It’s crucial to have an in-depth understanding of the current manufactured housing market to successfully sell your mobile home. Today, the mobile home market is very competitive, and the demand for manufactured housing is intensifying. So, what does this mean if you are trying to sell? Well, it means you need to do your homework and figure out the exact market where you’ll sell your manufactured or mobile home. Despite the current market volatility, the mobile home market appears to be holding on to its seller’s market status. This is important because, as a seller, you have more negotiating power in such a climate.
Nevertheless, if this is your first time putting a mobile or manufactured home on the market, you need to prepare yourself for the road ahead. The good news is there are a variety of things you can do to come out on top and sell your mobile home in record time. Of course, before we can get into the tips and how-to’s, let’s review some of the basics.
The Current Manufactured Housing Market
At any given moment, the mobile housing market can be a buyer’s, seller’s, or balanced market. Depending on your specific locale, you may have more of a buyer’s or balanced market at this time. That said, the national manufactured housing market is leaning towards a seller’s market.
As the current mobile homeowner, selling your home might be easier right now. However, it’s important to know the value of your home, what mobile or manufactured homes are going for in the area, and if other conditions are ripe for you to sell.
For instance, most people do not like moving in the dead of winter; thus, regardless of your current market, it would not be wise to try and sell during the winter months given the frigid weather conditions. The best time of year to put your home on the market is spring in most areas – typically the first two weeks of May
Likewise, if you list your home for more than it is worth because you know mobile homes like yours are in demand, you might be turning off potential buyers. Therefore, you should base your asking price off of your appraised market value. In order to figure out the present value of your home, you should look at both recent sale prices of comparable mobile or manufactured homes in the area and the asking price of currently available homes. This will give you a rough idea of your home’s market value. You should also factor in proximity and timing when attempting to use comparable mobile home sales to determine or support your ideal offer.
Selling in the Current Market
Now that you have learned a thing or two about your current selling market, you might think it is time to get to work. In terms of mobile home buyers, it is important to remember that you generally have two types – cash and payment buyers. While cash buyers have become more frequent in the general housing market, they’re still a rarity. As a result, you can expect to deal mainly with payment buyers, who typically utilize lender financing and pay a down payment. The down payment should be high enough that your potential buyer does not default, but not so outrageous that it scares them off.
Top Selling Tips
There are several things you can do to sell your mobile home right now, like setting the right price. As mentioned, the right listed price can make a world of difference when it comes to selling in a seller’s market. Of course, you should ask for a little more than market value, as you ultimately want to make a profit. Nonetheless, the listed price needs to be within reason.
In contrast, setting your price below market value can easily incite a bidding war, which might be what you want. A bidding war allows buyers to offer substantially more than the asking price without making you look like the bad guy. However, this is still a risky move. If you are trying to sell as soon as possible, you need to be open to tinkering with the price. We suggest taking some time to figure out an acceptable range so that you do not feel like you are getting cheated if and when you lower your listed price.
Another useful tip is staging your mobile or manufactured home.
First and foremost, you should declutter your interior and exterior before staging, as you want the living space to feel open and fluid. A great option during this time is to rent a storage unit and move unused items or furniture into storage. You can also get a head start on your donations and set up a free pick-up before you have an open house. Other staging ideas include rearranging your furniture, doing a deep clean, painting your interior with neutral and inviting colors, and working on your home’s curb appeal. If staging is not your thing, then you think about hiring a professional to help spruce up your mobile home prior to listing.
Besides staging and setting the right price, you’ll likely consider multiple offers and should be ready to move quickly. Since it is a seller’s market today, you will likely receive more than one offer on your mobile home. With your real estate professional’s help, you should sit down and carefully consider each offer. In other words, do not jump on the first offer you get. And remember- it is okay to counteroffer! In fact, you can counteroffer with all bids you receive. Lastly, one commonly overlooked selling point is being ready to move out sooner rather than later. If interested buyers are looking for a new home immediately, you can negotiate a better price for yourself if you can move out at a moment’s notice.
Learning More
Ultimately, selling your mobile home and understanding the current market go hand-in-hand. Thus, if you are looking to learn more or educate yourself on the manufactured home selling market’s inner workings, then there are a few resources at your disposal.
You can check out popular mobile home sites like MHVillage and compare prices in your area
Are you an upcoming homebuyer searching for mobile homes with a classic style? 16 foot wide mobile homes are compact, but comfortable places to call home – no matter their length. Mobile home models come with just the right amount of space, not forgetting they’re cost-effective! A variety of 16 foot wide mobile homes are available for homeowners to make the most out of their investments while still sticking to their respective budgets.
You can find a ton of variety with single section sizes – from 16 x 40, 16 x 48, 16 x 72, to 16 x 80…the list goes on. There’s something for everyone. While it can be daunting to settle on a particular one, in this article, we present you with ten fantastic, compact options of mobile homes to ease your search.
The 10540 E. Apache Trail is a beautiful 16 x 48 mobile home situated in one of Arizona’s most coveted communities. Rosehaven Homes isn’t just a living space; it’s a home that’ll enable you to thrive. It offers an open floor plan and vinyl flooring in all living spaces.
The home also features ceiling fans in the bedrooms, a kitchen island for top-notch entertaining, and an upgraded, energy-efficient insulation package.
Rosehaven 16 x 48 mobile homes have multiple calendar activities, including billiards, BBQs, and shuffleboard, as well as various amenities like an internet café, gym, and office. This mobile home is tailored for everyone seeking an adventurous retirement lifestyle.
You can either buy a mobile home for your winter vacations or full-time living. Owning a home at Rosehaven Estate will cost significantly less than home mortgage costs or renting an apartment.
This brand new 16 x 40 mobile home in Hidden Falls brings any homeowner a high-end one bedroom, one bath option for their next (or first!) manufactured home. Featuring vinyl flooring throughout, faux countertops in the kitchen, and much more, this mobile home sits in a wonderful Georgia mobile home community with a playground, clubhouse, swimming pool, and off-street parking.
The Holiday Village is a brand new 16 x 48 mobile home situated in Mesa, AZ, and it features one bathroom and two bedrooms. The kitchen is furnished immaculately with various brand-new appliances. It boasts a spacious and comfortable living area with wood-style floors, low-insulated vinyl windows, and premium entry doors.
Whether you’re ready to downsize or becoming a retiree in need of a new home to settle in, the Holiday Village mobile home will provide you with privacy while still allowing you to enjoy community amenities and social events.
This spacious 16 x 72 mobile home in the Woodland Trails community in Collinsville, IL is great for larger families looking to downsize their home. While the price is higher than the other homes on this list, the Pheasant Glen offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms all under a peaked roof.
And, the home is situated nearby the water, a local golf course, and parks, offering a number of recreational options for residents. The community additionally offers off-street parking and allows for up to two pets.
Whether you’re a retiree who wants to reduce home ownership-related costs, seeking to become a first-time homeowner, or just seeking to trade in for an affordable yet beautiful new home, Garden Villas are perfect for you.
This 16 x 48 mobile home has one bedroom and one bathroom. It also features vaulted ceilings, a textured and aesthetically pleasing finish on ceilings and walls, carpeting in the living area, a laminate finish with a backsplash on the countertops, and dual glazed windows framed with white aluminum.
