Could You Live in a House Where Someone Died?

Could you live in a house where someone died? Some states require house sellers to tell potential buyers about a death or crime in the home, but not all do.

Zillow suggests that sellers should always disclose, but if the idea of living in a dead person’s house creeps you out, you might want to do some extra research. DiedinHouse.com allows you to search through public records and newspaper articles to find out whether anyone died in your home. The Japanese site Oshimaland aims to list every property where someone died of unnatural causes, such as suicide.

“The older the home is, the more likely it is someone may have died there. . . If you’re easily creeped out, you might want to buy something newer,” said Brendon DeSimmone, a blogger for Zillow.

A death in a house can inspire rumors of haunting, designating the house “psychologically impacted.” Psychologically impacted houses can take 45 percent longer to sell, according to HGTV Front Door. These houses also sell for 3 percent less on average.

A “murder house,” or one where a violent crime has taken place, is nearly impossible to sell, according to Wicked Local Homes. These houses are usually demolished.