Hoarder Houses: How to Buy, Clean, & Flip for Profit (Beginner Guide)

flipping houses real estate investing strategies real estate terms Sep 19, 2025

Key Takeaways

Hoarder houses are homes overwhelmed by clutter and deferred maintenance, often sold at a discount due to condition and cleanup needs.
Investors can profit by buying below market, budgeting for cleanout and repairs, and reselling or renting after bringing the property to safe, livable standards.
Success hinges on accurate ARV, rehab, and cleanout estimates, plus understanding local health, safety, and disclosure rules.
Finding deals: MLS keywords (“as-is,” “limited showings”), wholesalers, FSBO, estate sales, and driving for dollars.
Cleanup is a project: plan for junk removal, biohazard risks, pest remediation, and mold treatment when needed.

In the real estate industry, the concept of a hoarder house resonates with intrigue and opportunity. Not just confined to TV shows or sensational videos, hoarder homes have woven their way into many Realtors' experiences, often opening up doors to potential investments. Yet, many still find themselves pondering, "What is a hoarder house?" or mistaking a hoarding house for just another cluttered space.

Beyond the superficial clutter and chaotic rooms, hoarding houses stem from a deep-rooted psychological disorder, making them unique and complex challenges for investors and cleaners alike.

Whether you're an investor eyeing an opportunity, someone with personal ties to a hoarding situation, or just plain curious, this article promises a comprehensive exploration of the hoarder home phenomenon – from its psychological underpinnings to the potential it holds in real estate:

What Is A Hoarder House?
Hoarder House Flipping Step-By-Step
How To Find Hoarder Homes Near You
How To Buy A Hoarder House
Cleaning Hoarder Houses
Selling A Hoarder House
Hoarder House TV Shows
Hoarder House FAQs

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What Is a Hoarder House?

A hoarder house is a home overwhelmed by excessive belongings and debris that limit safe living and routine use of rooms. In real estate, the term describes properties where clutter, odors, pests, and deferred maintenance make showings difficult, inspections challenging, and repairs more extensive than a typical “as-is” sale.

Quick Answer: A hoarder house is a property so packed with items that kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways can’t be used normally, creating safety, health, and valuation issues for buyers and sellers.

How to Recognize a Hoarder House

Blocked spaces: Stacked items restrict doors, stairs, and appliances.
Sanitation issues: Odors, spoiled food, pet waste, or visible mold.
Pest activity: Cockroaches, rodents, or nesting materials.
Hidden defects: Leaks, damaged flooring, or wiring covered by clutter.
Outdoor spillover: Garages, porches, sheds, or yards filled with items.

Hoarder House: Investor Snapshot
Aspect	Why It Matters
Access	Hard to inspect; hidden damage risk
Health/Safety	Trip hazards, biohazards, fire load
Valuation	Discounted pricing; as-is sales common
Timeline	Cleanup + remediation extend closing

Note: “Hoarder houses” is a real estate term, not a diagnosis. Approach sellers with empathy and privacy, and plan for professional cleanout and safety checks.

what is a hoarder house

Flipping Hoarder Houses: How to Find, Buy, Clean, & Sell

Hoarder houses can look overwhelming at first glance, but they also offer clear value-add opportunities for investors who plan the work, price the risk, and move quickly. Below is a step-by-step roadmap—designed for beginners—covering lead generation, negotiation, cleanup, light rehab, and resale.

Quick Answers:

How do I find hoarder houses? Target keywords, agents, wholesalers, and public records.
How do I buy them safely? Write clean offers, but protect yourself with inspections and a clear title.
What’s the cleanup plan? Phase the cleanout, address hazards first, then cosmetic fixes.
How do I sell fast? Price to the market, disclose clearly, and use before/after photos.

1) Finding Hoarder Houses

MLS & listing clues: Search terms like “as-is,” “limited showings,” “needs TLC,” “deferred maintenance,” and “cluttered.” Ask buyer agents to set auto-alerts for these keywords.
Agent & wholesaler network: Let local agents, probate attorneys, estate sale companies, and wholesalers know you buy hoarder houses “as-is, fast close.” Share your buy box (price, area, beds/baths, timeline).
Public records: Watch for code violations, nuisance liens, or repeated sanitation citations—common signals of heavy clutter.
Direct-to-seller marketing: Mailers and door hangers near homes with obvious spillover clutter (porches/garages). Use empathetic language: “Private, judgment-free cleanout and fast closing.”
Referrals & community: Property managers, junk removal crews, and neighbors often know which homes need help—offer a small finder’s fee where allowed.