Recommended: Want something cozy? These small mobile homes are incredibly charming
If you’re looking for a spacious, one-bedroom 16 x 48 mobile home, Marion Village will surely meet your needs! This home is equipped with an open floor plan kitchen with plenty of storage space. In addition, you have the advantage of watching your TV as you cook.
The bedroom features a spacious walk-in closet, with double-sinks sinks in the bathroom. And, you can even enjoy the basketball court nearby, alongside other amenities.
The Country Roads 16 x 48 mobile homes are well-maintained and professionally managed. This home is excellent for people with small families or people looking for their first home. Apart from the buying price, there’re also monthly site fees. In addition, the Country Roads community offers excellent amenities such as boat/RV storage, a basketball court, recreational facilities, and laundry facilities.
Palm Grove Mobile Home Park is a well-maintained and professionally managed community. The 16 x 48 mobile home here features one bathroom and two bedrooms. However, the home comes with nominal lot fees apart from the buying price.
Located in Las Vegas, this home is ideal for retirees. Various amenities are available, including off-street parking, a clubhouse, and recreational facilities.
This wonderfully spacious 16 x 70 mobile home in the gated River Oaks community provides residents with ample living space and privacy. With an open living room area and wide kitchen with seating at the island, residents will have plenty of room for dining and entertaining. The mobile home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and a number of customizable options for this home are also available.
Outside of the home, the community features a number of amenities, including a luxurious swimming pool, clubhouse, Boat/RV storage, and a basketball court.
River Oaks is a maintained and professionally managed community. This 16 x 48 mobile home features sidewalks and off-street parking. With its affordability, the house is ideal for someone that is just starting life as a homeowner. There’s also the convenience of local parks, various shopping destinations, and nearby highways for easy travel.
On the Hunt for a Home?
Whether you’re searching for an adventurous retirement lifestyle, have a small family, or just starting life, settling on a 16 foot manufactured or mobile home can be an excellent choice for you.
These homes are not only affordable but they’re also built to cater to everyone. Apart from purchasing for full-time living, you also have an option to rent for your winter vacations. Furthermore, there are mobile homes for short-term and long-term rentals at a lesser cost than home mortgages and apartment rentals, availing you with easy financing! Start exploring homes here for more information.
Whether you are buying your first house, a starter home for your family, or your forever home in retirement, most are looking for a way to save on their home buying costs. This cost-effective mindset is what leads many home buyers to the idea of manufactured or mobile homes.
Like any major decision, deciding what best suits your needs may best be achieved with a good old-fashioned pros and cons list. Before writing out each item, be sure you are informed about manufactured homes as they compare to other affordable housing options currently available on the market.
Mobile homes are manufactured homes built before the HUD code governing standards for factory-built homes was instituted in 1976. Modular homes and manufactured homes both fall into the category of “prefabricated homes”. Modular homes are pre-built in sections at a factory site and then are transported to and finished on location at the home buyer’s property. Manufactured homes are pre-constructed completely in the factory on a permanent steel chassis. Manufactured homes can be located on private property, but many homeowners choose to live in mobile home parks or communities.
Now that we’ve outlined the difference, how can you tell if a manufactured home is the right form of affordable housing to meet your needs?
Questions to Ask Yourself First
What size is right for you and your family?
Consider how large your current living arrangements are, and how much of that space your family uses. Make a list of wants and needs with the other members who will be living in your household.
Keep in mind you should plan for any possible family expansion, frequent overnight guests, or children who are nearing the age to leave the house to get an accurate picture of how much space is needed before buying.
In many heavily populated areas, land is scarce and expensive. In other places, the local laws only allow site-built construction on land. The size of your land parcel will largely dictate how big of a manufactured home can be safely delivered there, while leaving space for utilities and hook-ups.
Mortgage lenders usually offer loans to buyers of land and what are considered ‘permanent structures’ built on it. Manufactured homes can only be considered for traditional mortgage loans if the axles are removed and the structure is placed on a concrete foundation or basement. This can greatly affect one’s ability to obtain financing for a manufactured home.
Are you planning to buy new or used?
Buying a manufactured home can have advantages regardless of whether you go the new or pre-owned route.
Purchasing new manufactured homes allows you to choose the exact layout and size you want. In addition, you can choose all the custom features you want like countertop material, custom cabinetry, or soaking tubs and fireplaces.
The main advantage of purchasing used manufactured homes is the lower price. However, like any used home purchase, you want to have it inspected and also have the chassis (if still fixed) and structural integrity inspected for the long-term safety of the home.
The Pros of Manufactured Housing:
Affordability
One of the most recognized benefits to manufactured homes is their affordability. Manufactured homes have become a great option for first-time home buyers and retirees with a limited budget.
Because they are mass-produced and built on assembly lines, manufactured homes cost less to make. As of September 2018, the median price of a home in the United States was $225,000. Comparatively, the average manufactured home price hovers around $87,000.
Manufactured home buyers historically spend up to 20 percent less on housing than those building or investing in traditional, stick-built homes.
Luxury for Less
Lower base prices considered, buyers can usually add upgrades to manufactured homes that might take the price of a traditionally built home out of their budget. Manufactured housing makes upgrades like a soaking tub, fireplace or granite countertops much more attainable. Some buyers even opt for adding square footage to get a bigger living space for less.
Eco–Friendly and Energy-Efficient – Manufactured homes are energy-efficient, including upgraded insulation both under the building as well as in the walls. Energy efficiency by way of on-demand water heaters, energy saving appliances, and energy-efficient windows are standard in most models.
Quality Builds
Manufactured homes are built inside a factory in accordance with HUD codes. They must meet structural integrity standards, design specifications, energy efficiency standards, and fire spread ratings. Additionally, the factory-built process ensures no weather damage comes to the home during the build process, unlike site-built homes.
Fast, Efficient Install
While traditional homes can take months or years to build, manufactured homes typically average about three months. Since the home has premade sections, the final installation moves much more quickly. This leaves little room for error on the assembly line and no weather delays to affect production in the same way that it does a site-built home.
Low-risk construction
Traditional homes experience delivery delays, theft of materials, and weather damage. However, with manufactured housing, these risks are greatly minimized and often completely avoided throughout the factory-built process.
The Cons to Manufactured Homes:
Long-Term Appreciation of Value
While location is typically the biggest variable and predictor of value, appreciation rates of manufactured homes are traditionally lower than that of stick-built homes. The long-time stigma of mobile homes can be blamed for this result.
Design Limits
While the interior of manufactured homes can be filled with luxury upgrades, the exterior and structural components are pre-made before installation, so the variety is quite limited. Changes often must be approved by a local governing authority.
Limited Loans
This impressive cost-saving of manufactured homes can come with a caveat. Often, lenders only offer traditional mortgages to people buying what the law calls “real property,” or “land and anything permanently attached to it.” For this reason, stick-built homes meet this qualification but mobile homes and manufactured homes typically do not.
In order for lenders to view a manufactured home as a permanent structure, it must be permanently attached to a basement or concrete foundation with the axles removed.
Difficulty of Repairs
In heavily populated cities like San Francisco, strict rent control remains another pivotal variable. While it’s designed to help tenants renting apartments, houses, and spaces for manufactured homes, rent control also limits the amount of money mobile home park owners can charge their tenants. For this reason, many tenants and managers find it difficult to find the finances to repair common amenities, like shared roadways or septic systems.
