Curiosity about your home’s history is natural, whether you’re a new homeowner, considering purchasing a property, or just intrigued by the past. Sometimes, this curiosity extends to wondering if death ever occurred in the house.

My guide will walk you through the steps to discover your Massachusett home’s history, focusing on how to determine if someone has died there.

In my guide, you will learn the following:

  • How to research the history of a property, including public records and online databases.
  • The importance of talking to neighbors and using specialized services for uncovering property history.
  • I will educate you on laws regarding disclosing deaths in properties, with examples from various states and countries.

From three decades of selling real estate in Massachusetts, death due to health issues is rarely of concern as it pertains to market value. For example, it is not uncommon in probate sales.

If, however, a well-known homicide had taken place, this could have potentially impacted the value. In these circumstances, it is essential to get the advice of a local Realtor. Agents refer to these as stigmatized properties.

Let’s explore each of these steps in detail so you can learn about death in any Massachusetts house.

Death History of a House

How to Learn About The Death History of a Property

Step 1: Research Massachusetts Public Records

Public records are the first and most reliable information source when researching a property’s history. Local government offices such as the registry of deeds, city hall, or courthouse maintain these records.

Public records can provide a wealth of information about your home, including ownership history, tax records, and, in some cases, death certificates.

Accessing Deeds and Ownership History

Start by locating the deed for your property. A deed is a legal document that transfers property ownership from one person to another.

By examining the chain of ownership, you can identify previous owners, which might help you trace any significant events, including the death history.

How to access deeds:

  • Visit your local county recorder’s office. Most counties maintain a physical archive of property deeds.
  • Many counties offer online databases where you can search for deeds by property address or owner’s name.
  • For older properties, you might need to search through microfiche records or request assistance from a clerk.

What to look for:

  • Frequent changes in ownership could indicate distressed sales, sometimes after death.
  • A sudden change in ownership or a transfer to an estate could suggest that a former owner died.

Reviewing Tax Records

Tax records are another helpful tool. They can show changes in property value, which might occur after a death if the property was sold under unusual circumstances.

How to access tax records:

  • Tax records are typically available at your local tax assessor’s office or online through your county’s website.
  • Some areas offer property tax history reports, which provide detailed information on past property values and ownership.

What to look for:

  • A sharp decline in property value could suggest a sale after a death or another significant event.
  • Tax liens or unpaid taxes might indicate financial difficulties following a death, leading to a forced sale.

Searching for Death Certificates

In some states, death certificates are part of the public record. While these are less likely to be found in typical property records, they can be accessed through local health departments or state archives.

How to access death certificates:

  • Visit the state or county health department’s office or website. Some states offer online searches for death records.
  • The National Archives and other genealogical websites also provide access to older death records.

What to look for:

  • A death certificate tied to your property’s address.
  • Certificates from prior residents that list the home as their place of death.

Step 2: Use Online Databases

Online databases have made it easier to research property history in Massachusetts, including whether a death occurred in your home. These databases aggregate public records, historical data, and user-contributed information to view a property’s past comprehensively.

DiedInHouse.com

DiedInHouse.com is a unique service designed specifically to answer the question of whether someone died in your home. It searches many records, including news articles, public records, and death certificates, to determine if a death occurred at your address.

Another similar site worth mentioning is Housecreap.com

How to use DiedInHouse.com:

  • Visit the website and enter your property’s address.
  • The service charges a fee for a detailed report that includes information on deaths, their circumstances, and additional property history.

What you get:

  • A report detailing any known deaths at the property.
  • Information on the type of death (e.g., natural, homicide, suicide).
  • Additional data on property history and any reported paranormal activity.

Ancestry.com and Genealogical Databases

Ancestry.com is well-known for its genealogical services, but it can also be used to trace deaths associated with your property. Searching historical records and family trees might discover previous occupants who died in the home.

How to use Ancestry.com:

  • Sign up for an account and start a search using your property address or the names of previous owners.
  • Use census data, historical newspapers, and family trees to assemble the history.

What you get:

  • Information on the family history of previous occupants.
  • Possible links to deaths associated with your property.

PropertyShark.com

PropertyShark.com provides comprehensive property reports, including sales history, ownership details, and, sometimes, information on events like Massachusetts deaths.

How to use PropertyShark.com:

  • Enter your property address to access a detailed report.
  • Review the ownership history, property value changes, and any reported events.

What you get:

  • Detailed ownership and sales history.
  • Information on any significant events, including deaths.

Step 3: Talk to Neighbors

Discovering Death in a House

Discovering Death in a House in Massachusetts.

