Buying a mobile home can be a costly and time-consuming process. It will likely be one of the largest purchases and decisions of your life. There are some great ways to save money. However, you don’t want to cut corners on such an important event! In our latest post, we will tell you about ways to save money when buying a mobile home in Phoenix!
There are many ways to save money when shopping for a mobile home. By knowing what to expect and that you always have options, you can save some serious cash when buying your mobile home.
5 Ways to Save Money When Buying a Mobile Home in Phoenix
1. Shop Around
First thing is first… make sure you shop around for financing. There are all kinds of lenders out there, don’t settle for the first acceptable terms you come across. Instead, get loan quotes from at least three different lenders. Compare rates, terms and what will happen if you miss a payment. Some lenders even offer incentives for timely payments.
- 21st Mortgage
- Team Work Mortgage
- Vanderbilt Housing
The smallest differences in rate can mean thousands of dollars over time. While saving the 20% for a conventional loan might be daunting, by making a large down payment, you will need to finance less.
You will want to add this to your mortgage, homeowners insurance and taxes you will need to pay in order to get a real idea of what you will be paying each month. USDA loans are another great option. These are available throughout most of the US.
2. Buy in The Summer
Statistics show that home prices tend to drop in Phoenix during the summer time. There are a few likely reasons for this. For one, fewer people are buying during this time of year.
Depending on the climate, warm weather will deter many people from moving. Sometimes, interest rates will drop. With fewer people buying, lenders will cut their rates to gain a competitive edge.
3. Buy An Ugly Mobile Home
Not necessarily a fixer-upper, but one that may be overlooked because of its bright orange carpet. Unattractive mobile homes will often sit on the market longer, causing the owners to drop the price.
So long as there is no structural damage (soft spots, roof leaks, and etc.), you can often times find a great deal on a mobile home that simply needs a little work. When purchasing any mobile home, always do your homework and have an inspection done. It is not worth it to buy a discounted mobile home if there is major structural damage.
Often times, major repairs can cause a domino effect, and you will find yourself spending much more than anticipated.
4. Get Your Credit in Tip-Top Shape
Before you start thinking about mobile homes or loans, you should take some time to get your credit in order. Request your credit report from the credit bureaus and take care of any negative marks that you can. Some lenders like to see 2 open credit lines, which help to show you are the kind of person who doesn’t back out of their debts. By improving a few things your credit score can rise dramatically.
5. Plan Ahead
If you want to buy a mobile home in Phoenix, the time to start saving is NOW. Even if homeownership is a ways down the road, by putting money away here and there, you will be much better prepared for your purchase.
As mentioned above, the larger your down payment, the less you will need to finance. This means less you will be paying the banks in interest.
Plus, when you move, there are other expenses you will likely encounter. You might need to furniture, home items, moving supplies, movers and more. By having funds set aside, you won’t feel the strain as much.