Have you ever considered turning your home into a haunted house to maximize its value and give you a capital gain beyond your wildest dreams (or nightmares!).
No? Good. Haunted houses don’t usually sell well.
But maybe there is one day when you can enjoy the fantasy – Halloween. And it’s coming on October 30th.
Halloween is a fabulous American tradition that we all love because it’s slightly dark and very silly. And the kids totally love it.
So, with tongue firmly in my cheek, here’s a look at the most terrifying – and hilarious – renovations that will boost your home’s haunting appeal for one night only!
Ghost in the home – A well-preserved, heritage specter can add 20% or more to the value of a house! The final figure is determined by the era of the ghost and the quality of the haunting. The only challenge is getting them to appear at showings.
Haunted Attic – Every ghost needs a place to chill before terrifying a home’s occupants. Even if you don’t have a spirit, savvy sellers are styling their attics with chests of old toys, dusty clothes and yellowed photographs to create an “otherworldly” retreat.
Creepy Basement – Premium features include steep steps that feel like a threat to your life, rising damp, massive cobwebs and a strange, dark stain on the floor. The darker and more mysterious, the better!
Hidden Room – Whether it’s accessed via a hardback book in the bookcase or a secret panel, there is nothing that excites buyers more than a hidden room. Stylings can be based on whatever your dark heart desires. So long as it’s not on the floor plan, it will attract premium offers.
Pet Cemetery – Forget water features, outdoor kitchens and fire pits – the hottest landscaping idea is a pet cemetery complete with headstones to celebrate the afterlife of our furry friends.
NOTE: These “spooky features” have absolutely no bearing on a real property estimate. But I’d be delighted to provide you with a real-world appraisal or help you find your next home!
Happy Halloween! Now get out there and make some spectacular community memories!