So, you’re either looking to buy a home or sell your current one—and there’s just one thing: that little rumor about paranormal activity in the house. Do you have to talk about it and disclose a haunted home? Are you legally required to mention that the last owners reported strange footsteps in the middle of the night? Or there’s a mysterious shadow hanging out in the basement?
Let’s dive into the spooky side of real estate and find out if you need to disclose your ghostly “guests”!
For Sellers: Should You Spill the Haunted Tea?
If you’re selling your home and it’s got a bit of a… supernatural reputation, you might be wondering if you need to bring that up. Well, there’s good news (or bad, depending on how spooky your house is)! The Realtor Code of Ethics doesn’t require an agent and their client to flat-out say, “By the way, there may be a ghost in the attic.”
However, honesty is a must in real estate. So if you think the home’s haunted history—or even local ghost stories—might scare off buyers or impact their decision, it’s best to be upfront. After all, no one wants an unhappy buyer calling a week after closing because the curtains won’t stop moving on their own!
And hey, some buyers love a good ghost story—it might even make your home more appealing. You never know!
For Buyers: What You Need to Know About Haunted Homes
If you’re on the hunt for your next home, you’re probably focusing on square footage, the neighborhood, the number of bedrooms, etc. But if the idea of a house with a haunted past gives you the chills, here’s what you should keep in mind.
In most places, sellers aren’t legally required to disclose whether or not the house is haunted (yeah, it’s not a question on the listing sheet!). But if the home has a spooky reputation or there’s been a tragic event that could affect how you feel about the place, you can absolutely ask your Realtor about it. We’re here to make sure you have all the info—ghosts or no ghosts—before you make an offer.
But Wait, What About the Law – Do you Legally have to Disclose a Haunted Home?
In Illinois, the law is pretty clear: sellers need to disclose material facts about the property, like major repairs or structural issues. Haunted happenings? Not so much. The law doesn’t specifically cover hauntings, but if a spooky reputation is something that could affect the sale, your Realtor might recommend mentioning it to potential buyers—just to keep things on the up and up.
Betsy Urbance, Illinois Realtors General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Services, cites the Illinois Real Estate License Act, Section 15-20, saying licensees have no legal duty to disclose facts that have no direct and detrimental physical impact on the property.
“Stigmas are subjective,” Urbance says. “What is a problem for one buyer might not be an issue for another buyer. Listing brokers and sellers of Illinois real estate do not have a legal duty to disclose a stigma, such as the fact that the house’s history includes ghosts, violent crimes or death. It is worth noting that real estate brokers do have a duty to be honest. Thus, if asked the question, the broker can answer honestly if permitted by his seller client, or if the information has been otherwise published. If the seller client does not permit disclosure, the broker must answer honestly that he is not permitted to disclose or discuss. They would not have a legal duty to disclose that someone believes the house is haunted.”
For Both Buyers and Sellers: What’s the Best Move?
- Sellers: If there’s even a chance that the ghostly rumors could be a deal-breaker for a buyer, why not mention it? Better to be open and avoid any paranormal surprises down the road. Plus, some buyers might find it charming!
- Buyers: If you’re concerned about a home’s “otherworldly” history, don’t be afraid to ask! A good Realtor will make sure you’re fully informed about the home’s past—living and possibly dead.
Bottom Line: Honesty Is the Best Policy—Even with Ghosts
Whether you’re buying or selling, honesty and transparency are key in real estate. Sure, there’s no legal obligation to tell tales of ghosts or ghouls lurking in the hallways and disclose a haunted home, but being upfront about a home’s spooky backstory can save everyone some headaches (and maybe some sleepless nights!).
So, sellers, if your house is rumored to be a paranormal hot spot, consider sharing the story. You never know, you might just find a buyer who’s into that! And buyers, don’t be shy about asking for the full history of a home—it’s better to know before you move in, right?
Happy house hunting (or haunting)! 👻🏡
Ready to start your home buying journey? Let us assist you in finding just the right home. Contact The Ville Team today!