How to Buy a Manufactured Home and Land Together

It’s estimated that 20 million Americans reside in mobile homes. With countless options to choose from and affordable prices, manufactured homes are a growing trend across the country.

You may think that all you need to do is buy a manufactured home and a tract of land, but there are several crucial items to consider. For example, you’ll need to obtain a land survey and land permits and contact your county for zoning requirements. Failure to complete these items may delay your ability to purchase a manufactured home. 

This article walks you through the process of purchasing a mobile home and land so you’re prepared as you embark upon your next adventure with home ownership. 

Find Land

Before you purchase a manufactured home you’ll need to determine the general area you’re interested in moving to. This would be an excellent time to work with a real estate agent, as they know the best areas to look for land.

Consider the distance to work, school, other family members, activities, and more. Make a list of what you’re looking for in a location and address these items with your realtor. 

If you’ve found a tract of land to purchase then you’ll need to conduct a land survey. Land surveys outline your property and factor in municipal bylaws and zoning ordinances. This survey will let you know if you’re allowed to place a manufactured home on your lot and outlines local requirements. 

Always have a site inspection done before commencing any work on your land. If you have an old land survey, there may be outdated or incorrect information on it. To ensure the safe and efficient delivery and installation of your mobile home, it’s best to have a new survey completed. 

Find Your Manufactured Home

Once you complete a land survey and determine that you can place a manufactured home on it, you’ll need to find the best mobile home for your needs. You can browse available inventory with a manufacturer and choose a singlewide, doublewide, or tiny home. 

When purchasing in a mobile home park, consider the available amenities. This includes access to swimming pools, gyms, playgrounds, community centers, and recreational areas with indoor activities, such as a clubhouse for parties and a billiards room. 

You’ll also want to ask yourself several questions regarding a prospective mobile park. Are there age restrictions that pose an issue? What do you know about community rules and regulations? 

After you select the ideal location for your new house you’ll need to finance a manufactured home. You can consider a conventional home loan using Freddie Mac Home Possible, for example. You may also qualify for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. 

As with a traditional home, you’ll need to check your credit score, save for a downpayment, and find the best lender. You should aim for a credit score of at least 580 to be considered for home financing. Keep in mind that higher credit scores offer access to more lenders and have the benefit of a reduced interest rate. 

Determine Local Regulations

The first step is to look for local regulations within your state. It doesn’t matter if the land is private or part of a mobile home parkland —you must adhere to manufactured home regulations for land permits. 

You’ll typically need a license and proof of title for your manufactured home. Before you apply for a license in your state, you’ll need to provide the licensing agent with a copy of your manufactured home’s title.

You’ll also need a copy of the complete application that you submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Once you’ve satisfied all of your county’s local licensing requirements, you’ll receive a certified copy of your license application. 

Next, your electric supplier needs to obtain a certified license application proving that the license fee has been paid. Once this is complete you can connect electricity to your manufactured home. 

You must secure a moving permit and a certificate concerning your taxes. Your electric supplier also needs a notice of your intent to purchase a manufactured home and connect electricity.

If at any point you move your manufactured home, you’ll need a moving permit. You won’t be able to move your manufactured home until your licensing agent receives a certificate from your county treasurer. This certificate must state that you have no unpaid taxes. 

Consider Zoning Regulations

Zoning encompasses topics such as the appearance and size of your mobile home. This is when you’d need information regarding zoning regulations before purchasing your mobile home and land. 

For example, the tract of land you purchase may only allow a home that’s a specific size. If you already purchased a larger home, you may need to sell your land or your home.

It’s in your best interest to speak with a zoning administrator before making any purchases. 

Buy a Manufactured Home Today

Before you buy a manufactured home, check that the land you intend on purchasing is zoned for mobile homes. Your land survey will outline the specific guidelines —including the size— of the manufactured home you’d like to purchase, so always review this before making any decisions. Ensure your credit and your down payment are sufficient for financing a manufactured home and complete a list of wants and needs before working with a realtor. 

Once you’ve completed everything mentioned in this helpful guide, you’ll be on your way to owning a mobile home! Manufactured & Mobile is dedicated to helping you find your next manufactured home. Learn more about how to purchase mobile homes for sale here.