Published June 30, 2025

From DM to Demo: The St. Louis Park Hoarder House (Blog 1 of 4)

Written by Jessica Corners

Every house has a story, but this one started in my direct messages.

One of my Instagram followers reached out, looking to quickly offload a family member’s property in St. Louis Park. It had been the seller's home for many, many years and they accumulated a lot over those years. In some rooms it was floor to ceiling. It quickly became "the hoarder house" even through truthfully they weren't hoarders, they just saved a lot. A lot. They needed someone who could take it as-is: no cleanup, no showings, no hassle. Just help.

I was interested and had been looking for my next project. A few days later, we met at an Applebee’s to sign the deal over lunch. It was unconventional, but it worked, and just like that, I was the proud new owner of a project that had many unknowns, but a lot of potential.

With this much stuff in the home, a traditional inspection was nearly impossible. You couldn’t see the walls, the floors, or even all of the rooms. It was a bit of a leap of faith, but I knew what I was getting into, and I had a game plan and the right people around me.

The initial strategy was to use a construction loan to renovate the home, then refinance it using the BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) and hold it as a rental. It was going to take vision, hustle, and a lot of support, but I believed in the potential buried underneath it all.

This is exactly the kind of situation our team here at BNG is built for: messy, emotional, and full of opportunity. We don’t shy away from heavy lifts, we lean in, get our hands dirty, and guide families through what can feel like an impossible process.

And the best part? This home got a second chance. Just like the family who reached out, who can now move forward with peace of mind.

SEE THE BEFORE VIDEO HERE!

Stay tuned: this transformation is one you won’t want to miss. I’ll be sharing everything: the demolition, the unexpected surprises, the design journey, and the financial breakdown. And yes, there were plenty of hiccups and hard lessons along the way… all coming your way soon! Next up: the demolition process!

Bethany Nelson, Real Estate Wealth Advisor, Realtor® and Founder

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