Buyers Guide Tips for New Used and Repossessed Manufactured HomesThere are lots of used mobile homes manufactured mobile homes for sale. Single wide or double wide mobile homes can be an excellent choice for your home buying dollars. There are mobile home manufactured home dealers and private individuals that have used mobile homes for sale at good prices. Repossessed mobile homes can also be had at a price savings. The older homes will be cheap in comparison to newer factory built mobile homes since there is no appreciation in value. Choose a floor plan that will suit your lifestyle and furniture choices.
Inspection Guide for Buying a Mobile Home
There are a few things to look for when you are looking to buy a used mobile home trailer. Inspect homes in a step by step way to be sure that there are no major problems before buying mobile home. As a guide I recommend starting from bottom to top. Look under the home for damage to the frame, insulation, duct work, wiring and plumbing. Look for signs of water damage and of course termites and other pest problems (mice and roaches that will go with the home).While you are still outside look at the exterior siding for rot, rust and stains from drainage problems. Check around windows and doors for mold, mildew and condensation problems. Check the seal around the doors and windows also, can you see daylight? Does the manufactured mobile home have storm doors?When you start on the inside look at the homes floor for warping and sinking damaged areas. Check the floor registers for rust and air tightness. Again, look for daylight around the duct work.Look at the walls for damage and any mold and stains, especially around windows and doors. Are the interior windows all in place? The interior windows are essential for energy efficiency.The most often damage is going to be in the bathrooms and the kitchen. Look for mold, water stains and signs of water leaks on the floors, walls, under the bathroom cabinets kitchen cabinets and behind the toilet. Check the homes plumbing and the faucets for signs of leaks. Bathroom cupboards and kitchen cupboards are typically made of press board, also known as chip board and will have swelling and blistering where they have gotten wet. Bathrooms and kitchen are where some of the most serious damage occurs due to leaks and splashing. Check around electrical outlets and switches for signs of electrical arcing and burns. Do the slots on the outlets look worn? Do they look worn out or burned and blistered? Is the homes wiring copper or aluminum wire? If it has aluminum wiring it is pre 1976 and should be avoided unless you plan to rewire or use it as a storage building without power.Check all appliances and also the water heater for leakage and, if the mobile home is so equipped, the interior A/C unit for cleanliness and mold. How do the appliances look?Take a look in the homes circuit breaker box, are there any obvious additions? Are there plenty of blank spaces left?Check ceilings for signs of water and other damage. How about the light fixtures?Now for the roof, look at the shingles, drip caps, fascia and vents for damages. If it has a metal roof look for signs of rust, cracks and peeling and "water trails" on the siding.Ask where the mobile home manufactured home was set up before if it is not on the original site. Was it on a well or public utility ? Was it on private land or mobile home park?Ask the mobile home broker about set up fees, permit fees, and moving costs. Do steps, skirting and tie downs come with it? Power pole and plumbing hook up included? Warranty?
Buying vs. Renting
Buying a mobile home instead of renting definitely has it's advantages. You can now put your money into something that you own. You have say so over any repairs or renovations that you what to make without waiting for the landlord to make a decision. Of course now you will have other responsibilities such as taxes and repair bills. I thoroughly suggest researching all the avenues before you buy to make sure that down the road you won't get yourself into financial situations that will be overly burdensome. Below are some books that could greatly help you in your decision process. Do your homework to avoid headaches.
Mobile Home Data Plate Zone CodeIt's important that you check the zone data plate sheet in the mobile home to make sure that it is suited for the geographical location where you intend to set it up. This data sheet is usually found in the laundry area cabinets, but can be under the kitchen sink, in a walk in closet or near the water heater. This zone data sheet will tell you the mobile home zone ratings according to the manufacturers certification of wind zone rating and thermal zone rating.
Mobile Home Wind Zone Thermal Zone Data Plate
Buying a Mobile Home Final Advice
If you feel unsure about the mobile home trailer, have a mobile home manufactured homes repair person do an inspection for you, it could save a lot later. Armed with the facts you can now negotiate your best price deal. Asking informed questions can get the sales person to be a better partner in your mobile home manufactured mobile housing buying quest. Check into the reputation of the seller with friends, neighbors and the BBB.
Here are some Books to help you with Choosing a Manufactured Mobile Homes or Modular Homes to help make your buying experience better.