Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: George Kamel on Ramsey Network
Episode: 9 Creepy Things That Can Tank Your Home Value
Release Date: October 29, 2025
Host: George Kamel

Episode Overview

In this Halloween-tinged episode, George Kamel takes a humorous yet practical look at nine “creepy” factors that can negatively impact your home’s value, based on an article from Money Talks News. With trademark snark and pop culture references, he evaluates how real each scary-sounding scenario actually is, discusses the data behind each, and provides insightful commentary for homebuyers and sellers alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Death in the House

• Explanation: Buyers are often creeped out by any death, even natural, occurring in a home; this can make a house hard to sell.
• George jokes about bizarre stock photos used to illustrate this, bringing levity to the topic.
• Practical Advice: Disclosure laws vary by state—always check local regulations.
  • Quote:

    “Not ideal. It's not a selling point. I wouldn't include that in the listing as a feature.” (00:47)

2. Ghosts and Ghouls

• Explanation: Reports of hauntings can derail a sale, even if disclosure isn’t legally required.
• Cites a famous 1991 court case regarding nondisclosed alleged hauntings.
• Memorable Moment:
  George’s comic riff about ghost photographers:

  “You gotta hope this is AI and not an actual ghost photographer because, oh, he's holding a baby doll. That's not a real baby. The ghost is holding a baby doll, which somehow makes them less intimidating.” (02:12)

3. Cemetery Nearby

• Data Point: Proximity to cemeteries typically drops property value by ~12% (NAR).
• However, another study found homes near cemeteries might sell for more—if the right buyer is found.
• George’s Take: He personally wouldn’t buy if he can “throw a rock into the cemetery.”
  • Quote:

    “Yes, these neighbors are quiet, but a cemetery nearby can be off putting to some people.” (02:40)

4. Funeral Home in the Neighborhood

• Data Point: Home values drop 6.5% near funeral homes (NAR).
• George notes the atmo and practical issues: traffic, concerns about crematorium emissions, and negative “spiritual energy.”
• Quote:

  “You want a 6% discount? Just search within the vicinity of funeral homes. Bada bing, bada boom.” (04:03)

• Humor about low funeral home ceilings:

  • “I’m a short guy and I still feel like the ceilings are low. Can we go for a nine footer minimum?” (05:08)

5. Criminal Neighbors

• Explanation: Easy online access to offender registries impacts perceptions and property value.
• Data Point: Homes near a registered sex offender’s residence drop by 4% in value.
• George’s incredulity at the relatively small value drop vs. funeral homes:

  • “You're telling me that sex offender, 4%, funeral home 6.5%. That is wild behavior, but point taken.” (06:20)

6. Mold in the Walls

• Explanation: Mold scares buyers (due to health and cost risks). Sellers and brokers may need to disclose.
• Home inspections don’t always catch it, making mold especially tricky.
• Practical Warning:

  “I would be very careful to investigate any mold problems before you move in because it can be one of the most expensive things to repair and remediate.” (07:17)

7. High Voltage Power Lines Overhead

• Data Point: Land value can drop up to 45% near power lines, translating to a ~9% decrease in home price.
• George’s take: Mostly just ugly, but also potential health and resale concerns.
• Quote:

  “Nobody's like, man, I really would. I wish there was some higher voltage wires up there.” (08:10)

8. Power Plants Nearby

• Data Point: 5.3% reduction in value if near a power plant (NAR), especially nuclear.
• George jokes about nuclear plants belonging nowhere near homes (but maybe a Kmart).

• “Why are they building neighborhoods in the vicinity of these plants? I don't know. It should be a nuclear wasteland and nothing more. Maybe a Kmart.” (11:02)

9. Creepy House Number

• Explanation: Superstitions about numbers like 13 or 666 can impact price.
• Data Point: UK homes with number 13 average ~$12,273 less in value.
• George admits to being “a little stitchious” and wouldn’t buy 666.

  • “I'm not superstitious. I am a little stitchious… Mark of the Beast. No, thank you.” (13:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On death in the house disclosures:

  “Not ideal. It's not a selling point. I wouldn't include that in the listing as a feature.” (00:47)

• On nearby cemeteries:

  “Yes, these neighbors are quiet, but a cemetery nearby can be off putting to some people.” (02:40)

• On combo deals:

  “Find the one that's near a funeral home, a cemetery with giant power lines, and my friends, this is like 50% off at this point.” (09:39)

• On skeptical buyers and superstitious numbers:

  “I'm not superstitious. I am a little stitchious. … Mark of the Beast. No, thank you.” (13:15)

Practical Advice & Conclusions

• If you’re unbothered by these factors, you might find undervalued homes and get a great deal.
• Sellers can’t always control these “creepy” elements, but should focus on what they can improve.
• Research and disclosure laws are crucial for both buyers and sellers.
• For more on which upgrades are worth the money, George points listeners/watchers to his subsequent video.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Death in the House Disclosure: 00:47
• Ghosts & Ghouls: 02:12
• Living Near a Cemetery: 02:40
• Funeral Home Discount: 04:03
• Criminal Neighbors: 06:20
• Hidden Mold Issues: 07:17
• High Voltage Power Lines: 08:10
• Power Plant Proximity: 11:02
• Creepy House Numbers: 13:15

Final Thoughts

George Kamel blends humor and data to demystify which “creepy” property factors actually matter to home value. His advice contextualizes superstitions and stigmas with a mix of snark and sincerity, making this episode both entertaining and educational for anyone navigating the real estate market.