Category: State Guides

This week we have headed north once again, to what you need to know when buying a mobile home in Maryland. We are taking a look at information about where to find some cool homes, how to make sure you are making the right purchase for your family, and what to do if you have any issues.

Mobile Home Living Stats in Maryland

Maryland is one of the smallest among the 50 states. However, it is home to over 6 million people, which makes it one of the most populated for its size. So, its no surprise to find that manufactured homes are a popular choice there. Here are some other interesting facts:

The average price of a pre-owned home: $64054
The average model year of a pre-owned home: 2003
Average pre-owned home size in square feet: 1263
Average sites in a manufactured home community: 112
Average year a community was developed: 1982
Number of age-restricted communities: 16
Number of all-age communities: 152

Related: A look at Mobile Home Lot Rents Across the Country.

Things to Remember

We already know that mobile homes offer a great housing option at an affordable price. Not only are manufactured homes built to even higher standards than stick-built homes, but they also offer just as many options.

But there are things you need to know to make a smart choice. Where are you going to place your home? How much home do you need? A good place to start, the Manufactured Housing Institute of Maryland. There you can learn about financing, licensed retailers, and other things you need to consider when buying a mobile home in Maryland.

Maryland MHI
PO Box 78
Pinto, MD 21556
(888) 644-6363

Making Your New Home Legal

Maryland handles the process of making mobile homes legal a little differently than most other states. Here’s what we found: Mobile homes in excess of 35 feet are not subject to the inspection, titling, or registration laws of Maryland, however, they may be titled. The Motor Vehicle Administration does not collect excise tax when issuing a title, however, before the vehicle can be titled, the state retail sales tax must be paid, a receipt obtained and submitted with the application for title and other required documents.(source: AAA: Titles for Mobile Homes) If you decide to title your mobile home you can do so at any local DMV office, just make sure you have the required documents.

Maryland does allow you to convert your mobile home into real property if you own both the mobile home and the land it sits on. It will need to have a permanent foundation and you will need to submit the following: an affidavit including a description of the home, a copy of the manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO) and certificate of title, if available, the street address and legal description of the real property where the home is or will be located; and a statement from the
owner that the manufactured home is free and clear of any lien, security interest or encumbrance. The bill also creates requirements for severing the home from the land where it is located.

Remember, if you are buying a new mobile home, the dealer will help you with the paperwork to make sure you have everything in order. If you are buying used, you can always contact the Manufactured Housing Institute of Maryland and they will be happy to point you in the right direction.

If There’s a Problem

When you buy a new mobile home there is always the possibility that things might not be quite right. Whether its defect from the manufacturer or an issue that happened during installation, sometimes there’s a problem. Take a good look around your new home after it has been setup. Your new manufactured home includes a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, so you will want to try and get any issues handled within that first year. Be sure to keep good records (preferably in writing) of any correspondence you have with your dealer or the manufacturer so that you have a paper trail in case you can’t get the help you need.

If you aren’t able to get your issues resolved by working directly with the dealer or manufacturer, you will need to reach out to the HUD Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program. Maryland doesn’t administer their program. Instead, they are a part of the federal program that is in place.  You can submit your complaint in the following ways:

Mobile Home Living in Maryland

Now, its time to take a closer look at some of the great mobile homes that are available in Maryland. Zillow was full of places that were waterfront as well as homes in communities and on private lots. There are some great choices available!

Just like every other state, buying a mobile home in Maryland is a great choice. With the same durability as stick-built homes, manufactured housing is an affordable alternative for homeowners.

Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.

This week we are exploring what you should know when buying a mobile home in Kansas. With over 88% of Kansas being used as farmland, there is plenty of space for mobile homes.

Did you know Kansas really is flatter than a pancake? Scientists proved it when they compared the topography of Kansas against that of a pancake from IHOP. Some interesting facts about mobile homes in Kansas include:

The average price of a pre-owned home: $27811
Average model year of a pre-owned home: 2002
Average pre-owned home size in square feet: 1228
Average sites in a manufactured home community: 114
Average year a community was developed: 1992
Number of all-age communities: 217

Knowledge is Power

When buying a mobile home in Kansas its important to know all you can before you make your purchase. For example, did you know that since 1992, Kansas has had a law in place that prevents cities and counties from excluding a manufactured home used for a residence from being excluded in residential areas? However, make sure before deciding where to place your home you call your city or county planning commission to be sure you won’t have any problems.

