FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About DiedInHouse.com
1. How Was the Idea for DiedInHouse.com Developed?
The idea for DiedInHouse.com was born when I discovered that someone had passed away in my house before I purchased it. I assumed this would have been disclosed during the home-buying process, but I learned that most states do not require sellers to disclose a death, regardless of the cause. Realizing there was no centralized resource for this information, I created DiedInHouse.com to provide an instant, reliable way to check the house history of any property in the U.S., including stigmatized properties, murder houses, and noteworthy homes.
2. Do People Care if Someone Passed Away in a Property?
Yes, many individuals care deeply about a property’s history. A death in a home, particularly under tragic circumstances, can significantly affect its market value and appeal:
- Homes with a stigmatized property history can lose up to 25% of their value and take 50% longer to sell.
- Some buyers avoid properties with histories of death, while others see them as opportunities to negotiate lower prices.
- Properties known as murder houses, haunted houses, or those with paranormal activity may attract unwanted attention if they’ve become local tourist attractions.
3. What Are the State Disclosure Laws for Stigmatized Properties?
Disclosure laws for stigmatized properties vary by state:
- 3 states require disclosure of deaths within 1-3 years of the sale.
- 15 states require disclosure only if the buyer asks and the seller knows, but no penalties exist for failing to disclose.
- 32 states have no disclosure laws related to deaths on properties.
Our service is supplementary and does not replace legal or professional real estate advice.
4. What is "Material Fact," and Does a Death Qualify?
In real estate, a Material Fact is any fact that could influence a buyer’s decision to purchase or affect the price they’re willing to pay.
- Most states do not consider a death at a property a material fact.
- However, our reports give buyers the chance to make informed decisions about properties, including crime scene properties, before they invest time, money, or emotions.
5. What Information is Included in a DiedInHouse.com Report?
Each house history report may include:
- Records of deaths associated with the property.
- Lists of previous residents and individuals linked to the address.
- Information about reported meth activity, such as labs or chemical seizures.
- Fire-related incidents at the property.
- Indicators of registered sex offenders living nearby.
- Distance to local cemeteries.
- Comprehensive property information.
We also provide a free follow-up report 30 days after purchase.
6. Why Does the Service Cost Money?
Our pricing reflects the costs we incur from data providers. At just $14.99 for a single search, our service is competitively priced compared to similar tools, which often charge $44.99 or more.
7. Is DiedInHouse.com a Subscription Service?
No, each search is a one-time purchase. Bulk search credits are available at discounted rates.
8. Can You Search Commercial Addresses?
While some commercial properties may appear in reports, our system is primarily designed for residential addresses, including historic homes and famous residences.
9. How Accurate is the Data?
Our data is compiled from public records, government sources, and private data providers. While we strive for accuracy, records—especially older ones—may have gaps or errors. We continue to expand and improve our database of house histories and stigmatized properties.
10. How Does a Death on a Property Impact Value?
- Homes with stigmatized histories, such as murder houses or paranormal activity homes, can sell for 10%-25% less than comparable properties.
- Properties may also take significantly longer to sell.
11. Examples of High-Profile Stigmatized Properties
- Amityville Horror House (Amityville, NY) – Known for its infamous hauntings and tragic past.
- Michael Jackson’s Los Angeles Mansion – Sold in 2012 for significantly less than its original listing price.
- Nyack, NY Haunted House – Deemed "legally haunted" by the NY Supreme Court due to the seller’s prior publicity of paranormal activity.
These examples highlight the impact of stigmatized properties and true crime real estate on home values.
12. Can I Research a Property’s History Myself?
While much of our data is public, gathering it independently can be extremely time-consuming. DiedInHouse.com provides instant reports that save you hours of research, offering all the information you need in one place.
13. How Do I Access My Report?
- Log in with the email you used for purchase.
- Click your name in the upper-right corner.
- Select “View Search History” to access your reports.
14. What Makes DiedInHouse.com Different?
Unlike traditional real estate websites, DiedInHouse.com provides unique insights into stigmatized properties, house histories, and true crime real estate that can’t be found elsewhere. We’re here to help you make informed decisions before you buy, sell, or rent a home.
Need Assistance? Please email us at: info@diedinhouse.com