One Man’s Trash: Hoarder Houses

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A home is a place where we should find comfort, cleanliness, safety, gather with family and friends, and create memories. When a hoard takes over, all of those valuable elements are lost beneath piles of objects, clothes, and clutter. Today we wanted to talk about Hoarding Disorder, the causes, the signs, how to handle a hoarder and their hoard, and what you can do with an inherited hoarder’s house. 

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“What is Hoarding Disorder?” In the United States, it’s estimated that roughly 5 to 14 million people have hoarding disorder. This disorder causes the individuals afflicted to have extreme difficulty letting go of items they own, as well as having a compulsive need to collect more and more things. The things most would consider trash are revered as treasures to a hoarder. From items as small as soda can tabs and plastic cups to large items like animals, furniture and vehicles, each hoarder’s collection is unique to them. Any normal person would ask “Why don’t they just clean their house?!”. Well, hoarders often see their collections as projects they’ll get to later, or nostalgic keepsakes. This disorder has many different levels of severity, but if a hoarding issue is not addressed early, a hoarder’s home could become a pack rat’s dream in the blink of an eye. Most people who are diagnosed with this disorder are above the age of 50. However, people can start showing signs of a problem in their early teens. Studies have recently shown that this disorder is genetic and can be associated with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Although most hoarders are unaware they have a problem, a large number of them are ashamed to allow anyone to see inside their house, preventing people close to them from knowing of the problem. Time is a very important factor in addressing hoarding disorder. As time goes by…the hoard grows, increasing the risks of a house fire, massive rat and insect infestations, escalating code violations, dilapidation and even condemnation of the house. If you suspect someone you know is showing signs of hoarding disorder, you should attempt to address it with them as early as possible with professional help. 

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“Who does hoarding affect?” Everyone. Hoarders have an increased risk of in-home injury due to the state of their home, making their house a dangerous place to live. The family and friends of individuals who suffer with hoarding disorder may consider themselves to be the most affected by hoarding, in that the stress of living in or knowing someone you love is living in these conditions can become a severe physical and emotional burden. For example, if rats are present, people living in or frequenting a rodent-infested home are at high risk for a deadly disease known as Hantavirus – a life threatening respiratory disease caused by breathing in, or eating food contaminated with rodent waste. If a rodent infestation is present in a home you or someone you know is living in, this is cause for high concern and should be addressed immediately. 

Hoarder Houses how to sell a dilapidated house Sell my house fast Hoarder Houses how to sell a dilapidated house Sell my house fast sell my house fast sell my house fast hoarder houses”What are the signs of Hoarding Disorder?” Items collected are random and seem compulsively purchased or selected, excessive spending, or financial distress, pressure to stop acquiring or get rid of items causes immense distress. Hoarders often collect free or trash items from the side of the road. You may notice disorganized clutter is filling up the living spaces of the home making it difficult to navigate from room to room, and home maintenance is being neglected. If the state of the home is having an impact on the surrounding homes such as, infestations, or ability to sell, you may be living with or know a hoarder.

“How can I help a hoarder?” Most people would probably think the best resolution for a “mess” is to hurry up and clean the home, get rid of excessive items, and exterminate infestations. Considering hoarding is a mental disorder, and not just the result of a messy individual, this solution is usually temporary, and just creates more space for things to collect. Often, pressuring for a rapid clean up can cause a hoarder severe stress, nothing gets accomplished, and they may even cut ties on valuable relationships in an effort to protect their valuables. In any case, the looming stress of what will happen to the hoarder, the house, and the hoard can cause sleepless nights and overwhelming anxiety. Seeking professional help is the best way to help a hoarder overcome this disorder.

“Inheriting a hoarded house?” Inheriting a house piled high with clutter, rotten smells, rats, roaches and mold is by no means a dream come true, not to mention, the added bonus of code violations and fines accumulated over the years. Wading through piles of a loved one’s collection to return a house to its former glory can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. Cleaning and restoration costs can climb well over $30,000 depending on the severity of the situation and rapidly, your “inheritance” can feel more like a punishment than a gift! 

“Can I sell a hoarder’s house as is?” Yes! Traditionally, selling a house in this condition would require extreme physical labor, a large budget, and months or even years of time to address the damage and get the house “market ready”. You and your loved ones shouldn’t waste any more time living with a hoard. If you don’t have the time and the funds to invest in restoring a hoarder’s house, we suggest considering another option. Tag Team Property Solutions specializes in purchasing dilapidated and hoarded houses for cash. We understand the weight of the situation and prioritize alleviating as much stress as possible, by giving you a fair cash offer, covering all closing costs, and closing quickly or on your schedule. If you or someone you know is living in, or inherited a hoarded house, we have the solution to turn the burden of one man’s trash into cash. 

Contact us today to get your fair cash offer.