Did someone DIE in this house? OR . . . Home Buyers say the darndest things
I love working with home buyers - especially first-time home buyers, and I've started a journal of some of the darndest things home buyers will ask.
A young couple was searching for a home in midtown Tulsa and although they wanted to live in the area because of the biking trails, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and restuarants on Cherry Street and Brookside, they were somewhat aprehensive about purchasing an older home. We were in a beautiful home built in the early 1920s that was somewhat dated and this young home buyer suddenly turned to me and asked, "Did someone DIE in this house?" I laughed and responded, "This house is ninety years old - I would hope that several people have been able to die here, in their own home!" Then, we had another conversation about ghosts having good karma which I won't bore you with. However, if you're concerned about whether or not there's been a death in this home, we can certainly ask the Seller.
Most common question from home buyers is, "Why are the owners selling?" Well, I have no clue. NO where in the "secret section" of our MLS (Multiple Listing Service) sheet does it include WHY a home owner is selling. We can look up what was paid for the property, type of financing, mortgage balance, comparable sales in the area and a few bits of information that may help us formulate a sales offer amount, but we have no clue if the home sellers are down-sizing, getting divorced, unemployed or otherwise. Bottom line - it's none of your business why the Sellers are selling this home.
"Is this a good neighborhood?" First of all, the word "good" is completely subjective. I can tell you what I like or dislike about the neighborhood. For example, I can tell you that I like the lot sizes, style of homes and proximity to retail shopping or restaurants. I can tell you that there is a railroad track that runs in the middle of the night or that the area is apt to flooding, but I can NOT tell you whether a neighborhood is "good." I will suggest to ALL home buyers that they drive by at different times of day/night to form their own opinion of the neighborhood.
"Will this home increase in value?" Now, that's a responsible question and another one I can't answer. I can show you trends and historical data for that particular neighborhood and give you my personal opinion as to whether or not a home will hold its value or increase or value, but I can't promise you anything. If I knew the answer to that question FOR SURE, I would be buying property instead of helping you buy.
"Are there children in the neighborhood the same age as our children?" Don't know. Drive the neighborhoods during the day.
"What's the crime rate in this neighborhood and is it safe?" Don't know - let me give you a web site where you can look that up. Better yet, visit the closest police station and inquire there.
"What type of people live here?" I don't know. Here is a link to the Census Fact Finder.
I know it seems like I'm asking you to do all the homework after you've selected me to represent you and guide you in your home purchase. Please understand that I want and HAVE to comply with the restrictions and guidelines of the Fair Housing Act and answering many of these questions would be in blatant violation. I am happy to guide you to the resources you need to satisfy any of your concerns and I'm much better about answering questions about whether the hot water heater needs to be raised!
Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.
Photo courtesy of by Oberazzi via Flickr
Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate-Lori Cain
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Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.
Lori I loved your answer to did someone die here? It's 90 years old I hope so!! The Blog made me laugh. Thanks
Excellent post, Lori. And all valid answers. In CA we have to disclose if someone died in the home within, I believe, it's the past 3 years.
I think we all should keep journals of all the amazing things that happen in Real Estate because someday we could probably really make some money selling our book!!!!!
Lori, A great post! Most of the time the questions are valid...we just have to be careful answering them...point them in the right direction to find their answers. Have a Great Weekend!
Thank you all for taking time to read and comment. Both of my grandmothers and one grandfather died at home - isn't that we all hope for? I sure don't want to be in a nursing home!!
Michael - glad you laughed!
Jane - we don't have to disclose, but home buyers can inquire.
Mary - there are too many REALTORS out there for us all to have best sellers!
John - yes, the questions are valid AND NATURAL. Offering resources to Buyers is the best we can do!
Lori: Great blog, I love when I get all of those questions. The one about (did someone die in here) I have had many times over the years. In the state of California it must be disclosed if someone has died in the home in the past 3 years.
I had a client that closed on a home and she felt there was a ghost in the house. We honestly had someone come out to ask the ghost to leave. There are a few people in the area that specialize in this field.
I am sure you are laughing it's the truth and we do live in Hollywood. I could share so many other stories but won't bore you. Cheers!
@Richard - PLEASE bore me with more stories! I spewed my wine all over my keyboard when I read your comment!! Thank you for making my evening!!
How far to buy a bottle of wine?
Lori,
Well said, and all the time I thought it was kids who said the darndest things.
You subscribe to my motto "be the source of the source, don't be the source".
Robert - I CAN answer that: 2.4 miles!
Richard - what a great motto: "Be the source of the source - don't BE the source!" EXACTLY!
Lori--Thanks for the humor and reality check, too. Here is my best answer to "Why are the sellers selling?" "Because they don't want to live here anymore" or " Their housing needs have changed."
Have a great weekend, Lori
Lori....I really enjoyed this post because I have had all of these questions over the years. Sometimes it is amazing what people will ask. Keeping a journal is a good idea so you can always have a humor list available.
I love the what kind of people, if I am in a feisty mood the answer is the human kind. Imagine if you asked if they were wearing underwear.
Mary - can you BE a real estate professional without a sense of humor? "Their housing needs have changed" is an excellent response - I'm jotting that one down!
Carra - humor list ineed! I bet we all have LONG ones!!
Liz - you ARE feisty!!! LOL!
Too many questions which we CANNOT answer for fear of getting in trouble. We need to "steer" them in the right direction.
Robert - don't use that word "steer!" ;=)