Finding a buyer for a junk mobile home is a challenge. These are depreciating assets that are beyond saving so you can’t just list it for sale like you would a functioning mobile unit. In this article, I will discuss how to sell a junk mobile home, who are the buyers, and how to get the most value from it. I will also share my experience with the place that buys junk mobile homes near me.
Map of Who Buys Junk Mobile Homes Near Me
For “Who Buys Junk Mobile Homes Near Me” or “Where to Sell a Junk Mobile Home”, see the map below…
Who Buys Junk Mobile Homes Near Me
Junk mobile homes are tricky. It is very difficult to find someone who will buy the home as is. Anyone who does is likely to dismantle it in order to sell it for scrap. First, let’s discuss who buys junk mobile homes and then we will discuss how to sell one.
Scrap Metal Facilities
Scrap metal facilities are your best option for selling a junk mobile home. In order to do that though you must first dismantle the home and second transport the metal to them. Dismantling a mobile unit is not the easiest task and you may need to rent equipment to do so.
Once the home is dismantled you will need to transfer all the metal pieces to a scrap metal facility. Scrap metal is sold by the pound at the current rate for each type of metal. So for example Steel, aluminum, copper, etc all have different prices based on the current day trading price. To find out the going rates for each type of metal I like to use iScrap. If there is salvageable lumber you may be able to sell that as well.
Mobile Home Salvage Yards
This is not a good option for everybody, because there needs to be some value left in the unit. Some mobile home salvages will buy a junk mobile home if there are functional parts that can be reused. Mobile home salvages are looking for reusable parts they can mark up and resell. In my experience, most will not buy a junk mobile home where it sits and then dismantle it. Instead what they often do is charge you for a dismantling service and then keep the parts they want.
I have seen it done where a unit has enough functioning parts left, that a salvage pays them for it and then they do the dismantling. You can expect that if they do the dismantling for you, the price you get will be a low offer. You can also try and see what an offer looks like if you dismantle the unit and have them pick up all the pieces.
Private Contractors Who Buy Scrap Metal
If your mobile home is in a park you can ask the front office about local contractors who buy scrap metal. Some scrap dealers only specialize in certain metals, so they may not be interested in taking all of your junk units. The place that buys junk mobile homes near me, will take it all, but thats not the case everywhere. You may need to contact multiple scrap buyers. The good part about this option is that they will handle the transport of the materials.
How to Sell a Junk Mobile Home
Dismantle It and Sell for Scrap
As mentioned above the best method for selling a junked mobile home near me is a scrap metal facility. The place that buys junk mobile homes near me is a scrap metal facility and that means that you have a lot of work up front.
To do this you will first need to dismantle the unit. This can be done by hand, but much easier with the use of equipment like a skid steer. Once the home is dismantled it is best to separate all the metals by type. Doing so will get you a higher profit than trying to sell it all together for weight. When your metal is separated you can transport it to a facility where it will be weighed. The amount you get in cash will be the equivalent of the market price of that specific metal on that specific day. On average there’s $2000 worth of scrap metal in the single wide mobile unit.
Marketing and Advertising
Telling people who have a junk mobile home for sale or you have scrap metal can often save you time and effort. You can possibly find someone who will haul away the metal for you. You can advertise on sites like Facebook Marketplace, craigslist, and ebay There are folks on those platforms who may be willing to buy and haul away the scrap metal. To get the most out of this you need to have some good pictures, describe the materials and amounts really well, and answer questions as they come in.
There are traditional means of running classified ads in your local newspaper as well. In my experience that comes with a small fee and you do not reach as large of an audience as you do online.
Paperwork For Selling
Some states require a business license in order to sell scrap metal. With recent high prices of metals like copper in the metals market, theft is at a high. To find out if you are allowed to sell scrap metal you may need to check your counties website.
Additionally, the government tracks the selling of scrap metal. When you sell it you get your information put in a database which is monitored by the government. They store your info and photos of the materials you sell.
Costs You May Incur
When you sell a junk mobile home, you are looking to make money and not spend it. In my experience with this, you may incur a few costs in the process. If you have equipment and can deconstruct a mobile home by yourself, you can often avoid spending any money.
Tools, Equipment, and Hired Help
For most folks they need to rent tools, equipment, a truck, and possibly even hired labor. These costs can be $1,000 to $2,000 depending on what you need. Contract labor might be priced by square foot. Folks near me charge $10-$20 per square foot for dismantling.
Deconstruction Permit
Your county may require you to purchase a deconstruction permit. On average these can cost about $200.
Debris Haul Away
Once the demolition is complete and you’ve separated out your metal, you will still have a ton of debris left. You are responsible for this. You can consider a landfill or hire a junk haul away service. Its better to call these folks before you start the demolition so they can part a dumpster on the property for you. Debris removal can range from $350 to $750 depending on the amount you need to be removed.
Scrap Metal Business License
Some states require a business license for selling large amounts of scrap metal privately. This could cost you between $50 and $400 depending on your location.
Who Buys Mobile Homes (Getting The Most Money From Them)
To get the most money out of a junk mobile home sale you should consider the following:
When selling for scrap metal:
- Separate all the metals and get each metal type priced individually.
- Call several facilities and get quotes.
- Consider calling out-of-state locations if they are convenient to get to. Prices can be different in other states (ask about licenses though).
When Selling Scrap to a Contractor:
- When you post online take good pictures, write a good description, and state your expectations (like you must haul it away).
- Look up all your scrap metal values first so you can negotiate better.
- Try and see if you can negotiate extras like them hauling away the debris for you.
Who Buys Junk Mobile Homes Near Me – Wrap Up
Selling a junk mobile home is not easy. The only real option is to dismantle and sell it for scrap. Distamentaling is no easy task and can take 2 days and a lot of hard labor. Most folks when they realize this opt to pay someone else to dismantle the home or they just abandon it. If you have the ability to do the work yourself including haul away then you may be in good shape. You can keep the costs you incur down and pocket the money you get for the scrap metal. This is what I have learned from the place who buys mobile homes near me.
FAQ Section: Who Buys Junk Mobile Homes Near Me
What is the process for mobile home demolition, and how does it relate to selling a junk mobile home?
Mobile home demolition involves the removal and disposal of an old mobile home. When you sell your junk mobile home, the buyer may handle the demolition as part of the transaction. Ensure you discuss this with potential buyers to clarify who is responsible for demolition.
Are mobile home parks interested in buying junk mobile homes?
Some mobile home parks may be interested in purchasing junk mobile homes, especially if they have the resources to refurbish or recycle them. Contact the local mobile home park to inquire about their interest in your mobile home.
What is a demolition permit, and when do I need one for my mobile home?
A demolition permit is a legal authorization required by local authorities to demolish a structure, including a mobile home. You will typically need a demolition permit when you plan to tear down your old mobile home to make way for a new one or if it’s a safety concern. Contact your local building department to inquire about permit requirements in your area.
Can I claim a tax write off for the removal or demolition of my old mobile home?
In some cases, you may be eligible for a tax write-off when removing or demolishing your old mobile home. Tax deductions or credits may be available for expenses related to the demolition if they meet specific criteria.
Can I salvage materials from my old mobile home before it’s demolished?
Yes, you can salvage materials like metal, wood, appliances, and fixtures from your old mobile home before demolition. These salvageable materials can offset the cost of demolition and help reduce waste.
