The Manufactured Housing Forums

dear forum-members,
my husband and i are first time home buyers - and will be looking at a 1978 solitaire imperial 14x76 tomorrow;
we only have about $5,000-7,000 to spend on a mobile home. we are completely new to the mobile home
concept, and could use any and all 'buyer beware etc.' info.
we're looking for something simple, solid, and
without frills.

your imput is much appreciated,
sincerely,
ab

Ana,

I have two pieces of advice:

1. Have the home professionally inspected by someone who KNOWS mobile homes BEFORE you put any money down on it. We had ours inspected by regular home inspectors and, while they did a very good job, there were a few things unque to mobile homes that they missed.

2. Whether you are buying a 1978 mobile home or a 1978 stick built home, allow at least a thousand dollars for repairs and maintenance. You will be surprised how fast a thousand dollars disappears, especially if you can't do the repairs yourself. Ours is a 1988 model and we spent about $1500 in interior paint, lighting, ceiling fans, plumbing repairs, etc. And we did all the work ourselves. We still have to paint the outside and replace the skirting.

Hope this helps.

Gayle