Do You Have to Disclose if a Home Is Haunted When Selling on LBI?
- Nathan Colmer
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Do You Have to Disclose if a Home Is Haunted When Selling on Long Beach Island?
Selling in the LBI NJ Real Estate Market
Selling a home on Long Beach Island (LBI) comes with its own set of unique challenges—regulations, flood zones, and yes, even the occasional ghost story. But what happens if your home on Long Beach Island has a reputation for being haunted? Do you have to tell potential buyers in the LBI real estate market, and do you have to disclose if a home is haunted when selling on LBI?
By : Nathan Colmer | LBI Real Estate Agent | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
Do You Have to Disclose if a Home Is Haunted When Selling on LBI?
According to several New Jersey real estate law websites, sellers are not required to disclose that a home is haunted—unless the buyer asks explicitly. This falls under what is known as a "psychological impairment" in the New Jersey Administrative Code (Section 11:5-6.4(d)).
That means:
If a buyer asks, "Has anything unusual ever happened here?" or "Is this house haunted?" — you must answer truthfully.
If they don't ask, you're not legally obligated to bring it up.
This "don't ask, don't tell" approach makes New Jersey one of only four states (alongside New York, Massachusetts, and Minnesota) that even mention paranormal activity in their real estate laws.
What This Means for Sellers in the LBI Real Estate Market
While hauntings may seem like folklore, they can impact a buyer's perception—and even the value—of a home in the LBI real estate market. Some buyers may be intrigued, while others could be spooked enough to walk away. In rare cases, failure to disclose a known reputation could lead to legal disputes, especially if the seller has publicly advertised the home as haunted (think ghost tours or media coverage).
On LBI, where homes often have long histories and generations of stories, especially in the historic district of Beach Haven, where many homes date back to the 1800s, it's not uncommon for a property to carry a bit of local lore. If your home has a reputation—whether from a tragic event, unexplained phenomena, or just neighborhood whispers—it's wise to be prepared.
Tips for Sellers in the LBI Real Estate Market:
If asked, be honest about what you know.
Avoid advertising the home as haunted unless you're targeting a niche buyer.
Consider consulting a real estate attorney to understand disclosure obligations fully.
Even though disclosure may not be required unless asked, transparency can build trust and avoid future headaches. If you're unsure how to handle a property with a spooky reputation, working with an experienced LBI real estate agent like me and, more importantly, an attorney who can help you navigate the sale smoothly. Please keep in mind that I am a real estate agent and not an attorney. Therefore, specific legal questions should always be referred to an attorney who can advise you on the specifics of the law. Whether your home on Long Beach Island is haunted or just has great ocean views, I can help you market it effectively and ethically. Reach out anytime to discuss your property's story—and how to tell it the right way.
By : Nathan Colmer | LBI Real Estate Agent | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