You can learn about financing, dealers, why manufactured homes are a smart purchase and more by visiting the Kansas Manufactured Housing Association page or contacting them at:

Kansas MHA
3521 SW 5th St.
Topeka, KS 66606
(785) 357-5256

Things to Know After the Sale

The rules for titling a mobile home in Kansas varies depends on whether you are buying a used or new mobile home. If buying used, you must transfer ownership, and the title must be assigned to the new owner. The seller must complete all information on the assignment except for the buyer’s printed name and signature.

If the seller does not have a title for the manufactured or mobile home he or she will need to obtain the title before transferring ownership. Keep in mind, a mobile or manufactured home cannot be sold on a bill of sale. You can find all the forms you need at the Kansas Department of Revenue site or by visiting your local DMV.

If buying a new manufactured home, you will be required to pay sales tax based on 60% of the purchase price prior to any trade-in allowance. Usually, your dealer will handle all the needed paperwork to make your new home yours.

What if There’s an Issue?

If you are buying a new mobile home, the home includes a one year warranty from the manufacturer. Any issues or defects from the factory or during installation are usually taken care of by contacting your dealer. They typically have a staff that handles any problems that occur.

Keep in mind you will need a record of any correspondence (typically contact them in writing via certified mail) so that you will have a paper trail in case your issues aren’t handled properly.

If you don’t get the issues resolved by working directly with your dealer, you will then need to contact the state and fill out a dispute resolution form. The Kansas Housing Corporation, Manufactured Housing Division, can help you get a resolution to your issues. The purchaser must complete the Dispute Resolution form inside the Dispute Resolution Packet. A check or money order for $100.00 made payable to “KHRC” is required. The Dispute Resolution form and the check must be mailed to:

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Programs
611 South Kansas Avenue, Suite 300
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3803

Mobile Home Living in Kansas

There doesn’t seem to be an abundance of mobile homes available in the state of Kansas right now. However, we did find a few great ones on Zillow to share with you!

Related: 100 Great Manufactured Home Porch Designs.

Like most other states we have covered, buying a mobile home in Kansas is a pretty easy process. And, we are sure to see manufactured homes become an even more popular housing choice as the population of Kansas continues to grow.

Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.

This week our series takes us North, with things you need to know when buying a mobile home in New York. So far our state guide section has covered over 35 states, to see if we have visited your state yet, check out our State Guide Resource Section.

Mobile Home Living in New York Facts

Did you know that New York has the third-largest population among the 50 states? Only California and Texas have more people, and although 40% of the state residents live in New York City, mobile home living is still a very popular option in other parts of the states. Here are some other interesting facts about mobile home living in New York:

The average price of a pre-owned ho $62137
Average model year of a pre-owned home: 2003
Average pre-owned home size in square feet: 1184
Average sites in a manufactured home community: 75
Average year a community was developed: 1982
Number of age-restricted communities: 94
Number of all-age communities: 904

Know Before You Buy

The New York Manufactured Housing Association website is a wealth of information. They share all kinds of information about factory-built housing for potential homebuyers. Just some of the information you can find includes:

• Financing
• Information about manufactured home foundations
• How to find a community
• The differences between stick-built and factory-built homes

You can contact them if you have questions about manufacturers, dealers in your state, or any other question you may have.

New York Housing Association, Inc.
634 Watervliet Shaker Rd
Latham, NY 12110
(518) 867-3242 • (800) 721-HOME
gro.gnisuohynobfsctd-7fe72e@ofni

Making Your New Home Legal

When buying a mobile home in New York, your new (or new to you) manufactured home will need to be titled. Like most states, New York uses the DMV to handle its titling process. One major difference, New York doesn’t require homes manufactured before 1995 to have a title. You can find the form here.

Keep in mind, if you are purchasing your manufactured home from a dealer, they will typically handle all the titling for you. Just make sure to ask about it at closing.

If You Run Into Issues

If you are buying a new mobile home, the home automatically includes a one year manufactured warranty. Any issues or defects from the factory or the installation are usually taken care of by contacting your dealer. They typically have a staff that handles any problems that occur. So, don’t wait if you see any issues!

