Did Someone Die in Your House? Homicides, suicides, felonies, meth labs...

Would you prefer to know if someone has died in a house you're thinking of buying? What if there was a violent homicide or suicide? What if the house was used as a Meth Lab? Wouldn't you like to know? Apparently this isn't something that crosses the buyer's mind until after they purchase the home. Can you imagine your neighbors informing you of the triple homicide that took place in your bedroom months before you purchased your dream home? What would you do? The reality is that we live in a world where bad things happen. Why don't we exercise further caution when making the most important purchase of our lives?

Unfortunately, most real estate agents won't advise you to research the home you are about to purchase. But why? Isn't your real estate agent supposed to help and advise you through the home buying process? The answer is 100% yes! But most agents won't advise you to do some research because the agent is focused on a quick paycheck. The more homes you have to see, the pickier you are, the more questions you ask, the longer it's going to be before the agent can move on from you and make his/her's next buck. 

But don't the Sellers of the home have to disclose a death or a murder? 
The Sellers and the Seller's Agent are only required to disclosed material defects. A material defect is "any fact that may have a significant and reasonable impact on the market value of the property is material". (reference) Typical material defects are a leaky roof, structural problems, or sewer line cracks. It may be shocking but some states don't consider the following as material defects:

1. Homicides
2. Suicides
3. Felonies
4. Meth Labs that have been professionally remediated and certified under lawful standards
5. HIV or AIDS infected persons living in the home (reference) (reference 2)

So... you should ask your agent to help you research the home AND the neighborhood before you buy! Honestly, you shouldn't trust anyone to do this research for you. Why? Because even though your agent is your friend, he/she may not wish to delay their paycheck any further. 
In closing, always contact your local law enforcement to hopefully receive 100% accurate information on the criminal history of the property of interest. And when all else fails, just ask the neighbors. 


Here you can research the property for yourself (but please don't rely on these resources alone): 

1. Died in House ($14.99)- click here
2. National Crime Reports (Free) - click here
3. Denver County Crime Reports (Free) - click here
4. Crime Reports for counties surrounding Denver (Free) - click here
5. Other neighborhood information in Denver (Free) - click here