Do Real Estate Agents have to disclose if someone died in a house that is for sale (property, neighborhood)

[Dressy]

Originally Posted by manderly6

The house was definitely being offered below market price. It was a townhouse with lots of comparable sales and listings so it was pretty easy to figure that out. The agent literally told us that was the reason for the lower listing price.

Well, it he is telling you the truth, I would much like prefer THAT reason then a leaking roof or messed up plumbing.

[Jellybean50]

Originally Posted by QuilterChick

Here's a piece of real estate news for 'ya. It is against federal law for a licensed real estate agent, or any agent of the seller, to disclose to a potential buyer whether any resident of a household died of AIDS in the house.

I would guess that it's probly against the law to give out any reason of death of anyone unless it's offically released - but i dont know for sure. I do know with all the HIPPA laws that all medical information is now a really touchy area for public knowledge.

[QuilterChick]

Originally Posted by Jellybean50

I would guess that it's probly against the law to give out any reason of death of anyone unless it's offically released - but i dont know for sure. I do know with all the HIPPA laws that all medical information is now a really touchy area for public knowledge.

Realtors are obligated to not offer any information about the seller at all; why they are moving or anything else. If someone asks "how did the seller die"? the answer has to be "I have no knowledge of that". But as I said before, there are some people whose religion forbids them to live in a house where a stranger has passed in the house. No reason why is asked.

I mentioned the AIDS law because that question used to be asked quite often and was the reason for the non discrimination law regarding disclosure (not HIPPA related).

[butterfly2076]

If you buy a house in Alabama does the Realtor has to tell you?? Especially if it was a murder or suicide?? Even if they don't by law HAVE to tell you BUT you straight up ask them, do they have to tell you??? Any answers and help is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks to everyone who replies...

[Ohiogirl81]

Originally Posted by butterfly2076

If you buy a house in Alabama does the Realtor has to tell you?? Especially if it was a murder or suicide?? Even if they don't by law HAVE to tell you BUT you straight up ask them, do they have to tell you??? Any answers and help is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks to everyone who replies...

Why don't you do your own research? Google the address.

[QuilterChick]

Originally Posted by butterfly2076

If you buy a house in Alabama does the Realtor has to tell you?? Especially if it was a murder or suicide?? Even if they don't by law HAVE to tell you BUT you straight up ask them, do they have to tell you??? Any answers and help is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks to everyone who replies...

Did you see my response in Post #43 just above your question? That should answer your question.

Realtors cannot, by law in most states, cannot reveal personal circumstances of sellers which include anything about sellers' health, deaths, finances, reasons for moving, etc.

You will have to check with an Alabama lawyer because this is a legal question.

[RE Skeptic]

When you say "RE Agents" are you talking about listing agent or buyer agent.

Laws regarding seller or listing agent disclosure on deaths, and other potentially negative events on the property, vary.

I would hope that all agents would disclose this to their buyers if they were representing the buyer as a "buyers agent". I would think this falls under the category of fiduciary responsibility to your client (buyer)? But I hate to assume.

[middle-aged mom]

This thread is 5 years old.

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by middle-aged mom

This thread is 5 years old.

Ya think the dead guy cares?

[faabala]

Talk to the neighbors.