Keep in mind you will want to keep a record of any correspondence (typically contact them in writing via certified mail) so that you will have a paper trail in case your issues aren’t handled properly.

If you aren’t able to get the manufacturer or dealer to resolve your issues it may be time to try and resolve it elsewhere. After buying a mobile home in New York and having an issue that can’t be resolved by the dealer or manufacturer, you will need to contact the Division of Code Enforcement and Administration/Manufactured Home Division and file a complaint. This is the qualifications for filing according to their page:

Any homeowner, retailer, manufacturer, installer, mechanic, or lending entity may file a complaint with the Department of State seeking resolution of an allegation that a substantial defect exists in the delivered condition, installation, service or construction of a manufactured home.  The term “substantial defect” means a defect or a number of defects or other conditions in the delivered condition, installation, service, or construction of a manufactured home which collectively can reasonably be expected to cost $500 or more to cure.  The complaint must be filed within one year and ten days after the date of service, installation, or issuance of a certificate of occupancy, or the expiration of any applicable provision of a contract or warranty, whichever is later.

Source: Division of Code Enforcement and Administration/Manufactured Home Division

Mobile Home Living in New York

When you first think of New York, New York City skyscrapers are probably the first thing that comes to mind. However, we came across some very cool mobile homes as well. From single wides, double wides, and even some awesome lakefront tiny homes. These are just a few that we found on Zillow.

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Related: Take a look at some other cool tiny homes we have found over the years: Stylish Key Largo Park Model Home, Park Model Home Decorating Ideas – Beach Cottage Chic, and These Park Model Mobile Homes with Amazing Views are Dream Homes.

Buying a mobile home in New York is a great and affordable choice for the growing population in the state. If you are considering buying a mobile home in New York, we hope our resources will help you before, during and after your purchase. Whether you want to live in a community or on land of your own, the choice is yours!

Continue to watch for our next installment in the state guide series, when we explore buying a mobile home in Kansas. And as always thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.

Our state guide series is continuing and this week our attention is on the information you can use when buying a mobile home in Louisiana. Be sure to check out our other installments by visiting our State Guide section.

The Facts About Mobile Homes in Louisiana

With over 4.7 million people calling Louisiana home it’s no surprise that Louisiana is home to a variety of mobile home manufacturers. Homes are built to the specific specifications for the area and of course, meet all the current HUD requirements. Some of the other interesting facts about Louisiana include:

The average price of a pre-owned home: $64435
Average model year of a pre-owned home: 2011
Average pre-owned home size in square feet: 1491
Average sites in a manufactured home community: 78
Average year a community was developed: 1992
Number of age-restricted communities: 6
Number of all-age communities: 339

Know Before You Buy

Just like with any big purchase its always good to do your homework before you buy. Luckily, before buying a mobile home in Louisiana you can visit the Louisiana Manufactured Housing Association website to learn why buying a mobile home is a smart idea. Their philosophy, the dream of homeownership is no longer a dream when you can buy a manufactured home. And we couldn’t agree more!

Related: 30 Most Helpful Tips for Manufactured Home Buyers

You can learn more on their site, things like the tax advantages of owning a new manufactured home, why they are such a great value, not to mention how far manufactured homes have come in terms of building standards.

Louisiana MHA
4847 Revere Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 925-9041

Don’t Forget This After the Sale…

Once you have bought your new, or used, manufactured home you will want to make sure that your new home is legal. Louisiana has a little bit of a different process for the titling of mobile homes. The home will need to be declared immovable property and the following must be done:

