
- Choose between an individual lot or a lot within an existing community. ...
- Decide if the lot where the mobile home will be installed will be rented or purchased. ...
- Inspect the land to determine that a mobile home can be safely installed. ...
Where is the best place to put a manufactured home?
A Perfect Place to Put your Manufactured Home. Land You Own vs Mobile Home Park A Perfect Place to Put your Manufactured Home. Land You Own vs Mobile Home Park 18 Nov, 2016 A manufactured home can be set in two places. You can put your manufactured home on vacant land that you own or that you purchase or in a manufactured home park.
Can I put a mobile home on my land?
First of all, you’re most likely going to need a permit in order to put a mobile home on your land. Additionally, your home must be attached to a foundation. You’ll have the foundation built first, and then you’ll have the mobile home delivered to your site, where it will be attached to the foundation.
What do I need to know before installing a mobile home?
These are things you’ll need to know before installing a mobile home on your land. I want to put a mobile home on my property. What are the legal requirements? To put a mobile home on a piece of land that you own, you’ll need to look into state regulations, zoning regulations, and restrictions caused by private covenants.
What are the state regulations for installing a mobile home?
Typically, state regulations will focus on legal requirements of a mobile home installation. First of all, you’re most likely going to need a permit in order to put a mobile home on your land.

Where are most mobile homes located?
As of December 2021, Texas was the U.S. state with the highest number of mobile homes, with 137,460 manufactured homes. Florida and Louisiana followed behind with 50,761 and 46,381 homes respectively.
Is it better to put mobile home on foundation?
Unless they're permanently affixed to foundations, though, manufactured or mobile homes may depreciate. If you want your manufactured or mobile home to have a chance at appreciating in value rather than depreciating, permanently affix it to a foundation.
How far off the ground should a mobile home be?
Because manufactured homes must conform to state transportation guidelines, the maximum allowable height stands at 13 feet, 6 inches from the ground to rooftop. This generally equals the ceiling height norm in site-built homes, which typically runs between 9 and 10 feet.
What increases the value of a mobile home?
A few energy-efficient upgrades can make your home much more desirable than the other manufactured homes potential buyers are looking at. Apply caulk and weather-stripping, add insulation, and install insulated skirting. If you can get a good price on new energy-efficient windows this may be a good idea, too.
How do you prepare land for a mobile home?
5 Tips for Preparing Your Land for a Manufactured HomeOrder a land survey. Before commencing any site preparation work, it's important to have a site inspection done. ... Apply for the permits necessary. ... Choose the location for your home. ... Build the foundation well in advance. ... Bring in the utilities you need.
What type of foundation is best for a mobile home?
Pier and Beam Foundation The pier and beam system is the most popular foundation system for manufactured homes. With the pier and beam foundation system, anchors are driven into the ground to hold your home down and protect it from wind forces. The anchors go into the ground first and then steel straps are attached.
How do you make a mobile home feel like a house?
How to Remodel Your Mobile Home to Look Like a House (Interior)Remove all of the trim from your walls.Prime your walls using an oil-based primer.Fill in all of the line gaps left by the paneling with drywall mud.Tape and mud the wall joints between the sheets of paneling.Use an orange peel texture spray on the walls.More items...
How can I hide my mobile home?
How to enhance the exterior of your mobile homeInstall a unique front door and matching architectural accents. ... Repaint or repair your siding. ... Spruce up the skirting. ... Replace plain steps with a porch or a deck. ... Get creative with your carport. ... Play around with plants. ... Maximize any outdoor living space.
How thick should a concrete slab be for a mobile home?
Slab foundations for manufactured homes consist of a 4 to 6 inch deep flat, concrete foundation, with another 4 to 6 inches of gravel or sand beneath it. Instead of the floor of the home, a slab foundation acts as support for the home.
Do mobile homes ever appreciate?
Still, according to a detailed FHFA report, we can see that mobile homes appreciate very similar to stick-built homes. Contrary to popular belief, mobile homes' values do tend to appreciate over time rather than depreciate.
How do you make a mobile wall look like a drywall?
WallsRemove all trim from the walls.Prime the walls with an oil based primer.Fill in the line gaps in the paneling with drywall mud.Tape and mud the joints between the 4 x 8 sheet of paneling.Spray orange peel texture on the walls.Prime the walls for paint with a latex primer.Paint the walls.
