FREDERICK, Colorado – The Colorado home where Chris Watts murdered his pregnant wife has attracted a potential buyer after being on the market for several months.
Chris Watts strangled his wife, Shanann Watts, in their Frederick home during a heated argument in August 2018. He then proceeded to smother his two daughters, Bella and Celeste, before disposing of their bodies in a disturbing manner.
The house, which gained notoriety from its appearance in various documentaries and true crime series, is currently listed for $749,500. The property’s price has undergone a series of reductions, initially dropping from $775,000 to $750,000 in April, followed by an additional $500 decrease in May.
According to Realtor.com, the Watts couple purchased the home back in May 2013 for nearly $400,000 and resided there until 2018. The property’s dark history presents challenges in selling, with potential buyers requiring economic incentives and discounts of up to 25%.
Real estate experts emphasize the importance of transparency in such cases, with honesty being the best policy for both sellers and buyers. Failure to disclose relevant information can result in lawsuits and a significant impact on the property’s value.
In rare instances where properties with gruesome histories fail to attract buyers, options such as demolition can be considered. An extreme example of this occurred with serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s apartment building in Milwaukee, which was eventually razed due to its sordid past.
In the case of the Colorado home associated with the Watts family tragedy, the potential buyer has put the property in a “pending” status. Despite the dark cloud hanging over the house, real estate experts stress that the impact usually remains contained within the property itself, without spilling over into the surrounding neighborhood.
As the sale of the house progresses, discussions around the future of the property continue, with scenarios ranging from potential demolition to potential monetization akin to the Lizzie Borden House in Massachusetts. The Lizzie Borden House serves as a museum commemorating the infamous axe murders that took place in 1892.
Overall, the sale of the Watts family home serves as a reminder of the complex ethical and emotional considerations that accompany properties tied to tragic events.