When buying a mobile home in Sarasota, a comprehensive mobile home buying checklist ensures a smooth and informed purchase process. Start by inspecting the home’s exterior for any signs of damage, including roofing issues and siding defects. Check the structural integrity, plumbing, and electrical systems to meet safety standards. Inspect the flooring, walls, and ceilings for any indications of water damage or mold. Test all appliances and HVAC systems to ensure they are in working order. Additionally, review the park’s rules, regulations, and associated fees. Lastly, consider the resale value and potential for future upgrades or renovations to make an informed decision.
When purchasing a mobile home in the greater Sarasota, Florida area, there are several factors that every Buyer must be fully aware of before making an offer and pursuing park approval for residency in the mobile home park.
In this mini blog series, we will cover the main points every mobile home Buyer should be aware of, both regarding the mobile home park they are looking to buy in and the items that need to be reviewed regarding the actual home itself.
In today’s blog, we will review what a Buyer needs to know about a mobile home before making an offer.
Although we, here at The Mobile Home Dealer, usually work primarily with mobile homes on lease land within mobile home parks in the greater Sarasota, Florida area, these points can be used for any home in any park anywhere in the country!
- What Is The Age Of The Roof
As covered in previous blogs, the roof of a mobile home provides shelter to you and your family from the elements. However, it is also one of the most costly components of any mobile home should it need to be replaced.
When looking at a mobile home, make sure you thoroughly check to see the age of the roof, when (if ever) a roof over has been done on it, when and where patch jobs have been done on the roof, and when it has been sealed.
If you can hire a licensed, trained professional to inspect the roof before making an offer on the mobile home, we would certainly view this as a good use of your money as a preventative measure.
Knowing the details of the mobile home roof is by far the most important structural component to be educated on before making any mobile home purchase.
2. AC Status
Does the mobile home you want to purchase have central or window AC units?
If the mobile home has window AC units, ensure they are working properly and securely placed without any space between the window unit seats and the wall begins. Added space between the unit and the wall can create cracks where water, critters, and mold can eventually grow if it is not sealed correctly.
If the home has central AC make sure the thermostat turns on when adjusted, the ductwork is clear of any debris and the central AC unit has been serviced and is working properly.
If the central AC unit is bad or on its way out, it can cost a mobile home Buyer well over $5,000 to fix, whereas the window units are far less expensive.
Always get as many details on the mobile home AC unit as possible before buying any mobile home.
3. Plumbing System
Does the home have PVC pipe or gray piping?
If you are unsure of what these products are, simply open the cabinets and look at the piping, if it is an off-white color it is PVC, if it is darker in color then it is gray piping.
With older mobile homes, gray piping was the original piping that came with the home from the factory. It is a material that is not nearly as durable as PVC and not used in newer mobile homes.
Always try to purchase a mobile home with PVC plumbing throughout the home, as gray piping will cost the new homeowner thousands upon thousands of dollars to replace a piping mobile home.
As we can all agree, several other components are important to a mobile home, such as the condition of the flooring system and the age of the electrical wiring.
While these are important components to any mobile home, we feel that having a solid and documented understanding of the mobile home’s roof, AC, and plumbing setup will put you, as the next Buyer, in a great position to make an educated decision about purchasing the mobile home you are looking at.
In addition, buying a mobile home also needs a strategic land decision. While a privately owned parcel has a certain allure at first blush, leasing land in a mobile or manufactured home park also provides value. These are critical items to check off when considering buying a mobile home in a park. Usually owning a mobile home placed in a park decreases in value over time. This is why you want to have the information pack with you before making a purchase. Go through these questions and understand how to buy a mobile home in a park.
- How much is the homeowner’s association fee (HOA)?
- Does the park have common areas you can utilize?
- Does the mobile home park have gated security?
- Do you receive adequate land and privacy to meet your needs?
- Can leased land be owned over time?
- Can you get a minimum 3-year lease to help qualify for a federally guaranteed mortgage?
- What are the advantages of purchasing a mobile home in a park?
Buying a new mobile home and having it delivered to a leased land park can lower your monthly mortgage costs and provide you with more money for leisure spending. Not having to purchase land upfront also helps many first-time buyers qualified for home loans in 2021. Home loans can be complicated if not done correctly. It is always recommended to check different options before buying a new mobile home.
This is Mark Kaiser with The Mobile Home Dealer. We help mobile home Buyers and Sellers improve their lives.
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