Evaluating used mobile homes for sale can be time consuming, but finding the right one can be a financially sound decision for buyers on a tight budget or those in need of a temporary housing solution. While there are several sources to begin your search, such as dealer websites, Craig’s List, and eBay, one of the best ways is to simply do a “Google” search. An example of a good search would be “used mobile homes for sale in Minnesota,” that is, if you live in Minnesota.

According to a recent report, approximately 9 million people currently live in a manufactured home and that number is likely to increase until the economy improves. If you’re thinking that a used single or double width might be appropriate for your situation, here are 10 things to keep in mind.

  1. The cheapest used mobile homes for sale are not necessarily the best. You may not pay much up front, but it will end up costing you repairs down the road.
  2. If any of the used mobile homes for sale date from before 1978, be sure to check with your local building code agency. Building codes have changed drastically in the last few decades and many older homes will violate local code.
  3. Make sure the home you’re looking for fits your lifestyle. Do not obsess over a certain model, since it is more important that you have an adequate number of bedrooms and bathrooms, among other things.
  4. Check for water damage, as this is quite common in older homes. Check for stains on the ceiling and walls. Look under kitchen and bathroom cabinets for signs of leaks. If there has been a leak, the wood underneath is most likely rotten or moldy.
  5. Check for faulty electrical systems, especially in used mobile homes that are more than 25 years old. Rewiring is very expensive and faulty wiring is dangerous.
  6. Ideally, the houses you are looking at will have 2-by-6-inch walls instead of 2-by-4 or even 2-by-3. The reason you want 2-by-6-inch walls is that the whole house is stronger and will sag less over time. A used mobile home built with thicker walls typically has a higher ceiling and standard-height doors, giving the home a much more spacious feel. A mobile home built with plywood or OSB (oriented strand board) as an external siding to make stronger walls.
  7. Regardless of where you live, only consider used mobile homes for sale that have efficient heating and, in some areas, reliable air conditioning. In colder climates, look for heating and vents around the edges of the room rather than the ceiling. In warmer climates, look for the opposite.
  8. Insulation is important in any climate. Make sure the house is insulated for your climate. A Zone 1 rating is what you need for the colder climates. Be sure to check under the belly to make sure the insulation isn’t coming down. In many cases, especially with used homes, you may need to re-insulate and wrap the bottom. Also make sure there is adequate ventilation.
  9. Check with an insurance company before buying. Some used manufactured homes may not be insurable for one reason or another. Check it out and make sure.
  10. Find out in advance what is included with the different used mobile homes for sale. If you’re buying a used mobile home with the intention of moving it onto your lot or park, find out if transportation, foundations, skirting, or tie-downs are included or optional.

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