Murder/Suicide Flip- What should I say?

Question

So I'm looking at a house in Bergen tomorrow in which the broker said there was a "murder/suicide"  It's actually not in a terrible area but clearly unfortunately circumstances.  The broker said he is legally required to tell me that there was a murder/suicide.  Which begs the questions-  if I buy and rehab this home am I legally required to do the same?  Wondering.....

Kevin Schaefer · Answer

I believe I know the house you are talking about as I ran into the same issue about two weeks ago in Bergen. While it may not be legal to require disclosing the murder / suicide, it's kind of the ethical thing to do IMO. As an agent I would not want to sell a murder house to a trusted client without informing them, only for them to find out about it from a neighbor after the deal closes, and then they can't get the property off their hands ... that's just not good business.

Robert Morales · Answer

It is my understanding that information regarding a stigmatized property, only needs to be disclosed IF the buyer asks.

Wayne W. · Answer

Im not sure in NJ, but in California when I purchased my house, the owner stated that her husband passed away but NOT on the premises. Then I see a line on my contract asking if any person passed away within 3 years in that house.

I'm not sure if it's requested though since all paper works are from my PM.

rgds

Mateusz Prawdzik · Answer

@Daniel Green What did you end up doing. IF the numbers make sense you get a good feeling in your gut, or can stomach the risk, then you do it IMO. If you can't stomach the risk or get a bad feeling, then I wouldn't suggest doing it. It's all about your personal risk reward.

Guangli H. · Answer

In New Jersey, it is not required by law to disclose such information.

Murder/Suicide Flip- What should I say?

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