In the world of real estate, unexpected discoveries are part of the job, but one Des Moines realtor took that to a whole new level. Nikki Snyder, a local realtor and property manager, made headlines when she uncovered a body-shaped imprint under the floorboards of a rental property she was renovating. The chilling imprint was left behind after a previous homeowner had died and decomposed in the home back in 2015.
The eerie discovery quickly gained viral attention on TikTok, where Snyder’s video racked up over 3.5 million views. Viewers were both horrified and fascinated by the striking outline that looked unmistakably human.
Viral TikTok Fame From a Haunted Find
Social media thrives on unusual and shocking content, and Snyder’s video was no exception. The post sparked thousands of comments, with users debating whether the property was now “officially haunted” and asking how she planned to handle the flooring. While some suggested ripping it out completely, Snyder decided to cover the imprint rather than replace the wood.
Haunted Real Estate: A Growing Curiosity
Stories like this highlight the growing fascination with haunted houses, paranormal real estate, and eerie property histories. Buyers and renters are increasingly curious about what has happened inside the homes they live in. In fact, searches for phrases like “haunted homes for sale” and “paranormal real estate stories” have been trending upward.
While disclosures vary by state, some real estate laws require agents to reveal if a home has a stigmatized history, such as a violent crime, suicide, or well-known haunting. For others, it’s considered buyer beware.
Should Realtors Disclose “Haunted” Histories?
This viral moment raises an important question: how much should buyers and tenants know about a home’s past? While the imprint Snyder discovered is a physical reminder of what happened inside the home, many stigmatized properties get rented or sold with little issue. In fact, some buyers see haunted homes as an opportunity, properties with spooky histories often become tourist attractions or conversation pieces.
Final Thoughts
Every home carries a story—some stranger than others. For buyers, sellers, and realtors, the Des Moines floorboard imprint is a reminder that property histories can shape perceptions as much as floor plans. Whether you see it as spooky or simply part of the past, transparency matters. If you’re curious about how a home’s history might impact its value—or if you’re just fascinated by real estate’s weirdest moments—stay tuned for more stories like this.
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Meet Tiphany
Orlando Real Estate Pro
Buying a home is one of the most important purchases one can make, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. I’m Tiphany Weeks, the founder and broker of record for Diamond Real Estate Group. While traveling the world as a baseball wife we moved around a lot; and it wasn’t always easy. I realized the search to find a realtor that knows exactly what you need can be a very daunting task, so I decided it was time to create a new solution for helping people find their way home.
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