Chris Watts’ Colorado Murder House Sells for $650,000: Navigating Real Estate with Notorious Histories

Chris Watts’ Colorado Murder House Where He Killed His Pregnant Wife Is Officially Sold at a Steep Discount

(RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Images; Realtor.com)

The Colorado home where Chris Watts committed the tragic murders of his pregnant wife, Shanann Watts, and their two young daughters, Bella and Celeste, has been sold for $650,000. This sale, finalized six years after the horrific events, highlights the unique challenges of selling properties tied to infamous crimes.

A Home with a Dark Past

Located in Frederick, Colorado, the 6,200-square-foot home was first listed in April 2024 with an asking price of $775,000. Despite its luxurious features, including a chef’s kitchen, multiple fireplaces, and a large walk-in closet in the primary suite, the property’s grim history made it difficult to sell.

The home became infamous as the site of one of the most publicized family murders in recent history. On August 13, 2018, Chris Watts murdered Shanann following an argument about his affair and desire for a divorce. He later suffocated their daughters and disposed of all three bodies at an oil storage facility.

Real Estate Challenges for Notorious Properties

Selling a home with such a traumatic history is notoriously difficult. Potential buyers are often deterred by the emotional weight and stigma associated with the property. In this case, the sale was further complicated by media coverage, including the Netflix documentary American Murder: The Family Next Door, which delved into the tragedy and prominently featured the home.

Real estate appraiser Randall Bell, known for his expertise in properties impacted by tragedies, noted, “It’s not where a lot of people want to go home and relax with that kind of history. The unwanted notoriety can linger for years.”

From Luxurious Amenities to a Steep Discount

The home’s initial listing focused on its upscale features rather than its history. It described the property as “beautiful” with highlights such as:

• A three-car garage

• A chef’s kitchen with granite countertops and double ovens

• A spacious family room with a cozy fireplace

• A primary suite with a tray ceiling and large walk-in closet

• Nearly 6,200 square feet of living space

Despite these features, the home’s price was reduced multiple times, ultimately selling for $650,000—a significant discount from its original $775,000 listing price.

Lessons for Sellers of Homes with Troubled Histories

Selling a home tied to a crime or tragedy requires strategic considerations:

1. Transparency: While the listing didn’t explicitly mention the home’s history, sellers must navigate disclosure laws carefully.

2. Highlight Features: Emphasizing the property’s amenities can shift the focus away from its past.

3. Specialist Support: Working with experts like Randall Bell can help navigate unique challenges and price the home appropriately.

4. Privacy Controls: Restrictions on photography and videography during viewings can help maintain a sense of discretion.

5. Pricing Realistically: Homes with notorious histories often sell at a discount due to reduced buyer demand.

6. 
   

How Lifeline Buys Homes Can Help

For properties with difficult histories, like the Watts house, Lifeline Buys Homes offers fast, hassle-free solutions. By purchasing homes for cash, we help sellers avoid the prolonged stress of navigating a traditional sale. Our approach is perfect for homeowners looking to move forward quickly, regardless of their property’s past.

Final Note:Selling a home with a tragic history, like Chris Watts’ Colorado house, is a unique challenge. For property owners seeking a fast and stress-free way to sell, Lifeline Buys Homes provides the expertise and support needed to make a fresh start. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.