It started here in 1974 with a bizarre murder

It started here in 1974 with a bizarre murderIn a small town on Long Island, a home is for sale at 108 Ocean Drive.  This stately colonial features 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, boat house, slip and a terrifying history.

This home is in Amityville, NY and was the inspiration for the book and movie, The Amityville Horror.

The story starts in 1974 when 23 year old Ronald “Butch” DeFeo Jr., murdered his entire family while they slept in this house.  Butch then took a shower and went to work at the family car dealership.  

He left work after lunch to hang around with friends.  Later that evening, he tried to blame it on a home invasion.  Reportedly, one of his relatives was a captain in the Genovese crime family. 

Butch was convicted of the crime and is serving 6 concurrent sentences of 25 years to life.

One year later, George and Kathy Lutz bought the home at 108 Ocean Drive.  They claimed to have witnessed paranormal events which forced them out after 28 days, leaving everything they owned inside.

In 2010, this home sold for $950,000.  It was renovated over the last six years, yet it is currently listed at $850,000.

Joanne Mills with Exit Family Realty, the selling agent from 2010 said that selling this home was a “double edged sword.”   

She added: "It is an absolutely gorgeous home and it's completely finished from top to bottom. The present owners did even more rehab to the home and did a beautiful job. The house is haunted, yes, but not by who you think. It's haunted by the curiosity seekers that make it difficult for the people that live there.”

Sales prices in this zip code have remained flat on average over the last six years.   This is a wonderful home that has been recently renovated.   

It’s the reputation that’s costing the current owner well over $100,000.  

Reputations are important in real estate.  In the home and with the partners you choose.  

A great Realtor can save you money through their advice, actions and the years of good will they bring to the table.

If your agent has a reputation of getting to the closing table in a timely and ethical manner, then this can help seal the deal for you.  Especially when there are multiple offers.    

Wouldn't you prefer to work with parters who have a great reputation?

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