Does It Make More Sense to Move Your Mobile Home or Buy a New One?
If you’ve made the decision to move to another location, you still have the option of buying a new home or relocating your mobile home. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Certain factors, including the condition and weight of your mobile home, affect the ability to move your house, but there are also pros and cons to buying a new place to live.
Which Factors Affect Moving a Mobile Home?
There are different factors that influence the cost of moving a mobile home, and cost is probably one of the most important factors in your decision. Our mobile home movers will evaluate the current condition of your mobile to ensure we can safely move it. We’ll also factor in the size and weight of the home and the distance of the move to calculate a total moving cost for you.
Condition & Age
Your mobile home must be structurally sound to be safely moved. An older home is more likely to have sustained some structural damage, but age isn’t the primary factor. Even a newer mobile home can show damage from water or termites that make it unsafe to move.
We recommend performing a thorough inspection of your home. Keep a lookout for signs of water or termite damage, especially around exterior walls and interior supporting walls. Water damage is more likely found under sinks, near the A/C unit, and by appliances that use water, including your water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher.
Size & Weight
A determining factor for moving your mobile home is its size and weight. A single-wide mobile home is easier to transport than a double- or triple-wide. You’ll likely need two trips or two trailers to move a double-wide, which basically triples the mileage and costs of moving.
Weight is also important. Trucks have weight limits and some states charge by weight. How much your mobile home weighs doesn’t solely depend on the square footage. Some homes are constructed with sturdier materials, which increase the weight of the home. Your appliances and furniture inside the home also add to the load.
Distance
The farther you plan to move, the more you will pay for moving your mobile home. The moving costs are magnified if you’re moving a double-wide or triple-wide mobile home instead of a single-wide home. A bigger load can require an escort or separate trailers. Long distances also increase the time it takes to move your home.
The Challenges of Buying a New Mobile Home
Before you decide between moving your mobile home and buying a new one, you want to weigh the cons of buying a new home. While buying a new home is exciting, you have to be prepared to spend more money while also dealing with the hassle of selling your current mobile home.
The Cost of a New Mobile Home
The cost of buying a new mobile home probably outweighs the cost of moving your existing home by far. Even if the base price for a new mobile home seems affordable, you might spend more than you planned with upgrades and customizations. You may also want to get new furnishings to match your brand-new house, which further increases your costs.
It’s Difficult to Sell a Used Mobile Home
If you’re buying a new mobile home, you’ll still have to sell the old one. Mobile homes are difficult to sell because a used mobile home decreases in value. If the buyer has to transport the home because you’re only selling the house but not the land it’s on, that adds to their cost, too. Finally, many lending institutions don’t offer loans for used mobile homes, especially if they have been moved from their first location. This means you have to find a cash buyer, which limits your options.
Will You Buy a New Mobile Home or Move Your Current Home?
Now you know what it takes to move and sell your mobile home. It’s not a simple decision to make. We’re happy to provide you with a moving quote to help you decide which option is best for you. Sometimes, it’s about the numbers and what you can afford to do. But there’s also an emotional aspect involved, especially when you’re contemplating selling your home.