Mobile home
An older term for a home built before 1976, when federal standards for factory-built homes changed. Financing is harder for these, and many lenders won't touch them.
Every term like this one lights up in the step you're on.
Free to set up. No credit card.Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
A home built before 1976 predates the federal standards, and most lenders will not finance one. Selling means a cash buyer or a specialized lender, and the price reflects that.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
Your 1972 mobile home on a rented lot draws cash offers from buyers who want it as-is, and no offers from anyone who needs a loan.
| The home | Who can buy it |
|---|---|
| Built before 1976 | Cash buyers, or a specialty chattel lender |
| Built after 1976 on a permanent foundation | A wider set, including FHA buyers |
| In a park on a rented lot | A personal-property sale, whatever the year |
The year built decides who can finance it, and financing decides who can buy.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That mobile and manufactured mean the same thing. The 1976 line separates them, and lenders draw it firmly.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish
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In your room, this word explains itself where it appears.
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