What Everybody Ought to Know About Mobile Home Window Replacement

Recently, we wrote about the importance of mobile home exterior doors. Whether you’re replacing your door or want to give it a refresh with some paint, it’s important to know how they impact the exterior of your home.

But, there’s another component of your mobile home’s exterior that’s worth discussing: your windows. If you need to, a mobile home window replacement is a great way to add value to your mobile home while enjoying other benefits such as increased energy efficiency.

Like any mobile home project, there are some things you should know before you get started. Here’s everything you need to know about mobile home window replacement.

Are Mobile Home Windows Different From Site-Built Home Windows?

If you’re replacing your mobile home windows, you may have questions about which windows you can use. Specifically, you may be wondering if mobile home windows are different from windows in site-built homes.

The short answer is no. Generally, you can shop for windows without having to look for windows specifically branded for mobile homes. This is because you’ll shop for windows based on their size, which we’ll get into more below.

However, you may find that there are different types of windows that are popular for mobile homes. This can be because of their cost, their energy efficiency, or their ease of installation. We’ll talk more below about the different types of mobile home windows that are available, too.

Why Would I Need To Replace My Windows?

There are a variety of reasons why you might need to replace your windows:

Your windows don’t keep out cold air from outside.
The glass is chipped, cracked, or completely broken.
You have trouble opening or closing your windows.
The wood around the windows, known as the frame or the jamb, is damaged or rotten.
The window seal is disrupted.

No matter why you need ro replace your mobile home window, you want to make sure you get the job done right.

Can Mobile Home Windows Be Replaced?

Yes, absolutely. You can replace your mobile home windows with newer models that are of better quality and promote increased energy efficiency for your mobile home.

There are, of course, some things to keep in mind when taking on this kind of mobile home project. First, you’ll need to figure out how big your replacement needs to be.

This doesn’t just involve measuring the length and width of the window itself (though, you will need to do that, of course). You’ll also need to take a look at the window jamb, which is the framing around the actual window pane. If it’s misshapen, the wood is rotting, or is damaged, you’ll need to replace the entire frame down to the studs. It’s certainly possible to do this on your own. However, it may be worth calling a professional contractor who can get the job done relatively quickly.

The good news is that if your window jamb is in good condition, you can use a “pocket window” for your mobile home window replacement. These are a budget-friendly option if you need to replace just the window, and NOT the jamb. Essentially, these replacement windows are simply slipped into the jamb and screwed into place.

What Types of Mobile Home Windows Are There?

You’ll quickly find that there are three types of windows out there that are popular with mobile homes: fiberglass, vinyl, and aluminum.

Fiberglass Mobile Home Windows

The biggest draw to fiberglass mobile home windows is that they’re much more durable than other types of windows. The seamless frame is perfect for painting, and has a ton of weather resistance because of its durability, too.

With the added durability comes added cost, however. Fiberglass mobile home windows are among the most expensive kinds you can buy. And, they’re among the heaviest, too. This means that you’ll need a helping hand if you’re installing them on your own.

Fiberglass windows are great if you want to paint the frame and blend it with the exterior of your mobile home. This is because vinyl windows, as we explain below, aren’t typically painted.

Vinyl Mobile Home Windows

Vinyl mobile home windows are by far the most common type of window you’ll find in mobile homes. In fact, many manufacturers in the industry rely on vinyl windows when building new manufactured homes. They offer a strong, tight seal that makes them more energy efficient than other types of windows. And, you won’t have to paint them over time.

For the price you’ll pay for quality vinyl mobile home windows, you’ll get incredible durability in both the color and the build quality. Because they’re so durable, you won’t need to install a storm window in most cases. You’ll have more than enough energy efficiency and weather protection with a vinyl mobile home window.

One other thing to keep in mind: you may see some vinyl mobile home windows that are described as “double pane” or “single pane.” A double-pane window has even more energy efficiency compared to a single-pane. Both types, however, are highly popular among manufactured homeowners.

Aluminum Mobile Home Windows

Aluminum mobile home windows are not as common these days compared to the past few decades. However, they still offer many benefits for mobile homeowners.

One of the biggest benefits is cost. You’ll find that aluminum mobile home windows are a fair amount cheaper than their fiberglass and vinyl counterparts. And, they often offer sound dampening that makes it harder for outside noise to get inside. If your neighbor has a loud dog or children, these windows may be able to help with noise reduction as a result.

Compared to fiberglass and vinyl, you won’t get as much durability. Aluminum windows may be more susceptible to rust or cosmetic damage. This is because aluminum is a lighter material. However, this means that you’ll have an easier time with installation, especially if you have to install multiple windows.

Also, aluminum windows are not as effective at creating a tight seal around the frame. As a result, your windows may suffer from reduced energy efficiency. Some models of aluminum windows have gotten better at keeping cool air inside during the summertime. However, their ability to keep warm air inside during the winter can still fall behind.

How Can I Replace My Mobile Home Windows?

If you’re going the DIY route for replacing your mobile home windows, there are steps you should take before you start working.

First, before you buy any supplies, you must measure the window. To do this, you’ll take three horizontal and three vertical measurements. For the horizontal measurements, you’ll measure the top, center, and bottom of the window. For the vertical you’ll measure the left side, right side, and center. From there, you’ll be ready to order your new window based on the smallest horizontal and vertical measurements.

You’ll also need to measure the windows from each side jamb, as well as from the head jamb to the window sill.

As you’re replacing your mobile home window, make sure you have the right supplies, too. These can include:

Safety glasses
Pry bar
Tape measure
Level
Hammer
Power drill
Screwdriver
Putty/utility knives

Now, you’re probably ready to start on your mobile home window replacement. The exact process will depend on what kind of window you’re replacing. And, it will depend on the scope of the project. We recommend searching for a mobile home window replacement tutorial based on what kind of window you have, as well as whether or not you need to replace the jambs.

Where Can I Buy What I Need For A Mobile Home Window Replacement?

If you’re getting ready to start a mobile home window replacement, let MHVillage help you out.
Head over to our Parts & Supplies page to grab anything you may need for your mobile home window project. Whether it’s a screen or some hardware that you may need, you can take your window shopping (get it?) online quickly and easily.

The Zen of the Single-Wide Mobile Home Lifestyle

2022 has seen an emphasis on wellness and simple living above all else. In a time where costs of living are going up, there has never been more interest in simple, frugal living.

For the minimalist at heart, now is the perfect time to dive into the single-wide mobile home lifestyle. They’re a great source of affordable living, are a minimalist’s best friend because of their reasonable size, and are great for downsizers as well.

