A pre-owned home can save a lot of money, but its condition matters more than its age. Check these things before you buy, or ask us to go through them with you.
The HUD label and data plate
Homes built since June 1976 have a red HUD certification label on the outside of each section and a data plate inside, often in a kitchen cabinet or a bedroom closet. The data plate lists the manufacturer, the date the home was built and the wind zone it was built for. If you plan to move the home to a coastal county, the wind zone has to match.
Roof and ceilings
Look for stains on the ceilings and around windows. Water damage is the most common problem in older homes and one of the most expensive to fix.
Floors
Walk every room. Soft spots, especially near the bathroom, the kitchen sink and the water heater, can mean the subfloor has been wet.
Doors and windows
Doors that stick or won’t latch can mean the home has shifted and needs releveling. That’s common and usually fixable.
Paperwork
In Texas, check that the seller’s name matches the TDHCA Statement of Ownership and that no liens are recorded against the home. You can search ownership records on the TDHCA website. Any unpaid property taxes on the home have to be cleared before it can be moved.
Moving costs
If the home has to be moved, add transport, setup and any repairs found along the way to the price. Older homes sometimes need work before they can travel safely.
Browse our pre-owned homes for sale. Each one lists its year, size and condition.