Having to Buy Old to Buy New

[teesquared]

Apologies if this has been covered in here, but I just discovered this forum. We are researching buying & installing a new manufactured home here in Northern California (Bay Area). We are finding, without exception, that all manufactured home communities are full up. To put in a new home, we first have to buy one that is in place. Many times these are worthless, rundown rat traps; yet the dealers we have spoken to (who apparently are proactive about buying these up), are quoting us prices of $40K to $50K to purchase the old home and remove it, PRIOR to putting in a new home for the new home cost and installation cost. This seems like a scam to me. I'm wondering if anyone out there has any information about getting around this significant cost. Thanks in advance.....

[rmurray]

The easiest way is to move from the area...

CA is nothing but silly housing costs...Sorry..it is probably very legal...just like rent rates of over $1000/mo for dumps apartments...

[Arthur Rigsby]

Murray is right. That is just the way it is in the Bay Area. We lived in Hayward when we started looking at MHs and decided we didn't want to live in a park. We also got the story about having to buy old to buy new. We ended up buying our own land in Lake County.

Art

[TeeSquared]

Believe me, if moving out of the area were an option, I'd have left a long time ago. Unfortunately, both my wife and I work in the Bay Area, where all our clients are. We can't just up and leave the area and start over. We're paying nearly $1600 a month in rend for a 2 bedroom condo, and I'm getting tired of paying so much for no equity! So we thought a manufactured home would be an answer. Sadly, I'm feeling like the sales centers see me as just another mark.

[John]

I have been looking at newer homes that are on the foreclosure lists, I've read that the quality really started to change in the mid '90's and feel that if I can find a home, already on a lot, that has some good quality and passes inspection; I should be able to negotiate for cost of repairs, if necessary, it would allow me to a) save $$$, and b) avoid the wait time for a new home to be built, delivered, and set up on site... I am told this can take several weeks. Are there home inspectors that specialize in manufactured housing?

[alyxjame]

It sounds like you're in a tough spot, and I understand your frustration. Unfortunately, the situation you're describing is common in some areas with limited manufactured home space, especially in high-demand places like the Bay Area. The requirement to buy and remove an old home before installing a new one can feel like a scam, but it's often due to zoning or local regulations, and the dealers might be taking advantage of that.

Here are a few things you could consider:

Negotiate with the Dealer: Some dealers may be willing to lower the cost of removing the old home or provide financing options. If you can, shop around or see if other dealers might offer better terms.
Look for Land-Lease Communities: Some areas have manufactured home parks that might be under-utilized or have availability. These communities may not require you to remove an existing home, but you would lease the land instead.
Check with Local Government or Agencies: Some municipalities or non-profit organizations offer assistance with home removal or may have other solutions for new installations. There may also be incentives or grants available in your area for affordable housing or green home installations.
Explore the Option of a Pre-Owned Manufactured Home: If you’re open to it, a slightly used home (in decent condition) might be a good compromise. You may be able to find something that’s not a “rat trap” but also not a full cost like a brand-new home.
Avoid the Middleman: If possible, see if you can connect with local contractors or companies that specialize in home removals and installations. This way, you might cut out the dealer and save some money.
In any case, keep researching and gathering information. It can be a frustrating process, but there are often hidden options or discounts that dealers won’t readily offer. Hopefully, you find a solution that works for you!