Here’s what you need to know:

What Is A Single-Wide Mobile Home?

Often, you’ll hear a mobile home described as a “single-wide” or a “double-wide.” This distinction has to do with the mobile home’s size. However, it can carry other implications, too.

What are the dimensions of the average manufactured home? Well, for single-wides, it depends. A single-wide mobile home usually measures between 12 to 18 feet long, 40 to 80 feet wide, and just over 13 feet tall. The exact height usually comes in at around 13 feet, 6 inches.

Because the length and width of a single-wide mobile home can vary, that means there is no one square footage for all single-wides. That said, the square footage can vary from 480 square feet to 1,440 square feet or more. Generally, you’ll find single-wide mobile homes that are 900 square feet or more.

What makes a single-wide comes down to how it is built, too. When a mobile or manufactured home is built in the factory, it is constructed in sections. For example, a double-wide mobile home is built in two sections at the factory.

What does this mean for single-wide mobile homes? Well, it’s simple. A single-wide mobile home is built in a single section at the factory before being transported to the home site. This is why you’ll sometimes see people refer to them as “single-section” homes.

So, now that we’ve covered the basics of what a single-wide mobile home is, let’s take a dive into what makes them so appealing to millions of people across the country.

They’re SUPER Affordable

Right away, this is one of the strongest benefits on the list. Single-wide mobile home prices are well-known for being extremely affordable for families everywhere. Let’s take a look at some numbers.

The average cost of a pre-owned manufactured home was $60,733 in 2021, according to Datacomp sales data. While that doesn’t cover single-wide manufactured homes exclusively, single-wides often sell for at or below this average price.

In comparison, the average price of a site-built home was $408,000, according to 2021 Statista data.

Now, it’s important to remember that living in a single-wide mobile home offers many of the same benefits as living in a site-built home. For one, the amount of space you may have is comparable, as many site-built homes are in the 900 – 1,400 square foot range.

More importantly, you can OWN your home for a fraction of the cost. This is a huge upgrade over renting an apartment that’s only a few hundred square feet while costing a thousand dollars or more.

This means that you can get the homeowner lifestyle for a fraction of the cost. You’ll have more privacy, more security, and more freedom. Manufactured housing, as a result, is the PERFECT choice for those looking to own a home without all of the frills.

They’re Perfect For A Minimalist Lifestyle

If you need to declutter or take on a more frugal lifestyle, you should absolutely look at single-wide mobile homes.

Single-wides offer everything you need – bedrooms, bathroom(s), kitchen, living room, storage space, and even some yard space. However, you don’t have to worry about having too much grass to mow if you buy a single-wide on leased land. And, of course, you won’t have to worry about having a lifestyle of excess or clutter in a single-wide mobile home.

This means that arranging furniture, cleaning your home, taking on projects such as painting – all are as simple as can be in a single-wide mobile home. Even larger projects, such as painting your home with new single-wide mobile home exterior paint colors, are a breeze.

They’re a Great Alternative for Other Types of Housing

Many Americans opt to purchase vacation homes away from where they live. This can be in the next town over, or several states away.

Additionally, you often see retirees that relocate to Florida, Arizona or other warmer states in their golden years. They’ll either purchase second homes, or condominiums that offer benefits such as lakefront access.

Not only that, but there’s a THIRD type of home that’s gaining momentum: the tiny home. While these have been a popular option for homeownership, particularly with younger homeowners, they have not been in strong supply since they’re still rather niche. Park model homes are a similar model that’s gaining popularity.

So, what type of home can answer the needs of all three? Why, the single-wide manufactured home, of course!

For those who seek out an affordable vacation home or retirement home, single-wide manufactured homes answer the call. Like we mentioned earlier, they’re several times cheaper than the average site-built home. This makes them a friendly option for those who want a vacation home separate from their main home.

Their budget-friendliness makes them great for retirement homes, too. Many retirees like to travel and explore new hobbies that were unavailable to them when they were working. So, this means that cutting back on living expenses during retirement is often common. With single-wide manufactured homes, reducing your living expenses when you’re retired becomes that much easier.

They’re also great for those seeking out something similar to a tiny home to call their own. While some tiny homes can be more expensive because of their short supply, mobile homes are routinely cheaper than their site-built counterparts.

They’re Perfect For Downsizing

When moving from one home to another, downsizing is a common tactic. It means more affordable living and less clutter, which makes it an appealing option for many.

Downsizing, to many people, means compromise. This can include moving into a home that’s smaller than you’re comfortable with, doesn’t have enough storage space, or just isn’t the right fit for you.

However, downsizing shouldn’t have to come with unnecessary drawbacks. That’s why single-wide mobile homes are such a popular choice for those looking to downsize. Because they continue to offer the benefits of homeownership, it means you give up less by downsizing and simplifying your lifestyle.

Downsizing into a manufactured home also means you can potentially take advantage of new amenities. If you live in a mobile home park, you’ll have various amenities at your disposal. These can include dog parks, walking trails, clubhouses, and a swimming pool, among many others.

And, living in a community means that some utilities, such as internet and garbage pickup, are included in your lot rent. This makes downsizing that much easier when you have one less expense to worry about.

Now that we’ve gone over the zen of the single-wide mobile home lifestyle, are you ready to experience it for yourself? If you are, start your search today with MHVillage.

MHVillage is the nation’s leading platform for buying, selling, and renting manufactured and mobile homes. With over 80,000 mobile homes sold in 2021, many of which were single-wides, you truly cannot go wrong with shopping for your mobile home on MHVillage.
You can visit our home search page to find a single-wide mobile home for sale near you.

Before & After: 9 Mobile Home Remodels You Have to See to Believe

We’ve talked before on the MHVillager about different ways to remodel your mobile home. If you’re getting ready to start a mobile home remodel, you might want to see other projects that can make your home shine.

It’s always satisfying to see “before and after” photos of a mobile home remodel done right. So, we’ve put together a list of some of the best mobile home remodels out there to give you some inspiration for your next remodel project.

A Stand-Out Single-Wide Mobile Home Renovation

There are times where it can be challenging to remodel a mobile home if you’ve recently moved into one. The previous owner may have left some belongings behind, you may want to switch out the carpet for hardwood, or perhaps even add new life to your mobile home kitchen.

The team over at Living Hope Renovations did all of that and more in a series of videos from 2021 chronicling the before and after of their single-wide mobile home remodel.

Perhaps the most notable standout of the project is the kitchen, which features updated cabinetry while keeping the vintage 80s countertops. Of course, they took advantage of their tall windows facing out into the yard. Because they let in so much natural light, it made sense to remodel around those.

