How to Buy Double-Wide Trailers

Mobile homes are sometimes refered to as manufactured homes

Trailer or mobile homes are now usually referred to as manufactured homes. Manufactured homes are homes that are prebuilt in a factory and that follow different building codes than those built on-site. A double-wide trailer is a home twice the width of a normal trailer home: It's two units connected side by side. Mobile homes originally started out around 8 feet wide but moved to 10 feet wide, then 12 feet wide. Some single trailers are wider than 12 feet, but most double-wide trailers are 24 feet wide.

Instructions

1. Get financing. When you buy any type of home, whether it's manufactured, traditional or mobile, you'll probably need to get a loan. Go to a bank and get approved by providing your financial information, such as W-2s, previous tax paperwork and copies of your bills; the bank will also likely run a credit check. Get preapproved for a loan by the bank before you go shopping so that you know your limits. Inform your bank that you're shopping for a manufactured home in case the lender has any special rules or concerns about these types of homes.

2. Decide where you're going to locate your double-wide trailer. You can place your double-wide trailer on a lot you already own or are planning to purchase, or you can house the trailer in a trailer park (where you'll have to pay ground rent, which may include some utility costs). Make sure you find a space that can hold a double-wide trailer---parks may have limited spaces for double-wides because they take up more space.

3. Find a double-wide trailer you like. You can find these type of homes by going to a realtor, but you can also go directly to trailer manufacturer. Many manufacturers have parks set up with model homes for you to visit. A salesperson can tell you about all of the options and costs. The process is similar to that of buying a car, except that you'll have to wait for your home to be built.

4. Pick features for your double-wide trailer. If you're buying the home new directly from the manufacturer, you can choose from a wide variety of options, including appliances, bathtubs, walk-in closets, fireplaces, enclosures, decks, and siding material and color. Single trailers have roughly the same options as double-wide trailers, but a double-wide can fit more. Instead of a small kitchen, you can get a full kitchen with all of the appliances you want.

References

• Federal Citizen Information Center: How to Buy a Manufactured Home

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish