Your manufactured home will have its own unique challenges when you sell within a manufactured home community. You may need to review the Mobilehome Residency Law and Community Rules and Regulations so you can successfully navigate the home selling process. The following is a guide to help you successfully navigate selling your home.
Understanding the Mobilehome Residency Law
Before you put your manufactured home on the market, it’s crucial to understand the Mobilehome Residency Law. Under Article 2 the law guarantees the homeowner’s right to sell and limitations that state, “Management may not require a homeowner to sell his or her home to the park, may not charge a transfer or selling fee, and may not require a homeowner to use a broker or dealer approved by the park. A homeowner has a right to advertise his or her home for sale. Management may deny approval of a buyer, but only for certain reasons listed in the law.”
This law also mandates that homeowners must provide the community management with a 60-day notice of intent to sell. Additionally, the outside of the home, accessories and the space it occupies must comply with current rules and regulations before Management will approve a buyer for residency.
Steps to Prepare Your Manufactured Home for Sale
For California homeowners, sellers have specific regulations they must adhere to if they are selling property without a real estate agent. This includes filing mandatory paperwork; some of which are forms you’ll need to provide the buyer to disclose information on the property.
1. Notify the Management
Set yourself up for a seemless sale by notifying the community management as early as possible. This is the first step to complete after making the decision to sell your manufactured home and prioritizing communication will help you in every step of this transition. Remember, the notice imust be given at least 60 days before you plan to sell your home.
2. Ensure Compliance with Community Rules
In addition, you must ensure that your home complies with the community’s rules and regulations. Review the rules you signed when you moved into the community or make an appointment with management to walk your space and discuss what items need to be brought into compliance. This may involve:
Painting the Home: If the exterior paint is faded or peeling, you will be required to paint. A fresh coat can significantly improve the home’s appearance and attract buyers.
Repairing Damaged Awnings or Supports: Any structural damage must be fixed to meet community standards. Bent awning supports or damaged awnings must be replaced or repaired.
Landscaping the Space: Ensure your yard is well-maintained with all weeds removed. If any area of the space is bare dirt you will need to landscape with prior Management approval of the materials and plants you plan on using.
Replacing Damaged or Dirty Carpet on Stairs: Clean or replace carpets on outdoor stairs. Make sure no parts are fraying or torn. Metal non-slip strips should be secured to ensure carpet doesn’t slip.
Repairing Handrails and Guardrails: Ensure all handrails and guardrails are in good condition, not loose or falling off. They should be in compliance with Title 25 health and safety codes ensuring the distance between intermediate rails don’t pose a hazard.
Cleaning Oil Stains from the Driveway: Remove any oil stains to present a clean, well-maintained property.
Removing Stored Items: Clear any personal items stored outside the home to comply with community regulations. Place these items inside the home, in a locked storage shed or dispose of properly.
3. Make Interior Repairs and Upgrades
In addition to exterior compliance, consider making necessary repairs or upgrades inside the home:
Fix Leaks and Damages: Repair any plumbing leaks, fix damaged walls, and replace broken fixtures.
Upgrade Appliances: If possible, replace old appliances with newer models to increase the home’s appeal.
Refresh interior painting: Fresh paint always makes rooms look better. Select a neutral pallet that will appeal to most buyers.Thoroughly inspect floors: Check the floors for soft spots which may have weakened over time or with water damage. Replace any subflooring where it feels squishy. If the flooring hasn’t been updated since you purchased upgrade to the latest style that buyers are wanting in their homes.
Paint or upgrade counters and counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms.Reduce Clutter: Packing the items you don’t use on a regular basis or won’t be needing during the time you’re trying to sell should be packed away and stored out of sight. Clear counter tops and put away all personal family photos. Reduce the amount of furniture to allow for maximum showing of floorspace to give the appearance of a larger home.
Deep Clean: Ensure the entire home is thoroughly cleaned, including carpets, windows, and hard-to-reach areas.
4. Market Your Home
Once your home is in compliance and all necessary repairs are made, you can begin marketing it. You may choose to work with a real estate professional or sell the home yourself to save on commissions and fees. Either option, you will need to include the items below:
Professional Photography: High-quality photos can attract more buyers.
Online Listings: List your home on popular real estate websites and social media platforms.
Open Houses: Host open houses to allow potential buyers to view the home in person.
Daily Showings: Be prepared to have buyers coming to view your home at any moment. Your home will need to be kept clean and look unlived in for the duration until an offer is accepted.
For Sale Sign – A sign placed on the space to advertise the home is for sale and giving contact information for more information.
Complete The Residency Application
Once your house is on the market and buyers begin to show interest and discuss submitting an offer, remember to inform them they must let management know they are interested in living in the community.
All prospective buyers must apply to live in a manufactured home community. They’ll need to visit the management’s office and complete a residency application. This process ensures that the new residents meet the community’s standards and can maintain the home’s compliance with the rules. Once you have a buyer ready toput in an offer, encourage them to complete the community application right away as the timeline for processing and gaining approval can take a couple of weeks. Don’t wait until you have accepted an offer and opened an escrow.
Get Help From Quickturn Property Solutions
Selling a distressed manufactured home requires careful planning and compliance with specific regulations. By understanding the Mobilehome Residency Law, complying with the Community standards, and effectively marketing your home, you can streamline the selling process and achieve a successful sale. Remember, preparation and attention to detail are key to making your home appealing to potential buyers and meeting community standards.
If the thought of navigating the complexities of selling your distressed manufactured home feels overwhelming, consider selling directly to Quickturn Property Solutions. This option allows you to bypass the need to research and find a Realtor, eliminating fees and commissions entirely. You can sell your home as-is, without the hassle of making repairs or upgrades. Quickturn Property Solutions offers a quick closing on your timeline, ensuring a seamless transaction. Plus, you won’t need to put a sign in the yard or deal with the inconvenience of showings, making the process straightforward and stress-free.