Unexpected Tenants.
One of the most beautiful townhomes in Marigny comes with a permanent tenant. She won't pay rent, she has a yappy pet, but neither takes up much space. You see, this particular tenant, Madame Mineurecanal, has been dead for more than 100 years, and so has her dog.
The current homeowner, Lorelei Cropley, fell in love with the 1830's Creole Townhome at first sight. She made an offer almost immediately. However, only after she was in contract to purchase the home did she do some light Googling.
"Madame Minicanal and her loyal ghost terrier," read one link. "Haunted Orleans," read another. As the story goes, the former resident of 2602 Royal Street- distraught with the loss of her lover to the Spanish American War - hung her terrier and then herself from the rafters just up the home's staircase.
But is it legal?
You see, there is no law, in any state, requiring the voluntary disclosure of hauntings when listing a property. Montana is the only state that uses 'hauntings' in its disclosure language. It simply states the owner does not voluntarily have to share "non-material" facts, including if the home was the site of "perceived paranormal activity." Likewise, Minnesota and Massachusetts law state the seller does not need to "deliberately mention paranormal or supernatural activity as a 'psychologically affected' property."
According to Zillow, only Alaska, California, and South Dakota's disclosure laws explicitly say sellers need to disclose a recent death voluntarily. "Recent" in Alaska means in the past year; in California, it means in the past three years; and in South Dakota, it means during the seller's ownership.
New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Minnesota housing laws mention "paranormal activity." The intention of the New York law is to prevent the seller from taking advantage of the buyer. For example, you can't invite the television show Ghost Hunters into your home, attaching a stigma to the home, and then not pass that info along to an unwitting buyer. In New Jersey, you have to disclose information when asked.
Back at Royal Street
A woman of science, Cropley, was skeptical. Ghost stories were the stuff of Halloween and campfire tales but not something that would impact her day-to-day life, much less her home. Thus, she proceeded with the sale and became the proud homeowner of the 2.5 story masonry home shortly thereafter.
Today, she remains the home's happy owner but is no longer a skeptic.
I sat down with her to hear the legend, tour the home, and discover what it's like to live in a nationally recognized haunted house. I learned what it's like to live with Madame Mineurecanal.
Windows opening on their own. Shadows passing by. Barking from the chimney?! Perhaps it's just part of living in a historic home, or perhaps it's what it's like living with Madame Mineurecanal.
One Realtor's Opinion
While no Louisiana law directly states that a seller should share any evidence or suspicions of spectors, I encourage my clients to share any issues (including stigmas) that may affect the material value of their home. Though, in this city, a good ghost story may just make your home that much more desirable.
Looking to list? I don't scare easy. And, I'm happy to help you find the right owner to oversee the next chapter in your home's story, ghost or not.
If you believe your home or place of business is haunted, I'd love to share your story in an interview on social media too. Please message me @coolmurphynola on Instagram or email me at cool@coolmurphy.com.
Voted Neighborhood Favorite by Nextdoor, Team Cool Murphy is a top-producing, licensed real estate team based in New Orleans, brokered by Cool Murphy, LLC.
Celebrated for her next-level creative approach to real estate, Elisa Cool Murphy is an award-winning, top-performing agent in New Orleans and the founder and leader of Cool Murphy, LLC.
Contact Her -
email: cool@coolmurphy.com
Facebook: @homeinneworleans
IG: @coolmurphynola
YouTube: @coolmurphynola
phone: 504-321-3194
Kommentare