This week in our state guide series we are talking about what to know when buying a mobile home in Massachusetts. Massachusetts is one of the 5 smallest states across the country, but is home to variety of manufactured homes.
Massachusetts Facts
Massachusetts is full of so many cool places to place a mobile home. Beautiful small towns, ocean front properties, as well as urban areas are all perfect places to place anything from a tiny home to a larger mobile home great for bigger families. Take a look at some other mobile home facts about Massachusetts:
The average price of a pre-owned home: $117742
Average model year of a pre-owned home: 1992
Average pre-owned home size in square feet: 974
Average sites in a manufactured home community: 90
Average year a community was developed: 1993
Number of age-restricted communities: 58
Number of all-age communities: 64
Where to Start
When buying a mobile home in Massachusetts, one of the first places to start is the Massachusetts Manufactured Housing Association page. Although the site is new, you can still access members of the association that can help you navigate the home buying process. From finding a reputable dealer and how to find financing, the association can help.
Massachusetts MHA
PO Box 73
Halifax, MA 02338
(508) 460-9523
www.massmha.org
After Buying a Mobile Home in Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts does not often require mobile home titles. A Bill of Sale is most common to show proof of ownership. The Registry of Motor Vehicles does not recognize manufactured homes as a titleable vehicle, although mobile homes must be registered if put on the road to move.
If your home is placed on a permanent foundation on land you own, it will recognized as real estate in Massachusetts. You should reach out to the county clerk for what steps to follow.
Keep in mind, if you are buying from a dealer, they will usually take care of this for you. Just be sure to ask them during the closing process.
What if There’s an Issue?
Unfortunately, there are times after the purchase of a new manufactured home when things don’t go quite right. Whether its a defect from the manufacturer or a problem during the installation, sometimes you just need some help to get things fixed.
Your first option should always be talking to the dealer you purchased from. Typically, they have a dedicated staff that is trained to take care of any issues you have. Don’t forget you have an automatic one year warranty with your new home. Just be sure to keep a record of any correspondence you have and try and use certified mail so you have a record of your efforts.
If you aren’t able to get your issues handled, you will need to reach out to the HUD Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program. Massachusetts 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:
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 Massachusetts
For such a small state, there was no shortage of great mobile homes to share from Massachusetts. Here are just a few that we found on Zillow.
Related: 14 Great Mobile Home Exterior Ideas For Every Budget.
Our state guide wraps up next week with a look at buying a mobile home in Oklahoma. Stay tuned!
Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living!