With all large purchasing decisions, weighing the pros and cons will help you decide what home buying options best suit your needs. While a manufactured home certainly has a number of variables that any home buyer should give careful attention to, its affordability and accessibility for millions of homeowners make it a viable option that deserves serious consideration.
The benefits of owning a manufactured home are numerous when you understand how dealers operate on your behalf.
It can take a reasonably long time to coordinate all of the details at the end of the day, so here’s the most vital information you should know when working with a manufactured home dealer.
What role does a manufactured home dealer play?
In the mobile home industry, a dealer is similar to one you would find in the auto industry.
For instance, no one buys a new Ford F-350 diesel truck directly from the manufacturer; you have to buy one through a dealership that ideally specializes in quality diesel trucks.
The same business model applies to manufactured home dealerships. Dealers fulfill a critical role between homebuyers and the factories that can’t reach consumers without a dealership.
What types of mobile home dealers are available?
Generally, mobile home dealers fall into one of three categories: independent, factory-direct, and corporate. Each type has several pros and cons you should consider when purchasing a manufactured home. That way, you won’t waste your time talking with a salesperson who doesn’t have the inventory you’re searching for or doesn’t have your best interests in mind.
Independent dealers
Independent manufactured home dealers are small businesses that operate as wholly different entities from manufacturers.
Often, these businesses are family-owned and operated, giving them the advantage of local, personalized customer service. If you want the best value possible, an independent mobile home dealer could be the best choice if you want a local property.
Pros:
Personalized, one-on-one customer service
Usually the lowest prices overall
Hands-on knowledge of the local real estate market
Cons:
Limited inventory
Model homes may not be “show ready” with functioning utilities and furniture
Limited financing options available in most cases
Factory-direct dealers
When reviewing your options, you’ll hear the terms factory-direct and manufacturer-direct used interchangeably. Long story short, these types of dealerships only sell homes through one particular manufacturer.
Usually, the same company owns both the factory and the dealership, but operates each as a separate line of business. This means that a factory-direct dealer will offer more customization options for your home, and carry a larger inventory.
Pros:
More customization options
Larger inventory overall
Quality setup and installation
Model homes likely “show ready”
Cons:
Only one brand of a mobile home to choose from
Mid-range pricing may make manufactured homes less affordable for some consumers
Dealer may not showcase all available models on the lot
Corporate dealers
Also known as “mega dealers” in the industry, corporate dealers offer the broadest selection and the most financing options. They’re similar to an auto dealership that carries all types of vehicles from a select few manufacturers.
But they’re very different from factory-direct dealers because they can essentially sell any mobile home on the market. It’s only a matter of having the stock on the lot and how the dealership’s owner positions the business in the local housing market.
The catch is that these types of dealerships come at a higher cost, but there are other perks to keep in mind too before you make a decision.
Pros:
Typically keeps a comprehensive inventory on hand
Model homes almost always fully functioning and show ready
More financing options, often through the dealer itself
Cons:
Highest prices
Not too many personalized interactions during the buying process and post-sale
Financing terms may not provide the best value over the long term
How can you afford a manufactured home?
So far, this guide has outlined the essentials of manufactured home dealerships. If you won’t be buying a mobile home with cash savings, that’s where financing comes into play.
Dealer financing
Often, the dealer itself will offer their own financing solutions. Small dealerships may not offer to finance because they don’t have the resources for that level of service, but a factory-direct or corporate dealer can usually offer financing for prospective buyers.
Some mobile home dealers work with specific banks and lenders to provide financing. In these cases, you’ll want to ensure you understand the loan backwards and forwards and ensure the terms are in your favor.
The best part about dealership financing is that you have the flexibility to shop around and ultimately choose the most affordable option for your needs.
Finding mobile home dealers online
When shopping for a manufactured home, finding a reputable, trustworthy dealership may feel like a challenge.
This guide outlines the fundamental qualities of the best dealers, but in the real world, it’s much harder to judge whether or a dealership has your best interests in mind. That requires talking with dealers in your area to ensure that they’re a good fit. So the next time you need a go-to resource about buying mobile homes, visit our dealers’ page and browse through award-winning mobile home dealerships to find one that best fits your needs and can pair you with the right home and financing.
Looking for an upscale manufactured or mobile home to begin the next chapter of your life?
In this article, we’ll review 12 hand-selected, luxury manufactured and mobile home floor plans, all carefully designed to accentuate the gorgeous, modern features in demand with today’s families. After seeing all the incredible options available in the high-end manufactured home market, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect fit for your next home.
Skyline Homes
1.) Stoneleigh
The Stoneleigh is one of our best mobile home floor plans. Offering 2,368 square feet, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the Stoneleigh model has every feature a family could want. With two porches off the main living area and kitchen, the home’s exterior extends a warm welcome to family members and guests. Indoors, viewers will note a beautiful open floor plan housing the main living, dining, and kitchen areas.
Photo courtesy of Clayton Homes.
The kitchen offers several cabinets and recessed lighting, along with a beautiful island with room for seating and storage. A utility room off the kitchen provides even more storage, along with an area for a washer and dryer. The master bedroom offers a third porch, great for relaxing before bedtime.
The adjoining master bathroom features:
A large walk-in shower.
A separate tub.
Ample storage cabinets.
The other two bedrooms are conveniently located near the second full bathroom.
2.) Arlington 3530
Another top-rated mobile home is Skyline’s Arlington model. The kitchen is beautiful and offers an island with seating, along with a wine rack and a coffee bar. The adjacent dining area offers plenty of natural lighting. The master bedroom is very spacious and includes a large walk-in closet, as well as a thoughtfully-designed master bath. There are also two additional bedrooms and another full-size bathroom. With two outdoor porches to choose from, the Arlington has everything a family is looking for both inside and out.
Champion Homes
3.) Avalanche 7694B
The Avalanche is another great home featuring 2,774 square feet, four bedrooms, and three bathrooms. This spacious mobile home floor plan has everything a larger family could want. Upon entering, one is greeted with an open floor plan consisting of a generous-sized living room, along with a kitchen and large dining area. The kitchen has two separate islands, one with plenty of seating and the other for additional storage and counter space. Near the kitchen is a large pantry, which offers even more storage.
The master bedroom has its own private area for relaxing or perhaps a mini-office, as well as a large walk-in closet. The master bath offers double sinks and a garden tub. Along with the three other bedrooms and two full baths, the Avalanche also offers:
A casual family room.
A large utility room (complete with extra storage cabinets).
Space for a washer and dryer.
4.) Commonwealth 211
The Commonwealth is another one of Champion’s elegant mobile home floor plans. It comes in at 2,305 square feet, with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The kitchen area offers plenty of seating at the island, along with additional space for a more formal dining table. The gorgeous master bathroom features a large walk-in closet, double sinks, and storage aplenty. There are three additional bedrooms, each with their own closet, another full-sized bathroom, and a generous-sized utility room.
5.) American Freedom 3276R
Another light, bright, and airy Champion home is their American Freedom model. It offers four bedrooms and two bathrooms within 2,312 square feet. From the open living area, complete with two separate living areas and beautiful tray ceilings, to the gorgeous master bathroom housing a walk-in shower and stand-alone tub, the American Freedom home is another example of a tasteful Champion living space.
