Buy & repair bargain mobile home or buy real house?
There is much to answer here. Just how old IS this mobile home? Newer models (10-20 years of age) are much better insulated than are homes from the 1970’s era. That is a consideration in terms of heating and cooling costs. Check the exterior wall thickness to make a determination. That being said, it is quite possible to ‘remodel’ an older mobile home, just as one would remodel a house. I’ve seen them get new sidings, windows, and roofs which are ‘pitched’ to replace the original flat roof. Such renovations would probably be far less expensive than would be replacing the entire mobile home with a different one. Mobile homes tend to lose value over time rather than appreciate, as do conventional structures. However, if this old place has already depreciated, most of your ‘investment’ will be for the land on which it sits, along with the well and septic, etc. Your future costs would be those involved with making the place more modern and livable.
My first thought as to the value side (or projected value) of this situation is this: the location of the house you are speaking of, if your looking that far ahead(5-15yrs.) . could actually lose and become a disappointment for you only because I have seen neighborhoods deteriorate at a rapid rate.My personal choice would be the mobile because of the acreage.I have done home repair and remodeling for about 15 years. I have had my hands in everything from the slab/foundation to the roof. There is a boatload of info out there concerning these matters, you can do just about any repairs and improvements you need/desire.If you have a common knowledge of tools and materials, if you have any questions regarding repairs,etc. feel free to contact me through “answers”, I am happy to assist you anyway I can. Good fortune to you.
