Provocative House-buying Ads Stir Controversy In The Community

Just when you think Ohio couldn’t get any wilder, there is a local businessman from the Cleveland area who is wild for the kind of billboard campaigning he’s doing for his house-buying business.

He’s posted a billboard across the city with a giant picture of his face saying things like “Your house is trash? I’ll pay cash,” and “Yes! I buy crack houses.”

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Cleveland's "I Buy Crack Houses" Billboards

That is an absolutely off-the-cuff marketing strategy when it comes to people selling you their house, but it’s one that he is confident will help him stand out from the rest of the homebuyers in the area, according to Cleveland 19:

When you mention crack houses or abandoned houses it gets attention. It brings attention to the issue, and it also brings in leads, which we could acquire these properties that are just sitting there. It’s a big win for everyone.

He went on to say that no matter how he describes the homes, they're still there and that can't be ignored:

Some people may say using that specific word is not good, but the properties do exist. We all see them. We all either choose to accept that it is that, or ignore it. It looks like it’s been a problem that’s been ignored for decades.

Although John Williams is trying to defend his advertising strategy, there are people like Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin, who are disgusted with the messaging and want the billboards removed:

Whenever you talk about, ‘Your house is trash, we pay cash,’ and whenever you talk about, ‘We buy crack houses,’ and you come into a predominantly poor, African American community — you’re sending a clear message. You’re being condescending, you’re being demeaning, and you’re being disrespectful.

He went on to say exactly how he feels about the billboards:

That's Bullsh-t.

Ohio is wild for this one.