Jackie, I was told in a recent GRI class I took to disclose a haunted house. The instructor said that it could possible cause the house value to increase if someone was looking for such a house!

Here in Oklahoma, we are not required to disclose information relating to what are termed "psychologically impacted" properties unless the potential buyer specifically inquires about it.

I think it should be disclosed, but I don't think it would increase it's value for MOST buyers...I often wonder if the ghost is still in that house in Providence, RI!

I know most states wouldn't require it...I'd like to know how many agents would disclose it, even though it's not REQUIRED? Especially, if you are the 'buyers" agent.

we would be required here in NJ to disclose all of the above.   Now how it affects the property is up to the buyer ... but ghost and goblins alike need to be documented

maybe we can add that field to the MLS? I would like to add a small ghost icon to the property search on my website (joke). Who knows? it could be a selling point!

Cute idea...it would make them remember you!

It really is true that a ghost could increase the value of the property for some people. The majority would probably keep looking, but you never know. We have the same rule here in New Mexico about "psychologically Impacted" or stigmatized property.

There are some things that you must disclose and some that you can not. It is always the gray areas like this that are problematic.Not many people are going to ask, specifically, if a property is haunted.... 

Hi Jackie,

I enjoyed your post!

In most states, having a haunting will not increase the value of a residential property, but it will normally positively impact the value of a commercial one (restaurant or store, not office space).  That said, I have a site, HauntedRealEstate.com and I get emails every month from folks wanting to sell OR buy a haunted place. Who'd have thought?

As for disclosure, in many states it's still Caveat Emptor. In CA and Hawaii, though, the sellers have to volunteer if a place is haunted. In other states, not so. I think that's the most fascinating part of the whole thing - how much it varies from state to state.

Warm regards,
Mary

In California you have to report murders, suicides and hauntings.  I had a client that wouldn't buy a piece of land because it had been used as a body dump.  He said his mother who lived with him would never sleep at night knowing that.  "The ghost of the person might molest her!" (His words)

A body dump?...that is horrible!

I had a situation like that in NC.  We call those stigmatized properties in NC.  We only have to disclose that info is asked and we know the answer.  I had a situation where I was showing a property that the owner had hung himself in the master bedroom.  My clients did not buy the home just so you know.

A ghost is not really material, is it? (Read with sarcasm)

Funny Joshua...let me introduce you to Mrs. Walsh...Just curious about how many people have ever encountered a ghost.  I really didn't believe in them until I lived with one!

A material fact is interpreted differently from one state to the next. In Oregon it relates to the physical realm. In California, it relates to anything that might impact a buyer's decision to buy (or how much to pay).

But a body dump - yeesh! That's the worst I've ever heard.

After having lived in a haunted place, then having moved, and being ghost free and relieved now for ten years, I will now make it a point to get something in writing from seller and the agent on any potential home I intend to purchase in the future.  I do not intend on repeating the horrid living conditions I endured.  That is what brought me to investigate laws, here and in other states, and it seems to me that the general consenses is, don't ask, don't tell!  It is disturbing to me that some think less for the new homeowner than for the all mighty dollar.

I think disclosure should be mandatory about ghosts, murders, drug dealings, etc. 

I don't think that we would be required to disclose ghosts, only items that would materially affect the value of the property and is not readily observable to the buyer and by readily observable, it does not mean ghosts.  Not everyone believes in ghosts and if an agent did not believe in this, how could they disclose it.

I have never seen anything on a sellers disclosure about ghosts.

I have a question for any realtor that can offer a good answer about Oklahoma real estate laws pertaining to a "Stigmatized Property".  I am renting (not owning) a home that 4 years ago had a murder in it.  The woman was set on fire in the living room.  I've only been leasing the home for 2 months.  I just found out about its gruesome past because of the investigation being reopened.  Apparently, my current next door neighbors are the prime suspects and the police just served a search warrant to them two weeks ago and took their DNA.  Was my landlord suspose to disclose this to me?  Not only was the property burned and has been redone, but there was a murder with the prime suspects living next door.  I'm a single college student living alone.  I just wonder if I have anyway of getting out of my lease.  Any help would be great.

Wanting to buy a haunted house in Southern Illinois.  Please con tack me.  Thank you, Cathy

Wanting to buy a haunted house in Lincoln County, Oklahoma Please let me know if you find anything. Thank-You Maria

If you represent the Buyer, what could it hurt if you disclose it?  Whether or not it is required to disclose.  No one wants to lose a sale, butthe buyer might apprecaite your honesty and realize that you are looking out for their best interests.  What would they think of you if you didn't tell them and then they bought the house and later found out you knew?  I think that would be the last house you sell them!

There is no need to tell anyone whether there is a ghost in a house because under no circumstances would there be a ghost in a house as they don't exist. Children.

INTERESTING.

There was a situation in NY where the former owners had published a book about a haunted house.

The owners didn't disclose and the sale was RESCINDED.  Unusual.

A lot of situations that don't have to be disclosed, should be.  I get permission from the seller.