Real Estate and Phasmophobia

Email Question: I have phasmophobia and am worried that I won't be able to find an agent to help me buy a home. Will agents accomodate my needs? What can I do? - Anonymous

Once you've found an agent that you feel comfortable with you should disclose your condition to them and ask that they reasonably accomodate your needs. Even a very busy agent should find the time to research options and more importantly, learn more about your illness. If an agent balks at the extra work involved I would walk away and find someone more understanding. This agent would throw an "effort" fit over a person who needs an apartment that allows cats. They are either lazy and/or need their ego balloon deflated.

It is also your responsibility to ensure that the agent really understands where you are coming from and allow them to ask you questions. Are you afraid of ghosts? or Are you afraid that you may enounter ghosts? or Both? An open dialog on both sides is necessary for you to have a successful real estate experience.

The agent should be knowledgeable about the area, but don't be shocked if they haven't heard all of the rumors regarding individual properties. They will be limited to local legends, historic documents, and opinions. You can't expect them to know if every house is haunted, so go ahead and do your own research. If there is a property you are looking forward to view it is okay to research the neighborhood. Many people walk the neighborhood to get a feel for the area and who better to give juicy tidbits on the history of a home then the neighbors?

If you don't feel comfortable looking at a property don't feel pressured to look just because the agent set up a showing. They will just cancel the showing and reschedule another one.

Before you look at homes you should discuss an escape plan with your agent. If you are a looking at a home and start to feel panicked you can tell your agent and make a quick exit. This can include a simply telling the agent of your urgency to leave, "I need to go NOW," or explaining the symptoms of your phobia just in case you experience a panic attack and become immobile.

If your symptoms are triggered by certain movements you can also inform your agent of this and ask that they help when showing you houses. There are some people who feel panicked if they are the last one out of the basement. In this case, ask your agent to walk directly behind you.If you are afraid of opening doors the agent can be instructed to open the doors for you and be the first person to enter the room. Whatever your preferences are just make them clear, ask politely, and explain if necessary.

A professional and kind agent should be able to accomodate your needs just like any other customer. If you need help finding a qualified and accepting agent in your area please contact me at emmee@palasproperties.net. Good Luck!

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Questions from consumers are anonymized and may be edited. EmMee Hill is the Broker of Palas Properties LLC and Vice President of the Palas Society. All answers are deemed reliable but not guaranteed. To submit your question e-mail emmee@palasproperties.net. EmMee Hill retains ownership of all questions and answers submitted and you understand that it may be republished. Thank you.