2) Purchasing the Property (Contracts & Diligence)

Walk-through strategy: Wear PPE (mask, gloves, boots). Bring a flashlight and tape measure. Photograph access points, utilities, and any visible moisture damage.
Scope of work (SOW) on site: Estimate rehab costs, cleanout tonnage, dump fees, labor hours, pest treatment, and biohazard costs if applicable. Mark “must-do” vs. “nice-to-have.”
Offer structure: Present a clean offer with realistic timelines. Include short inspection/due-diligence windows to confirm cleanup and title scope. Consider an escalation clause in competitive areas.
Title & access: Open title immediately. Confirm liens, HOA balances, unpaid utilities, and access to trash removal services (some cities require permits for large roll-offs).
Seller support: Many sellers feel overwhelmed. Offer to coordinate movers, donation pickups, and storage. Compassion eases negotiations and improves cooperation during cleanup.

At-a-Glance: Typical Upfront Costs
Item	Range	Notes
Cleanout (per truck/roll-off)	$400–$800	Plus dump fees
Junk removal crew (day)	$600–$1,500	2–4 workers
Pest treatment	$200–$600	By infestation level
Biohazard/mold	$500–$5,000+	Specialist required

3) Cleaning & Renovating the House

Phase 1 – Safety & access: Clear hallways, stairs, exits, and utility areas first. Shut off hazards (leaks, live wires). Photograph “before” for disclosure and marketing.
Phase 2 – Bulk removal: Sort trash vs. donations vs. valuables. Use multiple roll-offs. Keep receipts; buyers appreciate documentation.
Phase 3 – Sanitation & pests: Deep clean kitchens/baths; deodorize; treat for roaches/rodents; address pet waste; remediate visible mold with licensed pros.
Phase 4 – Quick value lifts: Paint, lighting, basic flooring repairs, hardware swaps, curb appeal (mow, trim, mulch). Keep scope tight—focus on “smell, light, and sightlines.”
Phase 5 – Pre-sale checks: Smoke/CO detectors installed; GFCIs near water; handrails secure; utilities functional for appraisal and buyer inspections.

Tip: Keep a cleanup log (dates, crews, photos, invoices). This supports disclosures, calms buyer concerns, and helps justify your list price.

4) Selling & Flipping Hoarder Houses for Profit

Pricing: Pull fresh comps post-cleanout. Price just below renovated competition if you kept rehab light; price near market if the home presents clean and functional.
Disclosures & trust: Be upfront about the home’s prior condition and what you addressed. Provide your cleanup log and receipts in a neat packet.
Marketing assets: Professional photos, wide-angle shots of cleared rooms, and a few tasteful before/after frames to highlight progress (avoid anything that stigmatizes the seller).
Buyer pool: Target FHA/VA-ready properties only if safety items are corrected; otherwise, list to conventional/cash buyers and turnkey landlords.
Speed to contract: Offer flexible close dates, include a clean termite/clearance where applicable, and respond quickly to repair requests that materially affect financing.

Minimal Rehab: High-Impact Priorities
Area	Action	Why
Odors	Deep clean, ozone, seal subfloors	Buyer confidence
Lighting	LED swaps, daylight bulbs	Brighter photos
Paint	Neutral walls, clean trim	Fresh look fast
Safety	Detectors, GFCIs, handrails	Financing-ready

Mini Checklist: From Offer to Sold

Keyword alerts & referral pipeline active
PPE + photo doc at first walk-through
Title opened; liens/HOA/utilities verified
Cleanup phases scheduled; roll-offs booked
Odor/pest/safety items addressed first
Fresh comps pulled; pricing strategy set
Disclosure packet with receipts/photos

Read Also: How To Flip Houses With No Money: 10 Proven Methods

New to Real Estate? Start Here First

If you haven’t closed your first deal yet, flipping hoarder houses can be a bit intimidating. Before you take a single step, lock in a simple plan you can execute this week.

That’s what the Ultimate Investor Program is built for—we show you everything you need to know to start investing. Once you're comfortable, hoarder houses become an accelerator, not an obstacle.

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How Do I Find Hoarder Houses For Sale Near Me?

