The great thing about buying a used manufactured home is that, unlike a traditional home, it can be moved wherever you need it.
There are many places to look for a used manufactured home. You can start with classified ads, both ads in your local newspaper and online on sites like Craigslist. If you’re looking online, you can also check eBay and specialized mobile home sites. You can also check your local yellow pages, as many mobile home sales companies sell used and new homes.
Searching for a used manufactured home is only part of the process. You’ll also want to make sure you buy a good one.
You must determine the real value of the mobile home. Since manufactured homes depreciate and lose value more quickly, the home may not be worth the asking price. You can find the standard value for a manufactured home of a particular make, style, and year by consulting the Blue Book at your local public library. (You may need to ask a librarian to help you get this information from another library.) You can also request this information from your local bank or manufactured home dealer.
Value is also determined by add-ons such as decks, garages, extra rooms, and the like that can increase value. Check with your local county appraisers offer to find out how the manufactured home property has been appraised for tax purposes.
It is also necessary to thoroughly assess the condition of the house. As manufactured homes age, they suffer from the same ills as traditional homes…wiring or plumbing problems, aging furnaces, and the like.
The best way to determine the value and condition of the manufactured home you are considering purchasing is to hire an appraiser who is experienced in appraising manufactured homes. Check the yellow pages or ask your local bank for recommendations.
By the way, if you plan to keep the manufactured home where it is, you must get approval from the mobile home park where the home is located. Be sure to do this before you buy the house or you may have to move when you weren’t planning to. Not only that, but take a look at the park itself, as you may find that you don’t really want to stay there after all.