6.) Ridgecrest LE 6018
The Ridgecrest is a large home that boasts four bedrooms. The first thing one notices in the open floor living area is the warm cabinetry in the kitchen. The master bathroom is massive, with double sinks and plenty of cabinetry. There is a powder room off the main living area and two of the other bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. A separate utility room is conveniently located near the kitchen.
7.) Champion Select 3276J
The Champion Select is another one of Champion’s fabulous homes. It offers a spacious living area, a wide kitchen with plenty of cabinetry, a master bedroom suite complete with a massive walk-in shower, double sinks, and ample storage. The Champion Select also offers:
A retreat/office area
An additional family room
A utility room
Three additional bedrooms
An extra full size bathroom
Golden West
8.) GLE561G
Looking for a cute manufactured or mobile home? This sharp, new Golden West home boasts an open floor living plan with plenty of room for dining and entertaining. The master suite offers double sinks in the master bath, along with a walk-shower and walk-in closet. This home offers an additional bedroom and a full bathroom, along with an additional living space that could function as a den or home office.
Dutch Housing
9.) Diamond 3272 214
The Diamond is another example of an upscale mobile home floor plan. With two large islands and gorgeous kitchen cabinetry running all the way to the ceiling, as well as a stunning master bathroom with a walk-in shower built for two, this home has it all. The floor plan offers built-in cabinets in the living room, extra cabinets in the dining area, a massive walk-in closet in the master bedroom, a mudroom, a laundry room, and a small office off the master bedroom. All beautifully decorated and move-in ready.
Silvercrest Homes
10.) Bradford BD-45
With 2,617 square feet, along with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, the Bradford BD-45 offers an incredibly cool mobile home floor plan. The open floor plan is huge; boasting a massive wrap-around kitchen counter, a great room with a beautiful fireplace and windows in a semi-vaulted ceiling, along with another large family room. The master bedroom offers:
Patio doors leading to the outside
A retreat/office room
A large closet
A tastefully-decorated master bath
Two-Story Manufactured Home
11.) The Ferguson
Looking for a two-story home? This 1,400 square foot, brand new two-story Cape-Cod style home offers three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. A full-length porch beckons one to explore the home’s interior. The kitchen offers gorgeous cabinetry and a large island with seating. The master ensuite offers a garden tub in the bathroom, as well as a large walk-in closet. All the finishes in this home are top-notch, making it ideal for the most particular buyer.
Palm Harbor Mobile Home
12.) Summer Breeze IV
With its spacious covered patio area, the Summer Breeze IV mobile home immediately invites one in to explore a beautiful open floor living plan. The kitchen area is complete with an island for casual seating, as well as an adjacent area that will accommodate a full-size dining room table. The generous-sized living area and the master bedroom each offer their own mini-office space. Two full bathrooms along with an additional bedroom complete this tasteful floor plan.
Delve Into Hundreds of Upscale, Luxurious Manufactured Homes
The modern/contemporary factory-built homes of today are not only impressive, but they are also highly accessible. You can find an extensive variety of high-quality manufactured homes just about anywhere in the country.
Head over to MHVillage to browse more of our top rated manufactured and mobile homes.
Builders That Offer Some of the Best New Manufactured Homes
Want to see some of the fan-favorite homes for each manufacturer? Send us a message for a full list of the manufactured homes that have been favorited most by home shoppers in 2021.
As housing prices continue torise, people are increasingly looking for alternatives to building traditional single-family homes. While site-built homes are desirable with customizable features, the price can be prohibitive for the buyer – especially in today’s market. Purchasing a manufactured home, however, is a great opportunity to break the renting cycle and build some equity.
When you think of a manufactured home, you might think of the single or double-wide trailers set really close together in mobile home parks. These communities have historically been stigmatized, but their value and convenience makes them a desirable housing option for millions of Americans.
The majority of manufactured homes are built for private land, though a quarter of manufactured homes today are purchased and parked in rented spaces in manufactured home communities. The ease of which these homes can be placed on a piece of vacant land is a distinct advantage. Some buyers purchase a home as their primary residence or choose one as a vacation home. Either way, manufactured homes can offer all of the amenities of site-built homes at a lower cost.
Manufactured homes come in a wide variety of styles from multiple manufacturers in the business. Whether you are looking for a small, modest space or a luxurious abode, there is a manufactured home that will meet your needs.
Levels of Manufactured Homes
Before we compare the costs of a manufactured home against a site-built home, it’s important to understand that manufactured homes come in three basic levels. The difference between the three is not due to quality or building standards, but has everything to do with options and upgrades. These three levels vary widely in price, construction materials and techniques, the type of windows, doors, and roofing materials.
Lower level homes reduce costs by using glue and staples instead of nails, lowering the pitch on the roof, using fewer trim materials, and installing cabinets and fixtures with plain features. The doors and windows may be slightly smaller as well.
Mid-level homes use higher-quality materials. This may include studs, nails, trim, and an upgraded roof with shingles rated for harsher weather. They may also add higher-end cabinets and fixtures, energy-efficient windows, and sometimes even a garage.
Just like site-built homes, high-end manufactured homes can be top of the line. They use the best materials in terms of lumber, tiles, and floor coverings. The roofs are more pitched to encourage water run-off, with eaves built-in. They can even come with porches and decks. Every amenity, such as carpeting, cabinetry, appliances, and trim have upgradable options.
Luxury models have all of the options of an on-site built home, but with efficiencies in building. If you upgrade amenities to your home when building, your home can appear very similar to a site-built home. In addition to upgrading doors and roofs, laying a basement foundation and landscaping the yard can make the home nearly indistinguishable from a site-built home from the curb.
Manufactured Home Efficiencies
As you consider a home build, there are several advantages a manufactured home might have over a site-built home, both in terms of costs and efficiencies. In fact, the efficiencies often drive down the costs. Part of the process for the two types of homes is similar. If you are building on a plot of purchased land, both homes require clearing and leveling of the building space, putting in some sort of foundation, and hooking up to sewer and water. After that, the building process goes off in different directions.
Here are several ways in which manufactured homes adds efficiencies to the process:
Building Crews and Labor Costs
On-site homes require a crew to come to the site for the length of the project.
According to Richard Fung, owner of Forever Homes, “there must be a coordination among framers, plumbers, electricians, roofers, and others. The materials must be delivered on time and protected from the elements until they are ready for use. A lot of factors go into scheduling labor.”
Manufactured homes are built off-site in a warehouse by an assembly line crew with consistent processes. While a building company might have a selection of just a few floor plans to choose from, this allows them to perfect every aspect of the process. Even if they have several floor plans, these homes have a lot in common with each other, which allows the builder to streamline the process and reduce costs.
Building Materials
The price of lumber and labor is becoming prohibitive for some prospective homeowners. If there are many homes being built in an area, a single home builder may need to deal with supply and demand issues in terms of materials and labor. This may delay the process and make scheduling crews a hassle.
A manufactured home builder can purchase vast quantities of materials, often at a volume discount. These materials are delivered to a central location, so they are there when the order for the home comes in. As a result, suppliers are consistent with material deliveries. This creates potential for a quicker move-in to your space.
Cabinets and utilities placed on the partially completed floor of a new manufactured home from Fairmont Homes.
Building process
As mentioned, manufactured homes often build their structures in a warehouse on a streamlined assembly line. In fact, manufactured homes cost 10 to 35 percent less per square foot to build this way.
