52% of Buyers Would Live With Ghosts, Yet These 7 Things Still Scare Them Off

You don’t need flickering lights or a haunted history to give buyers the chills. Sometimes it’s the cat-litter smell, cluttered countertops, or that one door that won’t open. A recent survey even found more than half of Americans would buy a “haunted” house if the price was right—but what truly scares buyers off are the simple things sellers forget to fix, clean, or disclose.

1) The Smell of Something Sinister

Strong pet odors, cigarette smoke, mildew—or an aggressive plug-in—can end a showing before it starts. When buyers smell problems, they imagine costly repairs.
What to do: Remove the source, don’t mask it. Deep-clean soft surfaces, change HVAC filters, and air out the home. Aim for light, neutral, and fresh.

2) Cluttered Chaos

Lovely as your style may be, too much “personality” makes it hard for buyers to picture their own life here. Piles on counters and stuffed closets read like “deferred maintenance.”
What to do: Pre-pack and store extras. Clear surfaces and edit closets. We’re going for “model home,” not “mystery mansion.”

3) Dim and Dreary Lighting

Dark rooms feel smaller, older, and a little unsettling.
What to do: Open every blind, upgrade to bright white bulbs, add a few lamps, and turn on the lights before showings. Bright, even light makes spaces feel bigger and more welcoming.

4) Creepy-Crawly Corners

Cobwebs, dead bugs, and dust whisper “not well cared for.”
What to do: Book a deep clean and a preventative pest treatment—especially basements, garages, and utility areas. Clean corners signal a cared-for home.

5) Unfinished Business

Half-done projects, chipped paint, or wobbly hardware make buyers wonder what else is lingering on the to-do list.
What to do: Wrap up the small stuff first: tighten hinges, replace dated fixtures, refresh caulk and grout, touch up paint. Small wins build big confidence.

6) Weird Layouts or Locked Doors

Buyers can forgive an awkward nook—but a locked or inaccessible room sets off alarm bells.
What to do: Make every space open and easy to navigate. Give each area a simple purpose with light, neutral staging.

7) Overzealous Decor

Seasonal touches are sweet; distractions are not. Heavy themes or big collections pull focus from the home.
What to do: Keep decor clean and calm. Tuck collections away, soften bold colors, and let the house do the talking.

The Real Plot Twist

More than half of buyers say they’d live with “haunted” if the value is right. What they won’t live with is a home that smells musty, feels dark and cluttered, or hints at hidden repairs. Focus on the basics and you’ll win the real, living buyers who matter.

North Shore Pre-List “De-Spook” Checklist

  • Neutralize odors at the source; change HVAC filters; schedule an air-out day.

  • Pre-pack 25–30% of belongings; clear kitchen and bath surfaces.

  • Maximize light: new bulbs, lamps, open blinds; trim shrubs blocking windows.

  • Deep clean + pest treatment (garage, basement, utility rooms, attic access).

  • Quick fixes first: paint touch-ups, caulk, hardware, loose rails, leaky faucets.

  • Open every room; stage awkward corners with a clear, simple use.

  • Keep decor soft and neutral; a few seasonal touches are plenty.

Selling in Cedarburg, Mequon, or Grafton?
I’ll walk your home room-by-room with a simple punch list, connect you with our favorite cleaners, painters, and handypeople, and stage for that warm “I could live here” first impression. Want a quick de-spook consult? Send your address and timeline—I’ll take it from there.

jennifer Sloan