Mike, I definitely have a few that would fit this profile, but not sure I would turn them mover.  Ha!

Mike~ I've been assigned some REOs that looked like Hoarders lived there, before the trash-out crew arrived. Seriously, though, a hoarder is probably not going to put their house up for sale, so assuming that agents would know who the town's hoarders are is a strange assumption.

Hi, Mike. I didn't know that TLC is owned by Move Inc. It figures. No, I won't turn clients' names for this, nor anything else.

Maybe the Seller could use the $$$ to get the Mental Counseling that they need (or maybe use the money for a Fleet of Dumpsters).

But prior to responding to such a letter, I would run this past the Seller, and ask my own Attorney for a written opinion.

I've seen that show and it irritates the daylights out of me - they give these poor people ONE visit with a psychiatrist and act like they're "fixed" now. Too TOO sad - I think their loved ones should call in a real psychiatrist to help them and leave these shows without people to exploit! I've seen some bad homes, but thankfully nothing as bad as being a psychological issue.

❦ I do know a few very closely... but no.  I can't even watch that show.  It's sad...
Pamela

P.S Congratulations on crossing that 600,000 points mark Mike.  You'll be joining the Millionaire club in no time!

I could NEVER sell out a client, a potenialt client, or anyone whose home that I have seen in a professional capacity!

Mike - while I would not recommend it, I think the decision should be up to my clients. I have offerred several the opportunity to try out for that HGTV home search show and it was their decision not to. But, I do agree, while I don't watch the program, it certainly does not put people in a positive light. I used to go to a  lot of auctions, many of which where at "hoarders" homes. There were always some treasures, but, mostly "bleah".

Wow Mike, I didn't know they solicited Realtors but I can see it happening and it's a good marketing tactic.,.. I mean aren't we all trying to find new and effective ways to market ourselves or our product? I do agree it's crossing the line though. It's a sad show and those folks need more than clean up of the external.

Mike - I can't decide what's more despicable, TLC soliciting Realtors for show contestants or Realtors offering up their clients.

Thanks for your post, Mike.  It has given me an idea for a blog post regarding the popularity of Reality Television and our Modern Society.

I have actually seen this show and it does not make fun of the psychological factors that cause and sustain hoarding. It does give insight to the fact that it is a disorder and there are licensed professionals to help people in need. Where I have a problem, is the solicitation of realtors to provide new "leads" for the show. THIS is upsetting. I would hope if a realtor finds a person in need of this type of help, they do offer them that advice, but decline the "referral fee"... it shouldn't be about the money, it should be about helping someone.  ~ Jennifer the IHI Home Inspections Girl

Anything for "entertainment", these days, it seems.  Sad.  Just saw a news article about a movie maker who apparently made an extremely vulgar horror movie.  The UK banned the movie.  He called his work "an art". 

Hi Mike, while I wouldn't consider the TLC's program "entertainment" per se, I do see value in what they do.  As others have noted, hoarders do what they do because they have a disorder, usually born out of severe depression, and they need help.

Being in the reverse mortgage industry I've seen a couple of homes that are similar to what's on "Hoarders".  It usually comes up during the FHA appraisal process.  FHA wants to be sure the occupant is in a safe dwelling so that includes it being sanitary.

I can't speak for what happens during the forward mortgage process but when talking about reverses, the banks are going to force a clean-out before the loan can be closed.