What Gives Buyers the Creeps: 7 Red Flags That Can Kill a Sale

You don’t need flickering lights or a haunted history to give buyers the creeps. Sometimes it’s the cat litter smell, cluttered counters, or that one 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 send buyers running—it’s the things sellers forget to fix, clean, or disclose.

So before you list your home in Pasco or Hernando County, here are seven things that could scare off potential buyers (and how to fix them!).

1️⃣ The Smell of Something Sinister

Nothing kills a showing faster than a funky smell. Pet odors, cigarette smoke, mildew—or even too much plug-in air freshener—can have buyers backing out before they hit the kitchen.

💡 Homegirl Tip: Deep-clean carpets, change filters, and don’t just cover up odors—eliminate them. A fresh, neutral scent says “move-in ready,” not “mystery lurking in the vents.”

2️⃣ Cluttered Chaos

Even if your décor isn’t spooky, piles of clothes, stuffed closets, and over-decorated shelves make buyers uneasy.

💡 Homegirl Tip: Start pre-packing. Less “you” in the space helps buyers picture their life there. Think “model home,” not “mystery mansion.”

3️⃣ Dim and Dreary Lighting

Dark rooms feel smaller—and older—than they are. If buyers walk in and ask, “Can you turn on a light?”… and it’s already on… yikes.

💡 Homegirl Tip: Open blinds, use bright bulbs, and light up every room before showings. In sunny Florida, natural light is your best selling feature!

4️⃣ Creepy-Crawly Corners

Cobwebs, dust bunnies, and (gasp) a roach sighting can send buyers running for the door.

💡 Homegirl Tip: Schedule a pest treatment and a deep clean before listing. A tidy home says “well cared for,” not “haunted house on Halloween night.”

5️⃣ Unfinished Business

Half-done renovations, chipped paint, or loose doorknobs all whisper “what else is wrong?”

💡 Homegirl Tip: Finish those small projects now. A little fresh paint and polish make your home feel solid—not spooky.

6️⃣ Weird Layouts or Locked Doors

Buyers don’t like mysteries. Locked doors, dark hallways, or awkward layouts can make them feel uneasy.

💡 Homegirl Tip: Keep all rooms open and well-lit. Even quirky spaces can feel cozy with the right staging and lighting.

7️⃣ Over-the-Top Décor

Halloween décor is fun (I love a good pumpkin moment 🎃), but mannequins, dolls, or too many family photos? Creepy.

💡 Homegirl Tip: Go neutral. Store strong décor pieces and let your home’s features shine instead.

🕯️ When “Haunted” Isn’t the Problem

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

Before you worry about ghosts, focus on the basics:
✨ Fresh air
✨ Bright light
✨ Clean spaces
✨ Easy access

Small fixes = confident buyers.

If you’re thinking about selling in Hernando or Pasco County, I’d love to help you make your home the one buyers can’t wait to walk through—not run from. 🏡💚

📲 Let’s chat!
— Stacy “The Homegirl” Gervais
Epique Realty | #BEEPIQUE | #StacyTheHomegirl