Delays that would normally occur on a building site due to rain, snow, or wind are not a factor during this assembly line process. Unless an on-site building site is well guarded, theft of materials and vandalism are also a possibility. At a manufactured home facility, these issues are less of a factor.
When the manufactured home is transported to the site as a whole unit or in a couple of pieces, there is a minimal final assembly as the home is set in place.
Unless you are building the same home at every site, an on-site home design has changes or special features that may extend the building process. Manufactured homes create a design that works right out of the gate, from the foundation to the roof. The electrical, plumbing, fixtures and frame are repeated with each build and perfected, which results in minimal delays, if any.
High Standards
Some might think that on-site homes are built with higher quality, but the fact is that manufactured homes are built according to strict HUD (Housing and Urban Development) codes. Local and state code authorities also ensure that they meet high levels of building standards.
The Bottom Line
Today’s manufactured homes are as varied in floor plans and designs as site-built homes. They can range from 500 – 3000 square feet with all of the options you might want. They can be placed on a building site easily, and they can be decorated in a way that has curb appeal with landscaping, paved driveways, trees, and more.
Manufactured homes offer the same levels of safety and security, as well as all of the energy-efficient options of site-built homes.
If you take a look at the new housing styles on the market, you will be pleasantly surprised by the options available and the quality of the homes. Today’s manufactured homes are an affordable and beautiful alternative to site-built homes in a stiff housing market.
It’s no secret that manufactured homes can sit next to some of the most beautiful, scenic views out there. Whether you’re a mobile home owner living on the Atlantic coast or want to live among the mountains, prospective homebuyers looking for a view can find the right manufactured home for them anywhere in the U.S.
Florida
If a waterfront manufactured or mobile home community in Florida sounds like your thing, there are a number of communities in Florida that offer gated security, age-restricted communities, and access to Florida’s top resorts and theme parks, all with the palm trees and sunshine that the state is known for. Water or no water, Florida will have the right manufactured home for you.
It goes without saying that Florida offers amazing waterfront views and living communities – just take a look at the image above. With lakes aplenty and miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, the perfect manufactured home on the water is waiting for you. For those who love the water, but don’t have an affinity for the ocean, a number of manufactured home communities offer lakefront lots or well-maintained pools perfect for the warm Florida weather.
Or, for the more adventurous manufactured home owner, Colorado is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks the country has to offer. Rocky Mountain National Park, arguably the most famous of Colorado’s parks, encompasses over 400 square miles of mountains and wildlife for any hiker, nature enthusiast, or backpacker in the state.
No matter your level of hiking experience, Colorado should be at the top of every manufactured home owner’s list for its breathtaking scenery.
Arizona
Just kitty-corner from Colorado is Arizona, which offers a warmer environment for any manufactured homeowner. We’d be remiss to include Arizona on this list without highlighting the Grand Canyon, one of the country’s most notable natural wonders. A number of mobile homes and manufactured homes near the Canyon offer unrivaled proximity to the National Park that hosts the canyon, including communities in Flagstaff and Sedona.
Arizona’s dry summers mean the state may not be for every manufactured homeowner, but there are a number of communities with senior living accommodations and poolside amenities to help beat the heat, too.
Michigan
There’s a reason Michigan is known as the Great Lakes state. Finding a lakeside manufactured home in Michigan is about as easy as can be, and many manufactured home communities in Michigan even have their own lake for the perfect sunrise view. If a smaller lakeside view isn’t your thing (though it’s hard to imagine that it wouldn’t be), there are many manufactured homes and mobile homes along the Great Lakes that border Michigan, perfect for boating or visiting one of the state’s many beaches.
Of course, lakes aren’t the only thing that Michigan is known for. You can find a manufactured home or mobile home community near popular sights in Michigan like the Silver Sand Dunes just north of Muskegon, or in popular Northern Michigan getaways like Traverse City or Petoskey.
California
From the palm trees to the top of the Northern California mountains, the Golden State has the right view for almost any manufactured homeowner. The Gold Rush days may be gone, but the right manufactured home or mobile home park in San Francisco or Los Angeles can offer up homes right next to palm trees and stunningly blue water.
Or, if the hustle and bustle of city life isn’t your style, a number of manufactured homes further north offer beautiful forest views. Manufactured homes and mobile parks in Redding, for instance, sit right at the base of several national parks and forests, including the Shasta Trinity National Forest. For the hiking and nature enthusiasts, these homes can’t be beat.
You may even be California dreamin’ over that oceanside manufactured home you’ve always wanted. San Diego is one of the most popular cities in California for manufactured homes, and its proximity to the bay is a big reason why. MHVillage makes it easier than ever to look for a manufactured home or mobile home community in California with the right amenities for you that make those sweet views even sweeter.
Pennsylvania
Situated right near the top of the Appalachian mountains that span across the East Coast, it’s surprisingly easy to find the perfect mobile home in Pennsylvania right by the mountainscape. Mobile homes in Somerset don’t lay far from Mt. Davis, one of Pennsylvania’s largest mountains.
Manufactured homes near the mountains are also primely located near some of the nation’s best ski resorts, such as homes in Gettysburg near The Lodges.
If mountains aren’t your taste, or if you’re just afraid of heights, there are a number of national parks in the state near manufactured home communities. For instance, there are a number of manufactured homes and mobile home parks near Chesapeake Bay, North America’s largest estuary with miles of beaches to enjoy during the summer. Or, you can opt for the perfect mobile home near the Potomac River.
No matter what, Pennsylvania offers some of the most variety out of all of the states on this list that make the state perfect for any manufactured homeowner-to-be.
New York
You don’t have to live in the Big Apple to live in a New York State of Mind.
If you’re looking for a New York manufactured home with a view, look no further than cities like Saratoga Springs. Known famously as “the Queen of the Spas,” the city offers access to luscious mineral springs and a fab downtown shopping center. And, mobile homeowners can take advantage of prime nature views with lush forests and rivers that bring out the best of what upstate New York has to offer during any season. The beautiful landscapes in this part of the state can make it any manufactured homeowners stomping ground.
It’s not hard to find the perfect mobile or manufactured home in Asheville, for example, sitting right near the Blue Ridge mountains. If the snowcaps in Colorado are too frigid for your style, the North Carolina landscape provides a refreshing variety with the lush greens of the state’s natural foliage. And, North Carolina is home to amazing beaches, such as Topsail Beach and the Outer Banks, that are perfect for swimming, surfing, or a relaxing stroll along the sand.
For something a bit more quaint, a manufactured home near Highland may be for you. An upscale downtown with shops and good eats isn’t far off, nor are the Dry Falls, a popular waterfall attraction just a few minutes from town.
Which State is Best For Manufactured Homeowners?
In today’s manufactured housing market, you don’t have to move mountains financially to get that perfect mobile home with a view. Every state on this list has something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s a warm oceanside view in Florida or one of the majestic mountains in the Carolinas. Looking to buy a manufactured home in a scenic locale? MHVillage has the largest selection of new and pre-owned manufactured homes and communities, with the resources to help you find your dream home in your dream landscape. And, these tips on the average cost of a manufactured home can help you get started on planning your home buying journey – with any luck, there’ll be a beach involved, too.
So, you’re looking at buying a mobile home – congratulations!
No matter where you’re relocating to, you may consider moving into a mobile home park. With any park or community, there are bound to be questions from any homebuyer along the way. After all, the park that your future mobile home will reside in is just as important as the home itself, so any prospective homebuyer will want to ensure they’re moving into a park or community that’s just right for them.
