As a professional home buyer, I regularly work with hoarder houses. I want to assure you that when sellers or their families try to explain how their property reached its current condition, it truly doesn’t concern me. From the bottom of my heart, I pass absolutely no judgment. It’s similar to how doctors routinely handle blood and surgical procedures (which would make me faint). For me, this is completely normal. After all, I can’t be an effective property problem solver without actual problems to address. What genuinely matters to me is the health and safety of those living in these homes.
The Hidden Problem Behind Closed Doors
In small towns like Somersworth, New Hampshire, where neighbors know one another and word travels fast, few issues stay hidden for long — except hoarding. It’s a quiet crisis that can turn a once-comfortable home into an unsafe, unsanitary environment. I’ve walked into houses where belongings have taken over every room, sunlight is blocked out, and the smell of mold hangs in the air. And when the yard is left alone for too long, overgrown grass, trees, and vines start doing what nature does best — slowly reclaiming the property.
When Hoarding Invites Unwanted Guests
Cluttered, neglected homes don’t just look bad — they invite infestations that can destroy a property from the inside out. Here’s what often shows up in Somersworth’s older housing stock:
• Mice and rats nesting in insulation and wall voids
• Cockroaches and ants thriving on crumbs and hidden food waste
• Flies and maggots breeding in trash or spoiled food
• Fleas, mites, and bed bugs from pets or fabric piles
• Raccoons and squirrels breaking through roof vents or chimneys
Because clutter hides the warning signs — chew marks, droppings, or entry holes — infestations often go unnoticed until the damage is widespread. By that point, repairs can be extensive: wiring, drywall, insulation, even framing may need replacement.
Overgrown Landscaping: The Silent Destroyer
Outside, things can fall apart just as quickly. Somersworth’s damp climate and rich soil mean vegetation grows fast — and without regular trimming, it becomes destructive.
• Ivy and vines trap moisture, causing rot and mold on siding
• Tree roots crack foundations and driveways
• Ants and termites use branches and vines as bridges into the home
• Clogged gutters lead to roof leaks and basement flooding
• Tall, dry brush increases fire risk during hot summers
Even if the structure itself is solid, an overgrown exterior kills curb appeal — and that perception alone can knock $20,000–$40,000 off a property’s resale value in Strafford County’s current market.
Hoarding in New Hampshire: What the Data Shows
New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) classifies hoarding and unsanitary living conditions as public-health issues. Local health officers can intervene when hoarding creates pest infestations or fire hazards — and cases in Strafford County have increased in recent years, especially among older homeowners or those with inherited properties.
National research suggests that 2–6% of adults struggle with hoarding behavior. Applied to New Hampshire’s population, that means roughly 25,000 to 80,000 people statewide could be living in cluttered or unsafe conditions — including right here in Somersworth.
How Neglect Impacts Home Value
Deferred maintenance is one of the fastest ways to lose equity in a property. Studies show that:
• Homes with obvious neglect sell for 10–30% below comparable properties in good condition.
• A single neglected house can reduce neighboring property values by 1–5%.
• Small issues — like a leaking roof or pest damage — compound over time, turning a few thousand dollars in repairs into tens of thousands.
In Somersworth, where the median single family home value sits around $460,000, a neglected home could easily lose $40,000–$100,000 in market value — and scare away traditional buyers altogether.
When It Feels Overwhelming — There’s Still a Way Out
The reality is, cleaning and repairing a hoarded or severely neglected property can feel impossible. Between dumpsters, pest control, mold remediation, and code compliance, the cost adds up fast. Many homeowners simply don’t have the time, tools, or emotional energy to take it on — and that’s where we come in.
At Brendan Buys Houses, I specialize in buying properties as-is — hoarder homes, estate cleanouts, or houses that just need a second chance. We handle the cleanup, deal with the trash, and close quickly in cash so homeowners can move on without the stress. Take what they want and leave what they don’t.
A Fresh Start for Somersworth Homes
If you’re dealing with a hoarded or neglected property in Somersworth or anywhere in Strafford County, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to fix it yourself. A property’s past doesn’t define its future. With the right help, even the most distressed home can become a valuable asset again.
Call me at Brendan Buys Houses at (603) 380-4455 or visit www.BrendanBuysHouses.com to learn how you can sell your home fast, as-is, for a fair cash offer — no repairs, no stress, no judgment.