Real estate investors looking for a deal on distressed property want to know how to find a hoarder house for sale.

There are several methods of identifying hoarder houses for sale in your area, whether or not the house is listed on the market with a real estate agent. Here’s where to find hoarder houses for sale:

Multiple Listing Service (MLS): Browse properties listed on the MLS. Keep an eye out for keywords such as:
- “Blind offers only”
- “Sold as-is”
- “Shown with an accepted offer“
- “Limited showings”
- “TLC”
- “Contractor’s special”
- “Handyman special”
- “Needs work”
Craigslist: Properties may be listed by individual owners on this site
For Sale By Owner (FSBO): Websites such as FSBO.com provide a database for homes to be purchased by real estate investors.

Real Estate Wholesalers: Investors who wholesale properties source distressed houses and are ready to sell or assign the contract to you. Often, they will have hoarder houses for sale.
Driving for Dollars: Look around your neighborhood for signs of a hoarder house situation. Signs include items blocking windows, unkept lawns and overgrown shrubbery, mailboxes that are overflowing with mail, excess trash around the property, furniture, and hoarded items around the exterior of the home. Go directly to the seller or ask a real estate agent to contact the property owner.
Estate Sales: When someone passes away, there is a likelihood that the house they left behind is in disrepair. In many cases, the late owner may have been a hoarder.

