Trick or Treat Yourself to a Haunted Home
SHOULD YOU BUY A “HAUNTED” HOUSE?
Many so-called haunted houses are so old and outdated they look occupied by ghosts, or they’ve been on the market so long, buyers suspect there’s a skeleton hidden in the closet. But that house for sale that gives you the creeps may actually turn out to be a really good investment.
So what makes a house seem haunted? It’s usually poor maintenance— material problems that can easily be repaired or replaced. A house can also carry a stigma (which has nothing to do with the home’s structure) that evokes fear or repulsion, including a history of tragic or suspicious death within the home. Previous occupants such as an unsavory hoarder, drug dealer or occultist can also impact a home’s reputation. OR get this... there could be a real ghost living inside!
Would you be able to look past a home’s creepy appearance or reputation? According to Realtor.com, nearly half of homebuyers wouldn’t touch a haunted house, but 1 in 3 buyers would purchase one, if they could get a lower price.
That spells opportunity, especially if the home is in a nice neighborhood. If the total costs are below or equal to other nearby home values, you could end up with a Casper-friendly bargain.
Trick or TREAT ;)
