From strange sounds in the night to mysteriously moved furniture, what happens in a haunted house is enough to keep even the bravest adult awake. Even if you aren’t sure you believe in ghosts and goblins, you don’t want strange occurrences like these disturbing your sleep. If you’ve inherited a spooky family home in a will, you can decline the inheritance. What if you’ve made an offer on a house only to discover its creepy reputation later, however? Find out what you can do.

What Research You Can Do in Advance

One of the most important things you will do when buying any house is reviewing the seller’s disclosures. In these documents, the seller must detail potential problems with the structure. This could include everything from asbestos in the attic to a cracked foundation. Not every state requires that the seller specify if a house is haunted or “stigmatized” however.

While California requires “emotional effect” disclosures, for example, North Carolina does not. This is why you need to do your own due diligence. Search the internet for any stories relating to potential hauntings. You will also want to approach neighbors. You can start the conversation on a more benign note by asking about the house’s history.

Why You Should Always Ask the Seller

Don’t shy away from asking the real estate agent or seller directly. This is especially important in states like North Carolina, where the seller’s disclosure doesn’t require emotional aspects. While they don’t have to forthrightly provide this information, they are not permitted to lie to you about it.

Lying would constitute misrepresentation—which you could then take them to court for. If at any point you feel that the facts of the property are being misrepresented to you, don’t hesitate to talk to a real estate attorney. They can advise whether it’s still possible to pull out of the sale depending on your state’s laws. 

Wood & Rabil, LLP Attorneys at Law provides residents of Winston-Salem, NC, with knowledgeable legal advice. Thanks to their local roots, attorneys Jeffrey Wood and William Rabil are genuinely committed to helping the clients in the community that raised them. Get a full overview of their practice areas, from drafting wills and handling estate administration to establishing power of attorney, online. For an appointment, call (336) 722-5700.