CORRALES, NM -- As the owners of the historic Perea Casa 19th century home faced foreclosure recently, a prospective buyer from Massachusetts attempted to purchase the property. Underwriters at several lenders refused to grant financing after seeing an appraiser's note that the original owner of the property haunts the premises and throws orange peels at guests. WMC Mortgage Corp. spokesman said:
"It's just something that's so out of the ordinary, that if you had to foreclose on it, there would be a limited buyer pool."
Perea Casa, built by Don Juan Perea between 1830 and 1850 is a classic 19th century Territorial style house with its central sala flanked by a row of rooms on each side. It served as county courthouse and as a place for dances and fiestas.
Ghost occupancy can decrease property value by 35%. Stigmatized property studies have long been a focus of legal concern and valuation scrutiny. Not all appraisers and valuation reports will discount the value of a property on supernatural occupants. Commercial properties with haunted holdings have been known to see an increase in value.
When I was just 16yrs old, my aunt and uncle drove me to a home they were looking to purchase. It was the Perea Casa in Corrales. I am now 40yrs old and went to vist my aunt two years ago and stayed in this home. After all these years, it still remains to be quite amazing with so many intricate details all of which are original regardless of what it looks like inside. Every room was filled with boxes, rooms that were filled to the ceiling with family things. I was so overwhelmed that I photographed the inside of the home. My aunt who is a remarkable woman, loved this house and all that it was for all the years she and my uncle owned it. I hope that the person(s) who purchase this property will take good care of it. I am truley saddened that it was left in the state it was.
Darby Walker
Posted by: Darby Walker | August 06, 2007 at 08:03 PM
I am one of the owners now, and we are cleaning and repairing the house to keep it in as pristine condition as possible. With the great history it has, it deserves some TLC. It is an amazing house, and we truly hope the new owner will appreciate how special it is. FYI, the ghost of Mr. Perea has not been throwing orange peels lately. The house is quite nice and we have not felt the old ghost stories will stigmatize this house. We will try to have an open house when it is spiffed up so neighbors, friends and relatives can see the home before we sell it.
Posted by: Tim Steider | September 11, 2007 at 08:38 PM
My brother and i are restoring the house right now It is a very beautiful home and when finished will look even better. As for the ghost I haven't seen him yet..
Posted by: Paul Shutco | September 14, 2007 at 08:11 PM
I have appraised some strange properties in my life, but never a haunted one.
Posted by: Michael Walsh | February 19, 2008 at 02:14 PM
yeah me too.. haunted real estate is a scary thing..
-david
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