To sell a hoarder house can be a daunting task. It can be difficult to find buyers for these homes due to their condition and the potential for legal issues.
However, with some patience and hard work, it is possible to successfully sell a hoarder’s house in Houston.
In this article, we will provide an overview of what needs to be done in order to make sure that you are able to sell a hoarder house quickly and efficiently. It will discuss topics such as preparing the property for sale, pricing it appropriately, marketing it effectively, and dealing with any legal issues that may arise.
Let’s begin.
The Reason Why Some People Hoard
Some people hoard for several reasons that for non-hoarders seem weird but normal for the former. And one of the possible reasons is a psychological condition called hoarding disorder.
Hoarding disorder is distinguished by a persistent struggle to get rid of material possessions regardless of their value. People with said psychological condition normally experience extreme anxiety or impairment in social, occupational, and other areas of functioning as a result of their hoarding behavior.
Another reason some people hoard is the emotional attachment to certain items, particularly those with sentimental value and those that are associated with happy memories. Such a type of hoarder normally feels a sense of loss—and even grief—when they are asked to throw the items.
Apart from those, some people also hoard as a way to cope with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Such a type of hoarder can help but do it as it makes them feel “in control” of their environment. Hoarding gives them a sense of security as well.
Lastly, poverty, as well as lack of resources in the past, may have also led to hoarding. People who went through such situations may save items for future use. It could also be because they could not afford to replace them.
A Step-by-step Guide on How to Sell a Hoarder’s House
Step 1: Remove all the Junk
Removing junk from a hoarder’s house is a sensitive and emotionally challenging task for hoarders. And it should be approached compassionately.
Here are a few steps on how to do it.
- Consult with a mental health professional. Hoarding is a mental health condition. As such, it is important to approach it holistically.
Understand the underlying reasons for the behavior before attempting to remove junk first. Either a therapist or counselor can give you advice and guidance.
- Sort out all items. To make it easier for the hoarder, start by sorting out all items and label them accordingly. You can start with categories like “keep,” “donate,” “recycle,” or “throw away.”
Doing so will make it easier for the hoarder to make decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.
- Hire a professional organizer. If you think the work seems too much for you, then consider hiring a professional organizer. They are professionally trained and most are experienced working with hoarders.
They can provide guidance and support throughout the process and can help create a plan for the hoarder to maintain a clutter-free home.
- Seek help. If you think the situation is too overwhelming or dangerous for you and the hoarder, it is best to seek professional help instead. A team of professionals such as bio-hazard cleaners and social workers can help to address the issue safely and effectively.
Step 2: Clean the Entire House
To sell a hoarder house it is important that you clean it first. Cleaning a hoarder’s house, however, can be a difficult and time-consuming task.
To make it a little lighter, start with creating a list of areas that need to be cleaned. You can put labels like “priority,” and “not priority” too if you are busy and want to complete the most important areas first.
Of course, you must have all necessary cleaning materials, including gloves, masks, trash bags, brushes and scrubs, as well as cleaning solutions. It is also crucial to work with the hoarder as it could lessen the anxiety by feeling in control of the situation. In return, it would be easier for them to dispose of the items.
Properly dispose of hazardous materials or chemicals that are present in the house too. Finally, if cleaning the entire house alone seems overwhelming, then consider hiring a professional cleaner.
Step 3: Repair and Improve
The third step is to make all necessary repairs and upgrades. It is crucial to address any damages caused by hoarding, including structural issues, pest infestations, plumbing and electrical problems.
The weight of clutter can often cause structural damage and could weaken the house’s floors, walls, and even the foundation. See if there are cracks and repair them immediately.
Hoarded items are typically used as breeding grounds of pests too like cockroaches and rats. Mold and mildew may develop over time too. Clutter and trash could block the water and sewage system as well. So, make sure to check the pipes and see if it needs repair or replacement.
Lastly, hoarded items could cause electrical hazards too.
Step 4: Decide How You Want to Sell It
Finally, decide how you want to sell the house. There are two options available: one is to publicly list it on a real estate market and second is to sell it as-is to a real estate investor.
Here’s why:
- Property listing. Once you are done with all the cleaning, repairs, and needed upgrades, you can now sell it publicly through property listing. This is where potential buyers will find out about the property and hopefully make an offer.
But keep in mind that it does not guarantee that you can quickly find a buyer. You can, however, hire a real estate agent. There are many real estate agents in Houston who specialize in selling hoarded properties. These people often have access to resources that help them market these properties effectively so that they can attract the right buyers at the right price.
- Sell it as-is to a real estate investor. If you want a quick, hassle-free, and reliable transaction, selling it to a Houston real estate investor such as Get Your Fair Offer would be the best option! Reaching out to a real estate investor is the best option if you do not have the budget to fix your house and make some upgrades.
These companies are willing to buy houses as-is and in cash, which is a double win for property owners like you. They give the best and fair price your property deserves as well.
Thus, selling it to a real estate investor is wiser rather than listing it on the marketplace.
Sell a Hoarder House
Selling a hoarder’s house is indeed a tough and demanding process. If you want a fast, hassle-free, and reliable way to profit off of your property, then contact Get Your Fair Offer now and consider your house sold!
Get Your Fair Offer is one of Houston’s trustworthy real estate investors. We guarantee to give you the best and fair price offer only, which your property deserves.
Reach out to us now and get a REAL offer! Call us at 281-709-2999.
