The Impact of Tragic Events on a Home and Its Resale: Case Studies

Your question about what happens to a house when someone is killed there can indeed lead to the abandonment or destruction of many perfectly good homes.

Case Study 1: My Paternal Grandfather

My paternal grandfather shot himself in the shower, and my grandmother couldn’t bear to stay in that house after the incident. I, too, found it difficult to enter the bathroom there months later. However, we eventually moved everything out, and the house was sold and lived in again. I don’t know the current owners, but when I drive by, the place looks much the same as it always did.

Case Study 2: A Tragic Murder-Suicide

A long-time friend of my brother-in-law’s was murdered by her husband, who used a shotgun. Following the murder, the husband took his own life in the garage, leading to a tragedy that affected the entire family. My brother-in-law helped his friend’s mother dispose of the assets, sell the house, and set up a trust for their son. Despite the murder-suicide, the house was cleaned and sold for a price comparable to the market value, reflecting the situation in a bustling real estate market.

Case Study 3: A Gentle End in Retirement Community

I have a property in a retirement community where I rent the main house and use the guest house as frequently as possible. A long-time tenant, Jack, was nearing the end of his life and wanted to stay in the house until he died. He was concerned that the house might be difficult to rent out if someone had died there. I supported his choice, as dying at home is seen as the ideal end in a retirement community. Jack lived another year or so and passed away in his own bed. I always disclosed this situation and have never faced issues in renting the house since. The passing of Jack was a tough reality, but it also highlighted how some view the end of a life in the comfort of one's own home as a dignified way to exit.

Legal Considerations

It is important to note that state laws vary on the issue of whether or not to disclose deaths in homes when selling. In some states, it is mandatory to disclose such incidents, while in others, it is not. In Colorado, for example, it is not required to disclose deaths in homes when selling.

Conclusion

The resale of a property after a tragic event can be affected by various factors, including cultural perspectives, local laws, and the specific circumstances surrounding the death or tragedy. Understanding these factors can help potential buyers and sellers navigate the complexities of listing and purchasing a home that carries such weight.

It is worth noting that despite the complexities and emotional impact, tragedies do not necessarily preclude a property from being lived in again. Proper handling, disclosure, and support can help the house find new life and new occupants.