Sometimes, the best source of information is right next door. Long-term neighbors often have a wealth of knowledge about the area and your home’s history. They might remember previous owners or events that have taken place, including deaths.

Engaging with Neighbors

Approaching your neighbors can provide insights that no database or public record can offer. Personal anecdotes and local knowledge are invaluable, especially in older neighborhoods.

How to start a conversation:

  • Introduce yourself and explain your interest in the property’s history.
  • Ask if they’ve lived in the area long and remember previous owners.
  • Be respectful and tactful when inquiring about sensitive topics like deaths.

Questions to ask:

  • “Do you remember who lived here before?”
  • “Have you heard any stories about the house?”
  • “Did anything unusual ever happen here?”

Gathering Local Lore

Local stories and rumors might not always be accurate, but they can lead you to further research. If a neighbor recalls an event but isn’t sure of the details, you can use that information as a starting point to dig deeper into public records or online databases.

What to look for:

  • Consistent stories from multiple neighbors.
  • Specific details that can be cross-referenced with public records.

Step 4: Use Specialized Services

If you’re serious about uncovering the complete history of your property, consider using specialized services that offer comprehensive property reports. These services combine public records, historical data, and sometimes private information to provide a detailed view of your property’s past.

Housefax.com

Housefax.com provides detailed reports on property history, including information on building permits, inspections, insurance claims, and sometimes significant events like deaths or accidents.

How to use Housefax.com:

  • Enter your property address on the website.
  • Purchase a report including property history, insurance claims, and notable events.

What you get:

  • Detailed reports on the property’s history.
  • Information on past insurance claims could indicate damage or events like fires.

Homefacts.com

Homefacts.com offers a wide range of reports, including information on crime rates, environmental hazards, and property history. This site can help you understand the area’s overall safety and history, including any significant incidents in your home.

How to use Homefacts.com:

  • Enter your property address to access a report.
  • Review the data on crime rates, property values, and historical incidents.

What you get:

  • A detailed overview of the area’s history.
  • Information on significant events like crimes or accidents.

Understanding Disclosure Laws

Real estate disclosure laws vary significantly depending on where you live. These laws dictate what a seller must tell a buyer about the property, including whether a death has occurred there.

Disclosure Laws in the United States

In the United States, real estate disclosure laws vary by state. Some states require sellers to disclose any deaths on the property, while others do not require such disclosures unless asked directly.

Examples of state laws:

  • Massachusetts: In Massachusetts, there is no requirement to disclose if a death occurred on the property. This means buyers may need to conduct their research. Some sellers might include it on a disclosure form, but it is not a requirement. A buyer’s agent, however, could help you with the required due diligence. Some buyers may want to learn if a property is haunted or has paranormal activity.
  • California: Sellers must disclose any death on the property within the last three years, regardless of the cause. This law aims to protect buyers from potential psychological harm.
  • Texas: Sellers must only disclose deaths if the buyer asks directly. This means the buyer is responsible for inquiring about the property’s history.

Accessing Relevant Databases and Government Sites

When conducting your research, it’s essential to use reliable sources. Here are some of the most helpful databases and government sites that can assist in uncovering your property’s history.

National Archives

The National Archives is a valuable resource for historical records, including older death certificates, census data, and property records.

How to use the National Archives:

  • Visit the National Archives website or a local branch.
  • Search for records related to your property’s address or previous owners.

What you can find:

  • Historical death records associated with your property.
  • Census data showing previous residents.

Does a Death in a House Impact Market Value?

In some circumstances, it could, but for the most part, average deaths due to old age or health issues are not a cause of concern.

However, if a violent murder took place, the property could become infamous due to this act. It is essential to work with a buyer’s agent to determine the impact a home’s death history could have on market value.

John Bell of Southern Bell Living.com provided helpful guidance.

“In the event of a death occurring in a home from causes or health-related issues, it usually doesn’t affect the property’s market value by much as most buyers understand that these things happen and are a normal part of life.

However, if a violent death takes place one that is widely known, such as a murder case, then it could have a more noticeable impact. The emotional effects and the reputation connected to the property might discourage buyers and result in a prolonged period on the market with a potential decline in the home’s value or worth.

If the case was highly publicized, like that of Cleveland’s Ariel Casto, the home may need to be condemned instead as almost no one would want to live there in any capacity.”

Conclusion

Uncovering whether someone died in your Massachusetts home requires thorough research, including public records, online databases, and conversations with neighbors. Understanding disclosure laws in your area is crucial, as these can affect both your rights as a buyer or seller and the information you can expect to receive.