Every Friday our state guide takes a look at the resources available when buying a mobile home. Last week, our attention was on Buying a Mobile Home in Ohio and this week its resources you can use when buying a mobile home in Texas.
Mobile Home Living in Texas Facts
According to statistics, almost 29 million people were living in Texas last year. So it should come as no surprise that mobile homes are on the rise in the state. Mobile Home Village also shares some other interesting facts about the state:
- The average price of a pre-owned home: $61607
- Average model year of a pre-owned home: 2010
- Pre-owned home size average in square feet: 1348
- Average sites in a manufactured home community: 127
- An average year a community was developed: 1993
- Number of age-restricted communities: 108
- Number of all-age communities: 1107
Resources For When You Are Buying a Mobile Home in Texas
Texas Manufactured Housing Association
Most if not all states across the country have an association devoted solely to manufactured homes. The Texas Manufactured Housing Association is where you will find information about what you need to know when buying a mobile home in Texas, view licenses of trusted dealers and installers in the state, and learn more about why a mobile home can be the right choice for you and your family. You can contact them by visiting the website or by phone or mail at:
Texas Manufactured Housing Association
6850 Austin Center Blvd, Ste 325
Austin, Texas 78731
Phone: (512) 459-1221
Fax: (512) 459-1511
Email: [email protected]
Registering Your Mobile Home
Effective September 1, 2003, the traditional manufactured housing title was replaced with a Statement of ownership. The Statement of Ownership identifies the make and model, year, size, wind zone, HUD Label, and serial numbers, owner and lienholder just like the title did.
Additionally, the Statement of Ownership indicates whether the home is being treated as personal property or real property and
where the home is physically located. If there is a sale or transfer or if the home is moved to a new location, the Statement of Ownership MUST be updated. To update the Statement of Ownership, the owner should contact the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Manufactured Housing Division for instructions or contact the Customer Service Unit at 800-500-7074 for assistance.
Issues Within the 1st Year of Ownership
Talk to Your Dealer
When you buy a new mobile home from the manufacturer that home automatically includes a 1-year warranty that covers any defects from the builder or problems that occur during installation. So, if you find an issue during that first year, reach out to the dealer in writing (so that you have a paper trail if needed) and let them know. Most dealers have a staff on hand that can handle just about any issue you may encounter.
Dispute Resolution Program
If you have tried to get your issues resolved through the dealer and they are still a problem, your next step will be to file a complaint with the HUD Dispute Resolution Program in the state of Texas.
Texas is one of 26 states that has their own program in place to resolve issues. You can file a complaint online on the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Manufactured Housing Division website or print a form and mail it to the department. If mailing you will want to send all required documents and the application to:
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
MANUFACTURED HOUSING DIVISION
P. O. BOX 12489
Austin, Texas 78711-2489
Used Mobile Home Disclosure and Warranty
Texas also has in place a used mobile home warranty that offers 60 days after the date of sale, exchange, or lease-purchase agreement to notify the seller in writing of any defects that make the home not habitable. You can see the disclosure and warranty form here.
Mobile Homes in Texas
Did you know that Texas is the largest state in size in the country? Currently there almost 2500 mobile homes for sale on Zillow right now. So, whether you are looking for a tiny home or a big ol’ Texas-sized triple-wide, there is something for everyone. Here are a few available:
Texas has so much to offer as a state, it’s clear to see why there are so many people living there. With the rise in mobile home living across the country, buying a mobile home in Texas looks like a good idea to us!
Watch for next week’s installment in our state series guide when we talk about what you need to know when buying a mobile home in Virginia.
Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living®.
