If you’re thinking of getting a mobile home that is used – that is, you’re not going to purchase it directly from the builder who makes it in the factory – then you should make sure that you learn the right home buying tips from an expert or a good quality buying guide.
Use these home buying tips as well as the inspection checklist and a good manufactured home buying guide to make sure that you’ve covered all the essentials when you’re ready to make your purchase.
* Know and confirm the model name, manufacturer, and date of manufacture before buying a mobile home. There is usually a manufacturer’s data plate (typically consisting of a piece of paper) which is located inside a cupboard or closet door) where you can verify this information for your insurance and/or bank.
* Double check the size of the home with a measuring tape since many documents include extra elements such as a trailer hitch, roof overhangs, and other factors into their measurements. Know your true square footage.
* Look for a small red metal tag on the outside of every section of the trailer to ensure that each part conforms to the federal HUD guidelines that were put into effect on June 15, 1976. The home cannot be legally sold without them and it will not pass inspections.
* Make sure that a third party resale inspector has approved the building so that you know it is legal for sale.
* If your home will be located in a Flood Hazard Area, take out flood insurance.
* Look for a manufactured home in a community with similar homes as it will allow the home to depreciate more slowly.
* Examine the drainage, looking to be sure that moisture and water are drawn away from the home. Be wary of standing water under or very near to the structure.
* Look inside the home for signs of water leaks from the ceiling, windows, doors, and plumbing. Look for stains, signs of rotted wood or moldings, and other signs.
* If you intend to move the house, check the axels and replace the rubber tires. Make sure you have completed all items on your home buying checklist.
• Building Codes – when dealing with used mobile homes, your main concern should be whether or not they pass today’s building codes. This is because while they may have passed the building codes that were in place at the time they were constructed, they may no longer meet today’s standards. You’ll be doing a great deal for the safety and security of yourself and your family by concentrating on the codes currently in place.
• Size First, Model Second – though there may be a particular model that you find appealing, it’s better for you to concentrate on finding the right sized home first, and then look at the model. This is the same as making sure it meets your needs first and your wants second. Know the number of bedrooms and the size of spaces such as the dining and living areas, and then concentrate on how they’re laid out.
• Water Damage – now that you have a building that is up to code and the right size, check the building carefully for signs of water damage including a leaky roof (which will leave stains), rotten wood supports, and plumbing leaks
• Electrical Safety – ensure that there is adequate electrical circuit so that you won’t always be blowing fuses and risking a fire. The more circuit you have (especially in areas such as the kitchen), the less likely you are to overload. http://www.manufactured-mobile-homes.com/HomeBuyingChecklist.html
By: Sue Sebastian
Tags: Axels, Ceiling Windows, Cupboard, Flood Hazard Area, Flood Insurance, Home Buying Guide, Home Buying Tips, Hud Guidelines, Inspection Checklist, Manufactured Home, Measuring Tape, Metal Tag, Model Name, Piece Of Paper, Roof Overhangs, Rubber Tire, Square Footage, Trailer Hitch, Water Leaks, Windows Doors