• The original Certificate of Title or Manufacturers Certificate of Origin.
• A bill of sale.
• An affidavit to immobilize.
• The affidavit must contain a declaration by the owner and, if applicable, the lienholder, that the factory-built home shall remain permanently attached to the lot or tract of land described in the act.
• The affidavit must also contain a description of the factory-built home as described on the certificate of origin.
• A completed vehicle application form (DPSMV 1799)
• Taxes on factory-built homes must be paid by the 20th of the month following the month in which the factory-built home was delivered to the purchaser. Delivery will be considered the day the purchaser takes possession of the home.
• A penalty will be assessed at the rate of 5% per 30 days or fraction thereof (maximum of 25%) and interest at the rate of 1.25% per 30 days or fraction thereof (no maximum) on files received after the 20th of the month following the month of delivery.
• Files received after this date must contain either proof of the date of delivery (in the form of a delivery receipt/ticket signed by the customer or installer/deliverer or an affidavit from the dealer or lienholder) or a statement from the buyer stating that no delivery was required.
• The proof of delivery must indicate the customer’s name, description (make, year, and VIN), and date of delivery. The delivery date must be entered in the “tax date” field.
• A file should not be rejected for proof of the date of delivery if the file is received on or before the 20th of the month following the month of purchase as penalty and interest are not due. In this case, the purchase date can be entered in the “tax date” field.
• Applicable sales tax, an $8.00 handling fee, and parish fee (if applicable) must be submitted with each file. Refer to Section IV Policy #47.0 for information pertaining to sales tax.

NOTE: A title will not be generated for a factory-built home that will be immobilized. Source: Office of Motor Vehicles.

Keep in mind, if you are buying a mobile home in Louisiana from a dealer they will probably handle this for you.

If There Are Problems

Every new mobile home includes a 1-year manufactured home warranty. This warranty covers defects from the manufacturer as well as issues that may go wrong during installation. If you have an issue, be sure to keep good records of any correspondence (preferably in writing) so that you have a paper trail showing you have tried to resolve your issues within the first year.

Unfortunately, there are times however that you aren’t able to get your problems taken care of by dealing directly with the dealer. In those cases, you will want to file a dispute with the state to get it resolved. Louisiana is one of the states that allows the federal HUD Dispute Resolution Program to handle any disputes between mobile homeowners and dealers and installers.

To utilize the HUD Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program you can submit your complaint the following ways:

Online Email: info@huddrp.net Phone: 571-882-2928 Fax: 888-819-5191 Mail (preferably certified): ATTN: Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program 1676 International Drive Suite 501 McLean, Virginia, 22102

Mobile Home Living in Louisiana

One of the first things we noticed while searching for awesome mobile homes to share with you in Louisiana were the beautiful views that can be found throughout the state. Here’s just a sampling of them we found on Zillow.

With less than 10 states left to explore our buying guide series is winding down. Next week, what you should know when buying a mobile home in New York!

Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.

This Friday our series continues with things to know when buying a mobile home in Vermont. Vermont currently has less than 700,000 people in the state and is only a little over 9,000 square miles of area. But that doesn’t mean that mobile homes aren’t playing a big part as a housing option in the state. Just like every other state in the country, manufactured housing is growing as an affordable option.

Before Buying a Mobile Home in Vermont

There isn’t quite as much information available concerning buying a mobile home in Vermont as there is for some of the other states we have explored. However, Vermont does have a nice site that offers valuable information for potential homebuyers. The Vermont Manufactured Housing Association includes information about why manufactured homes are a good choice, a calculator to help you decide how much home you can afford as well as a list of members. This is a great place to start the home buying process.

Related: 3 Financing Options When Buying a Manufactured Home.

Vermont also has a mobile home program through the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO). This program offers personalized assistance to mobile homeowners or renters in communities or on private property. It is a wealth of information to help support the growing number of mobile homeowners in the state.

Making Your New Home Your Own

Most states require that when a mobile home is purchased a title is submitted to the local DMV. However, Vermont does not require titles, they do however ask that a Mobile Home Uniform Bill of Sale be signed by each Buyer and Seller, endorsed by the Town Clerk of the town where the mobile home is located at the time of sale, and filed by Buyer with the Town Clerk of the Town where the mobile home will be located within 10 days after the sale. A financing statement evidencing a security interest in the Mobile Home must be filed with the Secretary of State. (source: Vermont’s Legal Help Website)

Keep This in Mind After the Sale

Unfortunately, there are times when everything doesn’t go as planned with your new mobile home. When that happens, don’t hesitate to reach out to the dealer, manufacturer or installer of your home. Buying a manufactured home is a huge investment and if there are issues that need to be resolved they need to be handled during the one-year warranty period after the purchase.

If you aren’t able to resolve your issues it may be time to file a complaint for any issues that consumers may have with their mobile home after the warranty has expired or if they are unable to resolve their problem with a dealer or manufacturer during the warranty period.

