trade in vs. moving

[todd]

Hi all. I have a 1987 28X44 that I bought almost ten years ago. Yeah, it's in a park and no, I couldn't afford anything else at the time. The home and lot rent are cheaper than ANY 2 or 3 bedroom apt. or house in this town. Question is, if I stay with a MH and do a land/home project, should I trade this one in or sell it for whatever I can get out of it and buy something new? If it works like a car, you wind up giving your home away for nothing and the dealer gets near full price for the new home anyway. Opinions? The house is in good condition and I only owe a few thousand bucks on it. The temptation to move it and do a bit of remodeling is very attractive compared to the cost of a new home. I have heard from some movers that the homes set in parks can develop problems with the floor joists bowing creating a crown in the floor on each side that is near impossible to correct. Even with a poured wall foundation/basement and steel cross beams. Any experiences? Also, is there any brand of MH that actually uses 2x4 studs in the interior walls and not those damnable "split 2x6" dimension studs? This completely fouls up old work outlet boxes for electrical and cable receptacles. They are also not on 16" centers. This makes the walls seem a bit flimsy to me. Has this situation improved any on the construction side of things in the MH industry? Thanks.

[billy]

I cant speak of the selling vs. tradeing as Im not educated,however I did my research on the construction side of things,alot of homes I looked at were not up to my standards,you also have to keep in mind that one manufacturer in one part of the country may build a better home than that same company in another location,that having been said,after much research(headbanging) I went with Palm Harbor...here are a few reasons. 2x4 int studs,2x4 ext all on 16" centers,3/4" toungue and groove plywood floors,2x8 joist,2x8 rafters,full OSB wrap,1/2" taped and textured sheetrock throughout....I wish you well,and keep us posted.

[rmurray]

Many factories build to much better standards than you have now...actually in 1987 many companies did then...

As far as trading vs selling...if you can stand the process...selling on your own will get you a better return on your money...but...you are in a position to trade with most dealers...

Moving your should be no problem...and since you used the example...if you are the sort that would put 4 to 5 grand into a 15 year old car because it was cheaper than new...maybe you could do the same with the older home...Moving should be no problem and the problems you mentioned are rare..

One thing is for sure...Now is the time to buy...If it is anywhere in your future plans..you should move forward soon...because of the lowest interest rates in 40 years..