The Haunting Dilemmas of Real Estate Agents
A seasoned real estate agent, Mike Fabbri, vividly recalls the spine-tingling moment he opened the door to an apartment near the enchanting Washington Square Park in Manhattan. His client, a media planner in her mid-20s, was on a quest for a tranquil, one-bedroom home in the heart of Greenwich Village. However, upon stepping inside, she felt an overwhelming urge to leave. “She exclaimed, ‘I’m okay with a nice ghost, but I sensed truly malevolent energy in that apartment,’” Mr. Fabbri reminisced.
Showing empathy towards her feelings, he replied, “You know, there are aspects of an apartment you can alter, like changing the wallpaper. But when it comes to an evil spirit or a demon, you’re looking at a job for priests. Let’s find you something else.” With Mr. Fabbri’s expertise, she eventually discovered a “charming” unit in a prewar co-op. Thankfully, this time, there were no ghostly inhabitants.
The presence of haunted houses can pose significant challenges for real estate agents, especially those who believe in the supernatural. In a recent discussion with The New York Times, agents shared their experiences navigating the eerie realm of real estate, whether as believers themselves or as sympathetic listeners to their clients’ concerns.
These agents often take the bold step of informing potential buyers about any peculiarities associated with a property, a practice that not all agents feel compelled to undertake. According to a 2023 analysis by Zillow on state regulations, only a handful of states—namely Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York—mandate that agents disclose any suspected hauntings or paranormal occurrences.
Properties classified as “stigmatized” may have a history of gruesome murders or notorious criminal activities, while others are rumored to be haunted by restless spirits. In the experience of Cindi Hagley, a real estate agent operating in the San Francisco Bay Area, the stories of these spectral inhabitants are often more than mere tales—they sometimes hold a kernel of truth.
