Hoarded homes can be a real challenge when we arrive to do a RICS property valuation for a deceased estate. Sometimes we can’t even reach into some spaces to do a proper assessment. More than a few clients ask us whether they made a mistake to look past the evidence. Today we explore this question. Should hoarders see a doctor before things get out of hand?
What is Hoarding – Are There Degrees of It?
Hoarding disorder – for that’s what it is – manifests as a persistent difficulty getting rid of things. This is the outward sign of an aversion to losing them, even if they have no substantive, aesthetic, or personal value whatsoever. There’s a little bit of this habit in all of us. But it really only becomes a problem when it impinges on the quality of our lifestyle.
Our RICS probate service includes advising clients of the value of any movable chattels for probate we come across. Searching for a diamond pendant the late hoarder’s daughter remembers, can be a real challenge. Especially when bedrooms and living rooms, garages and outbuildings are stacked to the ceiling with valueless trash.
At What Stage Should Hoarders See a Doctor?
Compulsive hoarders seldom, if ever see their life style as a problem. To them, it is a perfectly decent thing to throw nothing away, in case they have a use for it someday. They don’t see a problem where they store junk in a chaotic manner, but their relatives, friends, or carers may.
Hoarders are not dangerous people, or seriously ill. Our best advice is to seek help from their local council or county welfare office. We can’t recommend you try to do something about it yourself. That’s because the response is likely to range from open denials to shutting you out of the house.
What Are the Outward Signs to Watch For?
We were chatting with a client while waiting for our RICS Valuator to arrive to assess the brick and mortar property. ‘How did the hoarding start,’ we asked idly hardly expecting such a detailed explanation. ‘Should your hoarder have seen a doctor earlier, do you think?’
Common signs of early hoarding are unlikely to triggers alarm in an average person’s mind, our client explained. There was little or no indication to wonder should my aunt see a doctor in the early stages. We just noticed the cupboards were over flowing and wondered why.
Our RICS client continued by explaining how the hoarding problem worsened:
- Things were still more or less under control while my aunt was still working, she began
- But once she retired they spent more time at home and the rubbish started piling up
- She hardly threw anything away during the last few years as she progressively slowed down
Our client continued explaining how her elderly aunt kept acquiring things they did not really need, and seemed unable to get rid of anything. It was as if they felt the items were still useful, and they became upset when we questioned this.
Crunch time came when the family visited on Christmas day and found the lounge cluttered with refuse bags. It was too late to do anything about it, she sadly remarked. because by then my aunt was already sliding into decline.
Warning Signs Suggesting Hoarders See a Doctor
Some people are at greater risk than others of becoming compulsive hoarders, and could consider consulting their doctor if any of the following apply:
- Many people who develop hoarding disorder have a past history of indecisiveness
- There’s evidence having a family member who is a hoarder increases the likelihood
- A stressful life experience such as death of a loved one can trigger the syndrome
It’s important to note here that compulsive hoarding is more than an irritating lifestyle. Seriously-afflicted hoarders should probably see a doctor because there can be more unpleasant consequences.
Hoarding causes a variety of unsafe conditions increasing the likelihood of a fall, entrapment in shifting debris, family conflicts, and loneliness and social isolation in unsanitary conditions. The best solution may be a complete tidy up.
After Avery Associates have Tidied Up (All Rights Reserved)
How Avery Associates Came to the Rescue
We brought in our cleaning team to clear the deceased’s house. Jeffrey worked with them, inspecting for anything of value before any trash left the house. We didn’t find anything of collectible value except for a few items of early-twentieth-century furniture, that actually turned out quite valuable.
Our valuator then completed the RICS probate valuation using the comparable method. Once they had the inheritance tax sorted and the probate arranged, the executor could distribute the assets, and all could get on with their lives again.
A Recent Avery Associates Review
Hi Jeffrey. Thank you very much for carrying out the valuation at my mother’s property and the subsequent house clearance in St Albans … The whole team were professional and friendly and I would have no hesitation in recommending your firm to future clients. L Naunton
