How do I Choose the Best Used Mobile Home?

When shopping for a used mobile home, it is important to consider the condition of the mobile home as well as the size, number of rooms, model year, and retailer selling the used mobile home. These factors will have a large impact on your satisfaction with the purchase, and they can mean the difference between a good purchase and a bad one. When shopping for a used mobile home, first consider your price range and space requirements, then consider the condition of the home and what work the mobile home will need to make it livable.

A used mobile home, like new versions, range anywhere from 8 feet (2.4 meters) to 24 feet (7.3 meters) long. They can have one to four bedrooms in addition to a kitchen, living area, and bathroom. Decide how many rooms you will need; when you find a used mobile home that fits your size requirements, inspect the bedrooms for signs of neglect or damage, such as mold or mildew. Check the kitchen and living area for the same. Make sure there are no obvious signs of rot in floorboards, cupboards, or other surfaces.

If possible, choose a mobile home that comes equipped with modern appliances, hookups, and decor. This will reduce the renovation prices later on, if you choose to spruce up your mobile home. Choose a mobile home made from quality materials; look for double paned windows for heat retention and quality doors made from materials that will help insulate the mobile home. This will not only help keep heating bills down, but also help preserve the resale value of the mobile home should you choose to sell it in the future. Check the roof as well for signs of rot, sagging, or shingling materials in need of replacing. The roof of a mobile home can be one of the more expensive parts to maintain and repair, so be sure the used mobile home you are considering has a solid roof.

Make sure to consider how the used mobile home will be secured to the ground. If you plan on moving often with your mobile home, be sure to choose a mobile home with a system that will allow you to easily secure and detach the home from the ground. A mobile home that will be in one spot for an extended period of time will require the use of a strong tie-down system that will keep the home from swaying excessively, leaning, or detaching in high winds.