Getting Maximum Apraised Value.

If you are selling your California manufactured home, It's likely you will need an appraisal. What can you do to help increase the appraised value of your mobile or manufactured home?  Many of the things you can do to make your mobile or manufactured home more marketable can also influence an appraiser.

As one of California's top manufactured home lenders, we've seen thousands of appraisals. Homes that are properly prepared to sell, both in appearance and maintenance consistently command the highest property values. It's not difficult. It just takes some time and action.  We took at look at our home preparation advise and it bears repeating from an appraisers point of view.

Take a fresh look at your mobile home before you sell

Pretend you are a buyer. Would you buy your home? If so, you're off to a good start.

Walk out to the street and try to see your home for the first time. Appraisals are opinions. First impressions create positive opinions. How does the paint look? Does the porch and entry to home look clean and free of clutter. Power washing can make make a huge difference.

Finish all the upgrades you planned.

You're right, updgrades create value, but it's time to finish all your "getting ready to sell" projects. Even small upgrades like new faucets can make a difference. Upgrades in kitchen and bath provide the best value. If you have not fully remodeled a kitchen or bath, new fixtures and even drawer pulls can be difference makers. 

Consider having an inspection done.

Everything should work. Fix what is broken. No credit is due for taking reasonable care of your home, but "Deferred Maintenance" is certainly a negative to an appraiser. A cracked window or torn screen is the type of small fix that can prevent a negative attitude.

If the home needs paint or needs a new roof, you will either need to take car of the job up front or count on it being considered with any offers. An appraiser might note a roof that leaks that may require repair, or even replacement.

Consider having a mechanical and termite inspection done upfront and take care of the repairs suggested. It will go a long ways with a potential buyer. If you don't provide the inspection, you can count on the buyer to request. They may anyway, but you will have already completed repairs.

Clean your windows. This is a big deal and so often missed. Simple and very cost effective. 

Staging your home

Move Your Stufff

Get some boxes and rent a storage unit. If you're serious about selling your home, start packing. Getting rid of clutter and clearing out crowded rooms makes a big difference

You've seen the "Wow look at that place!" photos.

Not every budget allows for "Professional Staging," but potential buyers are attracted to clean and crisp presentation. If you can make the kids rooms look neat, you are ahead of the curve. Make sure the inspector has clear access to all rooms and closets. 

If your home is older and has not had regular termite termite treatment, it's a good idea to get a termite clearance, especially if there is apparent wood damage. 

Same House and Furniture - Just Staged

If you've had the roof replaced or have recently had appliances, AC or furnace serviced or upgraded, point that out during the inspection. When the appraiser shows up, share your information and then stay out of their way. Following the appraiser around can be interpreted as a sign of a problem.

Know your home. Be able to support your value.  It's OK to provide the appraiser comparable sales information and explain why your home is priced at market value. Appraisers are going to value your home based on homes that have sold in your community, not on homes listed for sale. If you don't have sale data, call us. We maintain records of all mobile and manufactured home sales in California in the MH Value Database.

Get your agent involved early in the process. An objective point of view will make a world of difference.