buying a used MH

[Sherrie Withrow]

Hi. I'm in need of more space than the 1 room I rent from my sister, (post-divorce).
It occurred to me recently that perhaps I should buy a used/older MH & stop paying $200/mo. storage + $500/rent. I was thinking of buying for cash & staying in a Contra Costa County, CA community until the R.E. market changes in the next 2 yrs. I have no idea where to get RELIABLE info. on what dictates used MH value so I"ll know what to negotiate. I am trying to find resources but it is proving to be extremely time-consuming. What is a good "overall" site/resource to find out about age, flooring, vapor barrier data on older MH's, window type values, etc. I built a home with my ex personally and it seemed much easier to spec materials needed to build. Any suggestions? Thank you kindly,
"Buried in a room", S.W.
.

[Eugene]

The NADA..Manufactured Housing Appraisal Guide is what you need. It is a book like they use for used cars. You can call them at:
800-966-6232, I won't buy a book, you should get one for free.
They list all the homes and there used value.

[Mary]

I phoned, and It's $100 to subscribe for a year, with three yearly updates. A single copy is $50.

I'd like to know how to get one "for free" as Eugene suggests.... my library doesn't have one.

I cannot pay $50 for a book of any sort!

[Eric]

Mary,
One of the other sites similar to this one had a page to get the NADA report for a home for around 15 dollars. Sorry I dont remember which site it was but a Google search should get you closer.
Mind you I am not a dealer (but have been looking for a home or two to buy as a rental ) I would suggest looking at used home values / for sale adds and see what the market is. I have come across sights with REPO homes that banks are trying to sell at close to the retail new value so watch out. Never hurts to give an outrageous "low-ball" offer...Worse they can do is laugh you off the lot! Also, just like cars MH value go down with time unless there is land attached.
Good Luck!

[David Oxhandler]

You can get a BOOK VALUE REPORT online at www.MobileHome.com/bookvalue

This service will give you a very economical evaluation of your home based on the information you submit. What you will get back is the typical resale value of that year make and size home across the country for the past few months.

This is not a full appraisal . The reports address possibilities that include the manufactured home ONLY. No appraisal, evaluation or consideration of land value, location, or local market conditions are included and those factors could greatly effect the real market value of your manufactured home. If you need the FULL PICTURE contact an Appraiser who is certified in Manufactured Housing Valuation for a written professional opinion prior to making any decisions that relate to buying selling or financing a previously owned manufactured home.

If your looking for a "ballpark" concept of the value of just the home you will find the cost of the Book Value Report very reasonable at only $29.95. To go to the MH BOOK VALUE page Click Here

[rmurray]

The best info is from a proper appraisor...A good appraisal will cost about $250...There is a link on this site to buy an individual value for less than the cost of the book..Trust me if you had one..you would not know how to use it...The book is about 1500 pages of very small print...With tens of thousands of value charts...matching a home to one chart takes training...

[Eugene]

I was given (for free) two NADA books at a manufactured housing show.
Send me the info and I will look it up.

[Arthur H. Rigsby]

Eric,

"Also, just like cars MH value go down with time unless there is land attached" is not true in her case. She is in California where even a cardboard box goes up in value each year.

Art

[rmurray]

You are right..only in CA is the box woth more than the refer that came in it...