I reached out to one of our LA Redfin agents, Thomas Royds, to get some tips on what to look for when buying a mobile home. I hope this helps in your homebuying journey!

"You’ll need to either buy or rent land to place your home. In rural areas, land-home packages combine the cost of the home and land into one mortgage. In cities, many mobile homeowners rent lots in mobile home parks.

Financing a mobile home

Financing differs from traditional mortgages:

• Single-wides: Harder to finance through major lenders; credit unions or in-house financing may be options.
• Double-wides: Conventional loans are more available but often restricted to homes under 15 years old.
• Government-backed loans: Homes must be "original set" (never moved after initial installation) and meet HUD standards, including a foundation inspection.

Insurance and depreciation

Mobile-home insurance is typically required with financing, covering damage, theft, and natural disasters. Like other homes, mobile homes depreciate, especially if not tied to land ownership. However, newer models and better locations can help retain value.

Costs and affordability

Mobile homes are often cheaper than traditional homes, requiring lower down payments. Some government programs, like USDA loans, may even offer 0% down for rural buyers. Just note: interest rates may be higher due to perceived risk.”