If you’re looking for a great mobile home remodel that mixes old with new, look no further.

The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.

An Exterior Mobile Home Remodel That Shows Off The Goods

When remodeling the exterior of your mobile home, you have many factors to consider. Do you want to remodel your skirting and siding? What about updating your mobile home’s external A/C unit, if it has one? Maybe you even have the opportunity to update your mobile home’s windows.

YouTuber Timothy P. Livingston, who tours and remodels homes all over the country, checked off all three of those boxes during a recent mobile home remodel. He started by replacing the mobile home’s siding with a modern faux-wood finish. Then, he installed an all-new A/C unit that promotes energy efficiency.

After a quick refresh to the skirting, he refitted the windows to give the exterior a sleeker look. All of these renovations made the exterior of this mobile home really stand out and bring this mobile home into the modern day.

The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.

Freshening Up a Mobile Home Farmhouse

Many mobile homeowners prefer a more rustic feel to their home. For some, this means moving into a farmhouse-style mobile home with decor to match. Of course, this may involve some mobile home remodeling to get the look you’re going for.

A YouTube influencer of all things rustic living, Living it Country toured a mobile home that had been remodeled to achieve that farmhouse-like aesthetic. This remodel project involved completely removing a center column and upgrading the home’s walls. Not only that, but the floors were completely redone, too. What was once tile and spare carpet turned into beautiful hardwood flooring throughout.

With dark wood finishes and all-white walls and cabinets, this mobile home remodel is one that achieves the farmhouse look in style. Head to 4:07 in the video to check out their work.

The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.

A Double-Wide Mobile Home Remodel

It goes without saying that not all mobile home remodels are one-size-fits-all. Larger mobile homes, such as double-wides, may require more work during a remodel. This is simply because of its larger size compared to a single-wide mobile home.

But, that didn’t stop approachthemike and his family from remodeling their double-wide mobile home. From installing a new deck to touching up the trim and crown moulding, this mobile home remodel is one that you have to see to believe. They even replaced flooring that had been damaged by a faulty water heater.

The exterior of the home post-remodel is where things really get interesting. They fully repainted the mobile home exterior and added all-new skirting. Fun fact: in installing that new deck we mentioned, it took Mike and his family several THOUSAND screws – and a broken drill along the way – to get the job done.

The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.

Taking A Mobile Home Apart And Putting It Back Together

Some DIY aficionados that remodel mobile homes may choose to completely replace everything. The doors, the windows, the walls, the whole shebang. That’s exactly what the folks over at DIYfferent did with their recent mobile home remodel.

They turned a fixer-upper mobile home into a modern beauty by replacing everything they possibly could. This included the siding, the roof, and even some of the wood within the home’s walls. Their goal, they said, was to make a home that they liked themselves, without the hangups of professional interior design.

“Everybody’s gotta do their own thing,” DIYfferent host Doug says in his video.

That said, their mobile home makeover certainly looks the part of being a professional job, with beautiful white siding and an all-new shingle roof that shines thanks to some stellar tree removal.

The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.

Cooking Up A Kitchen-Focused Mobile Home Remodel

The kitchen often gets the most attention during a mobile home remodel, and for good reason. It’s the room you spend a LOT of your time in. Cooking, cleaning, entertaining, and more. So, when going through a mobile home remodel, you may be giving extra thought to how you can spice up your kitchen.

Let LifeWithDanie’s manufactured home kitchen remodel give you some inspiration. After taking out their old cabinets and wallpaper, they gave the kitchen an all-new modern look with sleek white cabinets.

One of the highlights of their mobile home kitchen remodel are the countertops. Their old countertops were replaced with a marble-style countertop finish, complementing the white cabinets quite nicely. The added lighting fixtures are also a great touch hanging over the new kitchen island! You can check it all out by checking out the video below at the 2:18 mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuWMuY9mbww

The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.

Remodeling A Mobile Home From The 1960s

If you’re remodeling a mobile home built before the HUD Code was enacted in 1976, you may have some extra considerations to think about. You may need to revamp some things so that they’re HUD Code compliant. Or, you may have to replace some hazardous materials that are in your home.

YouTuber LittleLyman took a mobile home built in the 1960s and saved it from demolition within the park that he manages. This involved taking up some of the flooring that had been rotten through, as well as a full kitchen remodel. A new sink, countertops, and cabinets, along with all-new appliances, help bring this mobile home to life!

After plenty of hard work and “a few dozen coffees” (in LIttleLyman’s words), his mobile home is looking like the cream of the crop. If you’re getting ready to remodel a mobile home, LittleLyman’s remodel is a great example of how you can turn the old into new.

The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.

Remodeling A Mobile Home For Your Family

Families that live in mobile homes should have a home that’s clean, upscale, and modern. So, a mobile home remodel for families is one way to get there. This may involve laying down new flooring that’s stain-resistant or upgrading your furniture for those family movie nights.

Rachall and her family over at Johnson Branch Farm recorded their experience as they remodeled their single-wide mobile home over the course of a year. The results were quite stunning, to say the least.

Along the way, they found new methods of repurposing old furniture for their family, too. For example, old cabinets turned into storage units for remotes and DVDs. The bedrooms were remodeled with the future in mind, too. Her daughter’s room has a subtle, neutral tone that allows for new design ideas as she grows older.

Are you getting ready to move into a mobile home with your family? If you are, then this mobile home before and after remodel video is a must-watch.

The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.

A Full-Scale Remodel That Turns A House Into A Home

Sometimes, a mobile home remodel may need to be extensive. An extensive mobile home remodel may involve installing new drywall, repairing any damage from smoke, or completely replacing all of the furniture.

In 2021, lifestyle and thrift haul influencer Little Blessed Nest documented her and her dad’s journey completely remodeling a 1988 single-wide mobile home. After purchasing the home for just $1,000 and moving it for another $2,500, they got to work completely replacing the drywall, flooring, furniture – everything. To them, starting from square one made the most sense, especially since they bought the home at such an affordable price.

The end product is simply beautiful, from the paint job to the new flooring installed throughout. Little Blessed Nest’s remodel is one of the best ways we’ve seen to remodel a mobile home on a budget, all while highlighting the affordability and quality of mobile home living.

The views and opinions expressed in the video above are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position of MHVillage, our partners or our advertisers.

If you’re asking yourself, “Can I remodel a manufactured home?” Know that the answer is a resounding YES. We hope that these videos have given you some mobile home remodel ideas as you get ready to start your own projects.

