By Tim Binnall
In the latest twist in the rather convoluted 'Conjuring House' ownership saga, it has been revealed that a YouTube star recently purchased the mortgage on the home, though its ultimate fate remains uncertain. The Rhode Island residence, which was the site of an infamous 1970s haunting that later inspired a film franchise, had been set for auction on Halloween until the sale was abruptly cancelled in early October after the bank holding the loan on the property sold it to an unnamed buyer. The surprising turn of events sparked considerable speculation in paranormal circles as to the identity of the mysterious new mortgage holder, until recently filed paperwork on the purchase finally provided some answers.
According to a local media report, the new owner of the Conjuring House mortgage is a real estate company headed by YouTube star Elton Castee, who also purchased Ed and Lorraine Warren's Connecticut home with comedian Matt Rife back in August. While one might suspect that taking possession of the underlying loan would make acquiring the property a fait accompli, it would seem that is not the case. In order for Castee and company to outright acquire the residence, current owner Jacqueline Nuñez would need to agree to hand over the deed to the property, which at this time she appears unwilling to do.
Should Nuñez refuse to transfer ownership, the property would again face foreclosure, resulting in a veritable reset back to where things were in October, with the Conjuring House becoming available to the highest bidder at auction. No doubt hoping that this scenario is what will unfold, Jason Hawes of the TV series 'Ghost Hunters' indicated that his efforts to crowdfund the purchase of the historic home will continue after already raising around $300,000 towards the goal. "We are still exactly where we want to be at this time," he told a local TV station, "we have a path forward — bottom line." Time will tell whether or not Hawes will have the opportunity to acquire the notorious property or if Castee's mortgage maneuver was merely the first step in a complete purchase of the home.