There is more to appraising the fair market value of a mobile home, manufactured home or modular home than taking measurements and counting the number of ceiling fans. Appraising a mobile home requires the same amount of research as doing an appraisal of a conventional home. A personal property appraiser must be familiar with manufacturers, recognizing conditions, values of add-ons such as decks and appliances, have knowledge of flooring, wall and roofing materials as well as determining if systems such as HVAC are functional, adequate and up to date. After performing an initial evaluation, research still needs to be done by the mobile home appraiser. Location, guide book values, land-lease terms and local market comparable sales all factor into the fair market value. Is the unit located in a desirable community? What is the monthly rent? Is the infrastructure in good condition? Are there an abundance of empty lots in the area? What is the level and cost of maintenance? Is mass transit available nearby? Some of the reasons our clients seek appraisals include a chattel mortgage, financing, insurance, bankruptcy, tax disputes, divorce, charitable donations and estate dissolution.
APPRAISING A MOBILE HOME
Obtaining financing or insurance for a mobile home, manufactured home, modular home or airplane hangar requires a comprehensive appraisal. It is common for a mobile home owner or prospective buyer to call upon a real estate appraiser. Unfortunately, mobile homes that are on leased land aren’t considered real estate; rather, they are categorized as personal property. This unique classification can present a problem when trying to find a licensed appraiser to prepare a valuation appraisal. Most real estate appraisers don’t handle mobile homes and most personal property appraisers tend to be wholly unfamiliar with them. An experienced personal property appraiser versed in mobile home appraisals can be difficult to locate.
Banks, credit unions, insurance companies, bankruptcy and estate courts expect to read an independent, expert and unbiased opinion of value before recognizing an appraisal document. In many cases, mobile home parks are sold to developers. In order to obtain adequate compensation, a mobile home owner needs to obtain a credible valuation appraisal.
Sometimes tragedy strikes and a mobile home is destroyed. Whether by accident or natural disaster, reimbursement for the unit’s value when it is deemed a total loss must still be calculated by an appraisal. It is obviously a more difficult chore to determine the value of an item that has already been reduced to rubble. It is crucial that the mobile home owner be able to provide pertinent information as outlined above.
We will need the following to appraise the value of your mobile home. Please email to contact@stlucieappraisal.net
YEAR
MANUFACTURER
MODEL
VIN#
LENGTH
WIDTH
DESCRIPTION AND MEASUREMENTS OF ROOMS
CONDITION (POOR-FAIR-GOOD-EXCELLENT)
NUMBER OF PORCHES
CARPORT
DECKS
PATIOS
SCREEN ROOMS
ROOFING
SKIRTING
SIDING
WINDOWS, DUAL GLAZED
STORM WINDOWS
SHUTTERS
SKYLIGHTS
CONDITION OF VAPOR BARRIER
OUTBUILDINGS/STORAGE
CATHEDRAL CEILING
CENTRAL AIR
HOT WATER HEATER
CABINETS
COUNTER TOPS
ISLAND KITCHEN
SINK, Stainless, Ceramic, etc.
REFRIGERATOR
DISHWASHER
GARBAGE DISPOSAL
BATH FIXTURES
WASHER/DRYER
FLOORING
HEATING
INTERIOR WALLS
CEILING FANS
SUSPENSION, WHEELS, TOW BAR
FIREPLACE
ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED HOME
REPAIRS NEEDED AND APPROX. COST
REPAIRS/MODIFICATIONS DONE
NAME OF MOBILE HOME PARK
LOT RENT AMOUNT AND SERVICES INCLUDED
AMENITIES (POOL, CLUB HOUSE, SHUFFLEBOARD, ETC.)
AGE-RESTRICTED COMMUNITY
LOCATION OF UNIT IF ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
PURPOSE OF APPRAISAL (FINANCING, INSURANCE, ESTATE, BANKRUPTCY, DONATION, ETC.)
YOUR OPINION OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE
YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
Please send photos of the exterior and interior. Your appraisal, which costs $325.00, will take about a week to complete. Complete this form and make payment when you decide to move forward. Please call 772-359-4300 if you have any questions.
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