As real estate professionals, everyone wants a smooth sale. A friendly seller with a nice house
that has absolutely no problems. Even the simplest of real estate transactions can get
complicated and when you add selling a hoarder house to this mix, the challenges increase.
Understanding Hoarding and Its Impact on the Home
Hoarding is more than simply collecting stuff. It is a medical diagnosis that could result in the
individual or hoarder residing in dangerous conditions such as fire hazards, mold, or structural
damage.
A typical hoarder house may exhibit the following:
- Cluttered rooms.
- Potential health risks.
- Safety hazards.
How To Go About Selling a Hoarder House
A hoarder house brings a variety of stigmas. Real property professionals may additionally
experience apprehensiveness about taking on the residence and potential buyers are probably
scared to tackle the duties that come with a hoarder residence.
But that does not entail that a hoarder house cannot be sold.
Step 1: Understand the Condition
The real estate business requires compassion along with a savvy attitude. When selling a
hoarder house, the foremost thing to remember is that the seller is dealing with a mental health
disorder. Dismissing this as a lifestyle choice is only going to make things difficult.
In this scenario, the real estate professional needs out-of-the-box thinking. Consider involving a
licensed mental health professional who specializes in hoarding disorder.
Step 2: Hire a Professional Cleaning Service
Our recommendation would be to hire professionals specializing in decluttering hoarder homes.
This will save time and also ensure that the home is cleared safely, thereby minimizing risks.
Step 3: Assess the Damage
After the hoarder house has been cleared, it is critical to assess the condition of the property.
Hoarder houses regularly have underlying issues that may creep up later. This could consist of
damage to the electrical wires, mildew, or even structural problems.
A professional home inspector can provide a detailed report and offer insight on where repairs
are needed. If you are hoping to sell the house at market value, making the necessary repairs is
critical. For instance, structural issues such as broken stairs or leaks should take precedence
over cosmetic repairs such as painting the walls.
Step 4: Consider Selling the House As-Is
If the concept of decluttering is overwhelming, you may consider selling the residence “as-is”.
However, you need to be aware that you might not get the whole value of the house. As-is
income entices buyers or residence flippers who specialize in buying distressed properties.
Step 5: Price the Home Appropriately
Pricing a hoarder house can get challenging, especially if the property requires significant
repairs. To price the home appropriately, the homeowner could involve real estate professionals
who specialize in selling hoarder houses.
A real estate professional will bring experience and contact to the table, thereby increasing the
chances of a sale. They will be able to conduct market analyses and offer insight that just might
work in your case.
Step 6: Market the House Effectively
Selling a hoarder house requires a fresh marketing approach than a traditional sale. It is critical
to be transparent and highlight the potential of the house. Instead of focusing on the negatives,
you could strongly present the positives that would make a difference.
Targeting the appropriate buyers is also essential. Look for groups of investors or people
interested in buying fixer-uppers. Tailoring the marketing approach towards niche buyers can go
a long way in making or breaking the sale.
Step 7: Be Prepared for Negotiations
Buyers looking for hoarder homes go into the transaction expecting a deal, so you should be
prepared for negotiations. Just because you were handed the tight end of the rope does not
mean the deal cannot be in your favor.
This is where negotiations come in. A skilled real estate professional will handle negotiations
with ease and ensure that you receive a fair offer.
Step 8: Be Patient and Flexible
Selling a hoarder house can take longer than expected, especially if the property requires
significant repairs. We strongly advise you to be prepared for a stretched timeline.
Flexibility is essential. You need to take a reality check and adjust your expectations. Whether it
comes to the timeline or the price, keeping an open mind is a must.
Seller’s Approach
As the seller, selling your home can be emotionally draining. But with additional mental health
issues, this process could take a massive toll. So here is how you could approach the sale:
- Be open and upfront about the hoarding.
- Get involved in the process as you see best.
- Seek professional help for the decluttering process if it is overwhelming.
- Let the professionals do their job.
- Take a break, if it gets too much.
- Have a positive outlook towards the entire thing.
- Participate in the process and communicate your needs.
Real Estate Professional’s Approach
When selling a hoarder house, the approach the agent or the professional utilizes could be a
deal-breaker. An experienced real estate professional would offer insight such as:
- Approach the entire transaction with empathy.
- Offer comfort and solutions to the client.
- Be proactive and responsive when the client feels emotionally tangled.
- Do not dismiss the client’s fears and emotions.
- Think of creative ideas to handle the transaction.
- Design open houses that are not overwhelming to the seller.
- Highlight the selling potential of the house.
- Invest in virtual tours if physical showings are not working out.
Selling a hoarder house may require the real estate professional to go the extra mile just to get
the job done. Be it creative real estate listings or a unique marketing approach, the agent has
their job cut out for them when dealing with the sale of a hoarder house.
Conclusion
Selling a hoarder house is undoubtedly an uphill battle. There are challenges in the form of
emotions, decluttering, and the overall selling process. But with careful planning, professional
help, and the right strategies, it can be done.
A hoarder house may present a myriad of challenges, but it also presents opportunities for the
right buyer. You just have to find them. So why not approach the sale with confidence?!