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If you are looking to buy a used mobile home, you are not alone. With the cost of living rising and home prices dropping, it might not be a bad time to save on the real estate end of your budget and think about buying a used mobile home.

Today's mobile homes can be just as spacious and attractive as a regular home. There are new and used mobile homes that feature amenities like wall-to-wall carpeting, central heating and air conditioning, whirlpool tubs and much more. The cost of a used mobile home can range from affordable to extravagant. Factors that will affect the price are location, size, quality and age of the home.

When shopping for a used mobile home, there are many factors to consider. The first thing is the size of the home. Always take an in-depth tour of the homes you are considering and make sure they are large enough to accommodate your family. Find out as much as you can about the energy efficiency of the home, the materials used to construct the home, and the various features and benefits the home offers. Any reputable mobile home dealer will happily provide you with all the information you will need to make an informed choice. Make sure that the home you are considering bears a certificate of compliance which states it is in line with HUD standards.

If you don't already own a piece of land on which to put your mobile home, you may either want to purchase one, or buy a mobile home that is already established in a mobile home park. Just like mobile home parks range in quality, mobile home parks do as well. There are parks that are not very appealing, with the homes very close together. These parks usually offer the cheapest options for mobile home seekers, but cheaper is not always better. Then there are high quality mobile home parks with spacious lots, attractive homes, and rules that govern the conduct of individuals and families residing in the parks. A nice mobile home park can make all the difference in your satisfaction with your home and your quality of living.

There are many places to look for a used manufactured home. You can start with the classified ads, both ads in your local newspaper and online at sites such as Craigslist. If you are searching online, you can also check out eBay as well as sites specializing in mobile homes. You can also check your local yellow pages as many mobile home sales companies sell used as well as new homes.

Searching for a used manufactured home is only part of the process. You also want to make sure you buy a good one.

You need to determine the actual value of the mobile home. Since manufactured homes depreciate and lose value more quickly, you may find that the home is not worth the asking price. You can find the standard value of a particular brand, style and year of manufactured home by checking the Blue Book at your local public library. (You may have to ask a librarian help you obtain this information from another library.) You can also ask your local bank or manufactured home dealership for this information.

Value is also determined by such add-ons as decks, garages, additional rooms and the like that can increase the value. Check with the local county appraisers offer to find out how the manufactured home property has been appraised for tax purposes.

You also need to thoroughly evaluate the condition of the home. As manufactured homes age, they suffer from the same ills as traditional homes...wiring or plumbing problems, aging furnaces, and the like.

The best way to do determine the value and condition of the manufactured home you are considering buying is by hiring an appraiser with experience in appraising manufactured homes. Check the yellow pages or ask your local bank for recommendations.

By the way, if you are planning on keeping the manufactured home where it sits, you need to be approved by the mobile home park where the home is located. Make sure you do that before buying the home or you may find you need to move when you were not planning on it. Not only that, but check out the park itself as you may find that you actually do not want to stay that after all.

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