If you need parts and supplies for your mobile home remodel project, we’ve got you covered there, too. Head to our Parts & Supplies page to get what you need to help preserve and improve your home value. From skirting, to doors, to furniture, to kitchen and bathroom remodeling supplies, our Parts & Supplies page is destined to be your one-stop shop for all things mobile home remodeling.

What if you’re getting ready to sell a mobile home that you just remodeled? With MHVillage, you can sell your home on the nation’s leading platform for buying, selling, and renting manufactured homes. Give us a visit today to get started!

How To Find Qualified Mobile Home Contractors

Mobile Home Fixes You’d Need To Call a Contractor For

Often, we’ll give advice on how to go the DIY (do-it-yourself) route for various mobile home repairs. This can go for small repairs, such as fixing your countertop or adding an appliance into your home. Or, if you have the right know-how, you could take on a skirting or roof repair on your own.

However, there may be times where you need to call a professional mobile home contractor to handle certain projects. They can be repairs that you don’t feel equipped to do yourself, or some that should never be done on your own.

Here are just a few examples of work that you’d want to call a contractor for:

Major remodeling work inside your home, including but not limited to cabinet installation or laying down a new hardwood floor.
Repairing your mobile home exterior. This can include the roof, siding, skirting, or any landscaping work.
Plumbing repairs or additions.
Heating and cooling projects, such as replacing your mobile home furnace.
Repairing your electrical wiring, circuit panel, or other electrical work.

Finding a Mobile Home Contractor or Carpenter

A mobile home contractor or carpenter can take on a number of different jobs around your mobile home. Whether it’s re-flooring your kitchen, installing new cabinets throughout your home, or a roof installation, there are a few different ways to find a professional to help out.

The first is to do a search online for “mobile home contractors near me” to find professionals that specialize in the work that you need done. Running a search for “hardwood flooring mobile home,” followed by the state or city you live in, can also net you plenty of results.

You can also go through a website such as Angi, Thumbtack, or HomeAdvisor. These websites aggregate contractors across all different kinds of specialties that operate in your area. This gives you plenty of options when you’re looking for a mobile home contractor.

Or, you could check with your community management to see if they have any recommendations. In some cases, a community will handle calling out a contractor for you.

For any contractor that you find – including a plumber or electrician – you should try and find one that works with manufactured homes. If they have a website, look for a bullet point about servicing manufactured homes. Or, give them a call and ask if they service manufactured or mobile homes.

Finding a Mobile Home Plumber

Maybe you need a new mobile home water heater. Or, you want to remodel your bathroom in a way that necessitates moving the sink and toilet to a different part of the bathroom. In any case, it’s easy to find mobile home plumbers near you.

It’s important to make sure that the mobile home plumber you hire has strong reviews. Wherever possible, when you’re looking for mobile home plumbers, look for those that have more than four stars out of five (or eight points out of ten, if they’re rated on a scale of one to ten). You want someone that’s high-quality in their work, so avoid cheaping out for a plumber that doesn’t have good reviews.

Of course, this piece of advice goes for any contractor that you would hire, not just plumbers.

You can also use Angi, Thumbtack, and HomeAdvisor (linked above) to find plumbers, too. Just make sure that they service manufactured and mobile homes before you call them out to your home. Otherwise, you may have to pay a service fee or consultation fee for a service they cannot render.

Finding a Mobile Home Electrician

Electrical work in your mobile home is something that you should never try and do on your own. Major electrical repairs should ALWAYS be handled by a professional due to the dangerous nature of the repairs, even for minor work such as installing a new power outlet.

To find a mobile home electrician, you could start on those websites that we listed earlier, as they offer easy ways to find electricians as well. Not only that, but the electricians that promote on those websites usually have to be highly rated and properly licensed and insured to perform electrical work. This means that you’ll have plenty of peace of mind the next time you want to install a new light fixture.

If you live in a mobile home park, your management staff may have a recommendation for an electrician. They may even have one on speed dial that helps service that community specifically. If you also need plumbing work done, they may be able to help you there as well.

Check With Your State Association, Too!

Whether you need a mobile home contractor, plumber, or electrician, there’s one additional source that we recommend checking out: your state association for manufactured housing.

Your state’s manufactured housing association may have recommendations on their website for professionals across the state that can work on any project in your home. This is a great resource because you can rest assured knowing that you’ll have options for your project from a professional that you know works with mobile homes specifically.

You can visit this page to find your state’s association for manufactured housing. You could even use this page to find a mobile home contractor for massive projects such as building a garage to attach to your home!

Finding a Mobile Home Mover

In some cases, you may need to move your manufactured home completely. You may do this if you’ve bought land that you’d like to move your home to, or if you’ve bought a manufactured home, but want to move where it currently sits.

In either case, you’ll need to contact a professional to help move your mobile home. You CANNOT move a mobile home yourself.

Thankfully, it’s easy to find professional contractors that can help do the job. MHVillage’s directory of mobile home movers has contact information for movers all over the country, meaning you can find someone to get it done no matter where in the country your manufactured home is.

You can read more about things to keep in mind when moving your mobile home here.

What If You’d Rather Sell?

Of course, there may be times where you’d rather sell your mobile home and leave the repairs to the buyer. In this case, we have a recommendation for you.

The best option would be to sell your mobile home through MHVillage, the nation’s leading platform for buying, selling, and renting mobile homes. Over 25 million people visit MHVillage annually, meaning you’ll potentially have thousands of eyeballs on your listing on any given day.

And, because MHVillage is exclusively for manufactured and mobile homes, you won’t worry about having to compete with other types of real estate for views.

You can get your listing started with MHVillage today and sell your home the FSBO way.

Or, if you’re interested in buying a manufactured home on MHVillage, you can do that too! MHVillage offers multiple search criteria, such as location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and homes for rent or for sale by owner (FSBO). All of these search options help to make your mobile home search that much more successful.

5 Mobile Home Exterior Door Secrets You Need to Know

Believe it or not, your mobile home exterior door is one of the most crucial aspects when maintaining your mobile home. It’s the frontline of security against the elements, yet is among the first things people see when they come to visit. So, make sure your mobile home front door checks all the right boxes for security, style, and value.

Here, we’ll go over the secrets you need to know about mobile home exterior doors so that you can welcome guests with confidence and have a door that truly pops out.

Storm Door Tips and Tricks

Of course, we can’t get into this subject without talking about the importance of a mobile home storm door for your facade. Often, they’ll have glass and screen panels. In some cases, the glass panels can be removed in place of mesh screening during the warmer summer season.

A storm door protects your home from moisture, wind, bugs, and other outdoor elements. And, they give you a large window to view outside if you want to let in some extra light.

