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Is this mobile home's age a problem for a loan or insurance?

June 15, 1976 is the line. Enter the year and a few details to see which loans are realistic and what to check before you offer.

sq ft
HUD label or data plate on the home?
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Can you get a loan?
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Insurance

How to check the home yourself

HUD label (tag)Small aluminum plate, about 2 × 4 inches, on the outside of each section. Three letters + six digits, like "RAD 000001". No label on a pre-June 1976 home: it was built before the HUD code.
Data platePaper sheet inside: kitchen cabinet door, near the electrical panel, or a bedroom closet. It shows the manufacturer, serial number, label numbers and wind/roof load maps.
Serial number + HCD decalSerial is on the data plate and the HCD title. The HCD decal is on the outside. Get both from the seller; you need them for every check below.
Missing label? Order an IBTS letterHUD doesn't reissue labels. IBTS issues a Label Verification Letter or a copy of the data plate: about $125 regular, $150 urgent (paper form 2022). Needs serial + manufacturer, or a label number. lvr2.ibts.org · (866) 482-8868
HCD title searchAsk HCD Registration & Titling for the title record: owner, liens, year, tax status. (800) 952-8356 · hcd.ca.gov
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Or text: 408-666-2825

Next steps

  1. Before you offer, take a photo of the data plate and one HUD label. No photos = ask why.
  2. Give the year, serial and photos to 2 lenders and ask: "Do you lend on this home, in this park?" Get it in writing.
  3. Get an insurance quote before removing your contingencies. Older homes can take longer to place.
  4. Compare loan types in T164, the full monthly cost in T145, and taxes in T163.

Many people get this wrong: "It's a 1990 home, so FHA is fine." Year is only one test. FHA and Fannie Mae loans on a manufactured home are for home + land as real property. On a rented park space you're usually looking at a chattel loan or FHA Title I, no matter how new the home is. The year matters most for chattel lenders and insurers.