With Halloween just around the corner, the housing item on every one's mind is a haunted house. Boarded over or broken out windows, creaky pipes, echoing footsteps, mysteriously slamming doors... all elements that will get your heart pumping in the dark. As a culture, we LOVE haunted houses! In some areas of the country, people actually look to purchase a home that is haunted. (Not me, that's for sure!)

What is it that really makes us drawn to them? There are a number of Irresistible Elements That Make Us Love Haunted Homes. Sure, a huge part of it is just the thrill factor. But can just any home be made desirable to these thrill seekers by claiming it is haunted? Researchers say no. There are several elements that when put together make the whole spooky  house come together. First and foremost, the house has to be old and have that aura of history. You know the type of place - you just walk in the front door and already you can just FEEL the history there. Like even the walls want to tell you the story... even better if it is a spooky story! Throw in some settling noises in the sounds of pops and cracks, a creaky floor, and doors that squeak and you have the makings to a perfect spooky house.

Is that all it takes? Of course not! To be haunted, you must have something haunting the house! However, it can't be just any ghost, according to researchers. You need a sympathetic haunting - something with a good story.

Now, where are you most likely to find these houses? Well, here in Houston we are most familiar with New Orleans. Of course that's a great place to start, and is close to home but its only ranked #9 in the Top 10 Cities Where You’re Most Likely to Find a Haunted House.  According to REALTOR.com, Baltimore, MD is ranked #1, followed by Los Angeles, Elmira, NY, and Washington, D.C.. No other states near Texas pop up on the list, but it sure would make an interesting vacation planner for those who love the spooky houses. Are you planning your trip yet? Until then, happy haunting!