Buying a Pre-Owned Home

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Buying a pre-owned home can often be the solution to your manufactured or modular housing needs. However, there are certain details that need to be carefully weighed when considering purchasing a pre-owned or bank-owned home. On this page, you'll find helpful hints and friendly suggestions to consider when shopping for a pre-owned home. Most NCIRG dealers also specialize in helping customers find and negotiate deals on pre-owned homes, so be sure to contact your local NCIRG dealer when considering purchasing a pre-owned home in your area!

Tips for Shopping for a Pre-owned Home

As always, it's "caveat emptor" when buying anything used, and this is never more true than when shopping for a pre-owned home! Below are a few suggestions to consider when looking at used homes, but if you need further help in evaluating a home, please contact your local NCIRG dealer!
  1. Check the exterior vinyl or metal siding for damages or possible leaks.
  2. Check the asphalt shingles or metal roof for any damage or possible leaks.
  3. Check the interior floor system for soft or damaged floor, most often along the exterior walls and/or wet areas in the kitchens, bathrooms and water heater.
  4. Check for damaged vinyl flooring/carpet.
  5. Check tubs and showers for damages or cracks.
  6. Check for missing or damaged interior/exterior doors.
  7. Check for damaged cabinet doors in kitchen/baths.
  8. Check to make sure home does have a water heater, and appears to be in good working order.
  9. Check to see if the home has electric or gas furnace and that it appears to be in working order.
  10. Check to see if the home purchase includes a central air conditioning system or central heat pump system.
  11. Check for broken or cracked glass in all windows.
  12. Check for holes in the interior wall panels
  13. Ask if the purchase price includes delivery to the building site.
  14. Ask if the set up of the home is included, and meets all requirements of the county you plan to take the home to. (i.e. - wind zone)
  15. Determine who will be responsible for the following items that may be needed: steps, decks, porches, vinyl or masonry siding, permit fees, skirting, grading or lot clearing, driveway, well or water hook-ups, septic or sewer hook ups, electrical wiring for home, AC/HP, well pump/pressure tank, plumbing connections.
For more information about buying pre-owned manufactured or modular homes, or to find a pre-owned home for sale, contact your local NCIRG Member Retailer.