Tag: buyer psychology

Haunted or Historic? How to Market Homes with a Spooky Past

Introduction

Every property has a story, but what happens when that story is a little unsettling? From rumored hauntings to tragic events, some homes carry a reputation that can deter buyers. The question becomes: should you lean into the eerie details or highlight the home’s historic charm? In this post, we’ll explore how to market homes with a spooky past, the psychology behind buyer perceptions, and practical strategies to turn a potential negative into a selling point.

Understanding Buyer Psychology

When selling a home with a notorious reputation, it’s important to know that reactions can vary widely. A 2023 Realtor.com survey found that 54% of buyers would consider purchasing a haunted house if it had desirable features like location, price, or size. Interestingly, millennials and Gen Z buyers are more open to “stigmatized properties,” viewing them as unique opportunities. For others, however, even rumors of paranormal activity can be a dealbreaker. Recognizing these differences helps agents position the property strategically.

Two sets of hands. One shaking hands and one exchanging a tiny toy home. Depicting a good real estate deal.

Know the Disclosure Rules

Marketing homes with a spooky past isn’t just about storytelling—it’s also about legal responsibility. Disclosure laws vary by state. For example, in California, sellers must disclose any deaths on the property within the last three years. In other states, such as Massachusetts or Minnesota, psychological stigmas (like hauntings or crimes) don’t legally require disclosure unless the buyer asks. Real estate professionals should always review local regulations to avoid legal pitfalls and ensure transparency with buyers.

Turning “Haunted” into a Marketing Hook

While some buyers may shy away, others see value in the unusual. Marketing homes with a spooky past can be surprisingly effective if handled with creativity. For example, historic homes tied to ghost stories often attract niche interest, especially around Halloween. Agents can:

  • Highlight the architectural beauty and heritage while weaving in the lore.
  • Use themed open houses or virtual tours that lean into the curiosity factor.
  • Emphasize the property’s potential as a conversation starter or even an income opportunity, such as for bed-and-breakfast ventures.

Homes like the famous “Amityville Horror House” or the Lizzie Borden home in Massachusetts became not only real estate sales but cultural landmarks, showing how notoriety can drive demand for the right buyer.

Balancing Historic Value with Buyer Concerns

Not every spooky story needs to take center stage. For some buyers, the emphasis should shift to the home’s tangible features. Think restored woodwork, original fireplaces, or updated systems that balance character with modern comfort. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2024 data, homes with well-documented historic value can sell for up to 26% more than comparable non-historic properties in the same area. By focusing on craftsmanship, location, and investment potential, agents can reframe the narrative from “haunted” to “historic.”

Old Historic brick home with columns at the entry way. Large windows.

Tips for Agents Handling Stigmatized Properties

If you’re tasked with selling a property with an unsettling past, consider these professional strategies:

  1. Research the Home’s Story – Gather factual history from local archives or historical societies to separate legend from reality.
  2. Offer Transparency – Be honest with buyers while tailoring how much emphasis to place on the past.
  3. Highlight Positives – Focus on renovations, energy efficiency, or proximity to desirable neighborhoods.
  4. Stage Creatively – Bright, welcoming décor and well-lit spaces can counterbalance a darker reputation.
  5. Leverage Timing – Around Halloween, curiosity about these homes peaks, making it a prime season for showings.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, homes are more than walls and roofs—they’re repositories of stories. Whether those stories lean spooky or historic, there’s a market out there for every property. With the right mix of disclosure, creativity, and strategy, marketing homes with a spooky past can transform a challenge into an opportunity. For buyers seeking character and for sellers looking to stand out, sometimes the most haunted houses become the most unforgettable.

How to Make a Small Home Feel Bigger (and Why Buyers Love It)

Introduction

In today’s real estate market, one thing is clear: size isn’t everything. With rising interest in compact living, learning how to make a small home feel bigger is not only practical, it’s profitable. Buyers are increasingly drawn to properties that maximize space efficiently without expanding the footprint. In this post, we’ll explore easy, effective ways to create the illusion of space, and we’ll explain why this matters so much in current real estate trends. Stick around for simple staging tips, space-saving design tricks, and buyer psychology insights.

Embrace Light and Neutral Colors

One of the quickest ways to transform a tight space is with light. Natural lighting, combined with soft, neutral wall colors, creates an airy, open atmosphere. Whites, soft grays, and beige tones reflect light, making rooms appear larger and more inviting. Consider swapping out heavy curtains for sheer fabrics and adding mirrors to bounce light around the room.

neutral colored, smaller kitchen with floating shelves and plants.

Homeowners and real estate agents alike are recognizing that buyers feel more relaxed and inspired in brighter spaces. This is especially important when trying to make a small home feel bigger and attract top-dollar offers.

Choose Multi-Functional Furniture

Furniture that pulls double duty is a smart choice for smaller homes. Think ottomans with storage, beds with built-in drawers, and fold-out desks or dining tables. These versatile pieces reduce clutter and provide function without sacrificing floor space.

Buyers today are practical. They value homes that demonstrate thoughtful, livable design, especially in tighter quarters. Showcasing multi-use furniture during showings or open houses helps prospective buyers visualize how they can make the most of every inch.

Declutter and Use Smart Storage

Clutter is the enemy of spaciousness. Removing unnecessary items and organizing what remains can make a dramatic impact. Use built-in shelving, under-bed storage, and vertical space to store belongings without overwhelming a room.

If you’re staging a home for sale, minimizing personal items and excess décor allows buyers to mentally “move in.” This not only helps to make a small home feel bigger, but also sends the message that the home is well-maintained and functional.

Create Flow with Open Sightlines

Open layouts are still king in real estate, but even if your home isn’t fully open-concept, there are ways to enhance visual flow. Keep doorways and hallways clear, arrange furniture to avoid blocking sightlines, and use rugs or lighting to define different areas without closing them off.

Open smaller but functional living space in a home. Open concept of the Ktichen, dinning area and living room.

This approach makes the home feel more connected and larger overall. Buyers notice when every area of a home feels accessible and welcoming. When you make a small home feel bigger, you’re really inviting the buyer to imagine their lifestyle unfolding comfortably in the space.

Use Vertical Design to Your Advantage

When you can’t build out, build up. Tall bookcases, wall-mounted shelves, and vertically hung artwork draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of height. This is an especially effective tactic in small bedrooms, bathrooms, or entryways where square footage is limited.

Buyers are drawn to homes that use space creatively. Highlighting vertical design features can help your listing stand out in a crowded market. It subtly communicates style, smart planning, and potential—all of which are powerful selling points.

Conclusion

Learning how to make a small home feel bigger is more than a clever design trick; it’s a real estate strategy that works. Today’s buyers value functionality, comfort, and aesthetics, no matter the square footage. By maximizing light, embracing multifunctionality, and thinking vertically, you can boost your home’s appeal and attract more competitive offers. Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want to fall in love with your space again, these tips will help you make the most of what you’ve got.