Chase Bank is selling a Rexburg, Idaho home for $66,000 less than its estimated value of $175,000 because it's, er, infested with thousands of garter snakes. The home went into foreclosure after owners Benjamin and Amber Sessions were forced into bankruptcy. The news video above is about the folks who owned the house before the Sessions purchased it. From The Rexburg Standard Journal:
"We were told that the previous owners in there didn't want to make their payment because they made up a story that there were snakes there, that they didn't want to pay their mortgage so they made up a snake story," Ben Sessions said.
The couple was also informed that every precaution was taken to ensure there wasn't a snake problem. They trusted the real estate agent that the information they had been told was true.
Later, the Sessions learned that the story of the snakes was not made up, and there was a problem.
From Reuters:
"People always build first and never ask about an area and whether there is a snake den before they do," said (Center for North American Herpetology director Joe) Collins. "Afterward, it's too late: the house is there, the snakes are there and people are there. It's a great set up for a wonderful time."
The snakes are not likely to relocate, voluntarily or otherwise.
Even if the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, which oversees reptiles in the state, agreed to dislodge the garters, some snakes will remain and reproduce, restarting the cycle, Collins said.
(Realtor Todd) Davis said he is searching for snake-friendly buyers. He said he has every intention of disclosing the snake occupation to prospective purchasers.
"I guess I need a snake lover; either that or someone with multiple mongooses," said Davis.
