What should I look for in Purchasing a Previously Owned Mobile Home?

Question

I'm doing this as a first time buyer and the mobile home broker is selling at 0% interest. I know I will be responsible for all maintenance once I am an owner.

I just want pointers on what questions to ask and what to look for in the home as far as possible damage that may be cosmetically consealed, etc.

What kinds of problems have other mobile home buyers run into that I should be aware of?

Thank everyone for reading this and taking time to answer.

Answer 1

Here is a problem:  Why do you want to buy something that will constantly decrease in value???

You are better off renting than buying a trailer.

I guarantee that 0% interest is INTRODUCTORY and probably not good for more than a year.

Answer 2

First and foremost, take a pen and notebook with you.  Make a list of all the questions you want answered.  Write down the answers you are given.  This usually helps to focus the mind of the person who is giving the answers.

Take someone with you who will be prepared to look at the frame work underneath the mobile home.  If it is metal, which it probably is, look for signs of corrosion.  This is a definite no-no if you find any, because the whole stability of the home depends upon a good under-structure.

Check the waste disposal/sewage system.  Who is responsible for this?  It should be the site owner.

Is there a shower in the home?  Does it leak.  When you enter the home can you smell any damp?  Have the windows been opened prior to your inspection?  If so, be suspicious.

Check the roof for leekage.  Check inside the home around the ceilings and window cills for rain leaks which may have been recently re-decorated to hide this.  

Check the windows - are they secure and well fitting?

Is there a time limit on tenancy of the site?  Is there any ground rent to pay?

What is the general condition of the site?  How close are your nearest neighbours?

I know there is a slump in the price of properties, but selling at 0% interest should make you query this situation.  This may well be built into the asking price.  If you can find out if there have been any recent sales on the same site and what were the prices realised.

See what happens as a result of your private survey above. If you are satisfied that you would like to proceed, make an offer at below the asking price - 15% down - and see what happens.  Remember, you can proceed upwards in your offer but not downwards.  Also this is a buyer's market  and prices are continuing to fall - it is also your hard earned money you are spending.

Ask the age of the home.  How many previous owners have there been?  Just be generally nosy - it is your right you are the buyer..  

Also, step back from the situation and think hard - make sure you have got it right.

Although the site below is written for house buyers, it contains some very helpful information which may be of help to you.

Basically, it is a question of doing your homework (literally!).

Best wishes.

Answer 3

rats.

Answer 4

a better job.

Answer 5

Walk over as much as the floor as possible.  Unlike houses that have concrete foundations, badly maintained mobile home floors can get unstable and start to sink.  Best to make sure the floors feel as solid as possible (since its wood, it may bend under some weights, this is normal).  Like the first responder, check the home for holes in the walls or badly patched spots.  If you intend on moving the home to your own land or rented land, then this won't be too big of a problem.

In the kitchen cabinets (if they are the original cabinets), there will be a white plate like paper that will list the age of the home and the appliances that were furnished, as well as the climate that the home was built for.  Check for black soot like stuff on the carpets and plastics anywhere in the home (check the vents too).

I would recommend trying to get a mobile home that is entirely electric.  Gas prices are soaring and if you are planning on living in the country, you will need to have a propane tank installed that hooks to the home and minimum to fill this tank up is 100 gallons where I live which was over three hundred bucks back in January.  So definitely try for an all electric home.

Central heat and air is a good thing to have as some mobile homes are too big to heat and cool with window units and space heaters.  Check to see how many breaker boxes the home has and look at the power outlets.  You don't want to purchase one that looks like something got too hot in the outlet as it indicates bad wiring.

Good luck with your search!