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New Website Uncovers Details of Deaths in Properties on the Market
This article is an external press release originally published on the Landlord News website, which has now been migrated to the Just Landlords blog.
With Halloween just around the corner, one American website has joined in on the fun (or not) by launching a property portal with a morbid twist.
DiedInHouse.com provides details on whether anyone has died in a home that is on the market, either for sale or to rent.
The $11.99 (around £8) report gives the date of death, the cause and information about the deceased.
The site states: “In most states, a death in a home, no matter how it occurred, is not considered a material fact and it’s not required to be disclosed.
“A murder could have occurred days ago and the seller does not have to let you know.
“A death in a home, especially a violent death, can decrease the home’s value by 25% and increase its time to sell by up to 50% longer than comparable homes.”
It asks: “Would you want to know that a murder, suicide or even a bizarre death occurred at the property before you sign the contract?”
In the UK, we have Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs) that mean agents must disclose certain details, for example a murder.
However, the American website believes that people “may not want to live in a house where someone has died, no matter how they have died”.
But it also points out another side: “If you do not mind either way, a stigmatised home can be a bargain and the information can be used as leverage to negotiate a reduced price.”
Could something similar launch for the UK market? And would you mind moving into a home where somebody had died?
Visit the site here: http://www.diedinhouse.com