How do I Increase the Value of a Mobile Home?

Unlike traditional homes, most mobile homes depreciate in value similar to the way automobiles do. In order to keep up and even increase the value of a mobile home, a mobile home owner must practice regular maintenance during the time he owns the home. Once he’s ready to sell, there are plenty of structural, cosmetic, and functional repairs and upgrades he can make to increase the value, as well as tips and tricks he can use to attract potential buyers. It’s easy to determine which repairs and upgrades to make when you remember a person interested in buying a mobile home is also interested in buying a move-in ready home. Simply put, if it’s unsafe or unattractive, fix it.

Before you begin working to increase the value of a mobile home, consider having the property appraised. Depending on where you live, you might have access to real estate appraisal companies, and many of these companies focus on manufactured homes. You might also talk with a real estate agent who can provide you with an estimated selling price based on your mobile home’s current condition. The agent can also offer specific suggestions for improving the mobile home to increase the selling price. Once you make renovations to the mobile home, you can request an updated appraisal.

Structural and safety problems can decrease a mobile home's value. If your mobile home has any structural problems, fix them before you try to sell. This might mean repairing or replacing a roof, the home’s underpinning, or the windows. Depending on the age and condition of the mobile home, you might also need to replace or repair the floors, walls, or ceiling. Consider hiring a professional to evaluate the mobile home’s plumbing and electrical systems, and replace or repair them if necessary.

That a fresh coat of paint can increase the value of a mobile home might seem surprising, but it’s true. If the mobile home’s interior or exterior needs a new paint job due to cracks, chips, or an out-of-date color, give it one. Other cosmetic features that can increase the value of a mobile home include new ceiling and floor coverings. For example, you might want to replace or repair ceiling tiles or lay new carpet. The new coverings you choose will depend on the room.

Another way to refurbish a mobile home and increase its value is to install upgraded appliances. The two most common rooms potential buyers closely look at are the kitchen and the bathroom. Visit home renovation stores and websites to learn about new or popular models of refrigerators, stoves, sinks, and dishwashers. If your mobile home’s bathtub, shower, toilet, and sink are outdated or in poor condition, consider replacing them. You might even look at new washers and dryers if your mobile home has a laundry room or dedicated laundry space.

If you have the time and money, you can increase your mobile home's value by making it a permanent structure. This means incorporating a solid foundation for the mobile home, rather than the typical mobile home accessories such as support beams and underpinning. You can also expand a mobile home to include additional rooms, and even add outside units to the property such as a garage or storage building. Unless you have prior experience with these major projects, it’s best to hire a professional to complete them.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of curb appeal. While it might not significantly increase the value of a mobile home in terms of a selling price, it does increase the value in a potential buyer’s mind. Plus, a nice curb appeal helps attract more potential buyers. Increasing a home’s curb appeal can include simple steps like planting flowers or greenery in the yard, as well as more involved steps like repairing cracked walkways. A good rule of thumb to remember as you approach your curb appeal improvements is that the goal is to make the mobile home and the property surrounding it more inviting.