Finding the Right Community For You
Before you start your search for the perfect mobile home, it’s important to create a checklist of your top priorities when it comes to living in a mobile home park. These could include:
Finding a community that allows for pets if you own a dog, cat, or other animal
Finding an age-restricted community, if desired
Having access to amenities such as a swimming pool, lakeside view, facilities such as racquetball or tennis courts, etc.
The level of gated security within a community
Whether or not a park is resident-owned
MHVillage makes it easy to search for a mobile home park that meets your specific needs. There are filters for parks with pet-friendly accommodations, on-site pools and clubhouses, and parks exclusively for residents over the age of 55. Even though homes in today’s housing market are in very high demand, that doesn’t mean you should have to compromise when it comes to buying your mobile home.
Popular Types of Mobile Home Communities
Age-Restricted. Caters to older adults (usually age 55 and up), similar to a traditional retirement apartment or condo complex.
All Ages. Caters to families, young adults, and basically anyone else who wants to live in an affordable, community-centric development.
Resident-Owned. Allow residents to share ownership of the park, with everyone chipping in to pay for the land, maintenance, services, utilities, etc.
Contacting the Community
Once you’ve found a mobile home park or community that fits your needs, the next step is to contact the community to arrange a tour of the home, or to share any questions you may have. Most communities will have an email or phone number that you can reach – and for mobile home parks listed on MHVillage, you’ll have the option to contact the seller directly through their listing.
From there, a staff member from the park – sometimes a selling agent or a retailer that works directly with the park – can usually help you arrange a tour of the mobile home you’re interested in.
Touring the Home and Community
Like with any prospective home, you’ll want to take a tour of the mobile home for sale to see if it will be right for you and your personal preferences. Of course, you’ll also want to ensure that the mobile home is well-maintained and take note of any repairs needed, should you choose to purchase the home.
Consider some of the following questions you should ask yourself when touring a mobile home:
Will I have enough space with this home?
Can I afford the monthly expenses, such as utilities?
Can I renovate it if I need to?
Can I adequately address any issues with plumbing, electricity, or other utilities?
Does the mobile home offer easy access to amenities and stores in the surrounding area that are important to me?
Some parks may offer virtual tours, too, that allow you to view the mobile home from the comfort of your own home. In addition to any photos that are available of the home, a virtual tour can consist of interactive, 360-degree photos and videos that walk you through the mobile home and its features.
If it’s possible, you may want to take a tour of the mobile home park or community you have in mind to see it for yourself. This way, you’ll be able to see how the mobile homes are laid out within the community, and check out the common facilities while you’re at it. This also gives you the chance to talk with any of the park’s residents and learn firsthand what it’s like living day-to-day in the community.
Securing a Lender and Financing
However, if you haven’t yet done so, you’ll want to connect with a lender to help you navigate the financial side of the mobile home buying process. This includes, but is not limited to:
Ensuring your credit score will allow you to take out a mobile home loan
Processing all necessary payments throughout the homebuying process
Finding the right mobile home insurance for you
The MHVillage Mobile Home Buyer’s Guide offers further details on the financing options at your disposal. This also includes the various types of financing that may be available to you, including mobile home loans with land. For mobile homes situated in a park, chattel mortgages will often be the go-to.
Filling Out the Paperwork
If you’ve decided to purchase a mobile home, congratulations! Once you’ve had an offer accepted on a mobile home, that’s when the paperwork begins – and the exact documents you’ll sign may differ, depending on the process.
The first piece of paper you’ll sign after your offer has been accepted is usually the purchase agreement, which outlines the sale against contingencies such as the home inspection, financing approval, and a proper appraisal. Around this time, your lender will open an escrow account for your earnest money deposit (EMD). Think of an EMD as the down payment on the down payment.
While it’s very possible that your mobile home has already been appraised and inspected if it’s on the market, more often than not you’ll also want to hire an inspector and appraiser to verify the condition and value of the home. These will give you peace of mind in knowing that your new mobile home is priced appropriately, and will tell you more about the condition of your home, inside and out.
Once these two steps are set, it’s time to close! You’ll usually meet with the seller to sign your closing paperwork, which includes the final purchase contract as well as the title transfer itself, and any necessary tax-related documents.
During this step, your agent may also provide you with paperwork specific to your mobile home park, such as a signed contract acknowledging park guidelines and, if applicable, a renter’s agreement. Check with your park management for specific documents you’ll need to sign during this step.
Other types of paperwork may vary based on state. For instance, in Michigan, a notary wouldn’t need to present for a bill of sale, whereas other states may require this. Your lender or agent will be able to advise you here.
Extra Cost Considerations
Closing Costs
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much you should set aside for the down payment and closing costs, which includes your EMD. A lot of this depends on what kind of loan you and your lender agree on.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to budget around 5% of the asking price of the mobile home for your down payment, and another 5% for your closing costs. Your final out-of-pocket costs may not be quite as high, but it’s better to budget for more than you need. Any extra money you may have can go towards your first mortgage payment, moving expenses, or any needed home improvements.
Lot Costs
When moving into a mobile home park, you’ll likely come across additional monthly costs related to the park itself.
Lot rent (also known as a site fee) is probably the most common monthly payment you’ll make when living in a mobile home park. If your mortgage payments are what you pay for the mobile home itself, imagine the lot rent as the monthly payment for the lot on which your home sits.
Much like with your closing costs, there’s no one definitive answer as to how much your lot rent will cost. However, lot rent sometimes includes many utilities, such as water and sewage, internet access, electricity, and garbage pickup.
If you live in a resident-owned community, you may also pay a monthly or annual fee that goes toward community developments, such as community home repairs or building new amenities.
The mobile home park you choose to live in should have amenities that meet your needs, be in a quality neighborhood, and help make your manufactured or mobile home feel more like…well, home.
More Resources on the Mobile Home Buying Process
The MHVillage Mobile Home Buyer’s Guide has a number of articles on the entire journey, from the moment you begin your search to the day you move into your new mobile home.
If the roof on your manufactured home or mobile is showing its age, it may be time to consider repairing or even replacing your roof altogether. Of course, one of the first questions that comes to mind when repairing or replacing a roof is the cost of it all – how much does it cost to hire a professional? Or, what’s the cost of materials to get it done yourself?
While the cost of any mobile home roofing project should always be a consideration, it’s important to first take a step back and take a large-scale view of your roofing project. Always ask yourself the following questions when considering a manufactured home roof repair or replacement:
Which roofing material is right for my mobile home?
Can I install a roof over my current roof, or does it need to be replaced altogether?
Should I hire a professional roofing contractor to replace or repair my roof?
Which mobile home roofing materials are right for you?
Of the many types of roofing materials suitable for mobile homes, there are four key materials that are most popular among manufactured homeowners: asphalt shingles, metal roofing, TPO (also known as TPO membranes), and rubber roofing. While no material is definitively better than the other, each material has its advantages and disadvantages that make some materials better than others for different types of manufactured homes and mobile homes.
Shingles
Layering your roof with asphalt shingles is a time-tested approach. They’re among the cheapest roofing materials, they offer durability, and long-term maintenance is usually kept to a minimum.
