According to research from Move with Us, there are a variety of superstitious reasons why potential homebuyers are spooked off. Concerns ranged between having to move homes on Friday the 13th and the house number “13”, not wanting to live next to a graveyard, black cats being seen during viewings or more commonly, questions about ghosts in the property.
Moreover, according to a survey carried out among independent estate agents in the Move with Us Partner Network throughout the UK, potential homebuyers were also often disturbed by some of the more unusual decorating choices of sellers with the following noted as being particularly off-putting:
A coffin or dead person’s ashes in the house
Taxidermy – stuffed animals
A skeleton hung outside a bedroom window
Animal skulls in the garden
Shrunken heads or creepy china dolls
Rows of bottled specimens on shelves in a cellar
A vintage barber’s shop chair in the bedroom
Animals such as snakes and tarantulas
Robin King, Director at Move with Us commented: "As the dark nights draw in and the winter weather arrives, potential homebuyers might be put off properties they view during dark winter nights or in extreme weather conditions. This feeling can be heightened if there are spooky items in the house and they fail to get that warm and cosy feeling. But viewers should remain open minded and try not be put off by minor cosmetic details that could stand between them and their dream home. If they find the right property, they should remember that by the time they get their belongings in and change the decor to suit their individual taste it will quickly feel like home.
“Likewise, sellers should bear in mind that extreme and creepy decorating choices can scare potential buyers off. It’s much easier to sell a property when it’s de-personalised and neutral so try to hide any more ‘unusual’ objects away.
“At this time of year, switching the fire on and making sure that the property is warm and welcoming can really sell the property, show it at its best and help you to achieve the best price. Creating a blank canvas will help viewers to imagine themselves living in the house and make the sale easier.”
According to research from Move with Us, there are a variety of superstitious reasons why potential homebuyers are spooked off .
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