Can You Sell a Hoarder House With Everything In It?

Imagine stepping into a home where every inch is packed with stuff. Newspapers piled up to the ceiling, old furniture blocks doorways, and every surface is covered in knick-knacks. This is what a hoarder house looks like. I've seen how it affects families emotionally and physically. If you're trying to sell a hoarder property with everything still in it, you're not alone.

Hoarding turns homes into cluttered mazes, affecting 2 to 6 percent of people. The American Psychiatric Association recognized it as a mental disorder in 2013. For those trying to sell a hoarder house, the journey ahead seems daunting and full of obstacles.

Selling a hoarder house "as-is" can be easy, but there are some trade-offs. These homes often have health hazards and structural damage. When this is the case, you will likely find that getting a cash offer for the house is your best option to sell the house fast. This is because lenders do not like to loan money for houses with these issues.

So, can you sell a hoarder house with everything in it? Yes. Let's look at the options, challenges, and solutions for selling these "special" homes.

Key Takeaways

• Hoarding affects 2-6% of the population, creating unique selling challenges
• Selling a hoarder house "as-is" is possible but comes with some hurdles
• Health hazards and structural damage are common issues in hoarder properties
• Cash buyers and investors offer alternatives to selling the traditional way with a real estate agent
• Proper assessment and strategic outreach to real estate investors can save you time and make you more money

Can You Sell a Hoarder House with Everything in It?

Selling your hoarder house, whether yours or a house you inherited, can be tough. The good news is you can sell a hoarder house with everything in it.

Real estate investors often look for these properties for as-is sales. They offer cash, saving you time on cleaning and repairs. You can leave the house exactly as it is and they will take over your problem. This is great if you want a quick sale.

Here are some key points to consider when selling a hoarder house:

• Estate sales can help clear out valuable items
• Repairs might increase the property's value
• Professional photos boost selling potential by 50%
• 2% of buyers won't visit without good online photos

You must tell buyers about known issues and deal with problems like mold or pests when you sell the traditional route. If you know about these issues, you should also tell any investors about them. They will do their own due diligence and discover the problems anyway.

You can sell as-is or fix things up - each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

"Selling a hoarded home 'as-is' can save time and money, but transparency about the property's condition is crucial for a smooth sale. You don't want your buyer coming back and asking for a price reduction because they find a serious issue."

While selling a hoarder house with everything in it is possible, it might lower the sale price. Think about your options carefully to make the best choice for you.

Options for Selling a Hoarder House As-Is

Selling a hoarder house as-is is a fast way out for property owners. It's perfect for those who don't want to clean or fix up the property.

Targeting real estate investors and cash buyers

Real estate investors and cash buyers are great for selling hoarder houses as-is. They buy properties in any shape, which is perfect when youu want to sell the home with everything in it. Cash buyers can close deals in just 7 days, helping landlords and those inheriting property to avoid a drawn out situation causing them stress.

Pros and cons of selling without cleaning or repairs

Selling a hoarder house as-is has good points and how should we put it... not-so-good points:

• Pros:
  • Quick closing process
  • No need for expensive renovations
  • Avoid legal complications for unknown issues
  • Avoid real estate commissions
• Cons:
  • Lower sale price
  • Limited pool of potential buyers
  • Possible challenges with property valuation

While selling as-is might mean a lower price, it's often the easiest option. Real estate investors provide tailored solutions, making the process easier and less stressful.

The challenges of selling a hoarder house with everything in it

Selling a hoarder house full of stuff is tough. Many times the home was owned by a family member with a hoarding disorder that has passed away. Going through these items is difficult because they belonged to a loved one.

The mess makes it hard for a potential home buyer to see the space as their own. A study shows 92% of buyers look for homes online, making good photos key - but hard with so much clutter. Many are also turned off by the feeling the home is unsanitary, which it may very well be.

Underneath the mess, hidden damage can cause big problems. This damage might need costly repairs and could be unsafe. Also, the stuff can harbor mold, pests, or harmful substances, posing health risks that need expert cleanup.

Time is a big issue too. Hoarders might need to sell fast for money or legal reasons. This hurry can make it hard to clear the clutter and fix any damage.

According to Psychology Today, "69 percent of hoarding cases found animal feces and urine that had accumulated in living areas (over one-quarter of hoarders' own beds were soiled with animal feces or urine)."

These types of unsanitary conditions can make it really difficult to sell a hoarder home to anybody other than a real estate investor.

Hoarders often feel very attached to their belongings. Figuring out what to keep, sell, or throw away is hard. This can slow down getting the house ready to sell. You might need special cleaning and removal services, adding to the cost and time.

