If seller thinks ‘demon’ caused death in Texas home, do they have to tell potential buyer?

If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or call or text 988.

Summer is a busy home buying season in Texas with more deals found in August and late summer.

When house hunting, real estate experts recommend keeping a checklist to assess all aspects of a new home, from house specifications to neighborhood characteristics.

One factor that may not be top of mind in between checking foundation issues and researching area schools is whether someone died in your potential new home.

Texas home sellers do not have to disclose whether someone died in the house, but there are some exceptions.

Here’s what Texas law says.

Do sellers have to disclose a death in the house?

Home sellers and the seller’s agent do not have to disclose or release information regarding a death by natural causes, suicide or accident unrelated to the condition of the property occurred on the property, according to the Texas Property Code. This also applies to death caused by COVID-19.

If a seller believes a “demon” caused a death on the property, this would likely have to be disclosed as it does not fall under “natural causes, suicide or accident,” according to the Texas A&M University Texas Real Estate Research Center.

Four out of 10 Americans believe ghosts, demons or other supernatural human beings exist, according to a survey conducted by YouGov.com in 2019.

If a home buyer specifically asks if a death or alleged paranormal activity occurred on the property, the seller must disclose the information otherwise they risk misrepresenting information.

A home seller’s agent must show fidelity and integrity during the transaction process, which means representing the interests of the client, according to the Texas Real Estate Commission rules.