3 Reasons to Create an Account on Vmfhomes.com

Our aim with vmfhomes.com is for it to be easy to navigate – from our search bar to looking through our detailed listings. We want finding your pre-owned, manufactured home to be as simple as possible. Whether you’re hoping for a home to move to your land, a land and home package, or for a home set up in a community.

You don’t have to have an account to use our site, but with the perks it offers – you’ll likely want one! Especially if you need some time to browse and consider the options. Our account is a great way to keep up with our inventory and highlight the homes within your budget. We hope that an account can help you enjoy using our site even more!

Let’s jump into the 3 reasons we think having an account will make your life easier:

  1. You can keep track of offers you’ve made on our site. Properties that you have made an offer on will be displayed as well as the status of the offer.
  2. You can keep all your favorites in one place. As you navigate through our listings you can “favorite” homes by clicking the heart on the upper right hand corner.  When you “favorite” a home, it will be added to the list of  all to your favorites for you to come back to and filter through.
  3. You can save your home searches. Looking for a home within a certain area? Trying to stay in a particular school district? Or wanting less of a commute? Name and keep your home searches on file. That way you can easily return to homes you want to keep an eye on and have the context surrounding your unique search.

Does an account sound like the perfect fit for you? Head on over to vmfhomes.com and create an account! Just look for the green outlined button that says “My Account” and look for “Create an account”.

How Escrow Accounts Work

If you have a mortgage, then chances are you’ve heard the word escrow thrown around a time or two. But what is it exactly?

An escrow account is a helpful tool built into your mortgage. It allows for funds to be collected monthly to pay for your homeowner’s insurance and/or property taxes. By your mortgage collecting escrow, it ensures that your insurance and property taxes are paid in a timely manner. The benefit to you is you don’t have to worry about fronting hundreds or thousands of dollars all at once for your homeowner’s insurance or property taxes.

The formula is typically simple for finding the amount owed. Let’s say both insurance and taxes are escrowed from each monthly payment. The monthly payment is found by taking the total amount paid to both insurance and taxes for the year and then divided by 12. (The 12 is for 12 months.) That’s it! That would be your monthly payment in addition to your mortgage! Please keep in mind, some lenders may use another calculation that varies slightly and is also permitted by the law. Be sure to contact your lender if you have further questions as to how your escrow is calculated.

Occasionally, your escrow payments may increase or decrease. If that happens, either your insurance or taxes have changed. This will affect what you pay monthly. In most loan types, this is the cause of increase or decrease for monthly payments.

All in all, escrow accounts allow for your insurance and property taxes to be paid on your behalf without much extra work on your end!

What is Escrow_ (2) Final final

Researched and created by Rachel Mersinger

Take This Graphic With You!

manufactured home in park

8 Things to Consider in a Manufactured Home Park

Living in a mobile home community can offer many perks, as well as a support system. Whether you own your home or rent it – living in a community can make your everyday life easier and more peaceful. Parks are a great way to get perks you want without having to spend a lot of money on land, and they allow you access to things you may not have enough money for in your own backyard.

Let’s look at what amenities you can find commonly in parks and what you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

1. Laundry units in home – manufactured homes should have both hook ups but look for this if it’s something you’re wanting. Many homes in parks may come with units already in your home, but they may not be included depending on the park. If there isn’t a washer and dryer in your home, there still could be a laundry mat on the grounds of your community.

2. Cost/ fees – Your park may not be different than some site-built communities that have Homeowner Association fees. There could be additional cost for trash pickup or yard maintenance if the park mows and tends to the land. This cost is likely worth the perk it provides, but you’ll want to consider this in your monthly bills, so you aren’t caught off guard.

3. Residents’ opinion – Just like when you move into any neighborhood, asking neighbors you see out or reading reviews can give you a good idea of if the place is a fit for you. Keep in mind what others prioritize may not be the same as you – so take it with a grain of salt.

4. Parking – Parking can be a nice perk in a park. Typically, parks will have one or two spaces wide for you to park your car near your home, sometimes the parking may be covered. Some parks will have a shared lot on the property. You’ll want to discover what the setup is.

