Things that go bump in the night can be spooky—but not spooky enough to scare off most home buyers.

Last year, we reported that nearly 60% of home buyers said they would consider purchasing a home that was haunted. Over the course of the last 12 months, that number has surged to 73%. This soaring statistic made us wonder: if a supernatural presence won’t dissuade buyers, what WILL? What is it that home buyers find to be more frightening than a ghost?

Here’s what we found…

In a market as competitive as our current one, it’s not a huge surprise that more buyers are willing to tolerate spooky occurrences, such as cold spots in a home or unexplained noises. However, recent research has made it clear that buyers become leery of homes that seem to be in need of major repair/maintenance. A survey by CNBC revealed the #1 regret of home buyers this year to be maintenance/repair costs being too high.

So, how can a REALTOR^® use this information to benefit their clients? The National Association of REALTORS^®’ most recent Home Buyers & Sellers Generational Trends Report found that one of the top benefits home buyers valued when using a REALTOR^® was that they “Pointed out unnoticed features/faults with property.” Are YOU up to date on NAR’s recommendations and resources regarding home inspections? If not, become a hero to your clients by reviewing them today. When viewing a property with your clients, you’ll be more able to set them up for success when you can spot issues and encourage them to pursue a professional inspection.

While you may not be able to ensure Casper won’t pay your buyers a visit in their new home, bringing thorough knowledge of home inspections and high-priced repair issues can help ensure a smooth buying process and satisfied clients.