Be sure to include the following if you are considering filing a complaint:

• The retailer, manufacturer, installer, HUD, or the State Administrative Agency was notified of the alleged defect(s) within one year after the date the home was first installed.
• The home was not reinstalled.

You can submit your request in the following ways:

• Online
• Email: info@huddrp.net
• Phone: 571-882-2928
• Fax: 888-819-5191
• Mail (preferably certified)

ATTN: Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program
1676 International Drive
Suite 501
McLean, Virginia, 22102

Mobile Home Living in Vermont

In today’s buyers market there are so many different ways to look for a mobile home to purchase. For example, there are over 200 mobile homes for sale on Zillow alone right now. Here are just a few of the finds we found.

It’s great to see states like Vermont taking an active role when it comes to helping residents with mobile homes both before and after the sale. Our state series still has a few states to go, including Lousiana, Maryland, and Wyoming in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.

Our series is continuing this week with a look at some helpful info when buying a mobile home in Illinois. We also found some really nice mobile home setups to share with you. From where to start your search to what to do after the sale, we cover it all here!

Illinois Mobile Home Facts

Illinois is the number one producer of pumpkins in the country, and the second-largest producer of corn. No surprise since it’s one of the flattest states as well, which makes it perfect for crops and for easy setups of manufactured homes. Another fact about Illinois, they have over 400 manufactured communities in the state, which means mobile homes are a popular home choice here.

Other statistics about mobile home living in Illinois include:

The average price of a pre-owned home: $56944
Average model year of a pre-owned home: 2002
Average pre-owned home size in square feet: 1299
Average sites in a manufactured home community: 132
Average year a community was developed: 1989
Number of age-restricted communities: 40

Keep This in Mind When Buying a Mobile Home in Illinois

One of the first research tools any potential home buyer should utilize is their state’s site for manufactured homes. There you can find financing options, retailers, and more. Luckily, Illinois has a great site to find all that and more. From the moment you visit their home page you are greeted with why factory-built homes are the best choice, and of course, we couldn’t agree more. Be sure to make their site your first stop!

Illinois MHA
P.O. Box 2008
Springfield, IL 62705
(217) 528-3423
www.imha.org

You’ve Got Your New Home, Now What?

Once you have decided on your mobile home you will need to make sure it’s ready for the potential of severe weather, like tornados, that are common in Illinois. Thankfully, manufactured homes built after 1976 are built to such high standards they will fair as well as any neighboring stick-built home if they are installed properly. There is a wealth of information about making sure your mobile home is storm ready online, including on the Illinois Manufactured Home Association site.

Also, once you have purchased your mobile home you will need to title and register it. Most states have a pretty straightforward process for titling your home, and your dealer will usually handle this for you if you are buying a new model. However, Illinois has a slightly different titling process. This is what we found:

Mobile homes must be titled and include a description of the home.The owner of a mobile home not located in a mobile home park shall, within 30 days after initial placement of such mobile home in any county and within 30 days after movement of such mobile home to a new location, file with the county recorder’s office a mobile home registration.

The registration must show the name and address of the owner and every occupant of the mobile home, the location of the mobile home, the year of manufacture, and the square feet of floor space contained in such mobile home together with the date that the mobile home became inhabited, was initially placed in the county, or was moved to a new location. Such registration shall also include the license number of such mobile home and of the towing vehicle, if there be any, and the state issuing such licenses

Source: AAA Digest of Motor Laws: Titles for Mobile Homes.

How to Handle any Defects or Issues After Setup

Once your new mobile home has been installed, take a good look at your home. If you see any issues that could have come from the factory or from setup be sure to address them with the dealer/manufacturer as soon as possible. Every new manufactured home comes with a one-year warranty that should cover any problems. Make sure to keep good records and hopefully your dealer will handle any problems quickly.

If unfortunately, you aren’t able to get your problems taken care of directly with the dealer, your next step will be to reach out to the Federal HUD Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program.

You can submit your complaint the following ways: Online Email: info@huddrp.net Phone: 571-882-2928 Fax: 888-819-5191 Mail (preferably certified): ATTN: Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program 1676 International Drive Suite 501 McLean, Virginia, 22102

A Few of the Awesome Mobile Homes of Illinois

There were so many cool mobile homes on Zillow it was hard to choose which ones to share. From single wides in communities, to double-wides with nice landscaping, Illinois has it all.

