Would You Buy a Home with a Creepy Past? A great article appeared on MSN's homepage this morning about homes with sordid pasts. Murder, suicide, and homes with dark histories can be difficult to sell. But, there is always someone out there that doesn't seem to mind.
For instance, Chris Butler said yes to a house in Bath, Ohio, which happened to be the childhood home of serial murderer Jeffrey Dahmer. It didn't seem to matter to Chris that this home was where Jeffrey Dahmer committed his first murder in 1978.
Many states do not require disclosure regarding murders, suicides or any other gruesome events which may have occurred in a home. It is up to the Buyer to educate themselves and become an investigator. While disclosure may be lacking with stigmatized properties, the price of a stigmatized property may be favorable for Buyers. Typically homes, where crimes have occurred, often sell for less than market value.
Would You Buy a Home with a Creepy Past?
Melinda - While I wouldn't be concerned about the events of the past, I would be concerned with the potential resale value. When buying, I always think selling.
I think every time we have a discussion about ethics and disclosures this topic comes up. I'm not sure I could do it, but I know there certainly are those out there that don't mind.
I totally agree John! I always think "resale"
ABRE - I don't think I cold either, no matter what kind of bargain it is.
I don't think it would bother me unless it was a home invasion murder. Don't believe in the haunted house thing. I just on tv, where someone was looking at an old funeral home that still had a casket lift, very strange!