One key thing all mobile home storm doors must have is a “wind chain.” This is a short length of chain and spring mounted at the top of the storm door that acts as a buffer against high winds. If your storm door flies open unexpectedly as you open it, a wind chain can catch it in place before it damages the door frame or other parts of your storm door.

Make Sure Your Door is Seasonally Prepared

Mobile home exterior doors don’t just protect your home from unwanted visitors. They also protect from the elements, no matter the season.

A properly installed exterior door should protect against unwanted moisture from rainfall. If you notice wet spots near gaps in your front door or storm door, you may need to seal those gaps.

Like we mentioned earlier, your storm door should help in protecting against rain or high winds, But, you may have gaps or cracks in your door frame that open the door for further damage (pun intended).

In extreme cases, you may need to have your door and/or frame reinstalled if there’s enough weather damage. Thankfully, a professional contractor can come out to get the work done, sometimes in a day or less.

Paint Your Exterior Door to Add Value to Your Home

It’s often said that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. However, in the case of mobile homes, the front door can actually leave an impression on the rest of the home’s value.

In fact, the color of your mobile home front door can have a direct impact on the value of the home.

A recent analysis from Homes and Gardens showed that the best color for a front door to add value is black. However, if black isn’t your thing, brighter tones that match the facade of your home can add to its value, too.

If you live in a manufactured home community, make sure that you have permission from your park manager to make cosmetic changes to the exterior of your home. It’s also a good idea to check with your park guidelines to see if there’s a policy on outdoor painting.

Have a Patio? Invest in Patio Exterior Doors!

Many manufactured homeowners in 2022 have added patios and decks to the outside of their mobile home. Besides making for a great outdoor entertainment space, they’re a great way to add value to your home while making it stand out.

If you’re thinking about adding a patio, deck, or back porch to your mobile home, consider your need for an exterior door. Whether it’s a sliding glass door or French doors if you have the space, you should budget for an additional exterior door during a mobile home project along those lines.

Regardless of which kind of door you choose, having a strong mobile home exterior door near your new patio will be essential to having an outdoor entertainment space that wows your family and friends.

Keeping Your Front Door, And Your Mobile Home, Secure

Your mobile home screen door and exterior door should keep your home secure when you lock up at night. Thankfully, there are a few great ways to do that:

Change your locks. If you’ve just moved into a mobile home, or just want to feel more secure, then changing your mobile home door locks is a good way to go. This is generally an easy project to DIY (do-it-yourself), and many door knobs come with detailed instructions on changing them out. If you rent your home or live in a land-lease community, check with your management before changing your locks to make sure you have permission.

Strengthen your screws, if possible. If you take out the screws on your doorframe or trim plate, you may notice that they’re usually an inch or less in length.

Many contractors will recommend you use longer screws, typically around two inches, to reinforce the door’s hardware in case of sudden impact.

If you live in a community, check to make sure you’re allowed to change out the hardware.

Install a “smart” doorbell. Okay, so this isn’t technically a tip for your door, but rather your front facade. Installing a smart doorbell has many security benefits for your mobile home.

For one, you’ll often have a live feed of your front porch on demand at any time. This is great if you need to know when a package was delivered, who’s ringing your doorbell so early in the morning, or if you’re worried about a potential intruder.

You can even program some smart doorbell models to send you alerts whenever someone is at your front door. This is a great way to keep an eye on your mobile home in the digital age.

Most smart doorbell systems start at around $100, with other premium models including other features such as technician support and installation.

It’s EASY to Find Mobile Home Exterior Doors

We’ve covered a lot of tips and tricks for your mobile home exterior door. But, where can you find all of the parts you need for your door project?

The best place you can visit is MHVillage’s Parts & Supplies page. Here, you can browse for just about any part, supply, or tool you need to complete your mobile home remodel project, and that goes for your mobile home exterior doors, too!

Whether it’s the door itself you need, the hardware, or a new door lock, our Parts & Supplies page has you covered.

Leaving Feedback For Your Manufactured Home Community

Many residents of manufactured homes live in communities. In these communities, residents look to community management to handle the day to day operations. This can include security, maintenance needs, and rent collection.

There may be times where you need to leave feedback for your community or its staff. No matter what kind of feedback you need to leave, there are some tips and tricks to ensure your feedback gets the right response.

Here’s what you should know:

Types of Feedback You’d Leave

Before we go any further, we should go over the types of feedback you’d leave for your community.

Positive

Perhaps a community staff member went above and beyond in answering a question you had. Or, maybe you’re pleased with your community’s gated security. Maybe you even want to recommend your community to other manufactured home buyers.

In these cases, you’ll want to leave a positive review of your community. Your community staff will appreciate the kind words!

Question

This type of feedback is a little bit different. Maybe you need to have a question answered in regards to your rent. Or, you want to clarify one of the park’s guidelines.

Thankfully, there are ways to effectively ask your community’s staff a question while getting the answer that you need.

Negative

Unfortunately, there may be times where you need to leave negative feedback. In these cases, there are ways to leave your feedback effectively to reach a positive resolution.

Where to Leave Feedback

If you want to leave feedback for your community, there are a few places to do so.

Directly to Community Staff

This should be the first place you leave feedback. It’s often best to contact your community’s staff directly with your feedback, positive or negative.

Doing so has a big advantage. That is, it’s often the most direct and quickest way to have your feedback addressed.

If your feedback is negative, the best way to communicate that is directly to the staff. By speaking to someone one on one, you increase the odds of any issues being handled in a productive and efficient way.

You can read more here about how to contact your community’s manager or owner.

On A Community’s Website

If your community has a website, they may have a feedback form for their residents. A feedback form may be another way for you to give feedback directly to your community.

To find this, head to your community’s website if they have one, and look for a “Contact Us” button or tab. This may also be at the bottom of the homepage, in their footer.

On Google

When you search for a community on Google, you may find reviews from other residents in the search results. As a community resident, you also have the ability to leave feedback on this platform as well.

Look for a “Write a Review” button when you search for your community. Be sure that you’re specific in your search as you do so. For example, if you live in Leisure Pines in Orlando, FL, fine-tune your search with “leisure pines orlando fl.” Otherwise, you risk leaving a review for the wrong community.

On a Community’s Social Media Page

Your community may also have a social media page. Facebook is one of the most popular platforms for communities.

Some community pages on social media allow for guests to share posts and interact with other residents. If appropriate, this may be an ideal spot to share feedback or ask a question for your community.