Why do mobile homes depreciate?
One reason mobile homes depreciate in value is because they are personal property, not real property. "Real property" is defined as land and anything attached to it permanently. Anything that can be removed without "injury" to the land is not real property.
What does it mean for a mobile home to be on a permanent foundation?
A permanent foundation is one that is “constructed of durable materials (concrete, mortared masonry, treated wood) and be site built”. Since the manufactured home isn't site built, it's important that the foundation be certified to be site built.
Can you put a permanent foundation under a mobile home?
Creating a permanent foundation for your mobile home is not an easy task; however, it has many benefits and can be done by yourself or a contractor. Having your mobile home on a permanent foundation will increase the value of your home and give you the look and feel of a stick-built home.
Do you need a slab for a mobile home?
If your mobile home is being placed on your lot as a permanent residence, and you seek FHA financing, you may want an insulated slab foundation. If not, you can choose to have the home placed on a pier foundation. This method will require your county agent to inspect the job for compliance with county codes.
How do you tell if a mobile home is on a permanent foundation?
The 433(A) is sent for recording by the building department, then a conformed copy, the certificate of occupancy, fees, all titles, certificates and plates or decals are sent to HCD, who then changes the title to reflect that the manufactured home is on a permanent foundation.
How to determine if a mobile home is safe?
Inspect the land to determine that a mobile home can be safely installed. The land must be sloped to facilitate water run off and clear of rocks or other debris that might prevent the home from resting level on the ground. Additionally, always ensure that a lot location is not so remote that it is inaccessible by the delivery truck.
What is mobile home?
Mobile homes are a popular housing alternative in many parts of the country as they offer a low-cost alternative to other more permanent forms of housing. Mobile homes come in a variety of sizes and layouts and can be installed in a wide variety of locations.
Can you have an individual lot in a mobile home community?
Choose between an individual lot or a lot within an existing community. Some mobile home owners may prefer the privacy of having an individual lot that is secluded and far away from other mobile home communities and traditional home neighborhoods. While existing communities offer security and amenities, they also may require monthly fees.
What is a manufactured home park?
A park is created for the purpose of setting a manufactured home on a suitable piece of ground. The foundation and the footings will be installed for you. The park is designed for ease of delivering a manufactured home. The park will have staff which is capable of ensuring that your home is properly set.
What is the responsibility of grading land for manufactured homes?
Grading the land and preparing a pathway for delivery of the manufactured home, and making sure there are no roadway obstacles to delivering the home sections is your responsibility.
Can I put a mobile home in my backyard?
One might think, can I put a mobile home in my backyard and be done with it? Placing your mobile home on your land allows you the freedom of home ownership without spending as much as you would for a site-built home. You cannot, though, place a manufactured home just anywhere. You must comply with federal laws, state laws, and local rules and regulations.
Can you control rents on a property?
There is little or no control over rents for the space a property occupies. Some homeowners object to the rules of the park which can cover the type of yard you can have and how you can make modifications to the exterior of your home. The social life may be a bit bothersome for some people.
Can you put a manufactured home on a vacant lot?
A manufactured home can be set in two places. You can put your manufactured home on a vacant land that you own or that you purchase or in a manufactured home park. Many people like the idea of a vacant land because it affords them more privacy and requires less interaction with neighbors. However, vacant land will require you to be responsible ...
Why grade a mobile home site?
Grade the site: The site must be properly graded and sloped so that rainwater will drain away from the mobile home and not pool under it. Where walls or other physical conditions prevent grading, the site will need providing with drains or swales to manage water runoff.
How Much Will Manufactured Homes Installation Cost?
Sometimes, the price of mobile homes includes the cost of installation. Be clear on this before you sign the sales contract. If installation is not included in the price, you’ll be responsible for hiring the set-up crew and paying their fees. What sort of costs are we talking about? You won’t be surprised to hear that it depends on the providers involved and the complexity of the installation.
How much does it cost to install a double wide?
The job will involve potentially dozens of people on site, all of whom will need paying. Setup costs can run anywhere from $1,500 for single wides ($3,000 for double wides) to $20,000 or more, depending on the size of the job. To make sure prices and services are in line, solicit bids from at least two installation crews. Ask each to meet you at the site so they can get an idea of where you plan to place your home, and can quote your job based on local conditions, regulations, and any job-specific considerations that are required.
