Mobile home condition

[Chandra L.]

I am contemplating making an offer on a 1995 double-wide mobile home through one of these auction sites but saw two problems that concern me: 1) the back door won't open - it seems to be pretty firmly jammed shut; and 2) there is evidence of damage on the ceiling of the same side of the home, near a fireplace. My question is: what are the chances that either of these problems represent a significant and expensive issue (such as improper setting of the home, or settling, or something)? I am assuming the roof is original and will have to be replaced sooner rather than later. But I am concerned about the door too...could I be getting into some really expensive problems here, with the way the home is set on the lot? An inspection is not going to be an option before the bidding period ends tomorrow, and so I will have to bid without the benefit of a full inspection if I do so...so I'd appreciate any thoughts anyone has about what might be going on here, particularly with the door. Thanks!

[Eric S.]

The great thing about a mobile as opposed to a stick built, is that if the home has settled or is no longer level, get under there and shim it up. A little adjustment will make a big difference when it comes to doors. You may need to hire a professional for this, but it isn't a terribly expensive fix.

But yeah, like Matt said, make sure it isn't screwed shut. A lot of people do that to secure the homes.