5. Community facilities – From pools to playgrounds – communities can offer outlets for play and socializing. You can also enjoy less crowded and closer amenities. Parks may also have a clubhouse or workout facility for your use.

kids in pool

6. Events – This is probably rarer, but some parks may have events throughout the year for things like back to school to summer, etc. They may also have meetings for feedback and questions in the community.

7. Maintenance – Part of living in a community is that you often get things repaired by someone else. This may be different if you own the home in the park, but it’s worth asking about. Knowing your park owner and their process for maintenance is important. Additionally, some parks may mow the lawn, so that’s a good thing to check in on.

8. Pets – Lastly, a lot of parks may allow pets. They may have some weight or breed restrictions, so be sure to look at that. Living with animals can improve your daily life greatly.

We hope that has you thinking if you are planning on finding a park to live in! Or it may have you thinking you’re interested in a park where you weren’t before. Get in contact with some local parks and see what options there may be. Visit vmfhomes.com!

Home appliances

Choosing Appliances: Laundry Room (Part 3)

Welcome to the third and final installment of our Choosing Appliances mini-series! In this series, we’ll be doing our best to help you through the sometimes-stressful research process for purchasing a new appliance. While appliances are not quite the sticker shock of a home or a car, they still are big financial investment. This mini-series will hopefully help you cut time and worry on your choice.

…..

In part three, we’re covering washers and dryers. If you missed our previous installments, check them out for this same experience on refrigerators and dishwashers plus, ranges and microwaves.

Let’s get into it!

Appliance Logistics:

Before you go to the store or start to search online there are some things we can narrow down and think through:

  • Measure the area the appliance will fit in (height, width, and depth)
  • Note unique factors (Be sure your washer and dryer fit in the space provided, especially side by side. You also want to make sure the electrical and air return line up with your appliances.)
  • Make a purchase plan
    • What’s your budget range?
    • Are you going to purchase during a sale?  (most big box stores have Memorial Day and Labor Day sales)
  • Will you need delivery? If so, consider cost. Or do you have a truck/trailer?
  • Will the appliance fit in your doorways? Will you have to take it up stairs?
  • What will you do with your old appliance? You can haul it away, have a company take it or sell it.

An important note is to check availability. More recently what’s in stock is more prevalent to your purchase. If you’re casually looking you may not mind a three-month backorder. However, if you needed it yesterday, going into a store and asking about what they’ve got in store is a good place to start. That way you don’t get attached to something that isn’t available or won’t be for a while.

Last year our washing machine stopped working right. Though we’ve been homeowners for about five years – we’ve yet to buy any appliances. I was overwhelmed by the choices. Our previous washer was a late 80s , early 90s model so there was a lot to learn about new versions. Unfortunately, things don’t last as long as they used to. I had to discover the common lifetime of new appliances as well as how long I wanted it to last and where all of that met in the middle. Then there’s the cost, installation, sales for the year, haul away – oh my! As a researcher, I had my work cut out for me.

Thankfully, there are tons of amazing in-depth reviews by various websites, so I didn’t go into it totally blind. After my experience, I thought I want there to be a guide for this, especially for our customers so when you go to buy appliances you have all the tools you need in one place.

Before you start – see what’s available – now it’s time to look around and get an idea of what’s available.

  • Think of style/ color. Most options are white, silver, or black. You may be able to get another color or a custom color, but it will probably cost a little more.
  • Energy Star® Certified. If this is something you’re interested in for your home keep a look out for certified washers and dryers that can help save you some energy.

Are you ready to start thinking through the options? Let’s learn about washer options.

top load washer with dryer in laundry room

Washer Specifics:

Main types of washing machines:

  • Front loader washing machine
  • Top loader washing machine:
    • Agitator
    • Impeller
  • Stacked laundry

Front loaders are the fad now. A lot of people choose them for their look, use of less water, and gentleness on clothing. They are likely more expensive ranging around $700 – 2,000. Front loaders can be stacked and can be accommodating in smaller areas. They also use their angle and gravity to clean clothes. Some people don’t like them because you have to bend over low to use them, their sockets can get moldy, and they usually don’t have a deep-water wash.  Check out some highly rated ones here.