Where NOT to Leave Feedback

When leaving feedback for your community, there are a few places where you should NOT leave feedback:

Don’t Leave Feedback for the Wrong Community

Make sure you’re leaving feedback with the right people. If you share feedback on the wrong community’s page, or visit the wrong community website, then your feedback won’t be heard by the right people.

Don’t Leave Community Feedback On MHVillage

MHVillage doesn’t directly manage or operate any of the communities listed on our website. So, leaving feedback for your community on MHVillage’s website or social media will not get you the response that you need.

Other Feedback Tips

As you leave feedback for your community, there are a few other tips you should keep in mind:

Be Constructive and Detailed

Any piece of feedback is made better by being as detailed as possible. You should talk about what happened, how it made you feel, and who was involved, if possible.

The more detail you include, the more likely a community staff member will be able to properly address your feedback.

Don’t Publicly Post Contact Information

In public reviews, you may feel the need to include your phone number, address, or other sensitive contact information. However, this is not a good idea.

By sharing your contact information in a public forum, you risk having that information be available to strangers online. Only share contact information in private messages and correspondence with trusted community staff.

If you’re still looking for a community to buy a manufactured home in, you’re in luck. MHVillage has thousands of manufactured homes for sale in communities all over the country. Head over to MHVillage today to start your community search!

What’s My Mobile Home Worth?

The mobile home resale market has expanded greatly over the past few years. Because of this, many mobile home owners are more interested than ever in selling their homes. But, to do so, one must first determine their home’s worth.

In this article, we’ll go over how to find your mobile home worth, as well as secure a mobile home appraisal.

Factors

There are many factors that can impact how much your mobile home is worth. Here are some of the most important ones:

Age

This is one of the more obvious factors that will impact your mobile home’s worth. Generally, the newer your mobile home is, the more value it will have.

Your home will also be worth more if it was built after June 15, 1976. That’s the date the HUD Code went into effect. The HUD Code regulates safety practices that go into all manufactured homes built since that date. This helps ensure that modern manufactured homes meet a quality and safety standard to prolong their lifespan.

Size

This is also a simple one. Larger manufactured homes will typically carry more value.

A mobile home with more bedrooms, bathrooms, and more space in those rooms will carry more value.

You can see this for yourself if you browse MHVillage, the nation’s leading platform for buying, selling, and renting manufactured homes. Homes that have more bedrooms in your area will likely have a higher asking price.

Materials

This is where things can start to get tricky.

When it comes to your mobile home value, the materials that go into building your home can have a great impact.

Interior Materials

Are your countertops made of a premium material, like quartz? Do you have energy-efficient windows installed? Have you upgraded your lighting recently?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then they may help increase your mobile home’s value.

Exterior Materials

If you’ve recently upgraded your mobile home siding or have a patio or deck, those may add to your mobile home’s value, too.

Or, if you added a carport or garage to your home, that will also increase your home’s value. Most additions made to the home after it was delivered from the factory will do so.

Appliances

These days, new home appliances are loaded with smart technology. And, they’ve come a long way in energy efficiency, too.

If your home has more modern appliances, such as a refrigerator, smart thermostat, or a smart oven, they may increase the value of your mobile home. Stainless steel appliances are also high in demand.

Maintenance

A well-maintained mobile home can fetch a higher price. Have you kept up with your roof repairs, or recently upgraded your skirting?

A home that needs significant repairs may not be worth as much as a home that’s been well-maintained.

Market

Of course, selling your manufactured home is all about location, location, location.

The value of your manufactured home may depend on which state you live in. For example, mobile home prices in California are generally higher than those in the Midwest.

You may also get a higher price for your mobile home if you live in a hot market, such as a nearby downtown hub.

Determining Your Mobile Home Value

Now that we’ve gone over what factors impact the value of a mobile home, let’s talk about how to find your mobile home value.

The most reliable way to do so is through a mobile home appraisal. This is a highly relied-upon, professionally sourced estimation of your mobile home’s worth.

An appraisal takes into account all of the above factors that affect mobile home value. And, it also looks at fair market value to ensure your mobile home is priced similarly to homes like yours in the area.

When it comes to a mobile home appraisal, no other source is more trusted than Datacomp. With Datacomp, you can get a mobile home appraisal on both new and pre-owned homes.

Datacomp is the leading provider of manufactured and mobile home appraisals, making sure you have confidence in your mobile home’s value.

With Datacomp, you can also order a book value report. A book value report uses a cost-based approach. This finds the retail value of your home compared to when it was built. A book value report from Datacomp is another great way to find your mobile home’s worth when you’re getting ready to sell your mobile home.

Your search for your mobile home value is over. Head over to Datacomp today to find the value of your mobile home and sell it at the right price today.

How Much Does It Cost To Move a Mobile Home?

Manufactured and mobile homes are factory built and transported to the home site. And most homes will always stay at the home site where they were originally delivered from the factory. But although it is rare, some owners move their home to a new community or plot of land after some time has passed.

There are a variety of reasons a homeowner may choose to move their mobile home. No matter what those reasons might be, it’s important to know everything you can about moving your manufactured home before you start the process.

Mobile home moving is complex, but with the right know-how beforehand, you can successfully transport your mobile home. Here’s everything you need to know:

Costs

The cost of manufactured home transport depends on many factors. But, you can expect a mobile home transport to cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. Here are a few of the factors that affect the cost:

Single-wide manufactured homes usually cost less to move than double-wide or larger homes.

Size of the Home

The size of your home affects the cost of moving it several ways. Larger homes need more prep work to prepare the home for transport. And larger homes might need to be moved in sections similar to how the home shipped from the factory when new. For example, a single-wide mobile home is usually less expensive to move than a double-wide home.

Age of the Home

The age of your home will also affect the cost of moving it. And, depending on the age, may determine if your home can be moved at all. Even if you can move an older mobile home, it is likely to need more prep work before transport (more on that below).

Distance the Home Will Travel

Most, if not all movers will only move a manufactured home within 100 miles. Plus, most movers will not move a home across state lines due to the excessive permits involved.

Market

Not all states are equal when it comes to mobile home transporters. For example, a mover in California may charge more than a mover in Michigan. Get quotes from various movers in your area to find a price that works within your budget.

Moving Considerations

What Prep Work Needs to Be Done Before My Mobile Home Is Moved?

Before you start a manufactured home transport, there are several things you, or your mobile home mover, need to do. By doing these things beforehand, you’ll ensure a smoother and safer transport.

Secure All Doors and Windows

The last thing you want when moving a mobile home are the doors and windows flying open during transport. When you get ready to move your mobile home, make sure all your windows and doors are shut and locked.

Check Your Siding

If any of your mobile home siding is loose or in need of repairs, take care of those before you move your mobile home. You do not want pieces of siding to fall off on the highway.

