Don't Get Caught By Surprise With A Haunted Home For Sale!
Orson Welles once quipped " it was the radio version of dressing up in a sheet and jumping out of a bush and yelling ‘BOO!'" That was 75 years ago after his October 30, 1938 radio broadcast that had 12 million listeners thinking Martians had landed in Grovers Mill, NJ. It was great fun for most listeners!
But, the adaptation of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds" had many panicked. Some got the joke and some thought they were listening to a real broadcast.
Sellers with a Huntsville AL home for sale can have a somewhat similar issue. Sometimes, for no apparent reason, a property can become "stigmatized." And then sometimes the reasons are very real! Properties sometimes have a reputation for being haunted or are the site of a previous violent crime. The perceptions of ghosts and gore can be hard to overcome. Here are some tips
First, familiarize yourself, and your Realtor, with current laws regarding disclosure. Contact the Alabama real estate commission to determine if you're required to disclose information about a stigma attached to your Huntsville AL home. Regardless of the law, you should consider being very open about possible issues so you're not spooked later by a lawsuit.
Second, pay attention to the appearance of your home. Eliminate any possible spooky feelings by clearing away dead trees and overhanging branches that create shadows. Replace the rusty, squeaky iron gate with a white fence. Make the outside inviting by getting rid of potential goblins like stray cats and spiders.
Inside think bright and cozy and an uncluttered look. Do everything possible to dispel feelings of dark and gloom. Put aside the old pictures of ancient ancestors, replace antique musty furniture, and roll up the family heirloom rugs.
Third, have a realistic strategy about pricing your Huntsville AL home to sell. If you are dealing with a truly established stigma you may find yourself having to set an asking price that is 20-25% below similar homes that are not stigmatized. Do everything you can to make the pricing attractive to potential buyers, especially investors.
Finally, if you simply can't dispel persistent beliefs about the "dark side" your Huntsville AL home, you may have to resort to bringing in a Ghostbuster. David Frankin Farkas, owner of HouseHealing.com, makes his living ridding properties of specters and/or negative energy. Click here to find other groups who investigate paranormal activities believe it or not!
And have a Happy Halloween!!!
Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Real Estate Broker, Mike Manosky