Buying a mobile home takes a lot of consideration and time before actually making the purchase, and even then we can still regret our decision. It happens more often than you think and while it may be a rather expensive discovery, hope is not all lost yet.
In this article, we talk about what to look for in mobile homes in order to prevent feelings of regret from happening in the future. We also discuss the best ways to sell your mobile home and what benefits to highlight when marketing to potential buyers.
DO YOU REGRET BUYING A MANUFACTURED HOME?
Before we begin, it’s important to ask yourself if you really do regret buying a mobile home in general, or are there just some facets of your current home that you don’t like? If it’s the latter, there may be ways to fix this including making changes to the home you have now or finding a better manufactured home that suits your needs.
WAYS TO FIX YOUR MOBILE HOME
Making changes to your home starts with asking yourself what you don’t like about it. Is it the fixtures, the layout, is it not addressing a need, or maybe it’s the location? These can be fixed by seeking out an interior designer, contractor, or real estate agent who could find you a better community. Similarly, a manufactured home supplier may be able to check all of these off with a different model.
If at the end of the day, you realize mobile home living just isn’t for you, there are many ways to sell your manufactured home and we’d be more than happy to guide you through the process.
IS LIVING IN A MOBILE HOME TRASHY?
One of the main concerns individuals have when they come to us trying to sell their homes is that the lifestyle may look trashy. Mobile home living may come with negative stigma but these properties have come a long way in the last few decades.
MODERN MANUFACTURED HOMES
Manufactured homes of today are made with high-quality materials similar to that of traditional homes. They are also produced using advanced technology for more precise assembly. Moreover, while there are trailer parks that are not properly maintained and may give the lifestyle a bad name, there are even more mobile home communities that offer a great quality of life to their residents.
These are affordable and accessible homes in an economy that makes it hard to make a living. For as long as it is sourced from reputable companies, the mobile home lifestyle can be a very practical and worthwhile option.
ARE MOBILE HOMES A GOOD INVESTMENT?
Perhaps one reason people regret purchasing mobile homes is that others say it’s not a good investment. It is a fact that these properties do not typically appreciate in value over time. However, they are a more accessible entry point for those looking to invest in real estate. Not only is the initial capital relatively low compared to traditional homes, but the cost to maintain is also affordable. Moreover, mobile homes offer flexibility and stability at a great deal, making them appealing to landlords.
If you are looking to sell your mobile home before it greatly depreciates, there is definitely a market for those wanting to get their first home. We can help you find interested buyers and help close that deal.
PROS AND CONS OF BUYING A MOBILE HOME
If you are deciding to sell your mobile home, it is important to look at the pros and cons of purchasing one. This way, you know the value of what you are putting on the market and the potential drawbacks that need to be addressed.
Pros:
Flexibility
Mobility
Affordability
Highly customizable
Cons:
Limited land options
Comes with a negative stigma
Depreciates over time
Financing terms can be more challenging
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A NEW MOBILE HOME
If after selling your current mobile home, you are looking to get a better model, here are a few things you want to consider. These factors not only help make your quality of life in your mobile home better, but they also greatly influence how easy it could be to resell it in the future.
LOCATION INCREASES APPEAL AND RESALE VALUE
Location is a very important element in how valuable your home is. Research different neighborhoods to weigh out which of your options has the best benefits. Some to consider are:
What is the crime rate in the area
Does the neighborhood have amenities
Is it near schools, convenience stores, employment opportunities, emergency services
The better the location, the higher the demand.
KNOWING LOCAL ZONING LAWS HELPS PREVENT LEGAL ISSUES
Different localities have their own zoning laws and regulations. It is important to know these in order to follow through with all requirements and observe the restrictions. This not only helps you from paying hefty fines in the future but can also make the process of choosing and assembling your home there much smoother.
FINANCING AND INSURANCE HELPS YOU HANDLE BUDGET MATTERS
While purchasing a mobile home is more affordable compared to getting a traditional house, it is still important to consider your financing options. There are different kinds of insurance and mortgage terms that could fit your preferences and needs, and these can greatly help lessen the financial load as you prepare for a new home.