While shingles are a popular roofing material across the country, one main drawback that’s a dealbreaker for many mobile homeowners is the lifespan. Shingles have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years – considerably shorter than many other roofing materials used for manufactured homes. And, not all shingles are created equal; lesser-quality shingles may not carry the same lifespan, requiring another roof replacement in as early as 10 years.
A key factor as to their shorter lifespan is heat absorption: since asphalt shingles absorb high amounts of heat, they tend to crack and damage quicker than other materials. Shingles are also more susceptible to wind damage compared to metal or TPO.
If your current roof is shingle-based and you’re looking to add a layer of shingles over it via a roof over, ensure that a roof over is possible first. Depending on the thickness of a shingled roof, a roof over with just shingles may not be possible as a second layer of shingles may not adequately cover any damage, or even lead to further cracking.
However, shingle roofs remain a popular choice for many manufactured homeowners for their cost-effectiveness. While the cost of a shingled roof will vary based on the quality of shingle, as well as any labor costs involved, you expect to pay at least $1,500 for a single-wide roof, and closer to $2,500 or $3,000 or more for a double-wide.
Metal roofing
You may also consider doing a roof over or roof replacement with metal paneling – an increasingly popular choice among manufactured homeowners. These are most commonly made out of steel, though other common metal roofing materials include aluminum, zinc, or copper. As long as leaks and other damage in your existing roof are fixed, installing corrugated metal sheets over your roof is one of the most popular roof-over methods.
With aluminum and metal roofing comes an increased durability factor that other roofing materials don’t have. Compared to the 15-year average lifespan for shingles, properly installed metal roofs with the right insulation underneath can last anywhere between 30 and 60 years, depending on the quality of your material and your local weather conditions. Metal roofing materials also carry increased energy efficiency over asphalt shingles, though they do get extremely hot in summer temperatures.
The extra durability comes with an added upfront cost, however. A metal roof with insulation can run at nearly double the cost of an asphalt shingle roof, particularly if you bring in a contractor to get the job done. For some manufactured homeowners, the increased lifespan may be worth the cost.
One downside to metal roofing materials is damage potential. Despite their durability, metal roofing materials are highly susceptible to denting as a result of physical impact or heavy rainfall/hail. Some minor dents can be fixed by yourself, though large dents may require replacing entire metal sheets, which can add to your long-term roofing costs.
Additionally, one lesser-known factor that may turn away homeowners is noise. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall like Hawaii, that can create more noise as it falls on a metal roof compared to asphalt.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
Installing a TPO roof is another popular choice among mobile homeowners for its durability and relatively easy installation process.
Compared to shingles, TPO roofs hold up for much longer against all types of weather conditions, offering even more durability than a metal roof. TPO roofs are also among the most energy efficient roofing materials, with the added caveat that the most popular TPO roof color, white, carries the most energy efficiency. TPO roofs are less commonly installed with a black finish, which only absorbs more heat and increases your mobile home’s air conditioning costs. Because of all of these factors, TPO roofs are often seen as the most beneficial option for manufactured homes.
TPO roofs are most favorable for flat or bowed roofs, as installing the TPO membrane over the existing roof is relatively painless. That doesn’t mean you can’t install a TPO roof over a pitched roof, but your costs may rise due to the more precise nature of the installation.
The lighter weight and durability makes TPO a cost-effective option, too. While the costs depend on whether you go the DIY route or hire a professional contractor, you can expect pricing to be around the same range as that of an asphalt shingle roof, if not slightly less.
TPO roofs are part of a larger offering of membrane-based roofing materials, which also includes EPDM roofs. That said, a TPO membrane will more often than not need to be installed by a professional contractor, as improper installation can lead to rippling and tearing in the materials, which can create leaks in your manufactured home.
Rubber Roofing
Mobile homeowners looking for a quick repair or roof over may choose to use a rubber roofing, or liquid roofing method. This involves spreading a coat of rubberproofing material over the current roof to seal in any damage and provide the roof with a solid layer of protection.
For mobile homeowners on a budget, this may be the best option for a roof over. Roof overs done this way can run for as little as $600, and will last for about 10 years – almost as long as a roof with asphalt shingles.
RoofWrap, a single-piece rubber seal for mobile homes.
Installation must be completed on a dry day without rain, as the solution will typically need to dry and harden over the course of several hours. Additionally, maintenance for your rubber sealed roof is often higher than an asphalt or metal roof, as you may need to reseal on a yearly basis. This can make maintenance more of a hassle for mobile homeowners compared to the other materials listed.
The type of material that’s best for your roof over or roof replacement comes down to your specific needs. Are you willing to pay more for durability and a roof with a long lifespan? If so, a metal roof may be right for you. Or, if you’re working on a budget and want to do a roof over your current roof, then a TPO roof is your go-to. In any case, a roofing calculator can help you find the exact cost it’ll take for a roof over or roof replacement on your mobile home.
The Case for Roof Overs and Roof Replacements
Whether or not you’ve already identified the right material for your manufactured or mobile home, it’s important to consider whether you want to do a roof over – installing the new roof on top of the old material – or completely replace your roof altogether. In a number of cases, a roof over will do, depending on your materials.
For instance, a new TPO roof is an ideal option for mobile home roof overs, particularly for flat roofs. This is because TPO membranes are installed in one piece over the existing roof, compared to the multiple sheets required for metal or aluminum roofing.
If you’re repairing or replacing a flat roof, you may consider building a pitched roof over it to better protect against weather damage; while flat roofs can hold water and cause significant damage to your roof (not to mention your entire manufactured home), pitched or sloped roofs route any precipitation away from your roof and home. Additionally, for areas in the northern U.S. that see significant amounts of snowfall, a site-built roof above your home’s existing roof can add extra support for heavy snow loads. For this method, shingles and metal roofing are usually favored, given their time-tested reliability.
Like we mentioned above, for flat roofs TPO is a great cost-effective option if a pitched roof isn’t your thing. That’s perhaps the biggest advantage to a roof over compared to a full replacement is – the cost. Since a roof over doesn’t involve tearing out the original damaged roofing material, you save money on the labor needed to remove the old roof, and disposal no longer becomes a factor. This makes roof overs the preferred option for many mobile homeowners.
In some cases, your mobile home roof may be damaged to the extent that a roof over won’t adequately cover your manufactured home. This is when a complete roof replacement may be necessary, which involves tearing away the old roofing material before installing your new roof. While this does often increase the price of your roof installation, it comes with extra peace of mind knowing your new roof is fully guarded against the elements.
When to Hire, and When to DIY
Now, we’ve talked about the most popular roofing materials, and the benefits of a roof over compared to a roof replacement. Another major question to ask yourself is whether you want to do the roof over or roof replacement yourself, or hire a professional.
Cost is, as always, a big determining factor when choosing to go the DIY route for a manufactured home roofing project. If you decide to handle a roof repair or replacement on your own, the main out-of-pocket cost will be for the materials, which varies greatly depending on which material you use. That said, what you save financially gets spent in the extra time you put in to do the job yourself.
That’s where hiring a contractor for your roof over or roof replacement has a major benefit. Yes, you’ll likely pay more out of pocket to account for labor costs. However, having professional contractors to repair or replace your roof can not only save you time to do other things, but can provide peace of mind for many manufactured home owners knowing that their roof is being handled by professionals.
The material you work with can also determine whether you should hire a professional to handle your roof over or roof replacement. TPO roofs are more often handled by contractors to ensure a proper fit, whereas a rubber sealed or metal roof can be more friendly for DIY mobile homeowners.
