How to Inspect a Mobile Home?

[Kristen Bottger]

Can anyone help with what I should look for when inspecting a mobile home to purchase? I've found a cheapo in a park w/ low space rent and I'm thinking this may be a good starter to buy cash and turn around and sell w/ seller financing. It's priced so low (FSBO) that I have to wonder what's wrong with it. Of course on the phone the seller says it's in excellent condition with new carpet and paint. What could be a potential costly expense that he isn't telling me about? Any insight or tips for a newbie are appreciated... thanks.

[Jim Johnson]

Kristen< great post. This is a killer for even people that are experienced in the owning the financing, the rehab can really take a bite out of your cash. I have done hundreds of 'Lonnie Deals" and am pretty much a machine now. In the beginning, I would walk the home with my contractor that would do the fix up. These days I just send the contractor to look at the home before I even step foot in the door. If I am walking the home, just as a quick glance I look at the ceilings for any signs of leaks, under all of the cabinets for sign's of leaks, I really 'feel' the floors when I walk for them to bounce, I pull back skirting and look under the home for signs of leaks or other problems. Be sure to look well at the outside of the home for rotted wood or other problems. I always stop in the park office and ask if they have a home owner transfer process. They might have guidelines well beyond what you might expect. A local park here requires a pitched roof be added to any home that does not have one, deck cover, new paint using their color combos and updated landscaping... I pull homes out of that park... A real key here is what the contractor charges to do the work, so have them walk the home with you.

Finding contractors... you might ask the mobile home park manager if they know of anyone that works on homes. I will drive parks and just look for people doing work in the parks. You can also post ads on Craigslist.