Is Your Listing a Haunted House? 9 Ways to Spook Buyers!

Good morning, real estate agents! 🏡 With Halloween just around the corner, a little spooky fun is great—but not when it comes to your listings. The last thing you want is for buyers to feel like they’re stepping into a haunted house! 👻

Today, we’re breaking down 9 eerie listing mistakes that could scare buyers away faster than a ghost sighting.

Ready to make sure your property gives off "dream home" vibes? ✨

Let’s get started!

First time reading? Sign up here with just one click.

1. CREEPY CRITTERS: EXOTIC PETS ON DISPLAY

Nothing says "welcome home" like a slithering python or a tarantula lurking in a corner.

Sure, Mr. Fluffy the tarantula might be your pride and joy, but your buyers aren’t here for the scares.

Trick-or-Treat Tip: Give your creepy pets a day off during showings to avoid giving buyers goosebumps.

2. HAUNTING SMELLS

Nothing like a kitchen that smells like last night’s garlic festival or a damp basement straight out of a horror movie.

Strange smells can haunt buyers’ memories long after they’ve left.

Trick-or-Treat Tip: Clear the air—stick to fresh, neutral scents that make the space inviting, not ones that send buyers running for the exit.

3. EERIE COLLECTIONS: DOLLS, CLOWNS, AND TAXIDERMY

Imagine walking into a room full of wide-eyed porcelain dolls or grinning clowns. Buyers might feel like they’re on the set of a horror flick.

Trick-or-Treat Tip: Unless your buyer is into the macabre, box up the creepy collections until after the closing.

4. YAPPY GHOULS: HERD OF ANKLE-BITING DOGS

A pack of tiny dogs can turn your open house into a real-life thriller. Nothing like high-pitched barking to chase off a buyer or two.

Trick-or-Treat Tip: Send your furry ghouls to a doggie spa for the day, so buyers can browse in peace.

5. GHOULISH DECOR: OUTLANDISH PAINT COLORS AND THEMES

Neon green walls? Blood-red kitchen? Buyers are likely to feel they’ve wandered into Dracula’s den instead of their dream home.

Trick-or-Treat Tip: Swap out those bold statements for neutral tones that appeal to a wider audience—unless you’re selling to vampires.

6. OVERGROWN YARD: HAUNTED-LOOKING GROUNDS

Weeds as tall as tombstones, creepy statues, and eerie lighting? All you’re missing is a fog machine.

Buyers want to see a welcoming yard, not a haunted forest.

Trick-or-Treat Tip: A little landscaping goes a long way in transforming that spooky jungle into a charming oasis.

7. THE GHOSTLY SELLER: LURKING DURING SHOWINGS

There’s nothing like a seller creeping in the background during a walkthrough.

Buyers want to explore freely, not feel haunted by a lurking presence.

Trick-or-Treat Tip: Sellers, step aside and let buyers feel comfortable imagining themselves in the home.

8. TOO MUCH OR WEIRD FURNITURE: A DECOR NIGHTMARE

If your home feels like an overstuffed museum, buyers may feel more overwhelmed than wowed. A giant beanbag chair in the dining room?

That’s more haunting than helpful.

Trick-or-Treat Tip: Keep it simple and stage with intention—your buyers should be able to visualize their future, not get lost in your furniture maze.

9. THE BACKYARD HORROR: PET "SURPRISES"

Dog poop, chicken droppings, or even a horse’s calling card can turn an outdoor space from charming to alarming real quick.

Trick-or-Treat Tip: Clean up thoroughly to ensure the only thing buyers leave with is excitement—not a smelly surprise stuck to their shoe.

SO REMEMBER…

Halloween might be fun, but your listings should be anything but spooky! By avoiding these frightful mistakes, you’ll keep buyers engaged and excited to make an offer.

The goal? Make them feel like they’ve found a dream home, not the next set for a horror movie.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Join our Premier Coaching for free, and get daily coaching sessions, expert scripts, and the strategies you need to tackle prospecting head-on. Sign up at https://premiercoaching.com.

And if you’re ready to take that next big step, consider joining the EXP Realty team. Visit https://whylibertas.com/harris or text Tim directly at 512-758-0206.

SPREAD THE WORD

Don’t keep Harris Real Estate Daily a secret! If you’re finding value in our real estate strategies and market insights, share with others why you subscribed.

AND THAT'S A WRAP!

Enjoy your day,

Tim & Julie Harris
Harris Real Estate Daily

P.S. This newsletter is free (for early subscribers). Enjoy!

Forwarded by a friend? Sign up with just one click here.

P.S. Don’t forget to whitelist our email address to make sure you never miss an update from us.