Hmmm, I wonder if the property where his mother was hit by the nanny has a 'disclosure' notice on the deed about her dying from a fatal accident there. I know someone who bought a house for virtually 1/2 the going price because someone had been killed there. Most people wouldn't want to buy and live in a place where someone died. The property was hugely devalued, and this person was the only one to make an offer on the place in over 6 months in a really hot property market. Just a thought as to why it hasn't "moved".... MOO
Here's what I'm talking about: this link to NOLO indicates some states require a disclosure for any deaths within X number of years (e.g., in CA it's 3 years). Maybe FD was waiting for some time to go by, and / or it was tied up in the divorce? .... MOO
"What you’re talking about is the issue of “psychological damage” to a property, to be distinguished from “physical damage.” In some cases, the psychological damage is so great—such as after a violent or highly publicized murder or suicide, or widespread reports of haunting—that the house is considered “stigmatized” and therefore less valuable."
"In most states, the owner would indeed be expected to disclose a defect causing the house to be stigmatized, so that buyers could adjust their expectations and purchase price accordingly."
Selling My House: Do I Have to Disclose a Previous Death Here?