If you are trying to sell a home with a bad reputation, it can be tough. Whether the home was a site of a violent crime, or even if it was just a low-level drug dealer’s house, it can carry a stigma for years to come. But there are ways you can enhance your chances.

Clean Thoroughly

If the home you own was the site of a murder or suicide that involved bloodshed, you need to make sure the house is thoroughly cleaned. The same goes for a house where drugs were made or sold. In such a case, it's best to hire a professional cleaning firm that specializes in cleaning up such houses. Not only will it ensure that the house is cleaned properly, but you can also keep the receipt to show to potential buyers.

Make Changes

If the house you own was the site of a crime that got coverage in the media, you might want to consider making changes to the home's appearance so that it doesn't resemble the house people may have seen on TV or in the newspaper. A new coat of paint or new siding can do the trick. You can also make other changes, such as a new front door that is a different color and new landscaping to help change the appearance.

Be Honest

Depending on the laws of your state you or your real estate agent may be required to disclose that a crime was committed in the home, but even if you aren't, it is a good idea to be honest about what occurred there. In any case, don't try to cover up the home's history. It could wind up getting you in trouble if a buyer finds out after the fact.

Discourage the Stigma

Keeping the yard maintained and leaving the lights on and night can go a long way towards conveying to buyers that a property is more than its reputation. Not just that—avoiding the “haunted house look” can save you from some costly vandalism and break-in repairs. A criminal behavior specialist who earned their master degree in criminal justice online says there are some people who might want to break into the property just because it looks haunted. To discourage this, make an effort to keep the property as welcoming and clean as possible.

Be Prepared to Wait

A stigmatized property can take a long time to sell, so you should be prepared to wait it out. You might want to see about renting the property for a while to let the stigma dissipate. If you need to sell quickly, you should be prepared for the possibility of taking a big loss, unless you get lucky and hit the jackpot with someone who wants to own the home because of its infamous character.

Selling a stigmatized property isn't easy, and it may take some time. But, as they say, time heals all wounds, and you should eventually be able to sell even the most infamous of homes.