Expert: Michael McClure - 3/25/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I have a couple questions, that maybe you could answer. I have a mobile home from 1965 with all of the wiring, plumbing, etc. updated and it is in perfect condition and has 3 bed 2 baths and in it's time, it was probably the nicest one you could get, and is in a really good park (I have accidentally left the doors unlocked, and nobody bothers anything), I bought it a couple of years ago, and later on I was told that the park was going to make the last owner move it out, but, somehow, they got around it, I was wondering how you can get around it (real estate law, etc.) or if that does not work who it could be sold too, if there are dealers, etc. Your help would be appreciated.
-Wes

ANSWER: Hi Wes...In Calif. on leased land, the state laws read the same as you mentioned. However because this would displace so many older, and low income people, the home can be inspected by a state inspector.  If the home meets current standards, it can stay. If the inspector finds some faults, the owner can bring them up to standards and will be good to go.
If you are planning to sell, I would get that done, and have the signed off approval in hand for potential buyers to verify.
In my state the HCD has local offices who accommodate this service....look on your registration to find the office that oversees these services in your state.   Hope I helped...."~ M

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QUESTION: Thanks alot! Is there anything else that they could possibly do to prevent me from selling the home and keeping it in the park, besides the credit checks, etc.? Also, if this falls apart are there dealers that buy old mobile homes? I just bought it about 2 1/2 years ago, and am willing to sell it for cheaper than I got it, even though, I have made alot of improvements and it looks great, and is clean and spacious for a doublewide with 3 bed. and 2 bath.  I want to put it up, so, it sells fast, also, who would I contact to get an estimate and put it up for sale?
-Wes

ANSWER: Wes....where are you?  If the home is in good shape, I would definitely sell it retail!  Dealers like my Co. WILL buy it, but just to pull out to put in a new home....and we don't pay much.....let me know what area you are in, and the space rent.  "~ M

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QUESTION: I am in Glendora at the arrowhead mobile home park the space rent is 750 a month and the bill with utilities cost around 1100, we are not selling immediatly, but, are looking around for houses and will move out in a few months to a year (it all depends if we find a house that we want and is a good deal!), maybe you could let me know a ballpark figure of how much you would offer for a doublewide 3 bed 2 bath in perfect condition, with modern wiring (no aluminum wiring)and in good cosmetic condition, it's only fault is that it is older, which happens to all of us! Thanks.
-Wes

Answer
Wes here are the "comps" for your park.  This reflects what homes sold for in the last year.  The bold number is TOTAL amt. with all fees. (approx.7-8k). It also tells you who sold the homes.

http://www.mhousing.com/reports/qhome4.asp?parkid=19-1205&report=&diff=one

This is confidential info, so please don't discuss it with anyone!
Good luck...."~ Mike