To sell a mobile home, it's crucial to present it in its best possible state. Performing needed upgrades and repairs can certainly result in a better profit margin, especially as, unlike traditional houses, mobile homes tend to decrease rather than increase in value. The decision to sell a mobile home yourself or hire a real estate agent is often a predetermined one that depends on whether it's on your private property or in a park pad rental situation.
Depending on where you live, a real estate agent may not want to sell a mobile home that isn't on privately owned land. The reason may be that the landlords of the park in which the home is placed on a rental pad are the ones who have the control over the choice of new tenants as well as other aspects of the sale. In many mobile home parks with pad rentals, the owner of a unit for sale is legally required to inform the landlords as soon as possible. The landlord will have to have the new owner sign an agreement to pay a specified amount of pad rent each month. Many mobile home park landlords also do a criminal record check on new tenants.
Especially if you'll be selling your mobile home yourself, it's important to check with local government offices for laws concerning the sale. You may need to have a fire inspection certificate or other official documents before you can legally sell a mobile home. You'll likely have to provide potential buyers with a form containing required information such as the mobile home manufacturer's name and the year it was made. You may have to list any repairs or remodeling completed as well as any work done to the roof. The age of the appliances and water heater may also be needed.
To present your home to buyers, it's important to declutter it. Although you may certainly be comfortable with all of your cherished personal effects and specialized decorating techniques, buyers are looking for more of a clean slate to make their own. Limit yourself to only the basic furniture pieces and a maximum of three or four accessories such as lamps, throw pillows or a decorative bowl in each room when you're ready to sell a mobile home. Get an early start on your packing and put family photos, collectibles and a lot of smaller furniture pieces away into storage or at a friend's home, if possible. If your budget allows, replace anything dated, including appliances, and give eyesores such as faux wood paneling several coats of fresh paint.