| Important Tips for Buying a Mobile Home

People buy mobile homes because they are inexpensive. The ongoing argument about equity loss through depreciation usually depends upon whether the mobile home is placed in a park or on the mobile home owner’s land. We’ll sidestep that discussion and focus upon the little things that you should look out for when you are buying a mobile home. It’s these little things that can determine if your years spent in the mobile home will be filled with happiness or despair. The following list is a sampling of the things you must consider when looking for a mobile home.

Inspecting the Mobile Home

Inspect the mobile home to determine its condition and level of maintenance. If you don’t feel confident in your inspection skills, bring a knowledgeable friend with you.

• Don’t buy a home built before 1977 as it will most likely have aluminum wiring which can be a fire hazard. Mobile homes from that period can also be difficult to finance and insure. You’d be wise not to consider a mobile home over 15 years old.

• Check for wavy walls and door frames that are crooked, a clear indication that the mobile home is settling.

• Check ceilings for evidence of roof leaks. Find out if and when repairs were made, and check that the roof has no rotted wood.

• Check for spongy floors. Bounce your weight on the floors to test this. Pay special attention to the bathroom.

• Ensure that there is a working smoke alarm in each bedroom.

• Check any steps to ensure they are solid with no tripping hazards.

• Check that stair railings are secure and that balusters are spaced at 4 inches or less.

• Check that the water heater is working properly and is up to code.

• Have the furnace and central air conditioner checked out by a professional.

• Turn on all faucets and check under all sinks and bathroom fixtures for leaks.

• Have an electrician check out the electrical system to ensure it is safe an up to code.

• Check the roof for leaks and sagging. Get proof of the roof’s age.

• Check for termites, and check to see if management has an insurance contract with any pest control company.

Checking Out the Mobile Home Park

The park will be your neighborhood for a long time if you purchase the mobile home. Check it out thoroughly to ensure that it’s a neighborhood that you really want to live in.

• If you’re securing a loan to purchase the mobile home, check with the lender to be sure that the park is approved by the lender before you commit.

• Check to see if the park has any problems with security. Is there a security company patrolling regularly? Check with the local police for a record of crime in the area.

• If you have a dog or cat, check to be sure that the park allows pets, particularly your breed. Some dogs, considered dangerous, are not permitted. Some parks permit no dogs at all.

• Talk to a few of the neighbors to get a feel about them and their impressions of their life in the park. Ask them about the park’s managers to find out what level of commitment they have for the community’s well being.

• Drive around the park looking for trash, old cars, rusty appliances, any refuse that would indicate poor management rules. You don’t want to live in a dump.

If you’ve been thorough in your investigations and inspections, you’ll feel more relaxed when you make your final decision about whether or not to buy. Knowledge is power for making correct decisions, and you don’t want to be mistaken about the place and the home in which you may be living.
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