Spooky Real Estate Tips and Tricks
Originally posted October 20, 2021 | Updated October 17, 2022
Halloween is just around the corner. There is no better time to talk about buying and selling haunted real estate. It may be spooky season, but that does not mean selling real estate should be scary too.
Haunted Houses Currently for Sale - I ain't afraid of no ghost
138 E. Fulton Street, Canton, MS
$938,000
Built by Dr. James Priestley in 1852, he and his wife lived there happily until they passed away. Their presence can reportedly be felt on the front porch, the grand staircase, and four other rooms.
562 Fifth Ave, Troy, NY
$413,111
This four-bedroom home is apparently haunted by nine ghosts and a gangster named John T. "Legs" Diamond. Built in 1925, the home once housed a supper club, where the mobster is said to have enjoyed dining.
821 The Ter, Hagerstown, MD 21742
$200,000
Once the summer home of Governor Hamilton, this spooky getaway is known for its creepy sounds and faces in the windows.
Haunted Houses That Have Sold in the Past
Amityville Horror House in Long Island, NY
108 Ocean Ave, Amityville, NY 11701
This castle is one of the most haunted places in Ohio and has quite a paranormal history. Originally built in the 1880s by grocer-turned-banker Hannes Tiedemann, many of Tiedemann's close relatives died in the house, including his 15-year-old daughter, his mother, his wife, and three more of his children.
Last sold for: $1,073,200
Franklin Castle in Cleveland, OH
308 Franklin Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44113
This castle is one of the most haunted places in Ohio and has quite a paranormal history. Originally built in the 1880s by grocer-turned-banker Hannes Tiedemann, many of Tiedemann's close relatives died in the house, including his 15-year-old daughter, his mother, his wife, and three more of his children.
Last sold for: $260,000
The Pillars Estate in Albion, NY
13800 W County House Rd, Albion, NY 14411
Many members of the estate staff have heard footsteps following them up the stairs, the piano playing on its own, and have seen a woman in a white dress walking through the hallways at night.
Last sold for: $450,000
How to Sell a Haunted House
Fortunately for current homeowners and real estate agents, if you have a house that you or your community believes is haunted, there are some steps you can take to increase your selling potential.
- Don't Let the Law Scare You - If you think your home is haunted, talk with your real estate agent and get informed on the laws in your state regarding past horror experiences or extraordinary occurrences in the home or on the property. There are two laws (depending on what your state abides by) for homeowners and real estate agents to follow. You may be legally required to say something about your haunted house and be subject to a possible lawsuit down the road if you do not, or you may be able to say or do absolutely nothing.
- Shut Down the Rumors - If everyone thinks your house is haunted, but you know your house is not, this is considered a psychologically impacted or stigmatized home. Come up with a plan for dealing with rumors regarding your house and always shut them down when the public brings them up.
- Lower Your Price - If the house's haunted aspects severely impact your home's sale, you may need to bring the price down to make it attractive for an investor who will ultimately scrap the house and build a new one.
Why Buying a Haunted House Is a Good Investment
If you are shopping for a home, don't stray away from haunted houses. Most homes that are thought to be haunted are usually just victims of rumors the local community spreads. If you are interested in a home that is believed to be haunted, give it a chance before immediately deciding against it. Here are some reasons why you should consider buying a haunted house:
The best kind of real estate agent will see your haunted house as a welcomed challenge rather than an immediate denial of representation. No matter the history of your home, with the proper marketing and promotional plan, you can sell your home as fast as the new house downtown without frightening tenants.
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