Top loaders are the more traditional option, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t evolved. This type is loved for its ability to have items added during a wash cycle, being typically more affordable than front loaders, and for easier repairs – the top load is another great choice. They usually can range around $500  – $1,000.

  • Top loaders use agitators and impellers to move clothing and rid clothes of dirt. Agitators are spindles with small rivets that help push and turn clothing. Sometimes people don’t like this because your clothes can get caught or twisted, but they can be great for a deep clean.
  • Impeller devices are the other option of top loaders. It uses a small cone or disc that uses energy to create currents in the water. This method is touchless can be seen as both a pro or a con.

Stacked laundry sets are often used in rental units or places with restricted space. They are typically more basic units, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t good quality. These are available in both top and front load options washers and of course include the dryer. Start exploring options here.

We didn’t cover every type of washer here, but we covered the basic ones that most homeowners purchase. We hope that this helps you get started and educates you so you don’t miss out on a possibility you may not even have realized existed. Happy searching!

stacked washer and dryer in manufactured home

Dryer Specifics:

Main types of dryers:

  • Electric
  • Gas
  • Ventless

All dryers are front loaders, so I didn’t list it as a type. But technically, you can purchase a dryer that may be called a “top-loader” however it isn’t. This label just means that visually it will match a top load washer  (likely purchased from the same brand), but it will still load from the front. Most dryers range from $450 – $1,200, but of course you can find them for higher if you’re looking for more features.

Electric dyers run off a 4-prong cord, so you’ll need an outlet that’ll fit it or aa converter and typically need a vent for air return. They are likely the most common type and tend to cost less upfront.

Gas dryers as you might have guessed run off natural gas or propane, so you’ll have to have that hooked up at your home for this option.

Ventless dryers are an option for people that may live in apartments or are unable to have a vent location. These dryers use a condenser or heat pump to make heat and create the energy needed to dry your clothing. Learn more about these main dryer types here. 

Looking for some great options for dryers? Get started here.

In conclusion, don’t forget the options listed here are not exhaustive. Also, if you’re hoping to spend less don’t forget used options can be found online,  at yard sales, etc. for your washer or dryer. Sometimes people will even set out old units that work by the side of the road or you may be able to check with a unit recycler location in your area to see if they have anything available. Thank you for checking out this mini-series! We hope it’s help you be more informed about your home appliance purchase and that whatever you choose lasts a long time and works well!

*ENERGY STAR® and the ENERGY STAR® mark are registered trademarks owned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  


Home appliances

Choosing Appliances: Kitchen (Part 2)

Welcome to the second installment of our Choosing Appliances mini-series! In this series, we’ll be doing our best to help you through the sometimes-stressful research process for purchasing a new appliance. While appliances are not quite the sticker shock of a home or a car, they still are big financial investment. This mini-series will hopefully help you cut time and worry on your choice.

…..

In part two, we’re covering ranges and microwaves. If you missed our previous installment, check it out for this same experience on refrigerators and dishwashers.

Let’s get into it!

Appliance Logistics:

Before you go to the store or start to search online there are some things we can narrow down and think through:

  • Measure the area the appliance will fit in (height, width, and depth)
  • Note unique factors (for ranges: be sure you can open your oven door fully without hitting anything in your kitchen. It’s also important to note the space needed between your kitchen hood or ventilation system. Also note what kind of prong your oven has.)
  • Make a purchase plan
    • What’s your budget range?
    • Are you going to purchase during a sale?  (most big box stores have Memorial Day and Labor Day sales)
  • Will you need delivery? If so, consider cost. Or do you have a truck/trailer?
  • Will the appliance fit in your doorways? Will you have to take it up stairs?
  • What will you do with your old appliance? You can haul it away, have a company take it or sell it.