Final Thoughts

Buying a mobile home in Illinois is pretty much like the process across the country. One important thing to remember, make sure your home is set up to withstand the high winds that storms may bring to the area. There are inspectors that will visit after set up to make sure you are good to go.

Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.

This week, our attention turns to buying a mobile home in Wisconsin and what you need to know. From how to title your home to some of the great homes found in the state, you can learn it all here.

Wisconsin Mobile Home Facts

Wisconsin appears to be a hidden gem of lakes and state parks. The state has over 1.13 million acres of water area and you can find mobile homes scattered all over the resort areas of the state. Other mobile home facts about Wisconsin include:

Average price of a pre-owned home: $38137
The average model year of a pre-owned home: 1998
Average pre-owned home size in square feet: 1122
Average sites in a manufactured home community: 89
Average year a community was developed: 1986
Number of age-restricted communities: 26
Number of all-age communities: 503

Deciding to Buy a Mobile Home in Wisconsin

Wisconsin actually has one of the best-manufactured housing sites we have seen. The Wisconsin Housing Alliance is a wealth of information about finding your new home, financing it, and making sure you are happy with it after the sale. They include information about the standards of manufactured homes and why mobile home living is a great choice!

What to Remember After the Purchase

After you have found the perfect mobile home for you and your family it will be time to make it yours legally. Wisconsin actually has its own division to title mobile homes. Most states use the DMV to obtain and transfer titles, but Wisconsin uses the Department of Safety and Professional Services, which also handles their professional licensing programs, to handle titles and registrations of manufactured homes. You can visit their site to learn more and download the correct forms for your home situation at:

Department of Safety and Professional Services
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705 Phone: (608) 266-2112 option 3 Fax: (608) 267-0592

Keep in mind, when buying a mobile home in Wisconsin and placing it permanently on land you own, it will be considered real estate and not need to be titled but will need to registered with your local county clerk office.

Where to Turn if there is a Problem

Another thing to keep in mind if your purchase was of a new manufactured home, is what to do if there are any defects or problems after set-up. All new homes automatically include a one year warranty after installation. This covers any defects from the set-up or from the factory. So, you will want to inspect your new mobile home carefully and resolve any issues as soon as possible. Dealers are usually equipped with an entire department to handle any maintenance or repairs that might need to be done, so start there first.

If you try to handle your mobile home issues with the dealer and don’t have any success, your next step will be to reach out to the federal HUD Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program. You will need to file a complaint with them and they will be able to help you:

Online Email: info@huddrp.net Phone: 571-882-2928 Fax: 888-819-5191 Or by Mail (preferably certified): Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program 1676 International Drive Suite 501 McLean, Virginia, 22102

A Glimpse of the Mobile Homes in the State

Our favorite part of our state guide series is taking a peek at a few of the great mobile homes that can be found in each state. Here are just a few that we found on Zillow in Wisconsin. There were so many to choose from!

It is great to see that mobile home living is being embraced all throughout the country. It is easier than ever to purchase a manufactured home and thankfully the stigma of mobile homes is fading. Our state guide series will continue next time with a look at Buying a Mobile Home in Illinois. Stay tuned!

We appreciate you reading Mobile Home Living.

Last week our series took a look at buying a mobile home in South Dakota. This time we are headed slightly north and turning our attention to things you should know when buying a mobile home in North Dakota.

North Dakota Mobile Homes by the Numbers

Looking for farmland or just room to spread out? Like South Dakota, North Dakota is also a prime spot for mobile home living. With over 90% of the land in the state ranch or farms, there is plenty of opportunities to find the perfect spot for a manufactured home. Here are some other interesting facts about the state and mobile homes:

The average price of a pre-owned home: $41551
Average model year of a pre-owned home: 2007
Average pre-owned home size in square feet: 1205
Average sites in a manufactured home community: 142
Average year a community was developed: 1988
Number of age-restricted communities: 2
Number of all-age communities: 85

What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Resources for a Smart Purchase

Buying a new or used manufactured home is a big decision. There is so much to consider, which makes resources like the North Dakota Manufactured Housing Association a good place to start when doing research. Not only do they share the benefits of owning a manufactured home, but they also help guide you with lending options, ways to find communities as well as how to find professionals to service your home. The site is full of great information!

