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How to Sell a Hoarder House in 2023

Published on 26 June 2023

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Selling a hoarder house can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and guidance, you can successfully navigate the process and achieve a satisfactory outcome.


This comprehensive guide on how to sell a hoarder house will walk you through the entire process, from understanding hoarding disorder to marketing the property effectively and finding the right buyer.


Get ready to embark on a journey that will transform a challenging situation into a rewarding experience.

Key Takeaways For Successfully Selling A Hoarder House

  • Evaluate quick sale vs. investing in cleaning and repairs for maximum profit when selling a hoarder house.


  • Professional decluttering, cleaning, and repair services are necessary to make the property more attractive to buyers while considering ROI of each investment made.


  • Collaborating with an expert can help maximize the return on investment when selling a hoarder house successfully.


Evaluating Your Options: Quick Sale vs. Maximum Profit

When it comes to selling a hoarder house, there are two main strategies to consider: selling as-is for a quick sale or investing in cleaning and repairs for maximum profit. Each option has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific situation and goals.


Do you prefer a swift resolution, or are you willing to put in the time and effort to maximize the return on your investment? Let’s delve deeper into these two options to help you make an informed decision.

Selling As-Is to Real Estate Investors

Real estate investors and cash buyers can provide a fast and hassle-free solution for selling a hoarder house fast in its current condition.


They are typically more interested in the potential of the property rather than its current state, which means they are more likely to make an offer on a hoarder house.


The process of selling to a real estate investor is relatively straightforward, as they strive to acquire homes quickly, often providing cash offers within a few weeks.


However, it’s essential to do your due diligence by researching cash buyer companies and ensuring their financials are valid.


One downside to selling as-is to real estate investors is that you may receive a lower price for your property compared to investing in cleaning and repairs.


This is because the investor will need to factor in the costs of addressing the hoarding issues, making necessary repairs, and subsequently selling or renting the property.


However, the speed and simplicity of this option may outweigh the potential drawbacks for some sellers.

Cleaning and Repairing for Maximum Profit

The alternative to selling as-is is to invest in cleaning, decluttering, and repairing the hoarder house to increase its value and appeal to a wider range of buyers. This option can be more time-consuming and financially demanding, but it can also yield a higher return on investment if done correctly.


The costs of cleaning a hoarder’s home can vary depending on factors such as the size of the house, its location, and the amount of junk left due to hoarding. Engaging licensed and bonded contractors is essential to ensure satisfactory repairs and renovations for a hoarding house.


However, making cosmetic fixes and updates to a hoarder house can incur costs without guaranteeing any return on investment.


It’s crucial to carefully assess the potential return on any investments made in the property and to focus on improvements that will genuinely enhance the property’s value and appeal. A local real estate expert can help you make informed decisions in this regard.

Understanding Hoarder Houses and Hoarding Disorder

Hoarding disorder is a psychological condition characterized by an intense compulsion to acquire items and difficulty in discarding them. A hoarder house, sometimes referred to as a hoarder’s house or a hoarder home, is a dwelling that has become filled beyond capacity with personal items and debris, often resulting in unsanitary and hazardous living conditions.


These conditions can pose challenges for both the seller and potential buyers of hoarder homes, as they may require extensive repairs, renovations, and clean-outs. Selling a hoarder house as is can be an option for those who want to avoid the hassle of dealing with these issues.


In addition to the physical challenges presented by hoarder houses, there are potential legal liabilities associated with selling properties in such conditions. Hoarder houses may not be compliant with applicable regulations, resulting in fines, and the owner can be held legally responsible if someone sustains an injury on the property.


Understanding the challenges and risks associated with hoarder houses is essential when navigating the home selling process, especially when considering selling hoarder houses as a home as is.

Preparing a Hoarder House for Sale: Decluttering and Cleaning

The first step in preparing a hoarder house for sale is to remove all the clutter. This can be an overwhelming task given the sheer volume of waste, which is why hiring a professional junk removal company can be highly beneficial. A reputable company like 1-800-GOT-JUNK can help expedite the process and ensure that all the junk is removed efficiently. Before engaging a junk removal company, it’s crucial to set aside any valuable items that you wish to keep.


Once the clutter has been removed, the next step is to thoroughly clean the property. Engaging a professional cleaning service experienced in handling hoarder houses is essential to restoring the home’s aesthetic and making it more attractive to potential buyers. A thorough cleaning should involve scrubbing all areas of the home, addressing any issues such as mold, damaged carpeting, or other problems that may have been revealed during the decluttering process.

Addressing Deficiencies and Making Repairs

With the hoarder house decluttered and cleaned, it’s time to address any deficiencies and make necessary repairs to increase its value and marketability. Conduct a thorough inspection of the property to identify any potential safety hazards, required repairs, and outdated features. Hiring multiple contractors may be necessary if the house requires more than basic repairs.


When investing in repairs and updates, it’s crucial to consider the return on investment (ROI). Painting, for example, has one of the highest ROIs, making it a wise choice for improving the appearance of the property. A local real estate expert can help you identify the most cost-effective repairs and improvements to maximize your property’s value.

