7 Scariest Things Buyers Notice During a Showing

by Chris Jamison

You don’t need flickering lights or a haunted history to give buyers the creeps. Sometimes it’s the cat litter smell, the cluttered countertops, or the door that mysteriously won’t open.

According to a new Real Estate Witch survey, more than half of Americans (52%) say they’d buy a haunted house if the price was right. But in reality, it’s not ghosts that scare people off — it’s the things sellers forget to fix, clean, or disclose.

Here are the top red flags that send Omaha buyers running during showings — and what to do instead.

1. The Smell of Something Sinister

Nothing kills a showing faster than a funky smell. Pet odors, cigarette smoke, mildew, or even an overly strong plug-in can turn curiosity into disgust within seconds.

In the survey, 94% of Americans said they’re more afraid of repair issues than ghosts — including mold (70%) and asbestos (63%). If a buyer can smell those problems, they’re picturing expensive surprises behind every wall.

What to do: Deep-clean carpets, replace air filters, and remove sources of odor instead of covering them up. A clean, neutral scent says “move-in ready,” not “what died in here.”

2. Cluttered Chaos

Too much “personality” makes it hard for buyers to picture their own life in the home.

Even if the décor isn’t spooky, piles of laundry, messy counters, and jam-packed closets can make people uneasy. And since 53% of Americans say unexpected costs are the scariest part of homeownership, clutter sends a subtle message: “What else might be hiding here?”

What to do: Pre-pack and store extras. Think “model home,” not “mystery mansion.”

3. Dim and Dreary Lighting

Dark rooms and drawn curtains make homes feel smaller and older than they really are.

Fifty-seven percent of people say they’d feel uncomfortable in a haunted house — but many feel the same way in one that’s just too dim.

What to do: Open every blind, replace bulbs with bright white LEDs, and turn on all lights before showings. Buyers can’t fall in love with what they can’t see.

4. Creepy-Crawly Corners

Cobwebs, bugs, and layers of dust are instant red flags.

Even one spider web makes buyers wonder what else is lurking in the shadows — and since 65% of Americans say termites are scarier than ghosts, pest control is a must.

What to do: Schedule a deep clean and pest treatment before listing. A spotless home says “well cared for,” not “abandoned Halloween set.”

5. Unfinished Business

Half-done renovation projects, chipped paint, and broken fixtures all make buyers nervous.

Even without ghosts, visible neglect can haunt a sale. Unfinished business reads like “extra costs ahead.”

What to do: Knock out those small fixes before listing — patch drywall, tighten cabinet handles, replace that flickering light. Finished details calm buyer nerves and build confidence.

6. Weird Layouts or Locked Doors

Mystery rooms or “off-limits” doors instantly make buyers uneasy.

If they can’t access a space, their imagination fills in the blanks. And trust me — imagination rarely works in your favor.

What to do: Make sure every space is open, clean, and well-lit. Even awkward layouts can feel inviting when staged right.

7. Overzealous Decor

Halloween decorations are fun — in moderation. But too much personal or themed décor can distract buyers from the home itself.

What to do: Keep things simple and neutral. Store collections, tone down bold paint colors, and opt for a few tasteful seasonal touches instead of full haunted-house energy.

When “Haunted” Isn’t the Problem

Here’s the twist: more than half of Americans (52%) say they’d live in a haunted house if the price was right.

But they won’t live in one that smells musty, feels cluttered, or hides mystery maintenance issues. Before you worry about ghosts, focus on the basics. Small improvements make your home feel welcoming to real, living buyers.