How to Buy Used Mobile Homes

In today's market, it is harder and harder to buy a home for your family. Newlyweds have it especially hard, since credit ratings must be high to qualify for a new home. Debt ratio is also an issue for young people with new cars and credit cards. One alternative that makes sense is to buy used mobile homes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look at used mobile homes available for sale in your area over the Internet. Many have pictures or even virtual tours so you can get an idea of the condition of the home.

2. Go to a mobile home dealer to buy your used mobile home. Call first to make sure they sell used homes since many lots only deal with new homes.

3. Tell the sales representative what you are looking for in your home. Tell him you want a single or double wide. If you are not sure, ask him to show you everything he has on the lot.

4. View the home carefully during the walk through. Since the mobile home is used, it may have visible damage such as holes in the walls. It may have damage you can't see such as structural damage to the chassis. If any appliances go with the home, they may not work.

5. Bring in your own inspector if you are seriously considering buying this used mobile home. Read his report carefully and decide if the home is worth the asking price.

6. Make sure the park or subdivision will accept your used mobile home. Mobile homes do not come with land, so you must purchase a lot for it. Many mobile home lots have deed restrictions, and there may be city or county zoning restrictions. Review these before the purchase.

7. Ask if the used mobile home has any warranty. If the home is "as is," then once you buy it you have to fix any problems yourself.