Halloween may be over, but some homes have a haunted nature to them all year. Even so, a survey conducted last month found many buyers are willing to take a chance on purchasing a haunted home, especially if a seller sweetens the deal.
According to an annual Haunted Real Estate report released by realtor.com, one in three people were willing to take a chance on a haunted home if there was something to sweeten the deal, while 18 percent of people surveyed said the haunted nature of the home wouldn't affect their purchase decision at all.
The online survey of 1,067 people across the country conducted by Harris Interactive for the National Association of Realtors' real estate website found a third of respondents were willing to take a chance on a haunted home if presented with additional features, like a drop in home price (15 percent), a larger kitchen or better neighborhood (both 9 percent). Millennials were most open to the idea, with 17 percent stating they would be persuaded with a lower price.
Eighteen percent of respondents said they wouldn't require any additional features to choose a haunted home. In fact, nearly a quarter of those age 35-54 said they wouldn't be affected by the haunted nature of the home while making a purchase decision.
The remaining 49 percent said no way, that there is no price low enough or any other incentive to persuade them to purchase a haunted home. In this group, 61 percent were over 55 and 41 percent were millennials and Gen Xers.
Nearly two in five people believe they have lived in a haunted, or a house they have lived in was possibly haunted. Forty-four percent said they either suspected or were fully aware the house they purchased was haunted before moving in. Among the most common spooky behaviors these respondents mentioned are hearing strange noises (54 percent), odd feelings in certain rooms (45 percent), and erratic pet behavior (34 percent).
When asked the hypothetical question of selling a haunted house, 34 percent of respondents said they would tell interested buyers everything; 27 percent would choose the less risky route and divulge details only when asked; 22 percent preferred to stay quiet; and 17 percent said they would admit the house was haunted, but would not provide details.
"With the short supply of homes, I would not be surprised that those looking for a good deal, like a drop in price or other incentives, would disregard the haunted nature of a home," said Bill Moody, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.
Moody stressed in every real estate transaction a seller has a duty to disclose material facts they are aware of that may impact the value or desirability of the property. "Always disclose what you know about your home. Sellers should be upfront about their home to avoid lawsuits, whether it be about a paranormal activity or anything else," said Moody. "Not disclosing something significant may come back and haunt you."
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
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