If you own a mobile home and are thinking about selling it, you’re probably curious about how to make it more valuable. But here’s the thing – boosting your home’s worth isn’t just about spending money on any upgrade or change. Not all improvements will pay off in terms of time and money invested; in fact, some might even make it harder to sell quickly and at the best price.
In this guide, we’ll delve into seven proven methods to increase the value of your mobile home. Plus, we’ll share some valuable tips to make sure you get the most out of your efforts.
Understanding the Current Mobile Home Market
Before you start sprucing up your mobile home, it’s essential to know what’s happening in the mobile home real estate market.
According to U.S. Census data, the average sale price of a double-wide manufactured home in the U.S. was $124,900 in May 2022, compared to $85,900 in May 2020.
Despite this increase, mobile homes are much more affordable than apartments or single-family homes. Because traditional housing costs are high and the economy is unpredictable, the demand for mobile homes is expected to keep increasing in 2024.
How To Increase the Value of Your Mobile Home
To make the most of your mobile home renovations, take a look at local trends, prices, and demand in your area. Knowing what potential buyers want will help you make smart choices when improving your property.
1. Enhance the Kitchen
The kitchen is often considered the heart of any home, and mobile homes are no exception. Upgrading your kitchen can significantly boost your property’s appeal. Keep in mind, while a complete kitchen overhaul is fantastic, you can also get a lot of bang for your buck with simple upgrades like these:
- Installing new fixtures such as kitchen faucets or lighting
- Swapping out your cabinet’s hardware
- Updating the flooring
- Getting new energy-efficient appliances
- Replacing countertops
- Adding an island
A well-planned and practical kitchen is a big plus for people looking to buy a home. Just tackling a few of these projects can completely transform your kitchen’s appearance and increase its value.
2. Mobile Home Bathroom Upgrades
Bathrooms are another area where renovations can make a massive difference in resale value. Consider replacing that old vanity, updating the plumbing, or installing a new bathtub. Even adding a stylish tile floor can give your bathroom a fresh, modern look.
A complete bathroom renovation might seem like a big project, but it’s worth it in terms of adding value to your home. However, you don’t have to go all out. According to Zillow, 27% of recent sellers make improvements to their bathrooms before selling, and these changes can be easy and affordable.
For instance, you can update the lighting by swapping out those dated fixtures for a more updated look. Another budget-friendly option is to recaulk or reglaze the tub instead of replacing it entirely. These simple fixes can create a fresher, more appealing bathroom without extensive renovations.
3. Fresh Coat of Paint
Most houses naturally show some wear and tear, with minor marks on the walls or holes from where pictures used to hang. These little flaws stand out, especially in pictures for selling your home. A new coat of paint gives your home a fresh and updated look for potential buyers.
The trick is to pick a neutral background that makes the home stand out, not the color of the walls. Choose colors like gray, beige, or greige for the walls, and use white for the trim to get the most out of the paint.
Painting Vinyl or VOG Walls In A Mobile Home
If your manufactured home has vinyl-over-gypsum (VOG) wall panels, it’s essential to make sure the paint sticks well to that surface. CDS, a major VOG manufacturer, suggests using an oil primer with two coats of alkyd or latex semi-gloss enamel paint:
- Clean the walls well before starting.
- Apply two coats of alkyd or latex semi-gloss enamel.
- Use an oil primer and finish with a coat of oil paint or flat latex.
- Apply two coats of flat oil paint for the best results.
4. Energy-efficient Windows
Investing in energy-efficient windows not only adds value to your mobile home but also saves on utility bills. Buyers are increasingly conscious of energy efficiency, making this a practical and appealing upgrade.
When shopping for windows, focus on those with high insulation values to improve comfort and sustainability. Take, for instance, the Kinro Low-E Vinyl Windows, which are more energy-efficient than other options. They can help keep your mobile home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
The good news is that you don’t need to go all out and get the most expensive windows on the market. Even standard vinyl windows can make a significant difference. In fact, you can expect to recoup around 68.5% of their cost.
5. Replace Your Mobile Home’s Skirting
Mobile home skirting is a must! Not only does it enhance the appearance of your home by concealing piers, tie-downs, and a concrete slab, but it also plays a crucial role in keeping pests at bay, minimizing moisture, and offering a degree of insulation.
Taking care of your skirting, whether by cleaning and repairing the existing one or installing new skirting altogether, can contribute to increased value when selling a mobile home. Consider using materials like vinyl or faux stone for a contemporary and refined look.
6. Increase Your Mobile Home’s Curb Appeal
Boosting your home’s value is all about that initial wow factor when someone sees it from the curb. First impressions matter a lot to potential buyers, so seize the opportunity by sprucing up your yard and keeping the outside of your home in tip-top shape.
Start by getting rid of leaves, weeds, and any other clutter. If the lawn needs it, give it a good mow and tidy up the edges along the walkways. Think about adding simple things like a pathway or outdoor lights to enhance the overall look. Flowers, plants, and a well-kept lawn can leave a lasting and positive impression on people considering buying your home.
7. New Mobile Home Lighting
If you still need to give your bathroom or kitchen lighting a makeover, it’s the perfect moment. Great lighting is essential for highlighting your home’s best features, especially when natural light is scarce. The good news is that upgrading your lighting is a simple and affordable task, and it can magically transform even the tiniest rooms, making them appear more spacious.
According to a Zillow survey, 27% of recent sellers upgraded their light fixtures, so you’d be in good company if you decide to do the same!
Increase Your Home’s Value with Ease
Increasing the value of your mobile home doesn’t have to be daunting. By strategically investing in upgrades that align with market trends and buyer preferences, you can make your property more appealing and boost its overall value. Whether you opt for simple enhancements like a fresh coat of paint or more significant additions like a new island, these tips will guide you toward maximizing your mobile home’s potential in the competitive real estate market.
If you are ready to take on the job, we are here to help! Visit Mobile Home Parts Store for all your mobile home improvements and make your property stand out in the competitive market. Take the first step towards a more valuable mobile home today!
Tags: mobile home, Mobile Home Parts Store, mobile home remodel, mobile home remodeling, mobile home renovation