An important note is to check availability. More recently what’s in stock is more prevalent to your purchase. If you’re casually looking you may not mind a three-month backorder. However, if you needed it yesterday, going into a store and asking about what they’ve got in store is a good place to start. That way you don’t get attached to something that isn’t available or won’t be for a while.

a range in a manufactured home kitchen

Range Specifics:

Ranges really are the heart of the kitchen. Even ancient cooking spaces had a cold underground place for refrigeration and a hot fire, maybe with stones or iron ore to cook on. Ranges are fundamental to cooking throughout humanity, and nowadays we’re spoiled as to all the ways we can cook our food.

We use oven and range pretty interchangeably in the south, so I actually have to keep myself in line to say range which includes both oven and stovetop. Today, it’s less likely that they’d be separate, but it’s not unheard of. If you have an older home or are interested in a retro feel you might have an eye level or wall oven with either no stovetop or just a separate stovetop. You may also live in a small space and have a portable, single burner. But for our purposes, we’ll zero in on ranges including both parts!

Most ranges fall between $550 – 2,000, but you can definitely spend above that. Now it’s time to look around and get an idea of what’s available.

There are 3 main types of ranges:

  • Electric
  • Induction (runs on electricity)
  • Gas

Seemingly the more common is the electric range. Which usually has burners/ heating elements that are coils on top of the stove top or underneath a glass or ceramic top. These work by heating the metal coil, which heats the surface, then heats your pan. These tend to be the most affordable.

Induction stovetops are traditionally more expensive. They are electric but use heat and energy through a magnetic current. Induction stovetops heat copper coils and that directly heats your pan. So, this option kind has no middleman because it doesn’t have the extra step of heating your stovetop surface. These tend to offer a quicker heat than electric ovens and are typically more energy efficient.

Gas stoves run off your natural gas or propane hookup instead of electricity. This option has long been loved for its efficiency and quicker cooking. However, some are uneasy about the safety of it. For people that want to cook over an open flame and don’t mind spending a little extra, this is the perfect fit.

Within these choices there are conventional ovens and convention ovens. Essentially, conventional ovens have a heating element at the top and bottom of the oven, versus a convection oven has both heating elements plus a fan to distribute the hot air. Convection ovens are known to have more of an advantage with allover heat and higher heat. A conventional oven may be easier to navigate in your everyday as it will follow most recipes’ cook times and temps where a convection oven will require some adjustment.

Now, you’re ready to start looking for yourself. Don’t forget to decide on the color you want and to keep an eye out for any small, unique details you like that you see available for ranges. Be sure if you choose an electric option that you have the proper prongs to fit in your outlet. Happy shopping!

microwave

Microwave Specifics:

Microwaves are sort of like dishwashers in that not everyone views them as a necessity. Some people would prefer to heat things up in a toaster oven or stove top. However, if you eat a lot of leftovers then it may be a good fit. They also can be rather inexpensive. $300 is about the average for a good one, but you can find an inexpensive one around $60, depending on your budget.

Now it’s time to look around and get an idea of what’s available.

There are two main types:

  • Countertop
  • Over-the-range

Countertop microwaves are common but the drawback is that they do take up counter space. In a kitchen with limited counterspace, you might want to consider an over-the-range style. These microwaves are a sleek, tucked away option. Other options are built-in and convection microwaves, plus microwave drawers and wall oven combinations. If you’re wanting to spend a little more and need to save space, any of these could be a good fit.

There are tons of features such as ENERGY STAR® Certified and smart technology options for microwaves. They are always a great way to incorporate a pop of color as they tend to have more color and style options than most appliances.

This one is pretty simple so you’re ready to jump in on your microwave search. Need some help picking out the right one? Check out this guide to get you started.

We hope that this has helped you be an informed shopper, but most importantly we hope that it’s reduced the stress of the unknown and prepared you for some of the options you’ll have to decide on. While today we discussed purchasing new appliances, know that there are used options as well. You can go to a local wholesale or resale store. Don’t forget yard sales, too! For online options you can try a local selling site or something similar. Stay tuned to our mini-series! Next time we’ll cover laundry room appliances!

