it hits the market—so we catch the red flags before they do.