There are 5 problems that can arise when buying an old mobile home. These are – whether the foundation level is sound, roof leaks, plumbing leaks, electrical issues, termites and dry rot. Although all this seems basic, checking for these issues when buying an older mobile home is essential because they can lead to disastrous problems if unchecked.
Check the home from outside for cracks or shifting. From inside the doors and cabinets must close easily. if they don’t then the home might need a re-levelling. Inspect the piers under the home as well. They may need replacement if damaged.
more…
First time home buyers often choose manufactured homes over traditional homes. The reason for this is obvious. The price advantage of manufactured homes often makes it a clear choice over traditional homes for those with not too heavy wallets.
Just a decade back it was not easy to buy quality manufactured homes. Today the scenario is very different. At a fraction of the price of traditional homes, you can now buy a one or two storey manufactured home.
more…
One advantage of purchasing a used manufactured home is that it can be moved to where you want. This is not possible in traditional homes. Finding good used manufactured homes can start in your local newspaper or online sites such as Craigslist. Other venues are eBay and speciality mobile home sites. The Yellow pages are a good option as well.
It is essential to good living that the manufactured home you find is a good one in all respects. When you zoom in on a home, check its value. Manufactured homes depreciate in value quite quickly. Standard values of home models can be found by checking the Blue Book. This information can also be garnered from the local bank or manufactured home dealership.
more…
Since mobile homes are built very differently from traditional homes, obviously there is need of a separate insurance policy for mobile homes. Such policies however, are very similar to a regular homeowners policy. Such policies also cover personal property and personal liability apart from the mobile home.
Structures adjacent to the home as well as the home will be covered against every kind of loss unless there is an exclusion in the policy. You are covered against damage from fire, windstorms, falling objects, lightening, explosions as well as other forms of damage. Usually the home is not covered when in transit.
more…
The latest trends in home construction have changed the face of luxury. There is a new class of homes called modular mansions. Using advanced modular building processes as well as hand crafting and custom finishes, modular mansions are built at a price much lower than traditional site built homes.
Modular homes afford a myriad possibilities in elegance and innovation. Due to the preconstructed components, site building time is significantly reduced and homes are made much faster that traditional site built homes. In addition modular homes are made much stronger than site built homes. They use more construction material and thus ensure durability and strength.
more…
Oftentimes people cannot afford traditional homes. Sometimes they just do not want them. This is the reason for the spurt in popularity of manufactured homes. These are also called mobile homes. They are produced in the factory and transported to the site. This type of home does not need a foundation.
The advantage of manufactured homes is that they are affordable and provide people with flexibility. Many people cannot afford traditional homes due to their high cost. This has led to a mobile home revolution in the country. Many people can now afford their very own home.
more…
Low cost housing as an alternative is provided by Mobile and Manufactured homes. Are they good as an alternative? For investments Condos and Single family homes are better. Most mobile homes lie on parks where you have to pay rent. In some cases, the land where the home lies is also owned by the people who live in that mobile home. The kinds of parks are Senior Parks, Family Parks and RV Parks.
In these homes you don’t have to share walls, you can enjoy community and don’t need to own a regular home or condo. Pre HUD homes, built before 1976 often have bad construction, wiring and plumbing quality. Be careful when buying such homes.
more…
When you buy used mobile homes there are some things that need to be kept in mind. If the mobile home is very old, then financing is tough to come by. If you do get financing, then the interest rate is very high. You have to take a look at this before deciding on the offer. In considering the options take into account the higher interest rate for mobile homes.
Insurance is also affected by the age of mobile homes. If the home is too old, you may not get insurance. It is important to try to get a reasonable rate of insurance. If your mobile home was built before 1976, then it may have aluminium wiring which is a dangerous fire hazard. They cause sparking and in such case you may need to rewire the home to get it insured.
more…