*ENERGY STAR® and the ENERGY STAR® mark are registered trademarks owned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  


4 Reasons To Buy a Manufactured Home

Manufactured Homes, the Next Big Thing in a Housing Crisis?

Buying a home can be expensive, especially with the current market. Many people are experiencing challenges stemming from the shortage of affordable housing in their community.  An October 2021 Pew Research Center® survey revealed that 49 percent of Americans would describe the lack of affordable housing as a “major problem where they live.”   In the same survey, 70 percent of Americans believed that “young adults have a harder time buying a home than their parents’ generation did.”*

Let’s check out 4 reasons why you might want to consider purchasing a manufactured home:

  1. Affordability (in changing markets, too)

It’s no secret that housing prices have risen over the last few years. The median sales price of new houses sold in January 2023 was $426,500 (with the average sales price even higher at $479,800). The average sales price of a manufactured home in October 2022 was $160,400 for a double wide, and $81,400 (under “average sale price” data piece) for a single wide. That’s a significant difference in prices! Other options, such as renting, are also available, but renting may not be ideal if you are ready to put your roots down.*  

  1. Potential Equity

One of the biggest drawbacks to renting is that you do not have the potential to build equity in the home. A manufactured home, however, can potentially be a good investment, particularly if the home is permanently affixed to land. When renting, the monthly rental payment becomes a permanent monthly expense as long as you rent. A mortgage, however, has an end date. If it is within your budget, you can also make extra principal payments toward paying off your mortgage loan ahead of schedule to eliminate having a monthly mortgage payment even sooner. I don’t know about you, but my mortgage is my biggest expense each month.

woman sitting inside a home with golden retriever
  1. You’ll have a home for your pets

If you are an animal person like I am, remember that your home is your pet’s home, too! Owning a home means you have more freedom with how many pets you can have.  It is not uncommon for rental agreements to either limit the number of pets you may have or exclude them altogether in your rental home. And even if pets are permitted, rental agreements may still limit the breed, size, or weight of certain animals.

When looking to move to Tennessee, it was hard to find a rental property that would permit my cuddly 84-pound Rottweiler-Lab mix, Sadie. We had difficulty finding rental space with a fenced yard or personal outdoor space. We ended up renting a space with a shared yard, so we felt we couldn’t let our dog out without a leash or closely attending her.  While this meant we would get to take fun trips to the dog park, unfortunately it also meant we had to stand in the cold rain for bathroom breaks. We were also perpetually worried the owners would one day decide they didn’t want to rent to pet owners. Now, since purchasing our own home, Sadie has a nice fenced-in yard.

  1. Freedom to make it your own

Rentals can also limit your ability to make your home feel like your own. Rentals may deter you from putting holes in the walls for hanging pictures, updating or remodeling, even painting sometimes. Homeownership offers all those freedoms. The sky is the limit for what weekend project you’ll find yourself getting into, whether it is a bathroom remodel or planting a garden. Plus, what’s the point of watching all those home improvement shows if you can’t utilize your inspiration from them?

All things considered, buying a home can still be expensive, especially if you’re unsure what to look for. So, are you thinking about a manufactured home? They are more popular now than ever, and for a great reason. They provide many of the same features you may be looking for in a site-built home, but they are available at a more attainable price point! Just imagine, sitting on your front porch sipping your sweet tea or coffee as you relax in your rocking chair, enjoying your own home for less than you even expected.

*Updated by Kayla Perez

Tips for Buying Pre-owned

Home appliances

Choosing Appliances: Kitchen (Part 1)

Welcome to our Choosing Appliances mini-series! In this series, we’ll be doing our best to help you through the sometimes-stressful research process for purchasing a new appliance. While appliances are not quite the sticker shock of a home or a car, they still are big financial investment. This mini-series will hopefully help you cut time and worry on your choice.

….

We’re starting in the kitchen where the bulk of our appliances live. We’re breaking it into two sections. In part 1, we’re covering refrigerators and dishwashers, so let’s jump in!

