Would you buy a house where someone died? Would
it make a difference if the death was peaceful or…otherwise?
You might never have considered such questions,
but the answers can become a serious issue for a Metairie house for sale—especially
if it has a history that could be right out of a CSI episode. And what if you are the owner of a Metairie house for
sale with this kind of issue? It may be labeled as stigmatized—the unpleasant term that can attach to a house for sale
which buyers or tenants may shun for reasons unrelated to its physical
condition.
It’s a good thing that the list of potentially
disturbing events isn’t a long one: death; murder; suicide; scary illness;
being haunted (rather, the belief that
it’s haunted—let’s not get into that
discussion!). An owner might have known of a sketchy history when he or she
purchased the property, or perhaps found out later on. The information may not
have made a difference before, but it could impact the number of prospects who will
make offers on a house for sale—in Metairie(or anywhere, for that matter). What
to do?
Selling for the Right Price
What of happenings that are simply gruesome?
Another property in California's Bay Area had a grisly past involving drugs,
murder and other heinous activities. This was a stylish home in an affluent
neighborhood which sat empty while other comparable homes for sale came and
went. Then one day a young businesswoman made an offer well below the asking
price. The bank that owned the property had a list price of $335,000, already
below values in the area. After negotiation, the buyer bought the home for
$261,000. She saw past the horrific story to the potential that it offered to
someone not affected by the drama of days gone by. And probably counted on the
fact that her remodeling efforts—plus the many years she planned on living
there—would make future buyers much less likely to worry about what would
gradually turn into a distant past.
Telling the Right Story
One otherwise quaint home in a western small
town was widely reputed to host paranormal activity. The stories of what previous
owners had faced from ghosts of the past were widespread enough that even
non-believers might think twice about taking it on. For some properties, it is
just a matter of putting the right spin on the story. Events that took place
decades ago often bring allure to a property—while more recent activities may
cause buyers to hesitate. The Realtor®
took the ‘problem’ head-on by making the most of it, figuring that a good ghost
story could add to the appeal if it was marketed correctly. It sold at a
premium.
The takeaway: if you have a Metairie house
for sale that’s connected to a sad, tragic or paranormal history, don't assume
the worst. Some ‘stigmas’ may mean a sale takes more careful handling (but
that’s just one more reason why a call to my office is a good first step). With
the right story and the right price, you’re pretty certain to find the right
buyer—one who either overlooks the past, or is fascinated by it!
The culture of our city has so much to offer... Love our city, New Orleans.
Questions about buying or selling a home?
Call Terez B. Harris
504.297.2619
View Homes For Sale in Metairie
View Homes For Sale in New Orleans
Call Terez B. Harris
504.297.2619
View Homes For Sale in Metairie
View Homes For Sale in New Orleans
Terez B. Harris
Terez Harris NOLA Realtor Group
Terez Harris NOLA Realtor Group
(504)297-2619
www.TerezHarris.com
TerezHarris@kw.com
TerezHarris@kw.com
Terez B. Harris Terez Harris NOLA Realtor Group 504-297-2619 www.TerezHarris.com
Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118 504-862-0100
Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118 504-862-0100
Each office independently owned and operated. All brokers and agents licensed in the state of Louisiana.
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