While the idea may seem odd, there are more people than you might think who would buy a haunted house. Some may be looking for the thrill of living with a ghostly presence while others are looking to save money with stigmatized properties. If you are interested in haunted real estate, here are 7 tips to help you find the perfect home for this life and the next.
7 Tips to Help You Find Haunted Real Estate
1. Find specialty realtors and assistance groups.
Although it is a very specific niche, you can find groups and realtors that specialize in haunted listings. Several websites have ghost houses for sale. Spooky Houses for Sale exclusively lists haunted homes across the country. Old Houses Under $50K also occasionally features haunted real estate at amazing prices.
2. Scan local listings and stigmatized properties.
If you want to find something closer to where you live, you can also check local listings to see if any exasperated realtors are leaning into a spooky sell. Focusing on stigmatized properties is another way to find ghost houses.
What’s more, a stigmatized property may also be listed anywhere from 10%-25% below market value despite no material issues with the property. If the owner is very motivated to sell, you may find one for a steal.
3. Look for homes in historic neighborhoods or near cemeteries.
Historic cities and neighborhoods also tend to have a reputation for supernatural activity. This makes sense since older homes have a longer history and list of owners. Therefore, you are more likely to find a haunted house in places that preserve historic buildings.
You may also consider looking for homes near cemeteries. The proximity of these properties may increase your chances of a paranormal encounter.
4. Delve into the past.
Owners and realtors may not want to disclose a property’s sordid or spooky history. However, in some states, it is required by law. If you live somewhere that doesn’t have any disclosure laws, then you’ll have to do some research.
The best place to start is by talking to the current owners and asking questions of the real estate agent. If they aren’t forthcoming, the next step is to check the deed history. This will provide you with the names of former owners, how many times the property has changed hands, and help you determine how the land has been used.
You can also go online and search for the address. It’s very possible that you may find news stories or public records from anyone who died in the house.
5. Talk to the neighbors.
Talking to the neighbors is good advice whenever you buy a house. It will help you to better understand the neighborhood you are moving into. Most people stick to more standard questions about their experience living nearby and pertinent questions about the property.
However, you can also learn about the current and previous owners or if the house has a haunted reputation. While some people may be hesitant to talk, others may give you all the information you need.
6. Understand how the history may affect its value.
Logic would tell you that a home with a tragic history would be harder to sell. In some cases of a non-natural death, such as murder, it may lower the value anywhere from 10% to 25%. Therefore, realtors usually avoid advertising these details.
On the other hand, recent deaths or reported hauntings may attract other buyers. And a house with an infamous reputation may draw even more attention, increasing both the number of applicants and offers.
Both of these factors can affect the asking price. So before you make an offer, make sure the deal isn’t too good to be true.
7. Consider the privacy and safety concerns.
One reason why people want to buy ghost houses is because of the rise in haunted tourism. Although it may become a source of income, it also invites unwanted attention from curious locals and visitors.
This may create some security and privacy concerns. You may end up investing more in home security to apprehend trespassers trying to get a glimpse behind the veil.
Parting Words
If you are set on finding haunted real estate, it may take some time to find the right property. However, before you sink all your money into it, you want to be certain it is the right financial move for you. Discuss it with your financial advisor and do your research to better prepare yourself for a home with a haunted history.
Read More
- Buying Your First Home? Here’s What You Need To Know
- An Easy Guide To Investing In Real Estate
- Actions To Take Prior To Buying A Home
Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.