Read Also: How To Find Real Estate Deals: The Top 10 Proven Methods

<h2 id="buy">How To Buy A Hoarder House: 5 Best Practices To Consider</h2> Buying a hoarder house presents challenges that most traditional buyers are not familiar with. Hence, many hoarder houses are sold to house flippers and investors. <img src="https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/8345/images/d5ea3fb-4011-10f-2072-0ea3f78575_buy_hoarder_homes.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="buy hoarder homes" /> Here are some best practices for buying a hoarder house: <ol> <li> Always get a property inspection </li> <li> Ask to deliver the home completely vacant (you never know until you ask) </li> <li> Investigate your financing options early: hoarder houses may present challenges to obtaining a conventional mortgage due to their condition. Cash might be the only option. </li> <li> Increase your repair budget for the unknown </li> <li> Be flexible. You may get a better deal by accommodating the seller’s situation </li> </ol> For a step-by-step guide on buying properties to flip, be sure to read our article on <a href="https://www.realestateskills.com/blog/how-to-flip-a-house">How To Flip A House For The First Time</a>. Now that you have purchased the property, the next step is cleaning the hoarder house before selling it again. <blockquote> Read Also: <a href="https://www.realestateskills.com/blog/what-is-70-rule-in-house-flipping" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title=" What Is The 70% Rule In House Flipping? "> What Is The 70% Rule In House Flipping? </a> </blockquote> <h2 id="clean">How To Clean A Hoarder House In 6 Steps</h2> <img src="https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/8345/images/42e2bed-24ac-bccc-1bca-4f55e088044_cleaning_hoarder_houses-min.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="cleaning hoarder houses" /> Discovering a hoarder's house is like uncovering a unique ecosystem of its own. Every item has a story, and the sheer volume of clutter can be overwhelming. The task of cleaning such a house is monumental and requires a systematic approach. Whether you’re an investor aiming for a profit or a family member trying to help, here’s your roadmap to a cleaner, more habitable space: <h3>1. Preparing The Grounds</h3> <ul> <li> Remove All Occupants: Before embarking on the cleaning journey, ensure the hoarder, their family, and friends are safely moved out. </li> <li> Safety Assessment: Thoroughly inspect the property for potential hazards. Watch out for flammable items, sharp objects, biohazardous materials, pests, mold, and other threats. In severe cases, consider hiring a professional remediation company. </li> </ul> <h3>2. Equipping Yourself</h3> <ul> <li> Protection is Crucial: When diving into the layers of a hoarder's collection, always wear protective clothing. This includes gloves, N95 masks, protective footwear, and even a hard hat. </li> <li> Gather Cleaning Supplies: Prepare with heavy-duty cleaning tools and materials such as trash bags, bins, shovels, brooms, mops, disinfectants, and more. </li> </ul> <h3>3. The Big Clear Out</h3> <ul> <li> Junk Removal: Hiring a professional hoarder house cleaning service can be a game-changer, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. </li> <li> Consult Waste Management: Consider arranging for a dumpster for the major clear-out. Keep a designated area for items worth saving. </li> </ul> <h3>4. Deep Cleaning Begins</h3> <ul> <li> Top-To-Bottom Approach: Start from the ceilings, tackling spider webs and dusty fans, working your way down. Use disinfectants and sanitizers generously. Pay special attention to bathrooms, ensuring toilets, showers, and other fixtures are spotless. </li> <li> Floors: After years under piles of hoarded items, floors need thorough cleaning. Consider steaming carpets or replacing damaged flooring. For tiles and floorboards, multiple rounds of mopping might be needed. </li> </ul> <h3>5. Repair & Maintenance</h3> <ul> <li> Identify Damages: Look for structural issues, moldy surfaces, damaged fixtures, and other areas that need fixing. </li> <li> Renovation Plan: If your goal is to flip the house for profit, this is the time to design a comprehensive rehab plan. </li> </ul> <h3>6. Final Touches</h3> <ul> <li> Deodorize: Years of neglect can leave lingering smells. Use deodorizers to freshen up the space. </li> <li> Document Your Journey: Before and after photos can be a powerful testament to the transformation. They showcase not just a house restored, but also your dedication and effort. </li> </ul> <h3>Where Do I Find Hoarder House Cleaners?</h3> Depending on the extent of the hoarding situation, you may want to hire a professional hoarder house cleaning service to help get the property back in decent shape. To find hoarder house cleaners, you may Google search, “Hoarder House Cleaning” or “Hoarder House Cleaners Near Me” to find local vendors. You can post the details of your job on websites like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thumbtack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="Thumbtack | Care for Your Home | Find Local Pros & Reviews">Thumbtack</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://porch.com/how-it-works" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="How it Works - What is Porch?">Porch</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/how-it-works/" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="HomeAdvisor ProFinder - How It Works">HomeAdvisor</a>. These websites survey your problem and then match you with the appropriate vendors. You’ll have a chance to interview the cleaning company prior to hiring them. Let them know it’s a hoarder house and get an idea of pricing. Since the job is not your typical house cleaning, most traditional cleaning and junk removal services are not equipped for the task of cleaning a hoarder house. It’s important to first understand the amount of clutter and types of objects that remain on the property. Then, communicate as much detail to the cleaning company as you can in order to set the right expectations upfront before they start cleaning. Take photos and share them with your potential cleaning company and contractors. <h3>What’s The Average Cost To Clean A Hoarder House?