My, Oh My, You Have a Big....Mess

I have shown homes like this as well. A few times the listing agent has at least given me an idea the house could be in disarray and that although they HAVE spoken with their client concerning the condition of the property, it is to no avail. It gives me the opportunity to at least prepare my buyer for what we could possibly walking in to. Sometimes you can talk, beg. plead, educate your client on strategies that will help their home sell but even that does not help. And then sometimes they just need help to get started, which I gladly offer!

Michael, I have never been a horder. Probably a little bit of the opposite. Back in 2005, we sold out house and most of our worldly goods and hit the road in an RV. I can't tell you how freeing it was not to have stuff. I don't think I've ever slept better at nights. The items were gone, debt was gone. It was absolute freedom. It's unfortunate that people place so much value in their stuff!!

when buyers see that a house hasn't been cleaned and straightened, it makes them wonder how else the house hasn't been "cared for"... has needed maintenance or repair been ignored, as well?

not a good thing.

I truly think when the "mess" gets to this stage, it's no longer just simply a mess.  It's a mental disease and depression revealing itself in physical form ... the clutter and filth in front of your eyes. 

My wife read a snippet of a new article released by a headache foundation to me just a while back that said ... "clutter" and visual disruptions can actually cause migraines for those that have a sensitivity to them.  It raises the mental stress level and actually irritates the brain.  It's no stretch of the imagination to think that it bothers others in more obscure or less physical ways ... maybe such as yours?  Just a repulsion and mini-shock at seeing the condition.  I was much the same, when appraising years back.  You're left speechless at times, aren't you?

  Gene

I think it is really sad when you see these types of homes.  I'm sure the home owner didn't set out to destroy their home with junk and trash.  So many times it is the result of something else in the person's life and they really need professional help to get to the issue.

Me thinks the homeowner doesn't see the mess.  When filth is the norm, why would one question the cleanliness of the home when presented for sale.  The fine print of  the listed did say, Small, Pig Sty, 3 bedroom, 2 and half stall...

As an investor. .I love to see this. .that takes the public out from my competition. .

Yep, I totally agree nothing turns off buyers more than walking into a mess house, most the time they can't get out of there fast enough. Sellers take notice.

It's amazing how many leave so much junk around while their homes are on the market.  It is totally distracting.

Great post Mike... I am totally on board for the "3 hour course".... when can we get it in as a LAW!!!

What always amazes me is that people can't figure this out... I mean it makes me crazy...

THere are also the "Stackers" who stack everything and there is a little bit of counter or a little bit of floor and they think the place is spotless. Then have the moxi to ask why people are not making offers.  I sometimes wonder if I could make CD of popular songs that has subliminal messages to clean the home, LOL, if only we could.

Your last sentence really sums up this whole mess...."Nothing says I don't value this property like having it a 'mess"..."

I like your last sentence too.  I bought my home from a hoarder also.  It took me 5 times of visiting this house before I had the courage to write an offer - And, I'm in the business!  I knew the floor plan, but because there was so much junk, I couldn't make a decision.  Finally, on the last visit before deciding, I brought a piece of draft paper, moved some magazines off the seller's couch, sat down, and began penciling in my furniture and things.  I also made a "To Do" list of things needing work before I could move it.  What I realized was the home had a newer roof and HVAC.  With new carpet and paint, I could move in. 

The bank owned properties are the worst.. feces, rotten food, unflushed toilets, etc. etc. simply disgusting!

Sometimes the best thing is to burn it down, legally of course in a controlled fire.

I had a short sale listing last year that was tenant-occupied that was an OMG, Mr. and Mrs. Seller have you seen what they've done to the place? I couldn't sell it -- it was that bad.  Pete in #31 above has a good solution. Thanks for your post today,

Michael, I like the 3 hour course idea. It will sell, however they will have to sacirifice the green stuff for having such a big wasteful mess.

A lot of potential buyers are not able to look above the mess so if the seller is really serious about selling, they need to clean up!

These are opportunity houses, the opportunity for the seller to be forced to get rid of their excess stuff, and the opportunity for the buyer to make some money while rehabbing a big mess.