Why is my mobile home installation not working?
When problems occur with a mobile home installation, it’s usually because the homeowner has been pressed into signing the final inspection ticket before the home is completely installed and finished. Signing off on a home installation usually activates some contractual small print and releases the set-up company from liability if things go wrong.
What happens if you don't install a manufactured home?
Improper manufactured homes installation can lead to leakages, bowing, warping and other problems that can be expensive to repair and can seriously impact your home’s lifespan and durability.
Why do things go wrong with my mobile home?
When things go wrong, it’s usually because the work is not properly coordinated and overseen. A reputable mobile home dealer can provide you with a list of recommended general contractors (GCs) and HUD-certified set-up contractors to help get your home completed on site and ready for occupancy.
Is it illegal to install a mobile home?
Installing mobile homes is hard and dangerous work – you’ll need a professional manufactured homes installer to do the job. In most states, it’s unlawful for any person to occupy a mobile home unless the home has been installed by a HUD-certified installer.
How to find out if I can put a mobile home in my yard?
You can actually put a mobile home in your yard as long as you know the requirements and the considerations that you need to look at.
Why is it important to have a working water and septic system for your mobile home?
It is important to be able to have a working water and septic system for your mobile home because of how this is necessary for health and sanitation. That means that, when you put your mobile home in a yard, it needs to be able to have proper access to working water and septic systems.
Do you need planning permission to put a mobile home in the backyard?
Finally, the next thing you need to consider is whether or not you need planning permission or a building permit when it comes to putting up a mobile home in your backyard. Well, the answer to that question is pretty simple.
Do you need a permit to build a mobile home?
If you are planning on allowing your mobile home to have permanent access to public utilities, then the thing you need to know is that you need to have to get a building permit for it. This also means that you need to comply with other requirements that may be quite expensive when you add up all of the costs.
Is a mobile home considered a car?
However, a mobile home is not a car but is considered a home. In fact, a mobile home actually looks like a home with the difference that it can be moved from one spot to another. That means that there are legal requirements that you need to fulfill in relation to its status as a home.
Can I put a mobile home in my backyard?
For those who are looking to buy a mobile home because of how versatile it is especially when you are on the road, one of the things you might be thinking is that a mobile home is similar to a car in the sense that you can just put it wherever you can put it as long as it is your own land or that it is a parking lot.
What are the best defenses against improper manufactured home installation and setup?
Education and inspection are the two best defenses against improper manufactured home installation and setup. If a homeowner understands the installation process and is able to ask the right questions they can ensure it is done correctly.
When it comes to manufactured home installation and setup, what instruction manual shall trump all others?
When it comes to manufactured home installation and setup the builder’s instruction manual shall trump all others.
What is dealer installer?
Dealer Installers are employees or subcontractors of the dealership where you buy the home. In the US, manufactured home builders cannot sell a home themselves, there has to be a middleman or dealer (there are a lot of loopholes where builders really are the dealers but through a different company or entity but still owned by the same corporation).
Why do we see so many homes on their sides?
Improper anchoring or tying-down a home is the main reason we see so many homes on their sides on the weather channel. It is not the home itself but the lack of tie-downs or anchoring system used on the home.
How does stress affect a home?
The stress on one small part of the structure impacts the entire home. The home will age quicker and the stress causes warping and bowing. After a short time has passed, the homeowners will begin experiencing issues such as leaks and it just goes downhill from there.
When were there regulations on manufactured homes?
Before 2009, there were little regulations or codes set on a national level to mandate or control manufactured home installation and setup procedures. Several states provided their own guidelines but minimal standards varied and little to no checkpoints were in place. Thankfully, that’s changing a bit.
Can you sign anything until the home has been installed?
The most important advice I can give you is to never sign anything until the home has been completely installed and inspected by a 3rd party that is not affiliated with the dealer or the installer.
1 – Not your average property
Mobile homes or manufactured homes are a unique type of property. The fact that you can potentially move them makes all the difference. It means that many people might own the home but not the land it sits on. Instead, they rent the lot from a mobile home park or a the owner of a private plot of land.