Check Your Roof

Take a look at your mobile home’s roof before you begin the transport process. If it’s not fully secured, or your roof has damage, it is worth repairing or replacing before you move your home. This way, you avoid damage to your home or to other drivers when moving your mobile home.

Mobile home moving requires special permits.

Ensure You Have Enough Clearance Space

Above all else, make sure that there’s enough room to move your home from its original lot to its new location. Obstacles like bridges and power lines over the transport route need a specific minimum clearance height for your home. The mover may not be able to move your home through a narrow road or tight corner. And if the home is on private land, you may have more work to do to prepare your home to hit the road.

Do I Need a Permit to Move My Mobile Home?

Yes, you will definitely need at least one permit to move a mobile home.

Each state has different requirements for permits. For example, some states may have restrictions on what size of home can be moved. Most will require home movers to have an “Oversized Load” permit, which can mean extra cost. If you’ve ever seen a yellow “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD” banner on a home going down the highway, that home has an “Oversized Load” permit.

Make sure your mobile home mover gets all necessary permits before moving your home.

Can I DIY My Mobile Home Transport?

NO.

We’ll say that again:

NO, you cannot do-it-yourself (DIY) when moving your mobile home.

We often recommend DIY solutions for mobile home fixes or maintenance. But, because of the permits and complexities involved with moving a mobile home, you should not attempt to move it yourself. In fact, you’ll get yourself into trouble if you try to move your home yourself. You need professional help to do it safely.

The right professional should be properly licensed, insured and bonded to move mobile homes in your state. This way, if something goes wrong during the move, you’ll have some peace of mind knowing there are protections in place.

Where to Find Movers

If you’ve asked yourself “where can I find mobile home transport near me?” Head over to MHVillage’s Movers page where you can find a professional manufactured home transporter in nearly every state in the country. You can contact each mover directly to get a quote, and you can learn more from them about the logistics involved with moving your home.

Other Considerations

If you’d rather sell your mobile home and move into a new one, you’re in luck. On MHVillage, the nation’s largest platform for buying, selling, and renting mobile and manufactured homes, you can sell your mobile home For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) without needing to move it.

If you’re looking for a manufactured home to buy, you can head to our home search page to start your mobile home buying journey today!

Top 10 Mobile Home Skirting Ideas

The exterior of your mobile home is crucial for protection against the elements. Your mobile home roof keeps you dry from rain. The siding of your mobile home can protect against high wind damage while giving your home style. But what other part of a mobile home protects you from the outside? The answer is mobile home skirting.

In this post, we’ll go over some of the top mobile home skirting ideas and types of skirting to check out.

What is Skirting and Why Is It Important?

Much like how siding protects the sides of your manufactured home, the skirting protects the underside to keep away pests, moisture, and protect your foundation from damage.

You may also hear skirting called mobile home underpinning. No matter the name, it’s a vital part of your mobile home that it quite literally can’t go without.

This is because the skirting provides a smooth, seamless finish between the manufactured home and the foundation it sits on. Without it, your foundation would be exposed.

Our Mobile Home Skirting Ideas

Whether you’re looking to repair damage to your skirting or upgrade it altogether, there are practically limitless ways to give your skirting a facelift. Here, we’ll go over ten of the most popular mobile home skirting ideas for your next mobile home remodel project.

Routinely Inspect Your Skirting

The best way to avoid long-term damage to your skirting is by inspecting it regularly. Do a walkaround of your mobile home every now and again, and pay particular attention to the skirting.

As you do so, look for any damage. Is the paint chipping? Are there any dents in the skirting? Do you feel wind drafts through certain parts of your skirting? Is moisture getting through?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may need to consider repairing your skirting.

Repair Damaged Sections

How you repair your skirting will depend on the type of material it is made out of.

If you have minor chips or dents in vinyl skirting, you may be able to patch those rather easily. This can involve patching over small cuts with epoxy, or using a heat gun to buff out small dents on your skirting.

For larger cuts or tears, however, you may need to replace entire sections of your skirting. Again, this may depend on the type of skirting you have. For some types, you may be able to remove and replace the small section of skirting in question by simply cutting out the damaged piece.

However, for other types, a repair may be more complicated. In some instances, you may need to replace entire sections of your skirting.

Power Wash Your Skirting

If your skirting is showing its age with accumulated dirt or grime, you may consider power washing it.

By power washing your mobile home skirting, you can make it look good as new by removing years of built-up grime. A high-speed power washing machine can remove much more build-up than washing it by hand would.

However, make sure that you can safely use a power washing machine on your skirting. If you’re not careful, you may damage your skirting by using a power washer not meant for your skirting’s material or age.

Paint Your Skirting

Do you absolutely love the style of your mobile home skirting, but don’t love the color? Try giving your skirting a fresh coat of paint to change things up!

Painting vinyl skirting is an especially popular option for mobile homeowners. Other types of skirting, such as metal, may also be painted with the right kind of paint.

This is an especially popular skirting idea if you’ve recently replaced your mobile home siding. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you’re using an exterior paint that’s rated for outdoor use.

Upgrade to Metal Skirting

If you’re looking for durability out of your mobile home skirting, give metal skirting a try. Metal skirting is among the most durable of all skirting materials. Not only is it durable, but it’s lightweight, too. This means it’s one of the easiest materials to work with when it comes to installation.

Metal mobile home skirting comes with some considerations to keep in mind. The biggest is that metal skirting dents more easily than other types of skirting. This means you may need to make minor repairs more often.

Upgrade to Vinyl Skirting

Vinyl skirting is another popular option for your manufactured home. In fact, it’s THE most popular.

Vinyl skirting is easy to install and is another affordable option if you need cheap mobile home skirting. If there are any drawbacks to vinyl skirting, it needs to be vented well to prevent moisture buildup. But, that doesn’t mean you should count out vinyl skirting. On the contrary, it should be at the top of your list.

Upgrade to Wood Skirting

There are many mobile home wood skirting ideas to consider when you’re upgrading your manufactured home exterior. But first, it’s important to discuss why wood skirting is so popular.

For one, it’s affordable. If you’re looking for cheap mobile home skirting, then wood is the way to go for many mobile homeowners.

And for its cost, wood skirting can be incredibly effective. Quality mobile home skirting should keep out critters and protect your home’s foundation, and wood skirting does that in spades.

That said, wood skirting may require some more maintenance to ensure it doesn’t decay over time.

Upgrade to Brick Skirting

Whether it’s real brick or faux brick, mobile home brick skirting provides a time-tested classy design for your home. These are often a heavier option for your mobile home skirting compared to other types. This means your skirting will have added durability against rodents and moisture.

