Industry Interview: Roy Condrey, Founder DiedInHouse.com

October 29, 2015
,

The idea came about when a tenant of mine texted me in the middle of the night stating, “Do you know your house is haunted?”  I did not know it’s history, so I started researching online.

I was looking for a “CarFax” for homes if you will, a DiedinHouse.com and I did not find such a site.

Doing a Google search, I found pages and pages people asking my same question.

The advice I found was to ask the agent, seller, neighbors, check online and with local government agencies.  I discovered that process is easier said than done and not to mention very time consuming.

I discovered that most states do not consider a death in a home to be a material defect, therefore, it is not required to be disclosed.

I also found many stories of home buyers that are now uncomfortable in their new homes because they learned after moving in that a death occurred in the home and it was not disclosed to them.

I learned that in most cases after a tragic death occurs the house is listed for comparable values of other homes in the area.  If the home does not sell to an unsuspecting buyer or an informed buyer who does not care (which is rare) then it usually is tiered down in pricing and finally reaches foreclosure/bank auction.  At that point an investor buys it at a discount, cleans it up and resells it to a unsuspecting buyer for the comparable value or at least more than they paid.  Then after moving in the new owners sometimes find out about the death.  At that point they wish they knew that information before they bought the home.  Now they are stuck in the home and may not be comfortable with the news but have to make the best of it.  Then when they sell, they have to decide to disclose.  I am guessing most choose not, because it could impact their value and sale.

Long story short, I saw a need to provide a service to help disclose this information for people who care to know before they buy or rent a home.

More information:

Murders and Suicides In Homes Need Not Be Disclosed to Buyers – http://www.diedinhouse.com/News?news=607fa969-e41c-43a5-b5f2-4b3fb3963a24

FAQ: http://www.diedinhouse.com/FAQ

‘Stigmatized’ Homes can be a Bargain and Great Investment – http://www.diedinhouse.com/News?news=db25774a-1334-425c-92f3-2994a1028aa1

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

The Future of Urban Real Estate: Trends and Predictions for 2026

Affordability pressures, hybrid work arrangements, and steep borrowing costs are heavy influences on urban real estate for 2026. We’re seeing an increase in mixed-use development and a renewed focus from investors on markets with a steady demand. Markets that can balance housing access, transportation, lifestyle amenities, and flexible workplaces will come out on top. Major…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

London’s prime residential market isn’t falling — it’s repricing

By Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners London’s prime residential market has looked subdued by global standards, but framing current conditions as a decline overlooks the more important underlying dynamic. The market is undergoing structural repricing driven by higher interest rates, shifting tax policy and a more volatile geopolitical environment. This is not…
Read More →
Breaking News

Foxtons Lettings Market Index – April 2026

Market activity strengthens with applicant demand recovering and supply remaining ahead of last year   After the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, April provides the final snapshot of market conditions ahead of implementation, offering a clear benchmark for how the sector is positioned entering this new regulatory environment. The lettings market strengthened through the…
Read More →
Breaking News

Five hidden costs catching home buyers out

FIVE hidden costs that’re catching home buyers out, AFTER they put their offer in, says expert • Buyers often focus on deposits and mortgages, but overlook thousands in extra costs • Delays, surveys and legal fees can quickly inflate budgets • Unexpected gaps in funding are becoming increasingly common A lot of home buyers think…
Read More →
Breaking News

Housing Insight Report: March 2026

Buyer activity and sales agreed picked up this month as the housing market entered the spring season, with increased stock levels giving consumers more choice despite ongoing affordability pressures. Meanwhile, the rental market remained highly competitive, as tenant demand continued to outstrip supply and concerns over future regulation weighed on landlord confidence. Sales 1. The…
Read More →
Breaking News

Renters’ Rights Act risks leaving the tenants it set out to protect with fewer options

Fewer than a third of landlords are fully aware that the Renters’ Rights Act bans advance rent payments of more than one month, according to new research from LRG. The survey of 650 landlords and tenants across England and Wales found that 43% know the rules have changed but remain uncertain of the details, while…
Read More →