Many of the investigations that the SPIRITS get are from new homeowners. Recently settled into their new homesteads, they discover otherworldly residents already residing there.
As the real estate values in Florida jump, this month we focus our article on useful information for potential homeowners. What are the signs of buying a haunted house? What does a homeowner have to disclose about his or her paranormal activities when selling a home?
Karen West, a co-founder of the SPIRITS team who "retired" from paranormal investigation, is currently a Realtor and an Independent Contractor. Who better to ask than an expert when it comes to signs of paranormal infestations?
Question: When buying a house, what signs should a potential homeowner look for to determine if the house is haunted?
ANSWER: They are the same signs paranormal investigators look for when investigating a haunted property: cold spots, hot spots, burst of energy and orbs in photos are a few signs. If concerned or in doubt, ask! If in serious concern or doubt ask the seller & seller's representative in writing!
Question: I understand that there are some parts of the United States where, by law, a homeowner has to report if the property is haunted. Is that correct?
ANSWER: Currently, in 31 states if a real or rumored event, including paranormal activity, occurred that didn't physically effect the property but could adversely impact desirability of the property, the event MUST be disclosed.
Question: Is Florida one of the states that has to report if a house is haunted?
ANSWER: At this time Florida does not require specific disclosure by a seller of a haunted house. However, with that said, Florida does require disclosure of anything that could materially effect the value of a property. Regardless if it is required to be disclosed or not, it is always best to be an informed buyer by asking all the right questions and having a good professional helping you.
Question: How does having a ghost on premises affect the selling price of a property?
ANSWER: Not all paranormal activity has an impact on property value. If buyers believe in paranormal activity then haunted properties are generally more valuable to them but if a buyer doesn't believe in paranormal activity nor is sensitive to paranormal activity then there usually is no impact on the value.
There are buyers who seek out property that is suspected to be occupied by the spirit realm. In fact, some commercial sites have benefited from being noted as haunted sites.
Question: Really? Where?
Property value in Casadaga Florida, a spiritual community, increases with the possibility of a haunting. However, there are sites that have dropped in value, such as the Amity House in Amityville New York, due to the alleged activity which was later acclaimed to be a hoax.
Question: Have you had experience selling a haunted house? If so, please describe.
ANSWER: I have sold three residences that held claim to paranormal activity, specifically, ghosts. One was in St. Petersburg, one was in Tampa and one was in Charleston, South Carolina. Two of the buyers reported continued activity after their purchase yet one of the two was a total disbeliever. Two of these homes have since re-sold with the same appreciation as comparable properties and the third has not been re-sold.
For more information on this topic, and if you have further questions, please contact Karen West via email at: Lkwest@ij.net