Insurance is important especially when your home is in transport and if there are any structural issues that come up along the way.
CHOOSE YOUR COMMUNITY BASED ON SUSTAINABILITY
Another important element of mobile home living is the community you’re residing in. There are multiple options that offer security, amenities, services, and overall upkeep of public spaces. These parks also offer controlled noise levels, recreational activities, and other factors that make your quality of life better.
MEETING YOUR NEEDS AND LONG-TERM GOALS
Consider if the manufactured home meets your personal needs and long-term goals. This could be in terms of its size, layout, location, level of security and convenience, and the like. There are always other options on the market and all it takes is a little research and time.
HIDDEN COSTS OF BUYING A MOBILE HOME
There could be a few unexpected costs when purchasing a mobile home and it’s important you are prepared should they come along the way. Some of these include stamp duty fees, registration fees, maintenance deposits, brokerage fees, parking space rentals, goods and services tax, and more.
SIGNS YOU SHOULDN’T BUY THAT MOBILE HOME
When scouting for a new manufactured home, there are certain red flags you should look out for. These may often come in a subtle manner but are important to look into to avoid future headaches.
IF THE PARK OR COMMUNITY IS POORLY MAINTAINED
If the condition of the park or community you are considering looks outdated, dirty, and unappealing, this can be a hint of problems to come. Neglecting the premises, even if they come in a pothole on the road or an unclean pool, means that the quality of life may be poor in the area. How well management looks after the location is a direct indication of how well your lifestyle could be there.
IF SELLERS PRESSURE INTO QUICK DECISIONS
Buying property is a serious matter and one that should be given enough time to think over. Sellers who try to pressure or rush you into making a decision often mean there are certain factors they don’t want you to find out or realize. Those who fall victim to this tactic find themselves with problematic properties. It’s okay to take your time, do your research, weigh out your options, and make a decision you are comfortable with.
IF YOU ARE INSECURE ABOUT BUDGET AND FINANCING
A mobile home may be more affordable than site-built alternatives but they still require a hefty investment. If at any time you find yourself challenged to make ends meet or are unable to secure enough funding, it is highly recommended to not purchase a mobile home just yet.
Apart from the initial purchase, there will also be ongoing maintenance and emergency expenses that will come along. Unless you are confident in your finances, there is no need to make this kind of investment just yet.
HOW DO I SELL THE MOBILE HOME THAT I REGRET BUYING
Selling your mobile home can be challenging, especially when it hasn’t been paid off yet. If you are falling behind on payments, speak with the manager at the mortgage company since they often have resolutions to help lighten the load.
It is good to have all your numbers in place so you know how much you have left on the lease and how much you can put your home up for.
Some ways to sell it could be through:
Listing ads online
Hanging flyers around town
Hanging a For Sale sign on your property
Word of mouth
Seeking professional services
HOW EXPENSIVE IS IT TO MOVE A MOBILE HOME?
The amount you expect to pay for moving a mobile home depends on your location of origin and your destination, how big your mobile home is, what other services you require such as utility disconnection and hookup, and much more. It is also important to know the multiple types of permits you need for your move, such as to transport, to go through certain towns, to assemble a home in the new neighborhood, and so on.
CAN I SELL MY MOBILE HOME MYSELF?
Selling your mobile home on your own is possible. There is less paperwork needed compared to selling a traditional home. However, the process of appraising your home, getting it ready for the market, finding a buyer, negotiating, and closing the sale can be tedious. For this reason, we offer a full range of services to guide you through selling your mobile home.
IS IT BETTER TO HIRE SOMEONE TO SELL MY MOBILE HOME?
In most cases, it is better to seek professional services. Businesses that sell mobile homes for a living already have all the contacts needed to make the sale happen. They also have the resources and data to find interested buyers willing to pay a fair price. These companies are usually who buyers turn to since they can also help process permits, transportation, and all the other details that could otherwise take up so much time and energy.
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