North Dakota MHA
P.O. Box 2681
Bismarck, ND 58502
(701) 223-6671
www.ndmha.com

After the Sale

So, you’ve decided on your new home and are ready to move in. The last step to buying a mobile home in North Dakota will be to make that home legally yours. North Dakota’s Motor Vehicle Department issues certificates of title for mobile homes. Anyone who purchases a mobile home and is applying for a title must present, with the application, a certified statement of the full consideration paid for the mobile home. The State Equalization Board then uses the statement to generate a report used by the State Tax Commissioner to determine the proper assessment of mobile homes for tax purposes.

If you are placing your home on land you own and on a permanent foundation it will become real estate instead of personal property. You will need to contact your county’s clerk office to fill out the necessary forms and you will need to fill out a cancellation of title form with the DMV as well.

Where to Turn if There are Issues

In a perfect world, once your new manufactured home has been set up you and you live happily ever after. Unfortunately, there are times that just isn’t the case. Luckily, all new purchases come with a 1-year manufacturer warranty to handle any problems that might have come from the setup of the home or defects from the manufacturer. It’s important to reach out as soon as you notice any issues and keep plenty of notes of any communications you have while trying to get your issues taken care of.

If you aren’t able to get your issues resolved, you will need to utilize the HUD Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program. North Dakota is one of about half of the states across the county that doesn’t administer their own program. Instead, they are a part of the federal program that is in place. You can submit your complaint in the following ways:

Online
Email: ten.prdduhobfsctd-75daf7@ofni
Phone: 571-882-2928
Fax: 888-819-5191
Mail (preferably certified):
ATTN: Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program
1676 International Drive
Suite 501
McLean, Virginia, 22102

Mobile Home Living in North Dakota

One of our favorite things about our state guide series is exploring all of the awesome mobile homes that can be found across the country. Checking out sites like Zillow, you never know what you might find.

Our state guide series has been an invaluable resource for potential and current mobile home buyers across the country. With only a handful of states left, our Buying a Mobile series will continue next time with a look at buying a mobile home in Wisconsin.

Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.

This week in our buying a mobile home series we are talking about buying a mobile home in South Dakota. If you missed last week’s installment, we explored what you need to know when buying a mobile home in Idaho.

The Stats of Mobile Homes in South Dakota

When thinking of South Dakota, the first things that come to mind include that it is home to Mount Rushmore and that the weather is rough! But South Dakota is also a great place to live if you are looking to own a mobile home. With an average of fewer than 11 people per square mile, there’s plenty of room to grow!

Here are some more interesting facts about South Dakota:

The average price of a pre-owned home: $48579
Average model year of a pre-owned home: 2008
The average pre-owned home size in square feet: 1326
Average sites in a manufactured home community: 79
Average year a community was developed: 1989
Number of age-restricted communities: 0
Number of all-age communities: 177

Related: Basements over mobile homes.

The Steps to Buying a Mobile Home in South Dakota

Do Your Research

It’s important to know the answers to the big questions before buying a mobile home. How are you going to finance the purchase? Where are you going to live? What size home do you want? These questions are just a few of the many that you will want answers to before you begin your search. The South Dakota Manufactured Housing Association is a great place to start doing your research. With a listing of members, you can find information about communities, financing, dealers and more all in one place. You can learn more here:

South Dakota MHA
PO Box 7077
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 223-2065
www.sdmha.net

Making Your New Home Legal

Once you have purchased your new, or new to you, mobile home you will need to make it legal. If you are buying from a dealer, South Dakota law states the dealer must deliver to the county treasurer the manufacturer’s statement of origin, the manufacturer’s certificate of origin or the title for the home, together with the required fees and completed forms necessary to accomplish the initial registration within 45 days of the sale.

If you are buying a used mobile home from someone you will need to head to the Department of Motor Vehicles and register and title your home yourself. You can find more information at the South Dakota Department of Revenue website.

What if there is an Issue?

One of the biggest perks of purchasing a new manufactured home is that each new home automatically includes a 1-year warranty from the dealer/manufacturer.

If you aren’t able to reach a resolution with the dealer or manufacturer for any issues you are having with your new manufactured home, it may be time to file a HUD manufactured home dispute complaint. South Dakota is one of about half the states across the country that takes care of its own complaints from owners.

