How to Sell a Mobile Home with Code Violations in Texas – Fast & As-Is
Dealing with code violations in a mobile home can feel overwhelming. Repairs are expensive, inspectors are strict, and traditional buyers usually run the other way. If you’re in San Antonio, New Braunfels, or anywhere in Texas, and your mobile home has violations, you might be wondering: Can I even sell this thing?
The answer is yes — and you don’t have to spend thousands fixing it first. Let’s break down what code violations mean, why they make selling tough, and how you can still sell your mobile home fast, for cash, and as-is.

Common Code Violations in Texas Mobile Homes
Mobile homes in Texas must meet health and safety standards. Some of the most common violations sellers run into include:
- Structural problems – damaged roofing, cracked walls, rotting beams, foundation issues
- Electrical hazards – outdated or faulty wiring, missing breakers
- Plumbing issues – leaks, broken fixtures, bad sewer connections
- Exterior/cosmetic violations – missing skirting, broken windows, siding damage
Minor violations (like missing skirting) don’t stop a sale, but serious ones (like wiring or foundation problems) can prevent buyers from getting financing. That’s why selling to a cash buyer is often the best move.
Why Selling Your Mobile Home As-Is Makes Sense
One of the most attractive benefits of selling your mobile home as-is with code violations is the speed and convenience of the process. When you’re dealing with violations, repairing them could take weeks or even months, and it could cost thousands of dollars. These repairs might not increase the value of your home enough to justify the expense, which makes selling as-is a more viable and stress-free solution.
Here are the main reasons why selling as-is with code violations can be beneficial:
- Save Money on Repairs: Repairing code violations, especially serious ones, can be expensive. For example, repairing a damaged foundation can cost $5,000 or more, while fixing outdated electrical systems might cost $2,000 to $3,000. These repairs are not always worth the investment, as they may not add significant value to your property.
- Avoid the Long Waiting Period: If you choose to sell through a traditional real estate agent, you may have to wait several months for the right buyer to come along. Even if you get an offer, the buyer may back out after finding out about the violations or being discouraged by the costs of repairs. Selling for cash allows you to close the deal quickly—often in just 7-14 days.
- No Inspections or Appraisals: In a traditional sale, the buyer usually requires a home inspection. If there are violations, the inspector may flag them, and the deal could fall through. Cash buyers, however, usually don’t require inspections, meaning you won’t have to worry about failing an inspection or paying for expensive repairs.
- No Commissions or Fees: Traditional home sales often involve fees for real estate agents, appraisers, and inspectors. These costs can add up to several thousand dollars, but selling your mobile home for cash means you won’t have to pay any commissions or fees.
By choosing to sell your mobile home as-is to a cash buyer, you can save time, avoid unnecessary expenses, and still get a fair price for your home.
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of selling a home for cash, visit Bankrate’s guide on selling for cash.
The Traditional Sale vs. Selling to a Cash Buyer
If you’re considering selling your mobile home with code violations, you may be wondering whether it’s worth going the traditional route with a realtor or selling to a cash buyer. Let’s compare the two options:
- Traditional Sale:
- Time-consuming: Selling through a realtor can take months. You’ll need to make repairs, stage the home, and wait for the right buyer to come along.
- Costly: Repairing the violations can be expensive, and you may need to spend money on inspections, appraisals, and closing costs. Plus, you’ll pay a commission fee of around 6% to the realtor.
- Uncertain outcome: Traditional buyers may back out after discovering code violations or may refuse to make an offer if the issues are too significant.
- Selling to a Cash Buyer:
- Quick and efficient: You can close the deal in as little as 7-14 days, without worrying about inspections or appraisals.
- No repairs needed: Cash buyers will buy your mobile home as-is, no matter what violations are present. You won’t need to spend any money on repairs.
- Guaranteed offer: Cash buyers are typically investors who have the funds ready, so there’s no risk of the deal falling through.
While selling traditionally might work for some, selling for cash is often the best choice when you’re dealing with code violations, as it provides certainty and a faster, simpler process.
For more details on why selling to a cash buyer might be the right choice for your mobile home, check out NerdWallet’s article on cash offers.
Comparison of Traditional Sale vs. Cash Sale
A table comparing the key differences between selling your mobile home traditionally (via a realtor) versus selling it for cash can help readers quickly understand the advantages of choosing the latter.
