While some think haunted houses are only urban legend, others are convinced that there is a spirit world. Believers accept that some homes have portals to the other side and provide opportunities that allow ghosts to cross over. Nationally, horror houses have been selling like hotcakes and while some homes have been the site of mass murders, others have been deemed gateways to paranormal activity. While both of these situations may be unusual, haunted houses get even weirder in California as some A-list stars have been reported as coming back from the grave and lingering about their former digs.
Los Angeles, California has been a hub for A-list celebrities, fame, power and money since the local entertainment industry boomed during the late 1920s. Hundreds of the world's most beloved stars (both past and present) currently are in state courtesy of luxury homes, graveyards and even somewhere in between.
Lucille Ball Haunts Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills as long been considered the "it" community for the rich and famous. The city has its own perfume, luxury shops on Rodeo Drive and the ghosts of some of the world's most beloved stars lingering about. One such A-list ghost story revolves around fiery redhead and Hollywood legend Lucille Ball. Ball is a noted American comedienne, actress, model, film and television executive and apparently her spirit has not gotten the message that she is no longer of this earth.
Lucy died on April 26, 1989 but rumor has it she still lives on. Even though Ball's body is buried in her hometown of Jamestown, New York, rumor has it the former media powerhouse still splits her time from coast to coast. Upon her passing Lucy was still living in her Beverly Hills home on Roxbury Drive, and there have been reports that the actress still lingers about that property as well as the former DesiLu Studios (the Hart building at the Paramount Studios). Current owners of the now renovated house have told tales regarding broken windows, loud voices and furniture and other objects moving around inside the house. Lucy, you sure have some 'splaining to do.
Former Superman Now Super Ghost
Fictional character Superman was born in 1932 and since that time, there have been dozens of television and film versions of the man dubbed "faster than a speeding bullet." While Superman himself was made of steel, the actors who have portrayed him have been made of bone and flesh and have fallen victim of their own mortality. One such actor was George Reeves, who played the caped hero for the Superman television series in the 1950s and his early death resulted in speculation and subsequent haunting reports.
George Reeves died June 16, 1959 in his home at Benedict Canyon Dr., Beverly Hills, just days before his scheduled wedding to socialite Leonore Lemmon. Legend has it that Reeves took his own life with a single bullet after getting into a spat with his betrothed. Despite the police ruling, rumors indicate that individuals still believe that a crime was committed that evening.
Perhaps Reeves spirit wants to share the truth on his passing as reports of paranormal activity in the home still continue. Stories reporting odd noises, the scent of gunpowder filling the air, lights flickering on and off and objects moving about come from both residents and visitors to the house. Additionally there have been reports of George Reeves apparition appearing in the home donning his Superman duds.
How to Buy a Haunted House
Except for the incredible back-story surrounding a property, buying a haunted house is just like buying any other home. Consumers interested in buying a spirit laden home must first find such a property for sale. One great resource for home shoppers to browse is the local multiple listing service for their area.
When it comes to selling the homes, real estate agents have full disclosure laws they must follow. Although "material fact" laws vary from state to state, brokers representing a home must disclose information that may influence a buyer's decision to purchase a home. Typically a home seller or their representative must legally disclose if a home was a scene of a recent death or brutal crime.
If individuals are still interested in buying a property despite the disclosures, then homebuyers need to evolve into borrowers. A home down payment of at least 20 percent is the norm and securing a mortgage is a must. Regardless of if the haunted property needs a jumbo mortgage or a fixed rate mortgage, Mortgage Marvel can make finding a low mortgage rate fast and easy.