• Difficulty showcasing the property's true potential
• Hidden structural damage and safety risks
• Health and sanitation concerns
• Time pressure and emotional challenges
• Need for specialized cleaning and removal services

Assessing the Condition of a Hoarder House

Checking a hoarder house for problems will be necessary if you plan on selling on the open market. A professional home inspection is key to spot hidden damage and health risks.

Structural Damage and Safety Concerns

Hoarder houses often hide structural issues. Too much weight from stuff can harm floors and walls. But, the bigger problem are the hidden leaks that rot the structural elements of a home. Inspectors search for foundation problems, roof damage, and weak beams.

Blocked exits and unstable foundations are also dangers. They can harm people inside and outside.

Health Hazards and Sanitation Issues

Hoarder homes can be very unhealthy. Mold, pests, and bad air are common. Cleaners might wear special suits to handle dangerous stuff.

If the city has issues code violations, you might need to figure out if they can condemn the hoarder house.

Fixing these problems is vital to make the place safe again.

Evaluating Contents and Potential Value

Even in hoarder houses, some things might be worth something. Sorting through can find valuable items like antiques or collectibles. Selling these items can help pay for cleaning or add to the property's value.

Donating items that can still be used is another good idea.

According to the Get Organized Wizard,

Sell it if:

• It’s worth more than the cost of selling and
• You’re motivated enough to organize the sale.

Donate it if:

• It’s in good condition and
• The question of donating versing tossing won’t immobilize you.

For everything else, throw it away!

Knowing the real state of a hoarder house is crucial. It helps decide the best way to sell or fix the property.

Preparing a Hoarder House for Sale on the Open Market

Preparing a hoarder house for sale is a big job. It starts with cleaning and removing junk. These steps are key to show the property's real condition and attract buyers.

But, how do you properly clean a hoarder house?

Professional cleaners are experts in hoarder homes. They clean from surface dirt to deep grime. Junk removal experts then clear out years of clutter, making room for the next steps.

After cleaning, the focus is on home renovation. This might include fixing structural damage, updating old features, or improving safety. Renovations can greatly increase the property's value and appeal.

• Deep cleaning and sanitization
• Removal of excess items and clutter
• Repairs to walls, floors, and ceilings
• Updating electrical and plumbing systems
• Refreshing paint and flooring

Staging is the final step. It helps buyers see themselves living there. This involves setting up furniture, adding decor, and making the space welcoming. Good staging can lead to faster sales and better offers.

Though the process is long, a well-prepared hoarder house can sell for up to 85% of market value. This is a big jump from as-is sales, which often get much lower offers because of the property's state.

The Costs Associated with Cleaning and Repairing a Hoarder House

Cleaning and fixing a hoarder house can cost a lot. The price depends on how bad the hoarding is and the house's state. It can be hard to determine the true cost to clean a hoarder house. Here are the main costs you'll face.

Professional Cleaning Services

Can you hire someone to clean a hoarders' house? Yes, but it can get expensive. Cleaning a hoarder house can cost between $25 and $80 an hour. For bigger jobs, it might be $1 per square foot. If there's animal hoarding or structural damage, it could be $7 to $12 per square foot.

Junk Removal and Item Disposal

Getting rid of junk is a big part of cleaning. Renting a dumpster can cost $500 to $600. The price goes up based on how much trash you have and how many dumpsters you need. Some items might be donated, which could lower the cost a bit.

Necessary Repairs and Renovations

Fixing a hoarder house can be very expensive. Structural problems might cost around $10 per square foot. For a 100 square foot area, that's about $1,000. You might also need to update plumbing, electrical systems, and fix damaged interiors.

The total cost for cleaning and fixing a hoarder house can be over $100,000. It's important to think about these costs when deciding what to do with the property.

Sell the Hoarder House For Cash or Clean It and Sell It?

Deciding how to sell a hoarder house is hard. You can sell it for cash without cleaning or fixing it. This is quick but often means you'll get less money.

Cleaning and fixing up the house can increase its value. But, it's a lot of work. You might need to rent dumpsters and hire cleaners. The costs can be very high, sometimes over $100,000.

Your choice depends on your needs. If you need cash fast and don't want to clean, selling for cash might be best. But, if you have time and money, fixing up the house could make more sense. It might sell for a higher price.

If you have a hoarder house you want to sell as-is, contact Danny Buys Houses in San Antonio, Texas. We can make you cash offer to buy the home as-is and close as soon as it works for you. Give us a call to find out how easy selling a home with everything in it can be.