OK,
I realize that not everyone believes in ghosts so maybe the word “haunted” was
a bad choice. Let’s put it this way; would you sell a home to a client if you
had personally experienced some “weird” things in the home? The question here
is how much information should you divulge to prospective clients if you truly
believe that there is something strange about the home?
Did
you know that ½ of U.S. states actually have laws pertaining to what is
referred to as “stigmatized properties”? Although most of the states with this
type of legislation don’t require such information to be disclosed, some
actually do. Simply stated a stigmatized property is one that has no known
physical defects but is being sold at a reduced price due to psychological or
emotional factors. This would include properties that have been the site of a
suicide, murder or are known to be haunted, yes, haunted.
So,
when should you say something or simply be quiet? I suggest using common sense.
First of all, informing an interested client that a home may be haunted could
cause real problems for you if they don’t believe in such matters. Not only
could you lose the sale but your reputation might be affected as well. I see it
this way: Creaky pipes, opening doors and lights that flicker are easily
explained away with “natural” causes and I wouldn’t lose any sleep over that.
However, if you personally
experience serious phenomena such as objects moving on their own or hearing
voices or sounds that cannot be explained I think it is only right that you
inform the client. I mean after all, is it ethical to sell someone a home that
is clearly not a place that they (or anyone) could be satisfied to live in?
I
have never had anything so strange happen to me that I could not explain it in
some logical manner but I have felt “uncomfortable” in homes before and could
not explain why. Have you ever had a truly strange experience in a home or
property? If so, please share it with me, I’d love to hear about it!
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