Whether you’re retiring or looking for a first home, there comes a time when you may need a different home to meet your needs. If so, a pre-owned manufactured home in Florida could be the perfect option. Not only are these homes often a fraction of the cost of a site-built home or even a new manufactured home, but they also come with the modern luxuries you’re looking for. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you should know when looking for used manufactured homes for sale!
Why Buy Used?
There are several reasons why a used manufactured home may be a better option for you than a new site-built home or even a new manufactured home. Some of the main reasons we’d recommend you consider a used manufactured home are:
Cost: With a used manufactured home, you get all the benefits of a new, luxury manufactured home (e.g., modern features, perfect size for your family, accessibility, etc.) for a lower price. If you find a used home that’s already perfect for you, you’ll get the benefit of your dream home at a significantly reduced price compared to a new home. In fact, a used manufactured home may be half the price of its equivalent new build!
Location: Many used manufactured homes are already anchored in a local community. This means when you move in, you’ll be a part of a community with fun activities and an established culture, allowing you to fit in right away.
Time: A new manufactured home takes time to build, so even after you purchase it, you’ll have to wait for your home to be completed. While this may be worth it for some people, others prefer the ease and convenience of buying a used home and moving in right away. So if you’d prefer a shorter waiting period between closing and moving, a used manufactured home is ideal for you!
What to Look for in Used Manufactured Homes for Sale
In order to find the perfect home for you and your family, you’ll want to consider a few factors during your home search.
We always recommend a professional inspection of the entire home to make sure it’s up to code and to identify any needed repairs. Some sellers, like Prestige Home Centers, inspect the available homes for you so you can be confident in your purchase.
Once you’ve completed the inspection, here are the five most important factors to consider during your home-buying journey to find your perfect match!
- The Foundation
Like any other home, you’ll want to make sure the foundation is sturdy and safe before you move in. An inspector can help with this process, but you can also look for signs such as a level foundation and whether the home has anchors or tie-downs to help protect against hurricanes. You can also request home documents from the seller such as installation records, past permits, and repair quotes to better understand your home’s history. - The Luxury Features
While you can always add the luxury features you want, consider whether a used home already has most, if not all, of what you’re looking for. This way you can get them at a discounted price and have them as soon as you move in. Some of the most common luxury features homeowners want include:
- A patio or porch
- A luxury bathroom with shower and bath
- Walk-in closets
- Modern utilities
- Extra storage space
3. The Utilities
During your initial inspection, make sure all utilities are included and in working condition. Beyond making sure they work, you’ll want to decide whether you like the utilities the manufactured home already has. For example, do you prefer gas ovens or electric ones? What HVAC system does the home use?
To get the most out of your home, we recommend looking for one that already has smart technology, such as a smart thermostat integrated with the utilities. Smart features will not only save you money but also customize your home to your liking.
4. The Number of Rooms
Just like when you’re shopping for a used site-built home or looking for an apartment, you’ll want to have an idea of the minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms you would like to have. You should also consider whether you want an open-concept kitchen and living room or prefer them as separate rooms. While you can remodel your manufactured home to your desired look, it’s always nice to start with a home you’re already happy with.
5. The Style
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it’s possible to find a home that caters to your unique style! From wall colors to the general theming (like farmhouse style), see whether the home is already set up the way you like. That way, you have less work to do when you move in, with painting and decorating.
The Process of Buying a Used Manufactured Home
Buying a used manufactured home will differ slightly from buying a new one—in fact, it’s more like trying to find a used site-built home. The process typically goes as follows:
- Tour different homes with a realtor or manufactured home agent.
- When you find one you’d like to purchase, negotiate terms, conditions, and price.
- Have a professional inspect the home to ensure it’s stable and ready to live in.
- Secure financing for your manufactured home if needed.
- Upon closing and inspection clearance, move in!
Your manufactured home agent should be able to walk you through each step and guide you through the process for an easy experience from start to finish.
The Cost Savings of Buying a Used Manufactured Home in Florida
People typically look at used manufactured homes because of the time and money savings. But exactly how much are you saving by purchasing a used manufactured home over a new one or even a site-built home? Here’s a quick breakdown of costs from today’s averages:
A used manufactured home ranges anywhere from $10,000–$150,000.
Depending on the size of your home, a new manufactured home ranges from $60,000–$250,000.
In the United States, the median home price is around $400,000.
Building a new home in Florida ranges from $350,000–$600,000.
So, by purchasing a pre-owned manufactured home in Florida, you could save anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Find High-Quality, Inspected Used Manufactured Homes at Prestige Home Centers
At Prestige Home Centers, we offer a wide variety of used manufactured homes for sale. These homes meet the same standards as our new homes and come pre-inspected, so you can rest assured you’re getting a high-quality, safe home for your family. Search through our available used manufactured homes for sale to find your perfect match today!