Question: Would you purchase a house where you know for certain a murder has taken place even if the price is well under market value?
Story: We have an opportunity to purchase a very nice house. Five bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a large covered swimming pool that sets up against the fairways of a golf course. It is about $100K off what a similar house would normally go for in the area.
We found out last week it was taken off the market, as a buyer placed a bid which was accepted. We were of course disappointed but pleased this week to found out it had gone back on the market. However, the realtor told us why.
It turns out a neighbors dog had attacked the wife of the family living there causing serious injury. The husband had taken the neighbor to court to get the dog declared a dangerous animal, which would mean the dog would have to be put down. The husband won the case. Afterward, when the husband came home, the neighbor came over with a gun and in a rage, shot and killed the husband. The daughter who was home as well went to call the police and was also shot by the neighbor. She didn't die at the house but later died at the hospital. The neighbor then used the gun to kill himself. The wife was not at home during this.
Of course, the wife does not what to remain in the house but because of what happened is having trouble finding any buyer for the house.
For me, this is no problem. For other members of my family, it kind of is.
A couple of things to consider.
My son is worried that if you hear creaks or doors closing in the night they are going to get spooked.
It was reported in the local news so just about everyone in the area will know that a murder took place in the house. We would have school-age children in the house who may get teased or harassed about it.
If you decide later to sell the house, you would be required to disclose the information about the murder in which you may end up having the same problem in selling the house the wife has now.
If I was by myself, I'd have no problem buying the house. However, I'm not alone in this decision.
Story: We have an opportunity to purchase a very nice house. Five bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a large covered swimming pool that sets up against the fairways of a golf course. It is about $100K off what a similar house would normally go for in the area.
We found out last week it was taken off the market, as a buyer placed a bid which was accepted. We were of course disappointed but pleased this week to found out it had gone back on the market. However, the realtor told us why.
It turns out a neighbors dog had attacked the wife of the family living there causing serious injury. The husband had taken the neighbor to court to get the dog declared a dangerous animal, which would mean the dog would have to be put down. The husband won the case. Afterward, when the husband came home, the neighbor came over with a gun and in a rage, shot and killed the husband. The daughter who was home as well went to call the police and was also shot by the neighbor. She didn't die at the house but later died at the hospital. The neighbor then used the gun to kill himself. The wife was not at home during this.
Of course, the wife does not what to remain in the house but because of what happened is having trouble finding any buyer for the house.
For me, this is no problem. For other members of my family, it kind of is.
A couple of things to consider.
My son is worried that if you hear creaks or doors closing in the night they are going to get spooked.
It was reported in the local news so just about everyone in the area will know that a murder took place in the house. We would have school-age children in the house who may get teased or harassed about it.
If you decide later to sell the house, you would be required to disclose the information about the murder in which you may end up having the same problem in selling the house the wife has now.
If I was by myself, I'd have no problem buying the house. However, I'm not alone in this decision.
