You don’t need flickering lights or a haunted past to give buyers the chills. Sometimes all it takes is a whiff of cat litter, a jammed door, or a countertop so cluttered it looks like a scene from Hoarders.

And while over half of Americans (52%) say they’d buy a haunted house if the price was right (according to Real Estate Witch), it’s not ghosts that send buyers running — it’s the things sellers forget to fix, clean, or explain.

Here are the seven red flags that haunt buyers during showings — and how to exorcise them before your next open house.

1. The Smell of Something Sinister

Nothing clears out a showing faster than a bad odor. Pet smells, cigarette smoke, mildew, or an overzealous plug-in can make even the nicest home feel like a nightmare.

A whopping 94% of Americans say they fear home repair issues more than ghosts — with mold (70%) and asbestos (63%) topping the list. If your home smells like problems, buyers will assume there are bigger ones lurking.

Fix it: Deep-clean carpets, replace filters, and remove the source of the odor — don’t just mask it. A light, clean scent says move-in ready, not what died in here?

2. Cluttered Chaos

Too much personality can be… scary. Messy countertops, overstuffed closets, or piles of laundry make buyers feel like they’re intruding — or worse, that the home is hiding something.

And since 53% of Americans say unexpected costs are their biggest fear of homeownership, clutter can send the message that maintenance isn’t your strong suit.

Fix it: Pre-pack, donate, and store what you can. You want your home to feel like a “model home,” not a “mystery mansion.”

3. Dim and Dreary Lighting

No one wants to tour a house that feels like a dungeon. Dark corners and drawn curtains make rooms feel smaller, older, and sometimes haunted.

If buyers walk in and ask you to “turn on the lights,” and they’re already on — you’ve got a problem.

Fix it: Swap in bright white bulbs, open blinds, and turn on every light before showings. Bright homes feel bigger, safer, and more inviting.

4. Creepy-Crawly Corners

Cobwebs, dust, and bugs tell buyers one thing: this house hasn’t been cared for. And since 65% of Americans say termites are scarier than ghosts, even one stray spider web can spook them.

Fix it: Book a professional deep clean and pest control treatment before listing. A spotless home says “well-loved,” not “abandoned on Halloween night.”

5. Unfinished Business

Half-done DIY projects and chipped paint are red flags — not character. Even without ghosts, visible neglect can haunt your sale.

Buyers see unfinished work as unfinished costs, and that can make even an affordable listing feel risky.

Fix it: Tighten those cabinet doors, patch the walls, and replace broken fixtures. Small fixes go a long way toward calming buyers’ fears.

6. Weird Layouts or Locked Doors

Mystery rooms are for horror movies, not home showings. A locked door or blocked-off space instantly makes buyers uneasy — because if they can’t see what’s inside, their imagination will fill in the blanks.

Fix it: Open every room and make awkward layouts feel intentional with good lighting and smart staging. Curiosity should feel inviting, not unsettling.

7. Overzealous Decor

Halloween is fun — but you don’t want your buyers wondering if you actually live with ghosts year-round.

Too much personal or themed decor (or that collection of porcelain dolls staring from the shelf) can distract from the home itself.

Fix it: Keep decor simple and neutral. A few cozy seasonal touches go a lot further than a full haunted house setup.

When “Haunted” Isn’t the Problem

Here’s the twist — more than half of Americans (52%) say they’d live in a haunted house for the right price. But they won’t live in one that smells musty, feels dark, or looks neglected.

Before worrying about ghosts, focus on what’s real: clean spaces, good lighting, and simple updates.

Because in real estate, it’s not the spirits you need to worry about — it’s the first impressions.