3,164,294
Even if I knew, my response would be "I'm sorry, that's not relevant to the property"
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Ryan Huggins - Thousan...
Thousand Oaks, CA
-
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Fort Lauderdale, FL
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Fred Griffin Florida R...
Tallahassee, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
John Pusa
Glendale, CA
1,556,633
Here's my reply: "I asked, but they never answered."
-
Greg Large
Grove City, OH
-
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Phoenix, AZ
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Karen Climer
Orlando, FL
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Silvia Dukes PA, Broke...
Spring Hill, FL
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Fred Griffin Florida R...
Tallahassee, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
2,436,099
If you want to throw them for a loop, maybe just say, "Um, the seller's not dead, why do you ask?"
-
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Phoenix, AZ
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
-
Margaret Rome Baltimor...
Pikesville, MD
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
5,104,931
I've never been asked that. I have been asked on estate sales if the seller died at home. That's a question I can understand. Age of seller, not so much, unless they are planning next to ask if they died at home. If asked, I answer truthfully, but I don't volunteer the information.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Fred Griffin Florida R...
Tallahassee, FL
-
John Pusa
Glendale, CA
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
1,197,152
You answer truthfully if you know the answer.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
John Pusa
Glendale, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Peter Mohylsky, Beach ...
Miramar Beach, FL
1,196,798
I don't know but it's not really anything that will help sell the property
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
John Pusa
Glendale, CA
-
Joan Cox
Denver, CO
1,090,872
That is a strange question and I would probably be so surprised to hear it that I would not have a ready answer so I would ask "Why do you want to know?" to give me a minute to think of a response. Usually when I ask why they want to know, they don't have a good reason/answer for asking so I just say that I don't know which is the truth.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
John Pusa
Glendale, CA
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Joan Cox
Denver, CO
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
4,572,183
Kathleen - Over the years, I have learned people ask all sorts of questions and our state has its share(or perhaps more than that) of disclosure laws. Follow the laws as they exist in the jurisdiction you practice. Local representation matters. Sure, people can ask, that doesn't mean one needs or has to answer.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
John Pusa
Glendale, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Joan Cox
Denver, CO
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
5,868,554
Never had that question, but would have to say, Not Information I Can Share!
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
805,909
Here we do not have to disclose if there was a death in the home. I probably was ask why they need to know the age, what difference does it make if they were 35 or 85? They have passed away there are many medical reason a person can pass from at any age.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Joan Cox
Denver, CO
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
1,452,869
I don't know of any reason to keep it a secret: if I know, I'll share. They're going to discover it anyway so I'd rather it come from me and get it over and done with.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
5,049,450
It's not relevant to the sale of the property. Can't say I have even known the age of a seller who died in the home and would say I don't know. And if by chance I was aware I would let them know I am not in a position to share that information.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Fred Griffin Florida R...
Tallahassee, FL
2,220,654
That's a first for me Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
I would have to say, I don't know, I will find out and get back to you.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Joan Cox
Denver, CO
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
John Pusa
Glendale, CA
195,422
"Why do you ask?"
It is a peculiar question.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Karen Climer
Orlando, FL
1,844,301
You've got some great answers. I can't think of any better ones. Totally irrelevant to the sale.
I honestly do not ever know how old my sellers are & never ask the question.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
7,836,164
I would thank them for the call and ask if there are other questions relating to the property.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
2,061,864
I could respond honestly and say "I'm sorry, I don't know the answer"... if they persist and ask me to find out I would say "It's really not relevant to the sale, I'm not going to ask my seller that question."
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
628,814
I agree with Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400. Why do they need to know? If an obituary was published it can be found that way or the death certificate is needed for settlement. It's not the REALTORS place to disclose that information.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
5,216,409
Irrelevant. No duty to disclose in states where I have been active.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
3,854,909
My answer would be: " Please tell me just why are you asking that question?"
Note: If the deceased person is on the title, you will need a death certificate and that always shows the person's age.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Buzz Mackintosh
Frederick, MD
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
637,434
If I knew, I'd say. Unless the deceased is a protected class like HIV.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
2,684,109
What Tammy Lankford, said.
If you (the questioner) must know, check the obituaries or call the Coroner's office.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
1,502,998
I don't think I've ever known the age and I don't recall anyone ever asking for a specific age. "Elderly" or "in their <insert decade here>" is the extent that I've ever known.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
4,160,899
Hello Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist it is helpful to answer information required by law.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
821,135
Ask the neighbors, they know more than most. 😎 Never asked any buyer or seller their age unless it is an age restricted community they are seeking to purchase.
I once sold a home where a homicide took place and had to disclose. Age never came up. We also have to record a death certificate with the County within 10 days of passing.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Joan Cox
Denver, CO
3,345,091
Thank you ALL for your comments. Fun reading here. There are many details missing in most all questions here in the Rain.
I appreciate all of your takes and perspectives on this question. AR Rocks!
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
John Pusa
Glendale, CA
900,128
My sense is that the agent is trying to get at whether the death was caused by trauma or suicide, e.g. if the person were young, or if quite elderly, if died in the home, which spooks some buyers. In the state of Connecticut, that sort of disclosure is not mandated. The simple answer might be that the information is not relevant. The question should not have been raised to put you in that awkward position.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
921,504
"Why do you ask?" would be my response.
I can learn, protect and abide by the law, which in FL does not require disclosure even when a machete massacre had occured.
When they respond I 'll know whether to direct them to a exorcist, new home community or prceed from the 'never mind' response they may give.
I do like having the ACE up my sleeve, "The seller isn't dead."
Or, somewhere in the history of this dirt I'm sure someone died.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
1,311,397
I respond by telling the agent the truth, Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
I am assuming that the prior owner died in the house. If not, the question is out of line.
If so, I do not see the question as unusual or offensive or off-base. We are required to disclose if there was a death on/in the property within the last three years. I am assuming that is the case here. Buyers often take comfort in believing that a death of an older person is "part of life" while the death of a younger person could lead to more questions.
If the answer to the question is a problem with the buyer move to another buyer.
-
Joan Cox
Denver, CO
-
John Pusa
Glendale, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
-
Steve Higgins
Kelowna, BC
2,781,173
It is subjective and I am sure there is a reason for asking. In keeping with professionalism and good neighbor policy, I will decide in the moment what to do or not. I have found that to be the most effective & fulfilling approach
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
6,393,609
That would be an easy "I dont know".
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
901,535
May I ask, why is that important?
I probably didn't ask the seller and wouldn't because that doesn't seem appropriate. I think it would be viewed as rude and inconsiderate here in the south.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
2,161,048
Dead people do and cannot sell anything.
-
Anthony Acosta - ALLAT...
Atlanta, GA
-
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Doug Dawes
Topsfield, MA
3,587,960
It's none of their business....period!
-
Kathleen Daniels, Prob...
San Jose, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
763,883
I would share the information allowed by law.
-
John Juarez
Fremont, CA
-
Diana Zaccaro Broker A...
Cocoa Beach, FL
1,622,432
I would not respond to that specific question since it is too close to violation of fear housing laws.
Death on the property is considered a ''material fact'' and must be disclosed if it is within 3 years. We usually disclosure it in the MLS private remarks, agent disclosure & sellers disclosures after the offer accepted.
However... unfortunately, it is not always ''peaceful and natural'' death and such cases can be the most difficult since the agent has to carefully balance between confidentiality and required disclosures.