Almost Sold… Until the Chilling Truth Emerged

Almost Sold… Until the Chilling Truth Emerged 

A Connecticut real estate agent nearly sold a home without knowing it was the site of a grisly murder. Before the property went under contract, she noticed that the owner had removed the living room carpet — likely to hide bloodstains — and was always present during showings. Only when the buyer’s lawyer specifically asked did they discover the home’s dark history: the landlord had been charged with murdering her tenant after a heated eviction dispute. The client took a few days to consider but ultimately decided it didn’t feel right.

• Disclosure laws vary state by state.

• Properties involved in crimes can deter buyers and lower market value.

• Stigmatized properties may require strategic marketing.

Ralph’s Take

Last year, I showed a home in Pleasantville without realizing it had a pretty notorious history — it was the site of a well-known murder. My clients did a quick Google search, found out about it, and decided it wasn’t the right fit for them. The home eventually sold, but it took longer than others in the area and sold well below the original asking price.

Every real estate course I’ve taken is filled with questions about properties with histories of murder or hauntings.