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.
📲 Call or text 407-797-2931
📧 Email tiphany@dregorlando.com
🌐 Visit www.dregorlando.com to start your home-selling journey.
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.
- Mortgage Rate Lock-In Effect in Orlando: Why Housing Inventory Feels Tight
Suppose you’ve been searching for a home in Orlando lately. You’ve probably noticed something: inventory is low, competition is fierce, and the perfect property feels harder to find than ever. While population growth and high demand play a role, there’s another factor keeping homes off the market—the mortgage rate lock-in effect (NBER, 2024). What Is… Read more: Mortgage Rate Lock-In Effect in Orlando: Why Housing Inventory Feels Tight - How a Real Estate Texting Blunder Turned into Viral Comedy Gold
In real estate, communication is everything. From updating clients about new listings to confirming showing times, every message matters. But sometimes, even the most professional agents have a very human moment—and it’s those moments that remind us how relatable this business really is. Recently, Central Coast real estate agent Daniella Szakac found herself at the… Read more: How a Real Estate Texting Blunder Turned into Viral Comedy Gold - Should You Buy Now or Wait? Expert Insights on Central Florida Home Prices
If you’ve been scrolling Zillow at midnight with one tab on mortgage rates and another on Orlando home listings, you’re not alone. Buyers across Central Florida are asking the million-dollar question: Should I buy a home now or wait for prices (and rates) to come down? The truth is, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Central Florida’s housing… Read more: Should You Buy Now or Wait? Expert Insights on Central Florida Home Prices - Why 50% of Homes Sell Below Asking Price (and How to Avoid It)
If your selling strategy still assumes you’ll get multiple offers over asking, it’s officially time for a reset. That frenzied seller’s market is behind us. And here are the numbers to prove it. From “Frenzy” to Normal Right now, about 50% of homes on the market are selling for less than their asking price, according… Read more: Why 50% of Homes Sell Below Asking Price (and How to Avoid It) - Realtor Finds Decomposed Body Under Floorboards in Iowa
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… Read more: Realtor Finds Decomposed Body Under Floorboards in Iowa
Leave your thoughts: