If you’ve ever walked into a hoarder house, you know it’s not like selling a typical property. Rooms packed with belongings, lingering odors, pest problems, and potential code violations can make even seasoned real estate agents nervous. Understandably, many families wonder: How long does it really take to sell a hoarder house as-is in California?
The short answer: it depends. The condition of the property, the selling method you choose, and the local market all affect the timeline. But one thing is clear — selling as-is almost always shortens the process compared to trying to clean, repair, and list on the MLS.
In this article, we’ll explore the average timelines for selling a hoarder house in California, what slows things down, and how you can speed up the process. For more context, check out our full guide on how to sell a hoarder house in Los Angeles.
Why Hoarder Houses Take Longer to Sell Traditionally
Inspection and Appraisal Issues
Traditional buyers typically use financing, which means the home must pass inspection and appraisal. A hoarder house filled with trash, mold, or safety hazards often fails these checks. Even if a buyer initially shows interest, deals can collapse once the bank gets involved.
Example: A family in Anaheim listed their mother’s hoarder home on the MLS. After three months and two accepted offers, both deals fell through because the lender wouldn’t approve financing due to safety concerns.
Smaller Buyer Pool
Most retail buyers are looking for move-in ready homes. A hoarder property narrows the field to investors or cash buyers, which naturally slows down the process if you insist on listing it publicly.
Prep Time Before Listing
Even if you try to sell traditionally, you may spend weeks or months clearing out junk, scheduling dumpsters, or paying for minor repairs just to get the home market-ready. The Balance notes that “as-is” homes often linger on the market longer, since they don’t appeal to the average buyer.
How Long Does It Take to Sell As-Is?
When you skip the cleanout and list the property as-is, the timeline shortens dramatically. Instead of months of preparation, you can go straight to finding buyers who specialize in distressed homes.
- Listing on the MLS as-is: 60–120 days on average, depending on the market.
- Selling to an investor/cash buyer: 7–30 days, sometimes even faster.
Example: A seller in Van Nuys contacted a local cash buyer. Within 48 hours, she had an offer. Escrow closed in 12 days, even though the home was filled with decades of clutter.
Factors That Affect the Timeline
Location
A hoarder home in a high-demand area like Los Angeles or Orange County will usually sell faster than one in a rural community. Investors are more eager to buy in areas with strong resale or rental demand, since their chances of making a profit are higher. In contrast, homes in slower or less competitive markets may take longer to attract serious offers.
Severity of the Hoarding
Not all hoarder houses are the same — some are simply cluttered, while others have serious issues like structural damage, pests, or fire hazards. The more severe the hoarding situation, the smaller the pool of buyers willing to take on the risk. In extreme cases, lenders and inspectors may flag the home, slowing down or even blocking the sale.
Market Conditions
Overall market conditions play a big role in how fast a hoarder house sells. In a hot seller’s market with limited inventory, even distressed homes can move quickly as buyers compete for available properties. In a buyer’s market, however, where inventory is high, hoarder homes tend to sit longer since buyers have more choices. In a seller’s market, even distressed homes move quickly. In a slower market with high inventory, it may take longer to find the right buyer.
Why Cash Buyers Are the Fastest Option
Cash buyers and investors typically close in 7–21 days because they don’t need financing or inspections. They also handle the cleanup, which saves you weeks of effort.
Example: A San Bernardino family inherited a hoarder house after their aunt passed away. They considered hiring a junk removal company, but the quote came back at $15,000 and estimated 6 weeks to complete. Instead, they sold directly to a cash buyer and closed in 10 days, skipping the cleanup entirely.
Angi’s guide to junk removal estimates junk removal services can cost anywhere from $150 to $15,000 depending on severity — a major reason why families opt to sell as-is instead.
Steps You Can Take to Speed Things Up
- Sell As-Is: Skip repairs and cleaning to save weeks of prep.
- Gather Documents Early: Have the deed, utility bills, and mortgage info ready.
- Be Transparent: Disclose the condition honestly to avoid buyer dropouts.
- Choose the Right Buyer: Cash buyers who specialize in hoarder homes are often the fastest.
The Emotional Timeline
It’s not just about the transaction — it’s about the family’s emotional readiness. Selling a hoarder house can bring up grief, guilt, or stress. These feelings can delay decision-making.
Example: A daughter in Torrance held onto her father’s hoarder home for nearly a year because she couldn’t face cleaning it. When she finally sold it as-is, she said the relief was worth far more than the sale price.
Comparing Timelines
| Selling Method | Average Timeline | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS (Cleaned & Repaired) | 4–8 months | Higher sale price | Expensive cleanup, long delays |
| MLS (As-Is) | 2–4 months | No cleanup required | Still limited buyer pool |
| Cash Buyer | 7–21 days | Fastest option, no cleanup, guaranteed close | Lower price than retail |
Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take to sell a hoarder house as-is in California? It depends on your strategy. Listing as-is on the MLS could take months, while selling directly to a cash buyer can take just a week or two.
The key is balancing speed with your financial goals. If you want top dollar and can afford to wait, the MLS may be worth trying. If you need speed, simplicity, and relief from the burden, a cash buyer is almost always the fastest solution.
For more strategies, see our full guide on how to sell a hoarder house in Los Angeles.
At Mrs. Property Solutions, we specialize in helping families sell hoarder houses quickly and compassionately — no cleaning, no repairs, no stress. If you’re facing this situation, reach out today for a fast, fair cash offer.