October 27 2021
One third of Americans would live with a friendly ghost if it means being able to afford their dream home in the current market
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 26, 2021 -- In the most hair-raising housing market the country's ever seen, Americans aren't spooked by the prospect of living with things that go bump in the night. According to Realtor.com's annual Halloween survey, ghostly happenings and nightmarish neighbors are all fair game if it means being able to afford their dream home in the current market.
The survey of 2,583 U.S. adults, conducted online in Sept. 2021 by HarrisX, found that Americans are willing to live not only with a ghost, but also with other ghoulish going-ons.
"In today's ultra-competitive housing market, buyers are looking for a break," said Realtor.com® Deputy News Editor Clare Trapasso. "The majority are willing to consider homes that are rumored to be haunted, especially if they can get these properties at a discount. Nearly half of those surveyed would live in a haunted house if they can get a good discount, which to many buyers is more than half off of the market price."
Those looking to buy in the next 12 months are even more open to living with spooky spirits, especially if that means they can get their new home for less.
Americans are also open to living in a home where a murder has taken place, but they're looking for a discount here too.
For those willing to live in creepy quarters, they'll be in good company.
Buyers should look out for spooky signs before they move in.
"Homebuyers who are concerned about a home's past should be sure to ask questions and do some research before they buy a new house. Only a few states require sellers to inform house hunters if someone died on the property. Some people who find themselves living in a home they believe to be haunted turn to specialists -- like paranormal investigators, spiritual healers, and even church-sanctioned religious leaders," said Trapasso.
Methodology: This survey was conducted online within the U. S. from Sept. 23 - Oct. 1 among 2,583 adults by HarrisX. The sampling margin of error of this poll is plus or minus 1.9 percentage points. The results reflect a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Results were weighted for age by gender, region, race/ethnicity, income.
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