Death houses. Psychologically distressed properties. Whatever the term, it is a fact of life that some properties have terrible events occur within their borders, and eventually those pieces of real estate will need to be sold.
Sellers of real estate in Pennsylvania have long been required to disclose known defects in their properties to potential buyers.
The stuff of movies notwithstanding, if you are selling a home do you have to disclose a tragedy, crime, death or similar incident which may have occurred in the property?
The law provided no clear answer until recently, when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court gave a clear answer: no.
Sellers are under no obligation to disclose such "history" to potential real estate buyers. The court decided that while such incidents may be distressing, they are not material defects in the actual real property which impact the objective value of the property.
If you are thinking of buying or selling your home or other real estate, if pays to consult an experienced real estate attorney. Attorney Scott M. Amori would be happy to discuss your situation. Please call Amori & Associates at (570) 421-406 for a no obligation consultation.