By Lucy Chatman
When it comes to real estate, location, price, and curb appeal are crucial, but what if the “history” of the house includes a few ghosts? Whether you’re a fan of the paranormal or not, these haunted homes have some spooky stories that will give you chills—and might even affect their market value!
The Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California
This architectural oddity was built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the firearms magnate William Wirt Winchester. Legend has it that Sarah, grieving the loss of her husband and child, believed she was haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. To confuse the ghosts, she continuously built bizarre additions to her home, including staircases leading to nowhere and doors that open into walls. The mansion is now a tourist attraction, but can you imagine the open house walkthroughs?
The Amityville Horror House – Amityville, New York
This house became infamous after the Lutz family fled in the middle of the night, claiming it was haunted by malevolent forces. The home was the site of the tragic DeFeo family murders, where six members were killed by the eldest son. Though later owners have denied any paranormal activity, the haunting reputation persists, affecting the home’s value and making potential buyers wary—unless they’re ghost hunters!
The LaLaurie Mansion – New Orleans, Louisiana
Considered one of the most haunted homes in America, the LaLaurie Mansion was home to the infamous Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a socialite with a horrifying secret. In 1834, a fire revealed that she had been torturing enslaved people in her attic. After fleeing town, her mansion became the source of ghostly tales. Today, it’s privately owned, but its haunted legacy adds a chilling factor to its historic value.
If you’re intrigued by these haunted houses, you’re not alone! While these properties come with eerie histories, some buyers are drawn to the spooky backstories—others, not so much. Haunted or not, it’s always wise to know the full history of a property before signing on the dotted line!
By, Lucy Chatman
Staff Writer for HealthyHOME Media
Comments