The Movers.com Blog

In this exclusive series, Movers.com blogger Adam Mandelbaum pries into the often misunderstood world of mobile homes and discusses the special considerations that must be made when purchasing and moving into one.  Check back tomorrow for the next installment!

Mobile homes certainly do have a distinct flair! Image courtesy mccheek via Flickr with a Creative Commons license.

Despite the sometimes negative reputation surrounding them, buying a mobile home is a good alternative to purchasing a house or renting an apartment. You will essentially own your own home, yet its small size will make it much easier to maintain. And, unlike renting an apartment, if you purchase a mobile home, you will get a return on investment when you decide to sell. Moving to a mobile home might not be the best idea for everyone, particular families with several kids. However, mobile homes may appeal to young people looking to buy their first home or retired couples who wish to downsize their living space.

If you decide to purchase one, the process can be long and complicated, just like buying a house. Here are some tips to help you get through all of the complicated steps involved in buying a mobile home.

Look around

Before doing anything else, you should visit several mobile home manufacturers or parks with open models. Since mobile homes come in a variety of sizes and styles, you can go inside several different models to help you determine the type that best meets your needs.

The standard single-unit mobile home has a width of 18 feet or less and a length of up to 90-feet. However, mobile homes can come double wide or triple wide, in which case multiple units are attached to make a larger living space. If you are interested in a multiple-unit mobile home, keep in mind that the price of the home, and the cost to transport it, will be much higher.

Where to put your mobile home

After you get a better idea of the types and prices of mobile homes available to you, you should decide where you want to put your home. If you own, or are looking to own, a piece of land, you can place the home on a permanent foundation. By doing this, your home will be more likely to appreciate in value. Keep in mind, if you decide to place a mobile home on an open lot, you will have to prepare the lot by clearing and grading it and having utility connections installed.

The easier option is to place your mobile home in a mobile home park. Though you will still have to pay rent for use of the park’s lot, the monthly amount won’t be too expensive. Most mobile home parks will provide you with the necessary utilities and offer amenities, such as community rooms, pools, and playgrounds. When considering putting your mobile home in a park, you should visit several locations and find out what their rules and regulations are. Make sure you understand the lease terms completely and other policies. Also consider the park’s appearance and maintenance when making any decisions. (next page)

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