Everything you need to know Before buying or selling a mobile home

Published: February 22, 2013
What you need to know about mobile home (manufactured home) BEFORE you buy or sell:

1) A manufactured home cannot be sold or moved unless it is registered with the Manufactured Home Registry.

2) Used manufactured homes MUST display a label provided by the appropriate provincial safety manager, In BC, that’s known as the silver label, indicating approval by the BC Safety Authority (BCSA) In other words if you cannot find the label, it has been removed, painted over or sided over etc. One will need to obtained by a licensed electrical contractor.

3) There is a cost involved and it will depend on any repairs required. It takes 2 electricians and a better part of the day to do this job. It is usually about $1500.00 plus any repairs if there are any.

4) It is a good selling feature though as now all the electrical has been checked and if there was anything wrong or not working it will have been repaired. Giving a buyer piece of mind.

5) I have full details about the procedure and who to call to have this done if you need help with it.

6) When changing cupboards in your mobile make sure you keep the cupboard with the details of the home on it. It includes the registration number, CSA number, make and model and year it was manufactured. Newer homes will have the CSA number on the electrical panel. If it is a older home sometimes the CSA sticker was on the outside of the home next to the front or back door.

7) Manufactured homes can be purchased in many parks in the lower mainland. Many of the parks you will have a pad rent anywhere from $425.00 per month to $850.00 depending where they are.

8) You can purchase a manufactured home that you own the land, you will initially pay more for the home but a very low maintenance fee of $85.00 per month.

9) I would definitely suggest you have a home inspection on your manufactured home as there can be many unforeseen problems, especially when they are older.

10) Manufactured homes can be a good investment and great community to live in. If you are looking for a home and need some advice I know lots about them and would love to work with you.