</h3> Cleaning a hoarder house is no small task, and it comes with its set of unique challenges and expenses. The severity of the hoarding situation, the size of the property, and the type of items accumulated can all affect the overall cost. Below are the main cost components with detailed breakdowns: <ul> <li> Dumpster Rental: When dealing with excessive clutter, one of the first steps involves securing a place to dispose of it. Renting a large roll-away dumpster typically costs between $350-$500 for a day. </li> <li> Labor for Junk Removal: Not all items in a hoarder's house are meant to be thrown away. Sorting through belongings can be time-consuming, and you might need help. Hiring additional labor usually costs around $25 per hour for each worker. </li> <li> Cleaning Supplies: Depending on the amount and type of cleaning required, expect to invest anywhere from $60 to $400 in cleaning supplies alone. </li> <li> Professional Cleaning Services: While some may opt for a DIY approach, hiring a professional crew ensures a thorough job. The cost for these services can hover around $100-$150 per person for an 8-hour intensive cleaning session. Do note that specialized cleaning tasks might come with additional fees. </li> <li> Maintenance & Repairs: Beyond mere cleaning, some areas or items in the house might be damaged or deteriorated. For instance, replacing flooring can cost between $3 to $6 per square foot. For those considering a complete renovation, budgeting $25 to $45 per square foot is a general rule of thumb. </li> <li> Pricing Considerations: Hoarder house cleaning can vary widely in terms of cost. On average, such cleanups can exceed $1,000 daily. Service providers often charge between $0.75 and $2.50 per square foot affected by hoarding. Additionally, there's an hourly rate of $25-$60 for every worker. Remember, unexpected findings, like biohazards or toxins, can lead to a rise in costs. </li> </ul> Approach these numbers with an open mind, as the final figures can differ based on your specific situation and the conditions of the house. It's always a good idea to get a detailed quote before starting the cleanup. <h2 id="sell">How To Sell A Hoarder House</h2> Selling a hoarder house comes with its unique set of challenges. However, with the right strategy and understanding, you can navigate this intricate process efficiently. After cleaning, triple-check the property for necessary repairs. It's vital to weigh the repair costs against the potential return on investment. Some houses severely affected by hoarding might need extensive repairs which could be costly. <img src="https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/8345/images/d815f68-74a4-fa8d-b34b-55d5f5e85c7f_how_to_sell_hoarder_houses-min.jpg" how="" to="" sell="" a="" hoarder="" house="" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="how to sell hoarder houses min" /> Here's a checklist to help you sell a hoarder house: <ol> <li> Evaluate Selling As-Is: Selling a house that's been subject to hoarding is undoubtedly a daunting task. The issues faced in such homes surpass those of regular fixer-uppers. One fast and straightforward solution is to sell the house as-is to a cash buyer, usually a real estate investor. These buyers offer the advantage of a quick transaction, often closing deals within 24 to 48 hours, without expecting you to make any improvements. </li> <li> Price Competitively: Given the stigmas attached to hoarder houses, pricing the property rightly becomes essential. Setting a reasonable price can attract more buyers. However, remember that such properties often fetch lower market prices. </li> <li> Donate Usable Items: All hoarder houses aren't the same. Some might contain items in good condition that can be donated. This not only helps in clearing the property but also benefits the community. Some charitable organizations might even pick up donations, and significant donations can lead to tax deductions. </li> <li> Sell Valuable Contents: Before getting rid of everything, consider sorting items of value. These can be sold online or through estate sales, helping you recover some costs. For efficient sorting, you might consider hiring professional junk removal services, which can help determine what's worth selling. </li> </ol> In essence, while selling a hoarder house is no easy feat, with a structured approach and the right resources, you can make the process smoother and more profitable. <blockquote> Read Also: <a href="https://www.realestateskills.com/blog/cash-buyers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="How To Find Cash Buyers For Real Estate & Build Your List">How To Find Cash Buyers For Real Estate & Build Your List</a> </blockquote> <h3>Who Buys Hoarder Houses?</h3> Oftentimes, dealing with a hoarder house can be overwhelming, and for various reasons, the homeowners or inheritors may decide that cleaning or rehabilitating isn't feasible. Selling such properties "as-is" becomes the viable option, though it's important to note that doing so can considerably narrow down potential buyers. So, who exactly is interested in buying these houses? <ul> <li>Real Estate Investors & Contractors: The bulk of interest in hoarder houses typically comes from real estate investors and contractors. These professionals see past the immediate clutter and disarray, focusing instead on the potential the property holds. Their objective is usually to purchase these homes at a reduced price, invest in substantial renovations, and later sell for a profit.</li> <li>Cash Buying Companies: You might have come across names like <a href="https://www.webuyuglyhouses.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="America's #1 Cash Home Buyer | We Buy Ugly Houses®">"We Buy Ugly Houses"</a> or similar businesses in this niche. Such companies are particularly attracted to distressed properties, including hoarder homes. The key advantage they offer is a fast and hassle-free transaction. They make cash offers, bypassing the lengthy traditional selling process, and often close deals swiftly. Their business model is based on buying low, renovating, and flipping the house for a significant markup.</li> </ul> <h2 id="considerations">Important Considerations For Selling A Hoarder House</h2> Hoarder house buyers and property inspectors may not have complete visibility, even during an inspection walkthrough, due to the hoarding situation. Consider the following questions when flipping a hoarder house: <ul> <li> What is not visible during the walkthrough? </li> <li> What could possibly be revealed when the clutter is removed from the house? </li> <li> Which systems of the house are unable to be observed? </li> <li> Are there any signs of leaks coming from the ceilings or near plumbing fixtures? </li> <li> Has any part of the structure been compromised as a result of hoarding? </li> <li> If there is mold present, is it surface mold or is it down to the studs? </li> <li> Are there services for hoarder house cleaning near me? </li> <li> Do I have enough contingency in my rehab budget for unseen problems? </li> <li> Do I need to disclose the hoarding house conditions when selling the property? </li> <li> What does it cost to clean a hoarder’s house? </li> <li> Can I salvage anything in the house or is it a full-gut rehab? </li> </ul> <h2 id="tv-shows">Hoarder House TV Shows</h2> There are several hoarder house TV shows all about hoarder houses you can watch to learn more & see for yourself. These shows don’t show everything about what’s going on at a hoarder house, but they’ll give viewers a sneak peek into real-life hoarder houses. If you’re interested, here’s a quick list of hoarder house shows: <ul> <li>Hoarders (A&E)</li> <li>Clean House (The Style Network)</li> <li>Hoarding: Buried Alive (TLC)</li> <li>Hammer to the Manor (HGTV)</li> </ul> <h3>Hoarders (A&E)</h3> Without a doubt, <a href="https://www.aetv.com/shows/hoarders" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="Watch Hoarders Full Episodes, Video & More | A&E">A&E's Hoarders</a> is the most iconic and popular hoarder TV Show of them all. Many raving fans admittedly have been addicted to this show. Perhaps for shock value, perhaps for the real estate insights. We'll leave it up to you to decide--view one of their episodes below: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/9TLKv179n_I?si=Gu4HNh-CDLGOcw9F" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen">

