Knowing what to look for when you are buying a manufactured home can save you time and headaches down the road. The article below from author Michael Allen Right is just the thing.
Buying A Used Manufactured Home? What You Need To Know And Look For!
There are a few things to keep in mind when you are looking for a manufactured home. Sure it is great to find one that you think is big, beautiful, great layout... you get the picture, but there are some things to be thinking about before you make a decision. You don't want a big beautiful home that has a leaky roof a year after you bought it, do you?
First off, it is important that you like the home. If you don't like the manufactured home layout or feel of the home, it isn't the end of the world and some of our "turn offs" can be fixed with minor work, but don't feel like you are limited to that home because it's the closest one you found "so far". There are definitely a lot of homes out there and it is important you find the one you "WANT" to live in. Unless you are advised otherwise by a manufactured home dealer expert (because of credit issues, criminal record, etc...), keep looking until you find one you like.
So, here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you find a solid manufactured home that won't fall apart on you 1 year after you move in or other things that will influence your homes value.
1) The Park
What is the space rent in the park and what does it include?
TO BE OK WITH! It is easy to hear a space rent of $550 and say, "WHAT? I thought I owned the home? Why is the rent expensive? Keep in mind what they are paying for. Some parks pay nothing, others pay everything. An example but not limited to: Water, Sewer, Garbage, Cable.
Also, you are not paying property taxes on the LAND. Yes, there are taxes for the home, but you have to add in the property for the space rent.
TO BE WARY ABOUT! High space rent. You will find very good deals on homes, but they will stay that way for the buyer after you, and after them, and so on. You can find a descent $8000 single, even double wide sometimes and you will pay through the nose to make up for the difference.
THINGS TO ASK! What did the space rent go up? $10-15 per year is very normal. $25 is high. Space rents normally rise around the same amount every year per park. Also, what amenities come with the rent. It should throw your decision out the window, but it's good to know.
2) You will want an Inspection.
We advise our customers to get an inspection on any manufactured home past 1980. Before then, you get what you pay for mostly. It is fine and dandy to get a cutesy house but if in a year the pipes fall apart because you didn't look under the house to see, then is would really be a damper on your mood.
3) The Roof
When was it last replaced? Was it resealed? A 20 year old rood could be an expensive endeavor if you did not budget that in. Remember to check for leak stains on the ceiling. It isn't a tell all, but again, this is where an inspection would come in handy.
4) SUPER GOOD CENTS!
Buying a Super Good Cents home vs another is all about the manufacturing of the manufactured home. It is the difference between buying a cracker or buying a soft thick slice of bread. Expect to pay more, but you get so much more. Simply put, it means 6" walls, vinyl windows, and mostly to completely tape and textured. This will help a lot with your heating bill.
5) DON'T MIND THE PAINT!
I say don't mind the paint because it is easy for someone to walk in somewhere, and immediately see a stain on the wall and, just like first impressions, make a judgement on the home by a simple cosmetic issue. Too many times I see people who buy a home with a bad foundation, walls, piping, roof... but didn't want to slap some paint on the "other" one with a smudge but still a solid home.
Things to be fine with if you don't mind the little work
- Paint (Not your color? Then fix it. Don't go buy an over priced manufactured home)
- Small Hardware issues (Things to go to Home Depot and get for a few bucks)
- Easily fixed holes in walls or in a $35 door. It's not that bad.
It is fairly easy to work into a deal the fixes or price reduction for such things.
Wright Choice Homes
We are big enough to offer you all the services you've come to expect while at the same time being small enough to give you and your family the personnel service you desire. My name is Michael Wright and pictured above is my beautiful wife Tammie and our 3 children Alexa, Chaz and Faith. We also have a full sales and office staff.
For more information on manufactured homes for sale in the Portland Oregon area please visit our website Wright Choice Homes http://www.wrightchoicehomes.com and give us a call. As a local business, we strive to give you the best service and we look forward to serving you.
Michael A Wright
