Accident During Construction Effect Market Value? (for sale, real estate, house)

[Bigsmatty]

Looking at a house -- does an accident that occured during construction that resulted in a death (apparently days later at the hospital stemming from the accident injuries) effect the market value of a home once finished?

Is there a disclosure requirement by the construction company? Later residential seller (would seem prudent)? Assume that if it was related to the condition of the property during construction that it was later fixed and that condition is now a non-issue.

[MckinneyOwnr]

From what I understand, if the person didn't die inside the home, then it's not required to be disclosed.

[FalconheadWest]

Most states do not require "accidental" death to be disclosed. The "house" didn't cause the death. Here in Texas, an accident during construction would not need to be disclosed.

[TheOverdog]

No I wouldn't be too concerned about real estate disclosures, but a ghost or poltergeist might be lurking.

[TX75007]

One of the homes I just sold saw a previous owner shoot himself in the 50s on the property. I disclosed it. No effect.

[tycobb2522]

Originally Posted by Bigsmatty

Looking at a house -- does an accident that occured during construction that resulted in a death (apparently days later at the hospital stemming from the accident injuries) effect the market value of a home once finished?

Market value is affected to the extent that there is one less person eligible to purchase it.

[lorshindal]

Is the ghost friendly?

[BigDGeek]

There's an empty lot about a mile from my house where a gas explosion destroyed the house and killed at least one of the occupants. I doubt they could give the lot away. (FWIW, the explosion was caused by an unlicensed non-plumber tinkering with the gas plumbing underneath the house.)

Years ago, before my parents moved to the neighborhood, a homeowner fell off a high ladder and died in his front yard. That house was for sale for many years before it finally sold...or maybe the owner gave up trying to sell it...all I know is the 'For Sale' sign that seemed like a permanent fixture finally disappeared. (It's NOT my parents' house!)

Some people are still really put off by someone dying on the property. As for me...it would depend on the manner of death. If it was an accident like the above two scenarios, fine. If it was a murder....eh....I'd have second thoughts.

[Rakin]

OP... You looking to get a big discount on the house ?

This would be a brand new negotiating tool I've never tried.

[Bigsmatty]

Originally Posted by Rakin

OP... You looking to get a big discount on the house ?

This would be a brand new negotiating tool I've never tried.

No - just trying to get a feel for any disclosure requirement later on -- I have been advised that there is not, since it was a fall from a roof and that since the house does not require any change (as oppose to, for example, someone falling through a roof or the like) that it is not an accident relating to the condition of the property. Also since the "house" was not built and was under construction, that comes into play (frame and roof only). It also apparently (makes sense) matters that the death did not occur at the location and was a week later.