If you’re looking to do your mobile home roof over or replacement on your own, materials can usually be sourced from an industrial hardware store, or even your local lumber yard if you’re opting for a metal roof.
If you plan to hire a contractor to handle your roof repair, many online websites like Angi or Thumbtack can help you find local contractors near you that can work within your budget and desired materials. And, a contractor often works directly with suppliers to source roofing materials, so you don’t have to hunt them down on your own.
One key consideration for any roofing project is whether there are any park community guidelines, if applicable, that dictate how a roofing project must be completed, apart from any necessary local/state permits. While it’s likely that you can repair or replace your roof with just those permits, it’s a good idea to check with your mobile home park to see if there are any additional requirements for your roofing project, such as restricting construction within daylight hours. It’s best to contact your community manager to get more information. If you live in a mobile home park or resident-owned community, they may also have resources available to you for your roofing project, such as a recommended contractor with discounted rates.
The Best Roof for Your Mobile Home
At the end of the day, how you repair or replace your roof should be suited to your budget, while also taking into consideration the shape and build of your current roof and any existing damage. Consider your long-term needs out of your roof, and what you value most. For many mobile home owners, durability is key, particularly in areas with harsher weather, which makes a metal or TPO roof the ideal option. For other areas, a shingle roof is the way to go if you’re looking for reliability and cost-effectiveness. If you’re looking to repair or replace your roof to increase your mobile home’s resale value, check out these other tips for improving your home. You can also read more on how to best go about the roof over or roof replacement process to ensure that your new roof is the best your manufactured or mobile home deserves.
If you think that selling a mobile home is the same as selling a traditional one, you are mistaken. These two types of houses require entirely different approaches when it comes to selling and marketing them. Moreover, every mobile home is different, and so is every location. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to tailor your selling strategies to suit the area you plan to sell. That will considerably increase your chances of success.
Thus, if you want to sell a mobile home in Michigan, you will need a few tricks up your sleeve. And that is why we are here. To help you out on this journey, we have prepared a guide to lead you through the process.
Consider How You Want to Sell Your Home
Once you have decided to sell your mobile home in Michigan, you will face another dilemma – who will sell your home?
There are several options to explore.
Firstly, if your home is in a mobile home park, you should communicate your selling plans to the park management. You will probably have an opportunity to work with a sales agent of the park to help you sell your home. Just like any other agent, they will help you prepare and stage your home, so it’s attractive to prospective buyers, organize showings, and prepare paperwork.
On the other hand, if your mobile home is located on a piece of land in your ownership, you can choose whether you want to sell your home yourself or hire a real estate agent. The first option is called “for sale by owner.” If you go with an agent, it’s imperative to find one who has experience selling mobile homes in Michigan. They will have the necessary knowledge and expertise to market the house well and sell it quickly.
Hiring a real estate agent with experience selling mobile homes in Michigan will make things way easier for you.
Still, if you decide on the FSBO approach, you will save a significant amount of money, given that you will not have to pay an agent’s commission. However, it will demand you to do a lot more legwork, for which you may not be ready. Also, selling a home is no easy task, and if you are not well-versed in it, an agent may save you a lot of trouble and potential mistakes.
Finally, there are manufactured home dealers who will probably want to purchase your home from you. It is the simplest and the fastest way to sell a mobile home in Michigan. But, there is a downside – a dealer will usually offer less for the home than a private buyer.
Determine Your Home Value
The selling price that you decide on should be well-informed and based on reliable data. A few options to help you price your home effectively include:
Appraisal
Inspection
Mobile home book value report
When selling a mobile home, like when selling a traditional home, it would be best to have it professionally appraised and inspected. An appraisal will give you the most detailed and accurate home valuation. You will also gain insight into what significant repairs you will have to address before putting your home on the market.
If you’re interested in a quicker solution, MHVillage can help you get started with a free mobile home book value if you decide to list your home on our website. This book will help you price your home accurately, which is essential for a fast sale of a home. You can do some research and see how similar properties in your neighborhood are priced and get a decent idea of how much your mobile home is worth.
Keep in mind that several factors affect the local market:
Time of the year
Availability
Interest rates
Demographics
The national economy.
Marketing Your Mobile Home
Knowing how to market your manufactured home will make all the difference when selling your home. So, if you decide to sell your home on your own, you will have to research the topic thoroughly. But if you hire an agent, they will do most of the work.
Improving the curb appeal
There are ways to add value to your home by focusing on some minor improvements. For example, improving the curb appeal of your Michigan mobile home is an important step. First impressions are critical when selling a house, and you want to make a good one. So, do a bit of landscaping, trim the grass, and apply a fresh coat of paint, replace broken light and install a new mailbox. A little goes a long way.
Spruce up the interior
Moreover, get your interior ready by scheduling deep cleaning, removing the clutter, and making the home look as impersonal as possible. You want potential buyers to be able to imagine living there. Also, if possible, paint your walls in neutral colors. They are your safest bet, and freshly painted walls will give your home a clean and polished feel.
If you want to sell a mobile home in Michigan fast, make sure you give the interior some love.
Take quality photos
Finally, you will want to have some good photos. It would be best if you hired a professional photographer as they can capture the true beauty of your house and present it in the best possible light. And make sure you carefully consider the descriptions of the images you use for your listings. MHVillage has prepared a Mobile Home Online Listing Checklist to help you create an optimized listing for your mobile home that will ensure you attract buyers and highlight your home’s most attractive qualities.
All of this will ensure your mobile home doesn’t stay on the market too long. So, you will want to move out as fast as possible when you have found a buyer. The fantastic news is that you can do that by hiring a moving company that offers same-day moving services. That way, you will organize fast and stress-free relocation to your new address. With the right help, selling your home and moving to a new one don’t have to be complicated.
Gather Michigan-specific paperwork for your mobile home
Every state has different rules and regulations concerning the paperwork necessary for selling and purchasing mobile homes. Thus, you must gather all the essential information.
Research the rules and regulations regarding mobile home sales in Michigan.
So, if you want to sell a mobile home in Michigan, here is what you should do:
It is necessary to draw up a bill of sale and finalize the transaction. It is not required to have a notary present in Michigan.
You must have the title at hand so the new owner can check all the information. You will assign the title to the new owner, and they will then take the assigned title to a Secretary of State Branch Office, where they will have it transferred into their name.
This is not a requirement, but if your house is in a mobile home park or community, it would be helpful to prepare a copy of the rules and other relevant documents. Just like every state has different rules and regulations, so do mobile home parks. So, your buyer will appreciate this information.
List with MHVillage, Sell with Confidence
MHVillage is America’s number website for listing mobile homes. So, if you want to sell a mobile home in Michigan, this is your first stop. Every year, we have over 25 million unique visitors and sell over 80,000 homes nationwide. Deciding to sell has been the first step; the next is reading our Mobile Home Seller’s Guide. It will provide you with a lot of valuable information and resources to proceed with the next steps of the mobile home selling process.
Heads up, Southeast Michigan! The Novi Home Show will host six stunning manufactured homes for public display at the Michigan Manufactured Housing Association (MMHA)...
This weekend, October 7th through the 9th, 2022, is your opportunity to tour six model homes as part of the Manufactured Home Showcase.
The Showcase,...
