You don’t need flickering chandeliers or a local legend to make buyers uneasy. Most of the time it’s everyday stuff—like a stubborn door, a wall of knickknacks, or a whiff of “what is that?”—that kills the vibe.

A recent Real Estate Witch survey found that 52% of Americans would buy a haunted house for the right price. But here in the real world, it’s not spirits that send people packing; it’s the simple things sellers forget to clean, fix, or explain.

Below are the seven red flags that scare buyers off fastest—and easy ways to defuse them before your next showing.

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1) Scary Scents

Nothing ends a tour quicker than a bad smell. Pet odors, old smoke, mildew, or even aggressive plug-ins can make buyers assume there’s a bigger problem lurking. In that survey, 94% of Americans said repair issues worry them more than ghosts—especially mold (70%) and asbestos (63%). If they smell trouble, they’re already pricing out repairs in their head.

Do this: Eliminate the source instead of masking it. Wash or replace fabrics that hold odor, deep-clean carpets, change HVAC filters, and air out the house. Aim for “fresh and neutral,” not “perfume factory.”

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2) Clutter Everywhere

Even charming décor can turn into visual noise. Piles on counters, stuffed closets, and crowded rooms make spaces feel smaller—and give the impression the home’s hard to maintain. With 53% of Americans most afraid of surprise costs, clutter can read as “what else is hidden?”

Do this: Pre-pack. Edit surfaces, thin out closets, and store extras in bins or off-site. Think “model home,” not “lived-in maze.”

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3) Gloomy Lighting

Dark rooms shrink instantly. Drawn drapes and low-watt bulbs make buyers wonder what you’re trying to hide—or at least make the home feel older than it is.

Do this: Open every blind, upgrade to bright white LEDs where appropriate, and flip all the lights on before the first showing. Add a lamp or two to dead zones. Bright = bigger, cleaner, safer.

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4) Cobwebs & Critters

Dusty corners, bug traps, and spider webs scream “deferred maintenance.” Since 65% of Americans say termites are scarier than ghosts, visible pests are a deal-breaker.

Do this: Schedule a deep clean and a preventative pest treatment before listing. Keep entryways, ceilings, and baseboards spotless—especially during Oklahoma’s seasonal bug upticks.

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5) Unfinished Fixes

Half-painted trim, dangling switch plates, and half-done DIY jobs make buyers doubt the rest of the house. Even if the place isn’t haunted, neglect has a vibe—and it’s expensive.

Do this: Finish the easy wins: tighten loose cabinet doors, swap broken fixtures, touch up paint, recaulk where needed, and silence squeaks. Small polish, big confidence.

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6) Weird Flow—or Locked Doors

Odd layouts happen, but mystery spaces make nerves spike. If a door won’t open or a room’s blocked off, imaginations go wild.

Do this: Make every room accessible and easy to navigate. If a space is quirky, stage it with a clear purpose (reading nook, mini office, workout corner) and light it well so it feels intentional.

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7) Over-the-Top Décor

We love a seasonal moment, but heavy themes or very personal collections pull focus from the home itself. Buyers want to connect with the space, not your Halloween expertise—or your sports shrine.

Do this: Keep it simple and neutral. Store collections, tone down bold paint, and use a few tasteful seasonal touches. Warm, not weird.

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The Plot Twist

Yes—more than half of Americans say they’d live with a ghost if the price was right. But they won’t live with mildew smells, cave-level lighting, or obvious maintenance mysteries. Before you worry about paranormal problems, nail the basics. A little prep turns “spooky showing” into “sold.”

Selling in Oklahoma City? I’ve got a simple pre-showing checklist—tailored to OKC seasons—that keeps buyers focused on what matters. Want a copy?