Aspect | Traditional Sale | Cash Sale (As-Is) |
---|---|---|
Time to Close | 1-3 months (or longer) | 7-14 days |
Repairs Required | Yes, to meet inspection standards | No repairs needed |
Buyer Financing | Requires mortgage approval | No financing needed |
Inspection Requirements | Required (can be costly) | None |
Realtor Fees/Commissions | 3-6% of the sale price | None |
Negotiation | Often lengthy and complicated | Quick and straightforward |
Risk of Deal Falling Through | High (if buyer’s financing falls through) | Low (cash buyer has funds) |
How the Selling Process Works with Code Violations
Selling a mobile home with code violations doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the selling process when you sell for cash:
- Contact a Cash Buyer: The first step is to reach out to a cash buyer, such as a real estate investor. They’ll typically ask you for details about your mobile home’s condition, the violations, and the location. This helps them determine whether they’re interested in making an offer.
- Assessment: After discussing the details of your mobile home, the cash buyer will schedule an assessment to evaluate the condition of the property. This might include a visual inspection, but unlike traditional buyers, cash buyers won’t require formal inspections.
- Receive an Offer: Based on the assessment, the cash buyer will make you an offer. The offer will be fair, reflecting the current market value of your home and taking into account the cost of the violations and repairs. In many cases, cash buyers will offer to close the deal quickly.
- Close the Deal: If you accept the offer, you can usually close the deal within 7-14 days. The buyer will handle all the paperwork and legal requirements, and you’ll receive cash for your mobile home. No repairs, no inspections, no waiting for financing approval.
Example: Let’s say you’re dealing with a significant plumbing issue and some structural damage. A traditional sale might take months and involve extensive repairs, but a cash buyer will buy the property as-is, saving you both time and money.
Potential Costs of Not Addressing Code Violations Before Selling
While selling your mobile home as-is has many advantages, there are potential drawbacks. If you don’t address the violations before selling, you might receive a lower cash offer than you would if you repaired the issues first. However, these costs should be weighed carefully against the time and money it would take to fix the problems.
For example:
- Minor Violations (e.g., missing skirting): Minor violations, like missing or damaged skirting, might cost $500 to fix. While repairing this could make your mobile home appear more appealing to potential buyers, the increase in value might not be significant enough to justify the repair costs. If the violation doesn’t impact the overall structure or safety of the home, it may be better to sell as-is and avoid the repair costs.
- Major Violations (e.g., structural or electrical problems): More serious violations, such as foundation cracks, electrical issues, or plumbing problems, can cost thousands of dollars to repair. For example, fixing a damaged foundation could cost around $5,000. While making these repairs might increase the sale price, it’s unlikely to fully cover the repair costs, meaning you might still come out behind financially.
- The Reality of Repairs: In many cases, the cost of repairing major issues outweighs the increase in sale price. Even if the repairs improve the condition of your mobile home, buyers may still be hesitant, and you might not see a significant return on investment. This is why selling as-is often provides a more straightforward and cost-effective solution.
Choosing to sell your mobile home as-is allows you to avoid costly repairs while still receiving a fair cash offer from investors who are willing to buy properties in any condition. The time saved from not making repairs can also be crucial if you need to sell quickly.
If you’re curious about whether or not fixing your mobile home before selling makes sense, check out Rocket Mortgage’s guide on selling as-is.
Cost of Repairs vs. Selling As-Is
If the blog mentions certain repair costs, you can create a table to outline typical costs associated with common mobile home violations versus selling as-is.
Type of Violation | Estimated Repair Costs | Impact on Sale Price | Best Option |
---|---|---|---|
Foundation Issues | $3,000 – $5,000+ | Low – will likely deter buyers | Sell As-Is |
Plumbing Problems | $500 – $2,000 | Moderate – can be a deal breaker | Sell As-Is |
Electrical Problems | $1,000 – $3,000 | High – may fail inspection | Sell As-Is |
Cosmetic Issues (e.g. Skirting) | $200 – $500 | Low – won’t majorly impact price | Fix & Sell Traditionally |
Bottom Line: Fast, As-Is Sales Are the Way Out
Code violations don’t have to trap you. If fixing your home isn’t an option, selling for cash lets you move forward quickly and avoid sinking more money into repairs.
At 210 Mobile Homes, I buy manufactured homes across San Antonio and the Central Texas, violations and all. You don’t need to fix a thing. I’ll give you a fair cash offer, handle the paperwork, and close fast so you can move on with peace of mind.
Call me today for a no-obligation cash offer on your mobile home — no repairs, no agents, no hassle.