Upgrade to Faux Stone Skirting

Do you want to incorporate a more stylized type of skirting into the exterior of your mobile home? One way to do this is to install a faux stone skirting. While it’s made to look like a stone pattern embedded in cement, its plastic material (or vinyl, in some cases) makes it a lightweight option popular with many manufactured homeowners.

Another reason why faux stone skirting is so popular is because of its low need for maintenance. Because it’s made of plastic or vinyl, there’s practically no other type of skirting that requires less maintenance than this kind.

Find Mobile Home Skirting Near You

Are you ready to start your mobile home skirting project? If you are, then your first stop should be MHVillage’s Parts and Supplies page.

Here, you can search for all of the parts and supplies that you will need for any mobile home project. Mobile home fixes are both affordable and easy, and that goes for your mobile home’s skirting, too.

Upgrading or repairing your skirting will add curb appeal and help to increase the value of your mobile home. So, why not take care of your mobile home’s skirting this season? Head over to MHVillage to start your skirting project today.

The Ultimate Mobile Home With Land Guide

If you’re shopping for manufactured homes, you may find some that are advertised as “home on land” or “sits on private land.” This means that, unlike mobile homes in communities, you own the land that the home sits on.

This is a popular option for many manufactured home buyers. In fact, some will only consider buying a mobile home with land out of personal preference.

The question of whether you’ll own your own land is a big one when you buy a mobile home. So, it’s incredibly important to do some research and determine whether or not you’d like to own your mobile home with land, or lease the land your home sits on.

Here, we’ll go over some of the benefits of owning private land for your mobile home, as well as how to find land if you’re looking for a mobile home on land for sale.

Benefits of a Mobile Home On Your Own Land

The most obvious benefit of owning a mobile home with the land included is the freedom that comes with owning the land outright.

By owning a mobile home and the land it sits on, you have nearly limitless possibilities when it comes to landscaping your home. Whether you decide to build a fence, plant some bushes, or do something else with your land entirely, you can take advantage of having your own land to do with as you please.

In fact, we’ve written before about the remodeling possibilities in store for your mobile home’s exterior if you have private land.

The added privacy is another positive aspect for many. Many mobile homeowners seek out homes on private land because of the added space it gives them. Because there’s so much extra space, you have more room to roam about without being so close to your neighbors.

But, one of the biggest benefits of owning the land your home sits on is the expansion potential. If you want to add a site-built extension onto your mobile home, you can do so if you own the land. You also have more freedom to make other extensions, such as if you want to increase the width of your driveway or add a garage.

Finding A Mobile Home to Move to Your Own Land

If you’re shopping for mobile homes for your land, you have a few options. Of course, you’ll have to choose between buying a new or pre-owned manufactured home.

If you buy a new mobile home, you can do so directly from a dealer or manufacturer. This also opens up your options for adding custom features to your home, like we mentioned earlier. If you want a manufactured home with a larger master bathroom or countertops made out of your favorite material, you can do just that with a customized manufactured home!

When buying a new manufactured home, you’ll be able to have it sited on land that you own, provided that the land has been properly graded – more on that below.

If you’re purchasing a pre-owned manufactured home, there’s an easy option to consider. When you shop for manufactured homes on MHVillage, the nation’s largest platform for buying, selling, and renting manufactured homes, you can use the home search function to filter out various criteria.

Most importantly, you can filter for homes that are on private property or can be moved to a new home site.

To access this feature, simply click on the “Location Type” dropdown menu and click on the “Private Property” or “Must be Moved” options. This way, you’ll only see mobile home listings that are on their own land, or can be moved to private land that you own.

Choosing Land for a New Mobile Home

If you’re looking for mobile home lots for sale, or are choosing land for a new mobile home, there are some things you should know about the process.

Firstly, you have to make sure that the land is graded according to federal, state, and local regulations.

For example, the land under your home must be able to properly move drainage away from the home site. Your land must also pass a perc test for adequate septic, and have access to well or city water and other utilities. This includes ensuring your mobile home can access the electrical grid and any nearby hookups for internet access.

More likely than not, you’ll need to do some excavation to ensure you have all of the right connections for your utilities. Your retailer can work with you to ensure you have the right amount of work done to your land prior to the home being sited.

The land must also be able to support the foundation your home will rest on. Again, this may require some excavation to clear and level the space for a mobile home foundation, or dig a basement if you so desire.

If you work with a retailer for your manufactured home purchase, they will be able to point out the exact land needs for your home. However, these aren’t the only requirements you’ll have to consider when picking land for your mobile home.

You should also consider how far your land is from the nearest main road. You should have easy access for deliveries, as well as for your own car. If it’s a hassle just to pull out of the driveway from where your land sits, you may need to consider a different site for your mobile home. And, if your home is too far off of the main road, you may not have access to all of the utilities you need.

Keep in mind the delivery and installation of the home itself, too. A large truck will need enough room to maneuver the home onto the land.

You’ll also want to find land that’s close to your favorite stores and other city functions. For example, if you find yourself regularly going to the post office to drop off deliveries, you probably don’t want to pick land that’s 30 miles away from the nearest post office, or grocery store for that matter.

Lastly, you should take into account any seasonal issues with the weather. If snow removal is going to be a hassle, or if the land you’re considering is in a flood plain, you may need to find an alternate site for your home or purchase flood insurance.

Financing Options

When financing a mobile home with land, you may also be interested in financing the purchase of your land as well.

Thankfully, there are several loan types that allow buyers to finance a mobile home with land at the same time. The most common type of loan in this vein is called a land-home loan. These are loans that, true to their namesake, bundle the land and home in one loan.

You may also consider other loans if you’re financing a mobile home with land. Government lending programs, such as programs offered through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, offer loan options for manufactured home buyers looking to site the home on vacant land. Programs like these include MH Advantage® and Freddie Mac CHOICEHome℠.

These options are good if you need to finance both a manufactured home and the land it will sit on. However, consider your financing options if you already have the land, but just need a home. In this case, you’ll have more options for financing if you finance just the manufactured home. A lender should be able to advise you on which type of loan is best for your home if you’re moving it to land that you own.

What if the opposite is true? What if you already own a manufactured home, but need to finance a land purchase? Some buyers may take out construction loans that will finance a land purchase.

Ready to Buy a Mobile Home With Land?

If you’re ready to shop for mobile home and land packages, MHVillage is here to help. You can head over to MHVillage today to browse for thousands of mobile homes for sale, including many that can be moved to your own land.