Collaborating with a Local Real Estate Expert

Working with a local real estate expert who understands the unique challenges of selling a hoarder house can be invaluable in guiding you through the process. They can provide insight on how to maximize the sale of the home, advise on making it more appealing, and help you navigate the complexities of the real estate market. It’s essential to interview at least three real estate agents to evaluate and select the most suitable one for the job.


A local real estate expert can also help you assess the potential return on investment when investing money in a hoarder house prior to its sale. They can provide advice on pricing, marketing, and negotiating with potential buyers, ensuring that you receive the highest possible return on your investment.

Marketing a Hoarder House Effectively

After addressing the challenges presented by the hoarding situation and preparing the house for sale, it’s essential to implement effective marketing strategies to showcase the property’s potential and attract interested buyers. High-quality real estate photography is crucial, as the initial presentation of a property is typically experienced online, and poor photography can lead to unsatisfactory results.


When devising a marketing plan, consider both online and offline strategies to reach a broader audience. Collaborating with licensed real estate agents can provide valuable insights on the most effective marketing tactics for your specific property and target market. They can also help you navigate the complexities of “as-is” sales if you decide to sell the hoarder house in its current condition.

Finding Potential Buyers for Your Hoarder House

Finding potential buyers for your hoarder house may require exploring various avenues, such as real estate agents, online listings, and cash buyer companies. When listing the property online or with a real estate agent, ensure that all items have been cleared out and the property is presented in its optimal condition. Selling the house in its current state may be advantageous if you’re aiming to expedite the sale process and are unable to make repairs, but it may also result in a lower price.


When engaging with real estate investment companies or cash buyer companies, do your due diligence to evaluate their financials, the state of the property, the required renovations, and the potential return on investment. This can help you make an informed decision and maximize the value of your hoarder house.

Navigating the Home Selling Process

The home selling process can be complex, especially when dealing with a hoarder house. However, with the right preparation and guidance, you can navigate this journey with confidence. Start by evaluating your options for a quick sale or maximum profit and preparing the house for sale through decluttering, cleaning, and addressing any deficiencies and repairs. Collaborate with a local real estate expert to help you assess the potential return on investment, devise an effective marketing strategy, and negotiate with potential buyers.


Throughout the process, remain patient and flexible, as selling a hoarder house can present unique challenges and obstacles. With determination and a proactive approach, you can successfully sell a hoarder house and move forward to a fresh start.

Sell Your Hoarder Home Fast For Cash

Selling a hoarder house may seem overwhelming at first, but with a clear understanding of the challenges, a strategic approach, and the support of a local real estate expert, you can successfully navigate the process and achieve a satisfactory outcome. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to transforming a difficult situation into a rewarding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to clean a hoarder's house?


Tackling a hoarder’s house can be daunting, but the best way to clean it quickly and effectively is to create a plan and work room by room, ensuring to clear hallways and walkways first and creating different storage areas.


This plan should include sorting items into categories such as keep, donate, and discard. Once the sorting is complete, the items can be placed in their designated areas. It is important to be mindful of the amount of storage space available and not overfill any area. Finally, it is important to take regular breaks and to take regular breaks.


How to sell hoarding?


If you want to successfully sell a hoarded home, you need to be prepared to put in the hard work of cleaning it out. To do this, you must rent a dumpster and dispose of all items that are causing the space to become cluttered.


Taking this essential step will make the property more appealing to potential buyers and help you reach a successful sale.


What to do if you inherit a hoarder house?


If you’ve inherited a hoarder house, it’s important to first look for instructions in any applicable will. Afterwards, prioritize getting rid of junk and keep an eye out for valuable items.


Make sure to document any found valuables and determine their value before deciding which items to keep and which to sell.


What are the 5 stages of hoarding?


Hoarding is a complex condition characterized by the compulsive need to acquire and hold onto items, usually without purpose or value. The five stages of hoarding include acquiring excessive amounts of items, difficulty discarding possessions, clutter, anxiety when discarding items, and dysfunction due to clutter.


Hoarders often struggle to recognize their behavior as problematic, making treatment difficult but essential.


How do you get rid of a hoarder house?


To get rid of a hoarder house, create a plan, create storage areas, clear hallways and walkways first, work room by room, evaluate the area and create a decluttering/cleaning strategy, collect plenty of cleaning supplies, classify the things that needs to be cleaned, prioritize cleaning order from the beginning, empty rooms from top to bottom, clear out the trash, clean and sanitize your floors, disinfect everything, scrub down the bathroom, deodorize, and don’t forget the small stuff.


Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to start the process of decluttering and cleaning. Start by clearing out the hallways and walkways first. This will make it easier to move around the house and access the different rooms. Then, work room by room, evaluating the area and creating a decluttering/cleaning strategy. Make sure to collect plenty of cleaning supplies, such as mops, buckets, sponges, and cleaning solutions.


Classify the things that need to be cleaned and prioritize the cleaning order from the beginning. Empty the rooms from top to bottom.

Sell Your Home Faster.

We analyze millions of home sales to find real estate agents that sell homes faster and for more money.

Home - Email Opt

Author: Joel Efosa

Real Estate Investor

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