Most people don’t have to buy appliances when moving into a home. So, it’s likely that you could go a while without having to purchase any. When looking at refrigerators and dishwashers you’re looking at something that starts at about $500 each. So, you’re probably going to want to make an informed decision spending that amount. That’s why we’re here to help!

Appliance Logistics:

Before you go to the store or start to search online there are some things we can narrow down and think through.

  • Measure the area the appliance will fit in (height, width, and depth)
  • Note unique factors (for refrigerators: if your fridge will be put into a wall pocket, you’ll want to make sure it sticks out enough (depth) for you to open your doors easily/fully.)
  • Make a purchase plan
    • What’s your budget range?
    • Are you going to purchase during a sale?  (most big box stores have Memorial Day and Labor Day sales)
  • Will you need delivery? If so, consider cost. Or do you have a truck/trailer?
  • Will the appliance fit in your doorways? Will you have to take it up stairs?
  • What will you do with your old appliance?

An important note is to check availability. More recently what’s in stock is more prevalent to your purchase. If you’re casually looking you may not mind a three-month backorder. However, if you needed it yesterday going into a store and asking about what they’ve got in store is a good place to start. That way you don’t get attached to something that isn’t available or won’t be for a while.

Couple looking at appliances, specifically a fridge

Refrigerator Specifics:

See what’s available – now it’s time to look around and get an idea of what’s available.

There are many types of refrigerators, keep in mind different styles will cost more than others. 

Types:

  • Top Freezer (more affordable option, usually ranges $600 – 1,000)
  • Bottom Freezer
  • French Door (can be more expensive)
  • Side by Side
  • Quad Door (most expensive)
  • Undercounter (more specific uses, less popular traditionally)

Think of style/ color. Most options are black, white, or stainless steel. You may be able to get another color or a custom color, but it will probably cost a little more.

Now you’re ready to start shopping! You’ve got all the particulars thought through so you can shop in confidence. There are tons of in-depth guides for the best refrigerators of the year. So, search for a few of those and compare with your preferences and budget to find the best option for you.

person reaching into dishwasher

Dishwasher Specifics:

Not everyone places necessity on dishwashers. Many people live without them for some time or their whole life. Likely, if you already have a spot and hook up for one, you’ll continue to use one, but if you don’t you won’t – so you decide what fits best for you. 

See what’s available – now it’s time to look around and get an idea of what’s available.

ENERGY STAR® Certified. Nowadays there are tons of dishwashers that use less water or conserve it in some way. If this is something you’re interested in for your home keep a look out for certified dishwashers that can save you some energy.

Think of style/ color. Most options are black, white, or stainless steel. You may be able to get another color or a custom color, but it will probably cost a little more.

Number of racks. Some people want two rows while others want three. This is really the biggest variant for dishwashers. They don’t have all the type options like refrigerators.

Are you ready to start shopping and figuring out if you want more tech and less noise on your new dishwasher? Check out some of these dishwasher options to help you get started in your informed search!

We hope that this has helped you be an informed shopper, but most importantly that it’s reduced the unknown and prepared you for some of the options you’ll have to decide on. We hope that you’re entering this purchase a little less stressed.

We went through options that were new, but there are used options as well. You can go to a local wholesale or resale store. For online options you can try a local selling site or something similar. Stay tuned to our miniseries! Next time we’re covering ranges and microwaves!

Check Out Part 2!

*ENERGY STAR® and the ENERGY STAR® mark are registered trademarks owned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  

Couple is standing together in their kitchen with cups of coffee.

Downsizing in a Mobile Home: Upsize Your Life

Does the idea of downsizing come across your mind often? There are many great reasons to downsize in a mobile home. You could be in season where your expenses may be difficult to manage, and you’re seeking a financial breakthrough with this affordable housing option. Or you may want a smaller, better organized layout in your home to inspire less clutter. Perhaps you are wanting a one level home for safety or mobility reasons- a manufactured home could be a perfect fit. So for whatever your reasoning may be downsizing doesn’t just mean less space – it often means less stuff/clutter and more living.  

