| Evaluating used mobile homes for sale can be | | | | 5. Check for faulty electrical systems, especially in |
| time-consuming -- but if you find the right one -- | | | | used mobile homes that are older than 25 years. |
| it can be a financially-sound decision for buyers on | | | | Re-wiring is very expensive, and faulty wiring is |
| a tight budget or those who need a temporary | | | | dangerous. |
| housing solution. While there are several sources | | | | 6. Ideally, the homes you are looking at will have |
| to begin your search, such as dealer websites, | | | | 2-by-6-inch walls rather than 2-by-4 or even |
| Craig's List and eBay, one of the best ways is to | | | | 2-by-3. The reason you want 2-by-6-inch walls is |
| just do a "Google" search. An example of a good | | | | the entire home is more sturdy and there will be |
| search would be "used mobile homes for sale in | | | | less sagging over time. A used mobile home built |
| Minnesota," that is, if you live in Minnesota. | | | | with thicker walls usually has higher ceiling and |
| According to a recent report, approximately 9 | | | | standard-height doorways, giving the home a |
| million people currently live in a manufactured | | | | much more spacious feel. A mobile home built |
| home, and that number is likely to increase until | | | | with plywood or OSB (oriented-strand board) as |
| the economy improves. If you're thinking a used | | | | the external sheathing with make stronger walls. |
| singlewide or doublewide might be appropriate for | | | | 7. Regardless of where you live, only consider |
| your situation, following are 10 things to keep in | | | | used mobile homes for sale that have efficient |
| mind. | | | | heating, and is some areas, reliable air conditioning. |
| | | | In colder climates, look for heating and air vents |
| 1. The cheapest used mobile homes for sale are | | | | around the room's edges rather the ceiling. In |
| not necessarily the best. You might not pay much | | | | hotter climates, look for the opposite. |
| up front, but it will end up costing you in repairs | | | | 8. Insulation is important in any climate. Be sure |
| down the road. | | | | the home is insulated for your climate. A Zone 1 |
| 2. If any of the used mobile homes for sale are | | | | rating is what you need for the coldest climates. |
| older than 1978, be sure to check with your local | | | | Be sure to check under the belly to make sure |
| building code agency. Building codes have changed | | | | the insulation isn't dropping out. In many cases, |
| drastically over the past few decades any many | | | | especially with used homes, you may need to |
| of the older homes will be in violation of local | | | | reinsulate and belly wrap the bottom. Also make |
| code. | | | | sure there is adequate ventilation. |
| 3. Make sure the home you're looking at fits your | | | | 9. Check with an insurance company before you |
| lifestyle. Don't get hung up on a certain model, as | | | | buy. Some used manufactured homes may not |
| it's more important that you have an adequate | | | | be insurable for one reason or another. Check and |
| number of bedrooms and bathrooms, among | | | | be sure. |
| other things. | | | | 10. Find out in advance what is included with the |
| 4. Check for water damage as this is quite | | | | various used mobile homes for sale. If you're |
| common with older homes. Check for stains in | | | | buying a used mobile home with the intention of |
| the ceiling and on the walls. Look under the | | | | moving it to your lot or park, find out if |
| kitchen and bathroom cabinets for signs of leaking. | | | | transportation, foundation, skirting or tie-downs |
| If there's been a leak, there's a good chance the | | | | are included or optional. |
| wood underneath is rotting and/or moldy. | | | | |