You can't go wrong with the ever-popular graveyard in your yard. Use the monster link of props to learn how to make tombstones and a fence. Then add a fog machine and chiller for that creepy low-lying fog. Use colored floodlights to add a creepy glow. A few static props made of clothes stuffed with newspaper and a mask on a styrofoam wighead and you have a fairly quick mostly inexpensive start to a yard haunt. Then keep reading the new and wonderful thigs these guys post here and expand your haunt a little each year
http://www.halloweenmonsterlist.info/