Why Downsize in a Mobile Home?

  • Affordable housing can benefit new homeowners. For those ready to retire to anyone prepared to have extra funds in the bank – everyone wins!  
  • Lower your daily expenses to save money for more options to be applied elsewhere.
  • You can have the freedom to move your home where it best suits you, whether in a community or on private land.
  • Customization! Mobile homes come in a variety of sizes and many have more square footage for less than their site-built counterpart. But part of their versatility means you have a 5 bedroom or a small 2 bedroom, sometimes even 1 bedroom home.
  • Open layouts – most mobile homes are super open which inspires a tidier space, and less clutter.

Transitioning into a mobile home will can mean square footage (if you’re downsizing) but will help you keep the house clean and will be easier to maintain. If this is your first time moving into a mobile home, check out more helpful tips here!

Gray mobile home in a park.

Interested in a Mobile Home Park?

If you decide to move to a mobile home park community, the atmosphere and amenities can fit your needs. It could help lower your bills and help you to become a stress-free homeowner. 

Benefits

  • Safe communities include background checks and safety protocols in their community.
  • Community Perks and Amenities include a pool, fitness center, and community events.
  • Minimal Maintenance, whereas parks tend to hire professionals to keep the property maintainable. 

Lot rent may vary depending on what community you select and with other common homeowner fees.

Let this help outline your journey in downsizing. There is plenty of consideration to do and discover if downsizing in a mobile home applies to you. If you are tired of living in the city, this is your sign! If you are still trying to decide, see more information about owning a mobile home here!

Things to Consider When Buying a Used Mobile Home

Many people shy away from buying used homes in general. They are intimidated by the work that could potentially go into fixing up a home or living in a place that may have exceeded its warranty. These are valid hesitancies, however buying used also opens the door to many positive possibilities. We’re going to explore a little bit about what it means to buy a used mobile home. It may be more of an exciting journey than you were expecting!

You can make it all your own – Personalization is such an important factor in homeownership. It really is true in the world of manufactured homes today that you can create the home you want. Mobile homes are versatile in more ways than one. If you purchase a fixer upper, you can start from scratch essentially and make the home into a place of your dreams.

Check the data plate – All mobile homes have a data plate located within their interiors. It’s usually under the kitchen sink, in the master bedroom closet, or utility room electrical panel.
You want to check this out in any home you consider. It tells you information about how the home was manufactured, including important information like the wind zone, roof load, and other items you need to know as a buyer.

Enjoy your dream location – Mobile homes are after all – mobile. If you don’t want to be confined by what’s already been built or a specific location, then this may be a good option. As long as the home’s condition does not prevent relocation and relocating the home will satisfy local requirements, you could place your home by a lake, in a holler on the mountains, and anywhere in-between. Many people also like the ability to place a home on family land. You should be aware that moving a mobile home could be costly – local movers in your area should be able to provide estimates.

Beautiful kitchen in a manufactured home

Set up and delivery – You want to be sure to find out what the seller offers, if anything, in the way of set up and delivery. Sometimes it’s included in the cost and sometimes it’s separate. It’s also important to use a reputable professional mover. Do your research, especially if you choose your own.

Price difference/ fit your budget – There’s no doubt one of the perks of mobile homes is the price. They typically cost less than site-built homes per square foot, especially when used. They won’t hit your wallet quite as hard, and instead of always resorting to renting – they offer the ability to own a home and stay in budget.

Less money to fix up/ maintain – Since mobile homes are manufactured that means usually that they are built with more economical materials, meaning that they may be less expensive to repair or maintain. This will all depend on your specific model, but will usually ring true.

Rental power – You might be considering a mobile home as secondary housing or as an investment opportunity. In this case you could purchase a mobile home to rent out to friends or tenants.

Check Out First-time Home Buyer Tips!

A used mobile home may be the choice for you or it may not be, but it’s always smart to evaluate all your options when purchasing.

 

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