Why You Need an Expert to Sell Your Manufactured Home in North Carolina

By
September 27, 2024

Selling a Manufactured Home with land is not the same as selling a traditional home. Find out why in this Blog.

Why You Need an Expert to Sell Your Manufactured Home in North Carolina

In North Carolina, manufactured homes account for 13-15% of the housing market, a higher percentage than the national average. These homes, permanently placed on land, have become a vital housing option, offering affordability, flexibility, and modern conveniences. Despite their growing popularity, selling a manufactured home—especially one that is permanently affixed to land—comes with unique challenges. Many homeowners don't realize that the process differs significantly from selling a traditional stick-built home, which is why having an expert on your side is crucial.

This is where my decades of experience come in. I’ve been in the manufactured housing industry since 1975 and became a licensed realtor in 2015. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and developed proprietary systems designed specifically to help homeowners like you maximize the value of your manufactured home when it comes time to sell. I have integrated these systems into my firm, United Country Real Estate | Broker Associates, where we offer a local Special Property Group (SPG) for Manufactured Homes.

United Country Real Estate | Broker Associates — The Manufactured Home Specialist

At United Country Real Estate | Broker Associates, we have a specialized group for manufactured homes (MH) that are permanently placed on land (Nationally United County has over 40 SPGs we serve.)   We understand that this housing segment is underserved, and we are committed to providing tailored services that address the unique needs of MH homeowners. We have a deep understanding of both manufactured homes and the real estate process. We have developed an 8 Phase (77 Step) Listing and Marketing Plan that removes the guesswork from selling or buying manufactured homes with land.

For a limited time, we are offering a free manufactured home value analysis for homeowners in the Triad area. This is a fantastic opportunity to get an expert opinion on your home's value and determine the best approach for selling in today’s market.

Why Selling Manufactured Homes is Different

Manufactured homes are built off-site in a factory and transported to their permanent location. Unlike stick-built homes, which are constructed directly on-site, manufactured homes face different legal, financial, and buyer perception challenges. Here are a few key differences to keep in mind:

  • Title and land considerations: One of the most important aspects of selling a manufactured home is ensuring it is properly classified. If the home is permanently affixed to the land, it must be classified as real estate rather than personal property. Handling this correctly ensures the sale process runs smoothly and allows buyers to secure the appropriate financing.
  • Financing and appraisal: Not all buyers may qualify for traditional mortgages when purchasing a manufactured home. It’s essential to work with a realtor who understands the financing options available for MH buyers. Failing to properly address these issues can lead to delays or a failed transaction.
  • Buyer perceptions: While manufactured homes have advanced considerably in terms of design, energy efficiency, and build quality, many buyers still hold outdated perceptions. Successfully selling your MH requires a marketing approach that highlights its modern features, value, and the advantages of owning this type of property.

The Secret Sauce

We have the Secret Sauce for the listing, marketing, and selling of manufactured homes on land. Everything is structured to eliminate surprises and ensure a smooth transaction from start to finish. Our success requires the following, which other firms and agents do not have available:

  1. Success Requires an MH Professional
    As MH Specialists, we bring unmatched expertise to the table. Our knowledge covers everything from:
    • The value and construction of your manufactured home.
    • The additional features offered by home manufacturers that can add value.
    • Setup, installation, and any post-setup additions (such as porches and decks).
  2. Success Requires a Plan
    The foundation of our 8 Phase Plan is to identify and address potential challenges before they arise. This eliminates surprises such as:
    • Appraisal issues: Ensuring the home appraises for the agreed-upon sale price.
    • Home inspection surprises: Dealing with any unknown problems that could surface during the buyer’s inspection.
    • Financing concerns: Making sure the home qualifies for the buyer’s approved financing.
  3. Success Requires Preparation
    Preparing your home for sale can significantly reduce stress and increase buyer confidence. As part of our plan, we help you with:
    • A pre-listing home checkup to uncover any potential issues.
    • Certification of your home for buyer financing.
    • Completing necessary repairs and updates to improve the home’s appeal.
    • Getting a seller appraisal to ensure you are pricing the home accurately.

A Peace of Mind Program – The Icing on the Cake

For many buyers, peace of mind is a critical factor in making a purchasing decision. That’s why I offer the Certified Pre-Owned Home Program, the top way to provide potential buyers with confidence in their purchase. This comprehensive program includes:

  • A thorough home inspection by a licensed home inspector to identify any issues that need addressing.
  • Repair of any pertinent problems found during the inspection to ensure the home is in excellent condition.
  • Reinspection by the original home inspector to verify that all issues were resolved.
  • A comprehensive, one-year home warranty from a reputable national warranty company, offering buyers the protection and security they need to move forward with confidence.

This program also provides peace of mind for the seller by ensuring the home is fully prepared for the market. To make things easier, we offer discounted fees for sellers who opt for this program.

If certification isn’t the right option for you, our Kickstart Program offers a fast, efficient, and hassle-free way to sell your home. Kickstart uses a competitive online bidding process and advanced marketing strategies to reach more potential buyers. The Kickstart Program is also available for manufactured homes being sold without land, such as those located on private lots or in manufactured home communities where the homeowner does not own the land. Key benefits include:

  • No commission for sellers: The commission burden is shifted to the buyer, allowing you to keep more of your money.
  • Sell your home as-is: You don’t need to worry about costly repairs or contingencies—Kickstart allows you to sell your home in its current condition.
  • Maximized exposure: Our online bidding system reaches a broad audience, ensuring that your home is seen by as many potential buyers as possible.
  • You remain in control: With Kickstart, you can set a reserve price, ensuring that you only sell if the highest bid meets your expectations.

Why My Firm is Right for You

I’ve been part of the manufactured home industry since 1975, and I sold my first home that same year. I began placing homes on real estate as a package in the 1980s, giving me unmatched experience in understanding the complexities of manufactured homes and land packages. Over the years, I’ve built relationships with top manufactured home builders, visited their factories, and gained firsthand knowledge about the quality and construction of these homes. I have systemized what I know into our MH Specialty Property Group. The result is our 8 Phase (77 Step) Listing and Marketing Plan, which makes us uniquely qualified to guide you through a successful sale of your manufactured home with or without land.

If you’re ready to sell your manufactured home, partnering with specialists like us is the best decision you can make. Let us help you maximize your home’s value, navigate any potential challenges, and ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

And for a limited time, we’re offering a free manufactured home value analysis for homeowners in Triad area. Now is the perfect time to get an expert opinion on your home's worth and determine the best approach for selling in today’s market.