Haunting Home Disclosures

By PropertyGuys.com

We’ve all heard the term “if these walls could talk,” and let’s face it, homes have a history—some more than others. While most of us have seen scary movies and heard home horror stories centred around unsuspecting buyers led to their doom, this begs the question: what are sellers obligated to disclose and what can they keep on the down-low?

With Halloween around the corner, PropertyGuys.com is creeping in to share some of the most common haunting home disclosures for buyers to beware:

Ghosts

If there’s a death, paranormal (read—ghostly) issues, or evidence of spooky sightings in a home, there is technically no law that requires this to be disclosed to unknowing buyers. Ethically speaking? Listing agents would need to disclose any known facts affecting the property. Morally speaking? You may want to do the right thing, or your conscience will haunt you!

Creepy Crawlers

You don’t have to worry about disclosing a friendly spider or two, but full-on infestations from bugs to mice should be disclosed. Even if pests stem from a neighbour or a surrounding unit—there is no disclosure too big or small, especially when it comes to things that can bug buyers.

Nightmare Neighbours

Whether you find your neighbours incompatible, unpleasant, or downright ghoulish, this is something sellers often keep quiet. Starting with any obvious unsightliness of the neighbouring properties (we’re looking at your junkyard, Jerry) buyers will form their own opinions.

While good neighbours are usually brought up as a benefit, your personal feelings and next door drama are likely best kept in Pandora’s box.

Hidden Rooms

If you do have something to hide, or in this case, a room, it can’t be kept a secret from inspectors—unless it happens to be impossible to find! Secret rooms, whether they be of the spooky as-seen-in-scary-movies variety, behind the bookshelf office, or that addition that was added without a permit, these spaces should always be disclosed. Or if discovered, can result in fearful fines and more!

Things That go Bump in the Night

House creaks? You’ve got nothing to worry about, but as you know, shrieks and squeaks (see above) are a different story. Any defects that aren’t visible to the home viewers (AKA “latent/hidden defects”) and that don’t harm health, happiness and safety—you don’t have to sweat.

Let’s be honest, the only bumps you should have when you look at your potential dream home should be excitement-induced goosebumps!

The best way for buyers and sellers to avoid any scares? Do your due diligence—work with a home inspector and always ask questions before signing on any dotted line. While disclosures can be scary for both buyers and sellers, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Buying your next home should be a treat, not a trick.

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