For almost every prospective buyer, purchasing a used manufactured house instead of a new manufactured home can be a tempting alternative. In essence, second-hand prefabricated homes provide the chance to buy the house of your dreams for less than half the cost of a brand-new one.
That said, it is essential to be aware of what to look for. You should be well aware of the procedure for purchasing a used manufactured home and evaluate the home’s condition. It may not always be the right choice. Here’s why.
Maintenance and Repair
A used manufactured home may need additional repairs and upkeep to get it back in working shape. A new manufactured home, however, will not need extra maintenance or fixing requirements.
It is important to note that a second-hand home will not have a manufacturer’s warranty to cover any unanticipated repairs, in contrast to a new manufactured home. As a result, getting an old one ready the way you want it may cost you more than a new manufactured home. Therefore, it is good to consider whether you have the money to invest in the necessary manufactured home maintenance and repairs.
Future Resale Opportunities
Used manufactured homes are a fantastic choice if you have a strict budget. They can be challenging to sell, though, so you might not be able to make back your initial investment. Depending on the soundness of the foundation and how well it is maintained, a typical manufactured home has a normal life expectancy of 50 years.
Therefore, if you purchase a second-hand home that was constructed prior to 1976, you run the danger of losing your money down the road because the home will quickly reach the point where it needs to be torn down. At that point, getting rid of it will be the only choice.
With that said, it is very crucial to consider the construction date of your future property. Steel labels must be permanently attached to the exterior of all manufactured homes built after 1976.
These labels are often located on the front of the home, near the tongue that was used to transport the home. Make sure to examine all utility and wall conditions when examining a used manufactured home. Make sure they are reliable and modern in order to provide secure heating and cooling.
Financial Flexibility and Loan
As mentioned above, purchasing an old manufactured home may be tempting if you have a tight budget on hand. It gives you more financial flexibility since second-home homes are less expensive on most occasions. However, it is good to note that due to the conditions and future potential of your house, it will be much easier to obtain a loan for new manufactured homes compared to resale ones. The reason for such is that the loan provider tends to inspect your home to ensure it will last for the entire loan period.
Many lenders will include the cost of the land in the home loan when you are purchasing a new home and want to place it on a personal property site. In addition, a new manufactured home will come with a warranty from the producer to guard you against any problems you encounter with the home’s construction.