Newbie Seeks Advice
Hi All,
Thanks for the great info that has been posted so far. 
I had never thought about investing in mobile homes until I found this forum, and I'm going to give it a whirl.
Just a few questions to those of you who are doing it already.
1. What is the average life expectancy of a mobile home? I have seen mobiles on mls as old as 1977. Are these on their last legs or is there life left in them?
2. Are there wear and tear problem areas that are particular to mobile homes that one should be aware of in older homes? eg. Leaking roof after so many years?
3. If you go to buy with cash in your hand, how much would you expect to get off the asking price? 10 / 20 / 30%+?
I am looking to do this in Canada. I expect the priciples are pretty much the same as for USA. If anyone knows different, please advise.
Thanks again for any help offered.
Sidwyn
The average life expectancy of a mobile home depends on how it is taken care of. I have seen 5 year old homes that were ready for the junkyard. I have seen 50 year old homes that had 20+ more years of life left. If it is fixed, and basic items like the furnace and water lines replaced when necessary, then there is no reason it should not last indefinitely. Most mobiles are junked because nobody did maintenance for 15 years.
Metal roofs need to be sealed when they get old every few years. Leaks need to be fixed promptly so they don't destroy the floor. Water on a mobile home floor will eat it up if left too long. Don't buy a mobile with aluminum wiring because no one will insure it.
If I pay cash I will pay no more than 1/3, thats right 33% of my credit price. 67% off asking price.
The average life expectancy of a mobile home depends on how it is taken care of. I have seen 5 year old homes that were ready for the junkyard. I have seen 50 year old homes that had 20+ more years of life left. If it is fixed, and basic items like the furnace and water lines replaced when necessary, then there is no reason it should not last indefinitely. Most mobiles are junked because nobody did maintenance for 15 years.
Metal roofs need to be sealed when they get old every few years. Leaks need to be fixed promptly so they don't destroy the floor. Water on a mobile home floor will eat it up if left too long. Don't buy a mobile with aluminum wiring because no one will insure it.
If I pay cash I will pay no more than 1/3, thats right 33% of my credit price. 67% off asking price.
Thanks for the info Silverton3. Appreciate it.
Sidwyn.