Clean House (The Style Network)

A tamer version of A&E’s Hoarders, Clean House aired on The Style Network and was the longest-running of the list. Host Niecy Nash helps declutter houses and helps families sell and dispose of belongings. The show is less focused on compulsive hoarding disorder-- the mental illness that drives hoarding behavior. Clean House has reportedly been discontinued.

Hoarding: Buried Alive (TLC)

TLC’s Hoarding: Buried Alive show follows the real life of hoarders in a documentary-style series. This show does have more focus on the personal lives and illnesses of the hoarders featured on the TV show. The featured hoarders in Hoarding: Buried Alive are provided help from a therapist and professional organizer to clear their messy houses.

Hammer to the Manor (HGTV)

HGTV’s Hammer to the Manor isn’t a classic “Hoarder House” show per se, but the first episode is titled “The Old Hoarder House” and certainly goes behind the scenes of a real-life hoarder house from the perspective of property renovators.

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Hoarder House FAQs

Buying or flipping a hoarder house comes with unique challenges—and plenty of curiosity from new investors. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you understand how these properties work, what risks to watch for, and how to profit from them.

What is considered a hoarder house?

A hoarder house is a property so filled with clutter and personal belongings that rooms can’t be used normally. Kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways may be blocked, and deferred maintenance often hides repair issues. These homes typically sell at a discount because of the cleanup and safety concerns involved.

Are hoarder houses good investments?

Yes—if the numbers make sense. Hoarder houses often sell well below market value, giving investors room to profit after cleanout and minor repairs. Success depends on accurate cost estimates, strong cleanup crews, and a realistic resale plan.

How do you find hoarder houses for sale?

Look for MLS listings with terms like “as-is,” “cluttered,” or “limited showings.” Network with real estate agents, wholesalers, and probate attorneys, and check public records for nuisance liens or code violations. Driving for dollars in older neighborhoods can also reveal opportunities.

How much does it cost to clean a hoarder house?

Cleanup costs vary widely. Basic junk removal might run a few hundred dollars, while severe cases with biohazards, mold, or pest infestations can reach several thousand. Always budget for dumpsters, labor, pest control, and potential health/safety repairs.

Do you need special permits to clean or flip a hoarder house?

In most cases, you don’t need special permits for junk removal, but you may need approval for dumpsters or biohazard remediation. When flipping, standard building permits apply for electrical, plumbing, or structural repairs. Always check local codes before work begins.

Final Thoughts On Hoarder House

Navigating the intricacies of hoarder houses might seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it's entirely manageable.

Whether you decide to sell as-is or put in the effort to renovate and rehabilitate, understanding the unique challenges of such properties will serve you well. The real estate market offers opportunities for those willing to tackle difficult properties, and a hoarder house is no exception.

Embrace the journey and let's turn challenges into rewarding experiences together!

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*Disclosure: Real Estate Skills is not a law firm, and the information contained here does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before making any legal conclusions. The information presented here is educational in nature. All investments involve risks, and the past performance of an investment, industry, sector, and/or market does not guarantee future returns or results. Investors are responsible for any investment decision they make. Such decisions should be based on an evaluation of their financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.

Alex Martinez, the founder of Real Estate Skills, is known for his strong, practical expertise in real estate, starting from a beginner with no family connections in the industry to completing over 50 real estate deals, including wholesale and flips, within his first year.

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