Before buying property, you will want to do some research about your potential investment. Occasionally, a home that looks like a fantastic investment on the surface can come with a backstory that negatively impacts its property value. By asking the seller’s agent specific questions and doing some online exploration, you might be able to avoid or at least prepare for purchasing what’s known in the market as a stigmatized property.
What is stigmatized property?
So what is stigmatized property? Per the National Association of Realtors, a stigmatized property is “a property that has been psychologically impacted by an event which occurred, or was suspected to have occurred, on the property.” However, despite the occurrence, the events attached to stigmatized properties have no physical impact on the home.
The definition may seem vague, but that can be the trouble with stigmatized property. Although these houses may be in good condition both before and following the event, their bad reputation can scare off many potential homebuyers. It comes down to how people perceive the house because of something that happened in it.
That could mean the previous owners were engaged in criminal activities, there was a murder in the house or the home has a history of paranormal activity. Ultimately, if you are a potential buyer and you can get over any negative connotations, a stigmatized property can often be a good deal, especially for first-time homebuyers or others who need a budget-friendly house. But there are a few things to consider before you take the plunge.
Stigmatized property types
Often, the stigma associated with a home will be as unique as the house itself. Additionally, people view stigmas differently. A haunted house might not bother everyone, but a history of criminal activities could mean the house gets some unsavory individuals dropping by. Ultimately, what you need to consider before your stigmatized property search depends on your tolerance for potential issues and the stigma at hand.
Haunted or paranormal activity stigma
While some people might be understandably scared off by unexplained noises, furniture movement or temperature fluctuations, others might see this as a perk. Because paranormal activity does not count as what real estate agents call “material fact,” this stigma often does not show up on traditional real estate disclosures. You will typically need to ask the previous owners via their agent and hope for transparency to find out if any haunted activity was experienced in the home.
Public criminal activity stigma
Whether the home was known for illegal activities like drug dealing or prostitution, or for being a sex offender’s residence, the odds are high that public perception of the property has been impacted. As a result, criminally stigmatized property might be a good deal, but could come with some serious downsides. Beyond the perception from neighbors, there is a chance that people still visit the house to participate in said criminal activities, not realizing the property is under new ownership. Location in a neighborhood with a high crime rate is one of the factors that can make your home insurance more expensive.
Death stigma
In most cases, a natural death in a home is not enough to create a stigma — although a body going undiscovered for a long period of time could be another story. However, if the death was a murder or suicide, the house often becomes a stigmatized property. If you are a potential buyer who has considered a stigmatized property search to find a good deal, a death stigma may not bother you.
Debt stigma
If the previous owners had high debts, regular visits from aggressive collectors could leave the house with a stigma. As a potential buyer, there are two things you might consider here. First, you will probably need to be ready to firmly inform any collectors who show up that the previous owners have moved. Secondly, you might want to look into the previous owners’ outstanding property taxes: ensure there is no tax-related lien on the property.
Considerations to make when dealing with stigmatized property
Stigmatized property goes beyond reputation alone. State laws and real estate best practices can affect how the stigma is handled during your home purchase or sale.
State disclosures for stigmatized property
A real estate agent does not necessarily have to tell you about a property’s stigma. This is largely because disclosure laws are not entirely standardized across the country. While some federal laws apply — like a requirement to disclose lead paint — each state also has its own unique disclosure laws. When looking at stigmatized property laws by state, here are a few that stand out:
- California: Unlike most states, California law requires that the death in the home of any occupant within the past three years including natural deaths — be disclosed to a potential buyer.
- Minnesota: In this state and many others, real estate professionals are legally required to disclose if the house was used to produce methamphetamine.
- Alaska: In addition to disclosing any murders or suicides on the property in the last three years, Alaska state law also requires the disclosure of human burial sites.
In advance of listing your home, ask your real estate agent about your state’s property disclosure requirements and whether any specific circumstances may apply to your home’s sale.
Buying stigmatized property
While a real estate agent will likely not volunteer information about a stigma right away, you can ask outright if a house is a stigmatized property. To avoid a lawsuit, most agents will answer honestly. The main things to consider are: will the stigma bother you and to what extent, and will the stigma make it harder for you to sell the house when the time comes? Some stigmas — like death and debt stigmas — fade over the years, but others — like sex offenders or paranormal activity — may still be an issue when you are ready to put the house on the market.
Pros
- You might get a better deal on the property because of the stigma.
Cons
- You might need to deal with the stigma’s fallout. For example, debt collectors or people seeking illegal drugs may frequent your home for a while.
- You may have a harder time selling the house.
Selling stigmatized property
What if you already own a stigmatized property and you want to get a fresh start? For starters, it helps to be upfront with your real estate agent about the stigma. They can help you position the house to sell in spite of this potential hurdle. Then, do what you can to hook a potential buyer. If you have persistent debt collectors, for example, consider giving them your new address as a contact instead of the property you want to sell.
Pros
- Some stigmas might actually attract people looking for a good deal or a unique value-add, like ghost hunters looking for a haunted house.
Cons
- You may need to sell for less than market value because of the stigma.
Frequently asked questions
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Your options as a buyer depend largely on the circumstances. If the property is considered stigmatized, the laws of your state might play a role, as we noted above. If you discover a past stigma after purchase in some states, you might be able to initiate legal action against the seller — but that’s not true in all cases. In New York, for example, there is no requirement to disclose any stigmatizing features when a house is being sold. That said, when you are buying a home, consider taking the time to research any property that interests you and ask questions of the realtor. Although realtors may not be required to volunteer information about any stigma, they are prohibited from lying if specifically asked. -
There are several reasons why it’s a good idea to disclose past stigma. Failure to do so could expose you to legal action in some states where disclosure is required by law. You also avoid the perception of unethical behavior, and ensure that your buyers are getting a home they will feel comfortable in. In some cases, stigmatization may even be a selling point — as in the case of homes with a history of paranormal behavior, which could attract “ghost hunters” who might relish the opportunity to live in such a home. -
In many cases, stigmatization does not make a house unsellable, although it may have an impact on the selling price. Since stigmatization refers to past events that occurred in the house, but did not have a physical impact on the structure, it’s possible that a stigmatized house could be solidly built with no structural issues. If that is the case, a seller might be attracted to it despite the stigma if the price is right. More so than with most real estate sales, however, a stigmatized home seller may need to work harder to find a buyer who is not put off by the stigma.
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