Ok, admit it, some of you scoffed when you saw the title of this blog. I mean, some home buyers want UNOCCUPIED houses when they move in. Others, however are very interested in buying a haunted home. For one thing its exciting, interesting, and a bit of a curiosity. Katherine Kurtz, noted fantasy author, lives quite happily with her ghosts feeling they have as much right to the space as does she.
The Historical Background:
If youre in the market for a haunted home, step one is looking at houses that have a reputation and history. Legally speaking in most states a real estate agent MUST tell you if the house is stigmatized in any way (yes, in the real estate industry ghosts are considered a stigma, even if theyre something you enjoy). Having said that, there are some companies out there that will actually help you find haunted properties for sale, so apparently theres an upside to the equation.
Rule number one in buying a haunted house is researching the homes history. You wouldnt buy a used car without having it looked at, would you? Well thats the case with a haunted house. Find out if the previous owners reported any problems or traumatic events. Most hauntings have a cause. Note however that not all ghosts hang around because of negative events. Some simply like the space, like the ghost of an owner who hand made many of the fixtures in a home (for example).
Test Driving your Ghost:
You may want to ask the real estate agent if it might be possible to spend a night or two in the house before making a firm offer to buy. Why do this? Well, some ghosts dont like newcomers in their space, and can make life down-right uncomfortable. It doesnt matter how cool it might seem to own a haunted house if you cant envision yourself living happily there.
Overall Condition:
Rule number two for this quest is looking at the house as just a house. Most haunted properties are older. That means you want to check all the standard items water pipes, furnace, roof, wiring, foundation etc. Take all these things into consideration balanced against the asking price. Sometimes ghosts can add value to a home, but not enough to offset major repairs.
Buying a Haunted House for Investment Purposes
If youre not buying the home to live in it, but rather to use as a rental property or bed-and-breakfast type establishment, the ghost angle gives you a hook for advertising. There is marketing value in a good, but not too frightening, ghost story.
Balancing that the background of this type of home cannot be too hideous. Can you imagine trying to sell the idea of staying at the home in which Heavens Gate committed suicide, for example? Doesnt sound like a retreat to me!
Summary:
If youre buying a haunted house for yourself, bear in mind that resale may be difficult unless you find others who are looking for the thrill of having their own personal specters about. However, if you and your ghosts plan on staying, then the houses condition should figure into your offering price. Those buying haunted properties as income generators will find they have great fodder for advertising purposes so long as the house doesnt have too negative of a history.