Interested in purchasing a used home. Have no idea.

[Rhoda]

Hello. My husband and I are looking into manufactured housing, however purchasing a new manufactured home is out of the question. We currently live in an apartment and just had a baby girl and would like to have a place where we don't have to worry about disturbing our neighbors downstairs.

We live in silicon valley and the prices are way out of what we can afford so we're thinking of buying a used home.

The problem is we do not know where to begin. We have about 4 months to do what we have to do before we move. We've looked in some communities, picked up flyers to homes that are on sale.. but when it comes to taking the next step and onward we have no clue. Could anyone please help me out with some advice? We've never done anything like this what steps should we take first? Please help us newbies out! =)

Thanks in advance!

[John Merchant]

Rhoda

Well, it's just about like buying anything else. You just have to get out and look and talk to people and see if you can make a deal with the owner of the one you want.

You say you've picked up fliers...so it sounds like you're only talking to dealers. While there's nothing wrong with that, it's kind of like only talking to used car dealers and ignoring all the private individuals that really want and need to sell their cars. Why would you do that?

I've bought lots of cars over the years, new & used, and of all I've bought, I'd say I got the best deals from individual owners, NOT dealers! I can't think of many car dealers I'd really totally trust, and it's the same with MHs.

If you've got the cash you should be able to find one and buy it for cash right then and there. Don't pay until it's vacated and cleared, because you want the seller out of there so you can make your final inspection and know it's OK.

If you don't have the cash, you'll need to find a loan, and those aren't so easy these days. Unless you're buying new MH for LOTS of money!

However,I know individuals around the country who make MH loans on older MHs, so maybe I could be of some help to you in financing one when you find it.

But get out of the apt and start talking to owners whose signs are in the windows or whose ads you see in the Little Nickel ad paper. You'll find lots for sale, with NO dealers in the way, and it's the way I recommend finding and buying one.

Good luck.

[Art Rigsby]

Rhoda,

Go to realtor.com and search for MHs in the areas you would like to live. I just did a search on Hayward (94544) and found over 30 MHs for sale.


Art

[sheila]

Hi Rhonda,

The first thing I would probably do is try and get pre=qualified. You can do this right here. then you'll know what you able to borrow. How much you can afford. How much you need down. A dealer will do all this for you as well as find the home for you.... Just like a Realtor. But, there are also things you need to make a priority in your home that really need to be number one in your decision. Any questions, feel free to email me!

Sheila

[sheila]

Hi Rhonda,

The first thing I would probably do is try and get pre=qualified. You can do this right here. then you'll know what you able to borrow. How much you can afford. How much you need down. A dealer will do all this for you as well as find the home for you.... Just like a Realtor. But, there are also things you need to make a priority in your home that really need to be number one in your decision. Any questions, feel free to email me!

Sheila

[Connie]

I would suggest you invest in Randy Eaton's books about buying a mobile home...I bought a single wide home, and becuz I am a woman, several dealers tried to pull alot of baloney... so here are a few tips, ok?

If you can, buy a double wide, they hold their value better.
Get your own insurance, never finance the first year insurance into the loan. Thats ridiculous. Foremost is a mobile home insurer but their prices are high, so shop around. Find out how much taxes are and if you can homestead. (In TX you can homestead a mobile home...).

Insist on walk in closets (even if they are small, get decent sized closets..) in your smaller bedrooms. Make sure you have a decent sized laundry room area also. Check where electrical outlets are in the home. Get the upgraded carpet, its worth it. Make a list of all of your wants/needs before you look at models, etc. and write down prices of options as you learn the costs.

Avoid Fleetwood (thats the one I bought..)Champion and Oakcreek. Oakcreek is coming back from bankruptcy,...overpriced homes, etc. NOT reputable in the past.

Get your own financing, don't use their finance company...

Find out who they use to deliver and set up the homes, if its a contractor and not their own staff, get references. My home was damaged by a blown tire. The dealer did not tell me about it!! Do not sign loan papers until you have inspected the home. Get that clear up front, if they don't agree, walk out.
I used to live in that area so I know its expensive. reply if u like, and hope this has been helpful. Connie

[Connie]

HEY I GOOFED, I MEANT OAKWOOD WAS COMING OUT OF BANKRUPTCY NOT OAK CREEK!!! SORRY!

[marika]

Call a realtor and ask them for a listing of used manuactured homes on acreage or in commuites. Preferably, on acreage.