How to Sell Your Haunted House Without Scaring Away Buyers

The Olsen Team’s Halloween tips for turning your ghostly abode into a buyer’s dream (or nightmare)

Selling a house is hard enough, but selling a haunted house? Well, that’s a whole other realm (pun intended). If your property comes with more than just a squeaky floorboard and the occasional draft, you’re probably wondering how to convince buyers that your home is worth the ghosts. Fear not! This humorous but practical guide will help you get your haunted house ready to sell.

1. Embrace the Spooky Vibes

When you can’t hide it, flaunt it! Your home has character—possibly many characters from different eras. Rather than downplaying the haunted history, highlight it in a fun and quirky way. Some buyers are actually looking for a spooky spot! Consider marketing your home as a “paranormal paradise” or “vintage charm with extra personality.” Lean into the haunted atmosphere with creative listing descriptions like, “Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live with history—literally!”

2. Fix the Basics

No one minds a ghost or two, but they do mind broken plumbing and sagging roofs. Before putting your haunted house on the market, make sure all the basics are in good shape. Buyers will forgive an occasional sighting of a Victorian lady in the mirror, but leaky faucets and electrical issues? Not so much. Even the spookiest mansion needs a solid foundation. Get those repairs done so your buyer only has to worry about the house’s supernatural quirks.

3. Stage with Care

You want to present your haunted house in the best light possible—just not flickering light. When staging your home, don’t go overboard with the spooky décor (no skeletons in the closet or cobwebs in the corners, please!). Instead, opt for a more neutral, welcoming look to show potential buyers how they could transform your haunted property into a cozy home. Soft lighting, warm furniture, and a few pumpkins outside can strike the perfect balance between charm and atmosphere without being too eerie.

4. Disclose Wisely

In many areas, sellers are legally required to disclose if their property is considered “stigmatized,” which can include being haunted. While you may not believe in ghosts yourself, it’s important to be honest about any unusual history, especially if it has garnered local attention. However, you don’t have to oversell the haunted angle if you don’t want to. Keep it simple: “Some residents have reported unusual occurrences, but nothing that can’t be managed with a good old sage smudge or two.”

5. Sweeten the Deal

Selling a haunted house? Time to sweeten the pot. Consider offering a few extras to make your home irresistible. Maybe throw in a home warranty (you know, just in case the poltergeist gets into the plumbing). Or perhaps include some unique features, like a “ghost eviction” service or free paranormal investigation with every tour! Buyers will appreciate the sense of humor and the reassurance that they’ll be getting a deal, ghosts and all.

6. Enlist an Open-Minded Realtor

The right real estate agent can make all the difference. You’ll need someone with both a sense of humor and an open mind—someone who can find the perfect buyer who loves a good ghost story. After all, selling a haunted house is about embracing the experience and finding someone who loves the charm (and chills) that come with it.

Final Thoughts

Selling a haunted house doesn’t have to be scary—at least not for you! With a little creativity, some basic repairs, and a sense of humor, you’ll be well on your way to finding that perfect buyer who’s not afraid of a few extra houseguests.