What do I look out for when buying a used mobile home?
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Hello, I would ask how old the high ticket items are like the hot water tank and furnace. They will be some of priciest things to replace. If they have not been replaced, have they been checked out recently.
Owning the home and ground is similar to a condo type situation. Get a copy of the by-laws, rules and regulations. Find out how property tax is paid too. Hire a home inspector that specializes in mobile homes and perform an inspection, just as you would do on a typical single family home. Even though the people seem nice and honest, do your homework, it is always buyer beware, especially in CA. My in laws were in 3 different 55 and over parks in San Marcos for many years and we were so grateful, as they do look out for each other. Haggle and negotiate as if any other real estate transaction. Keep us posted and if you need anything, we are here for you!
An older mobile should have a new coating of roofing tar on the roof. Sometimes, the mobiles get remodeled and have drywall instead of the standard panels. The drywall is much quieter and you can hang pictures on it etc.
look for stains seeping through ceilings or along base boards if any to make sure there was no water leaks. If any moisture had build up in warmer climates mold will start to form, can very much be a health concern.
Start by writing down all the questions you have, and ask them when your looking for a mobile home. I would get an inspection of the mobile home you are set on, provided the owner doesn't object. Since you covered most of what to ask, there are still unanswered questions. Don't jump in too quickly, be sure you feel safe about your choice. Also ask about insurance, if you take a mortgage, maybe you want to take insurance on the mortgage, etc. Good Luck!
No matter how nice the people are, no matter what the trailer appears have a professional inspection. My mobile home looked very nice. The inspection turned up five pages of what was wrong.
Check with the police department to see if they get a lot of calls to that park. You don't want to have criminal neighbors.
All of the above are great answers. The best answer is to get an inspection. If the owner objects, don't buy it. If the window sill doesn't have marble on it then their is probably water damage. Mobile homes are above ground so you usually don't have to worry about water there but water damage from above is always a possibility. if possible, talk to the owner about any repairs that have been made and when. If your not transporting the home, check out the neighborhood (take a drive by both day and night). Good luck
PS. Sorry, forgot to mention that if you are staying in the community be sure to check out the HOA. Some of them are VERY strict. You can't even hang out a flag.
The inspection is the best idea and make sure it includes the underlying water lines. Apparently the old PCV piping is not up to today’s standards and I had to replace all of the water pipes under my home within the first 6 months. Especially important if the home has been unoccupied for a while.
I love mobile home living, but it has some unique differences.
"value",.. really what is it worth? are you buying the plot, and then paying a premium for the old almost worthless trailer.. trailers lose value rapidly.. they were never designed to be lived in,. just used and scrapped. get professional inspections and appraisals. Not someones opinion of what they think they are worth. Some communities restrict secondary sales and you may end up with a legal mess and an old trailer that you can not live in. (good luck. leaks / rot. take away from value)
We looked through various mobile home communities and learned a little about what we should look for and what we wanted from a community or didn't want. We bought ours "as is" turned out we had to put in a new air conditioner.
Still we enjoy the camaraderie and quietness of our 55+ community.
You might want to have someone out to check the air conditioner and also have someone come out to see if the home is level. One clue would be doors that don't stay shut or open.
Soft spots on the flooring! Dead Animals under the skirting, always make sure it is tight and no holes or animals will go in there and set up house.
Look for leaks in the ceiling. Also check the electrical system and the plumbing before you buy.
Make sure the mobile home is insulated, check for damage covered by paint-like a ceiling roof leak, the heating/cooling system,
Check the underside of the home to see if it has been undersealed and allllllso check roof condition.
Foundation
Manufactured homes are built on a permanent chassis, which becomes part of the foundation when the wheels and axles are removed. When purchasing a used manufactured home, the chassis should be in good condition and free of rust in order to ensure that the home will remain structurally sound for many years to come. Additionally, most manufactured homes are placed on a concrete pad or pilings, which should also be solid, without large cracks and/or excessive spalling. The home inspector should also check the tie-down straps and/or frame anchors (depending on its model, a manufactured home may be secured solely with frame anchors) to make sure they haven’t become loose.
Flooring
Manufactured homes have a floor framing system, which consists of sheet plywood or wood composite decking placed on top of floor joists, with a moisture barrier underneath and floor covering on top. Although the floor system in newly manufactured homes meets the rigidity requirements specified by HUD, some used manufactured homes may have floor issues, like soft spots, waviness, and/or holes. If the vapor barrier has been compromised, the floor frame structure should be checked for water damage.
Siding, Skirting, and Underbelly
When it comes to the exterior of a pre-owned manufactured home, siding has two main functions: it protects the home from the elements and improves the aesthetic appeal of the entire property. Siding that has been maintained in good condition excludes any moisture-related problems inside the walls. Similarly, skirting plays a significant role in eliminating air drafts and reducing moisture-related problems underneath the home. Therefore, it shouldn’t have any gaps or holes. When checking the home’s underbelly, the inspector should look for signs that may indicate the home is shifting or sinking. If the underbelly shows any signs of tearing or sagging at key pressure points, it might need to be repaired or replaced. Additionally, piers that are tilting and pulling away from the structure may indicate some serious problems with the home.
Roof
In pre-owned manufactured homes, roofs are the most common source of leaks. If there are any water stains on the ceiling, the problem could be caused by holes as well as by loose or missing shingles and/or flashing right above the stains.
Doors and Windows
When checking the door and window frames, there shouldn’t be any cracks, water stains, rot, decay, or mold growth. Additionally, the windows and doors should open and close easily and lock properly. Windows or doors sticking in the frame may indicate a moisture-related problem or a major structural issue, such as foundation damage or excessive deflection around the openings.
The HVAC System and Appliances
The HVAC system, water heater, furnace, lights, and any appliances that come with the manufactured home you intend to purchase should be checked to ensure they are in good working order.
Electrical and Plumbing Systems
Electrical and plumbing inspections should be done by professionals. Not only are licensed specialists able to identify problems and recommend the most appropriate solutions, but they can also establish whether or not the electrical and plumbing systems are in compliance with the state and local requirements.
Besides preparing your own home inspection checklist, being present during the inspection is a great idea because you’ll be able to get more details about the condition of the manufactured home you intend to purchase.
Great advice here! Thanks for sharing!
I would advise to closely inspect the mobile home's HVAC system, particularly the air ducts. Older models may require duct replacement due to wear and tear, which can be a significant expense. We faced this issue. Fortunately, my husband found a good guide on mobile home ac duct replacement https://alphamechanicals.com/blog/mobile-home-hvac-systems-installation-guide/ and did all the work on his own. Pay attention to any signs of leaks or blockages, as these can impact the efficiency and lifespan of the system. Believe me, ensuring the HVAC is in good condition will provide you with the comfort and peace of mind you seek in this mobile home investment.
I'd start by checking the roof, basement and an HVAC system.