2 – Options for listing
The next box to check is deciding how you are going to sell and list your mobile home. You will have two main options.
3 – All the paperwork
Another crucial factor to consider is the paperwork. Yes, the administration can be a drag. But it’s an essential part of any property sale. Without it, the transaction might fall through.
4 – Setting the right price
Last but not least, you should carefully consider what you want to ask for the mobile home. Finding the right price is all about balance.
Improve your prospects
As you can see, there are many factors that go into buying and selling any property, including mobile homes. Because of this, these transactions aren’t always clear-cut. Even making tiny changes can significantly affect the success of the sale and, of course, the final price.
What is needed to move a mobile home?
This ensures that all mobile homes are safe and up-to-code. Moving materials: A mobile home move requires an abundance of materials including tow hitches and tires. Your moving company may break down the cost of these materials in your contract.
How are modular homes similar to mobile homes?
Modular homes are similar to mobile homes in that components of the home are constructed off-site and then moved to the building location. But this is where the similarities end. Modular homes are a kit of parts, not a fully-fabricated house like a moble or manufactured home.
Is moving a mobile home a DIY project?
Relocating a mobile home is not a DIY project.
Do you need a permit to move a mobile home?
Almost every state requires that you get a permit to move your mobile home to a new lot.
Can you hitch a mobile home to a truck?
While you may have seen a mobile home hitched to the back of a truck on a highway, it’s not quite as easy as that visual would suggest.
Do I need liability insurance for moving?
If you’re using professional movers, you must purchase liability coverage for the move. If you already have mobile home insurance, you’ll want to check with your provider to see if they cover mobile home relocations (i.e. while it’s in transport).
Is it cheaper to move a single wide or double wide?
Single-wides will cost less to move than double-wides, which are twice as big. Plus, if your home is too large to drive down the road safely and takes up multiple lanes, then you may need to pay for a temporary road closure or a police escort. The weight of mobile homes vary – often depending on their age.
What are the advantages of mobile homes?
Mobile and manufactured homes, while not as popular, have one big advantage: They typically offer more space or amenities for the money. Today’s companies manufacture homes at many price points, with options from economy to high-end. You can even purchase a home that looks as if it had been built on site. However, buying and financing a mobile ...
How old do you have to be to buy a mobile home?
This means that you may not qualify for a conventional loan if you’re considering buying a used mobile home that is more than 15 years old.
What is a double wide mobile home?
With a double-wide mobile home, the width is roughly equal to two single-wide units attached to each other, so that the mobile home tends to look more like ...
Can you buy a mobile home that has been built on site?
You can even purchase a home that looks as if it had been built on site. However, buying and financing a mobile or manufactured home is very different from traditional home buying and getting a mortgage. If you are thinking about buying a mobile or manufactured home, here is what you need to know:
Do you factor depreciation when considering a mobile home?
When you’re considering the cost of a mobile or manufactured home, don’t forget to factor in depreciation as an expense. Every type of home depreciates over time, but in the past, housing that was priced separately from land did not hold its value well.
Do you have to buy real estate when buying a mobile home?
When you buy a new mobile home, you also must buy or rent real estate where you can place your new home.
Does a manufactured home have a lower down payment?
Since it generally costs less to buy a mobile or manufactured home than to buy or build a traditional single-family home, a mobile or manufactured home loan may also come with a lower down payment.
First-Time Landlord Checklist
Here’s a very helpful first-time landlord checklist to help make the process go as smooth as you can imagine.
Clean it Up, Clear it Out
As obvious as it may sound, cleaning the interior and exterior is the first step. To ensure a deep clean, a professional cleaning service can really help. A clean start is a great start!
Advertise Your Mobile Home for Rent
There are plenty of advertisement options to rent a home, but when it comes to renting out your mobile home, there’s no place better than MHVillage.
Research A Great Tenant for Renting Out a Mobile Home
So, now that the home is priced and set to be seen, get ready for reviewing and considering your potential takers. There are many options available online for a mobile home landlord to conduct background and credit checks. This is where an application for the renter to fill out ahead of time comes in handy.
Contact Us Anytime!
If you are renting out a mobile home for the first time, this post should provide a solid foundation to get started. If you have any questions about MHVillage services, please contact the MHVillage customer experience team. The team is there to help!