Unlike many states, South Dakota doesn’t have a state division devoted solely to mobile homes. Instead, you can find information regarding filing a complaint by contacting the state fire marshall’s office. I’m not sure if this is because there aren’t as many homes of this type in the state or if they just don’t have the resources to have its own department. However, you can contact them here or download the form and reach out to the fire marshall for more information.

South Dakota Department of Public Safety
Office of the State Fire Marshal
118 West Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-2000
PH: 605-773-3562
FAX: 605-773-6631

A Peek at Mobile Home Living in South Dakota

Although South Dakota is not as populated as some other states, there are still plenty of mobile homes to be found. Thanks to stringent building standards manufactured homes are more than ready for the extreme weather! Here are just a few we found on Zillow during a recent search.

It wasn’t quite as easy to find information regarding buying a mobile home in South Dakota as it has been for some of the other states in our series. However, the process is pretty much the same throughout the country and if you have questions or concerns you can always reach out to the state and they can point you in the right direction.

Thank you for reading Mobile Home Living.

It’s important to have all the facts when you are thinking about purchasing a mobile home in your state. Our series continues this week with buying a mobile home in Idaho. You can find information about where to find awesome homes, how to make sure you are making the right purchase for your family, and what to do if you have any issues.

Interesting Facts About Mobile Home Living in Idaho

Did you know that Idaho is the 14th largest state in the United States? However, based on population it ranks 39th in the country. Which makes Idaho a prime place for the mobile home market. With amazing views and lots of open space now is a great time to consider buying a mobile home in Idaho. We found these other interesting statistics as well:

The average price of a pre-owned home: $95140
Average model year of a pre-owned home: 2016
Pre-owned home average size in square feet: 1327
Average sites in a manufactured home community: 72
The average year a community was developed: 1990
Number of age-restricted communities: 36
Number of all-age communities: 190

Related: 10 Great Landscaping Ideas for Mobile Homes.

Things to Know When Buying a Mobile Home in Idaho

Before the Purchase

It’s no secret that mobile homes offer a great housing option at an affordable price. Not only are manufactured homes built to even higher standards than stick-built homes, but they also offer just as many options.

But there are things you need to know to make an informed decision. Where are you going to place your home? How much home do you need? A good place to start, the Idaho Housing Alliance. There you can information about financing, licensed retailers, and much more.

Learn more here:

Idaho Housing Alliance
7154 W. State Street #198
Boise, ID 83714
(208) 853-2320
www.idahohousingalliance.org

Titling Your Home

Once you have bought a mobile home, you will need to make it yours legally. If you are moving it into a community or a rented space it will need to have a title placed in your name. This can be done at your local DMV. However, if you are planning to place your home on a permanent foundation it will then be considered real estate and will need to be registered with the county clerk office. The Idaho Tax Commission has a very informative brochure to help guide you through the process.

What to Keep in Mind After the Purchase

If you purchase a new manufactured home, it automatically includes a one-year manufacturer warranty that covers factory defects as well as issues that occur during installation. It is important that you report any problems as soon as you notice them to the dealer and/or manufacturer to get them resolved as quickly as possible. Be sure to keep records of all contact and requests as you may need them if you are unable to get them taken care of.

If unfortunately, you aren’t able to get your issues resolved by dealing directly with the dealer you will need to file a complaint with the HUD Dispute Resolution Program. Idaho doesn’t administer its own resolution program, instead, it is administered by the federal program in Washington D.C.

You can submit your complaint in the following ways:
Online
Email: ten.prdduhobfsctd-79cde4@ofni
Phone: 571-882-2928
Fax: 888-819-5191
Mail (preferably certified):
ATTN: Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program
1676 International Drive
Suite 501
McLean, Virginia, 22102

Mobile Home Living in Idaho

Wouldn’t be hard to imagine settling down in the mountains of Idaho with a view like the ones we were able to find on Zillow. These were just a few that we thought you might enjoy!

Check out these great 100 Great Manufactured Home Porch Designs.

As you can see buying a mobile home in Idaho offers many rewards. Namely, an abundance of land choices and amazing views! All you need is the right home to make yours.

Our series continues in the coming weeks with looks at buying mobile homes in states such as North and South Dakota as well as Wisconsin and Illinois.

Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.