The Location of the Home Being Sold

List the current location of the home, even if it must be moved. If the home is at a dealer's lot, give the dealer's address.

The home address can be edited up to 14 days after the home listing is activated. If your home listing is more than 14 days old, and you need to edit the address, please contact Customer Service at 800-397-2158 or CustomerService@MHVillage.com.

Address, City, State

Give the physical address of the home. Don't enter the mailing address, even if it is different. Manufactured homes do not fit in PO boxes.

Zip Code

Enter the five digit zip code. The zip code entered here will also select your county and create the choices in the Location Menu.

Home Location Menu

If your home is in a community, enter the home's zip code first, then the available communities will appear as choices here. Otherwise, select one of the following:

For a small number of users the Home Location Menu is not available until after you click the "Submit your Listing" button.

Home Information

This section covers the basic structure and price.

Asking Price

If your home is for sale, check the For Sale box and enter the home's price in the Asking Price field. An Asking Price is required unless you enter a Rental Price or a Rent-to-Own Price. If the home is a rental or rent-to-own only, leave Asking Price field empty. You can enter both an Asking Price and a Rental or Rent-to-Own Price.

Rental Price

If your home is for rent, check the Home is for Rent box and enter the monthly rental price in the Rental Price field. A Rental Price is not required if you enter an Asking Price or a Rent-to-Own Price. Enter rental details in the Finance Terms box at the bottom of the listing form. Leave this blank if your home is not for rent.

Rent-to-Own

If your home is available as rent-to-own, check the Home is Rent-to-Own box and enter the monthly rental price in the Rent-to-Own Price field. A Rent-to-Own price is not required if you have entered an Asking Price or a Rental Price. Enter the rental details in the Finance Terms box at the bottom of the listing form. Leave this blank if your home is not rent-to-own.

Make

Enter the manufacturer of the home, for example Clayton, Fleetwood, or Champion.

Model

Enter the model if you know it. Otherwise leave this blank.

Year

Enter a four-digit year, such as 1995.

Main Home Size

Enter the actual box size of your home, rounded to the nearest foot. Do not enter inches or include the hitch in your measurements.

Square Feet

If you would prefer to show the square footage of the home on the listing page instead of the width and length, enter the square footage and check the box labeled "Show square footage instead of width x length." You are still required to enter the width and length of your home, but they will not display.

Attached Rooms

Enter the dimensions, rounded to the nearest foot, of any additional enclosed space added to the home. This could be a small third section (tag-along), enclosed porch (Florida room) or site-built addition. Describe the addition(s) in the home description below.

Home Type

The Home Type affects the title on the web listing and the heading on the printed flyer. Below are the approximate definitions of each term, but from a marketing perspective, these terms are largely interchangeable. "Mobile" is by far the most popular term; "Manufactured" or "Modular" are more up-scale.

Serial Number

This optional field is most often used by professional users for professionals. If you know it, put it in, otherwise leave blank.

DOH Number

This optional field is intended only for professional users selling homes in California.

Upload Floor Plan

If you have a floor plan of your home, this feature allows you to upload a copy to the "Home Information" section of the listing. This is an additional graphic to the 2, 4, or unlimited photos you get for the "Home Photos" section. We accept the following file formats:

Some disallowed file formats are TIF, TIFF, BMP, and PCT. Images might also be embedded in a DOC, PPT or photo album. None of those formats will upload and must be converted first. For more information about processing and uploading images, see the Add/Upload Photos section of this help file.

Virtual Tour

If you have signed up for a third party virtual tour service, you can paste a link to your tour in this optional field. You can also paste a link to a YouTube video of your home. For YouTube users, use the URL, not the Embed. This field only displays for Premium listings.

Warranty Included

Protect your buyer for up to a full year against major, unexpected repair costs with the MHVillage Home Guard Warranty! By clicking the box, the "Warranty Included" text will appear with your listing as well as a link that explains the benefits to the buyer. On average, homes sell faster and for more money when a warranty is included.

Please click here to learn more about the Home Guard warranty program.

Please note: homes more than 20 years old are not eligible for the warranty program. The age is calculated by subtracting the current year from the model year of the home.

Home Features

Select all the features that apply to your home. Any special features should be explained further in the Home Description. Also, if the home has more than one of a checked feature, (such as two walk-in closets or three skylights,) explain that in the Home Description. Take the time to SELL your home.

Roof Type

Select Other if you have a replacement roof constructed above the original roof. Otherwise select Metal or Shingled as appropriate. If the roof is newer than the home, note that in the Home Description below.

Siding Type

Select Other if you have a siding type not listed and explain in the Home Description. If you do not know what type of siding the home has, leave Unknown checked.

Ceilings

Select Soft Panel if you can dent the ceiling by pushing with your finger. Hard Panel will have seams and Finished Drywall will appear as a seamless surface, usually coated with a textured paint.

Interior Walls

Select Wood Panel if you have ceiling to floor panels (common in older homes). Pre-Papered Drywall will have strips of wood covering the joints between panels and Finished Drywall will appear as a seamless surface.

Exterior Options

Select all the features that apply. Give the dimensions of any structure in the Home Description.

Interior Options

Select all the features that apply. If the house has more than one of any feature, (such as two ceiling fans,) be sure to mention that in the Home Description.

Included Appliances

Select the appliances that will be staying with the home. In the Home Description mention any appliance not listed here. Also be sure to point out any appliance which is newer than the home.

Home Description

Here is where you SELL your home. Review the Home Features section of this help file for a list of specific items to include. After you have written your description, read it and ask yourself: "Am I excited about this home"? If the answer is no, try rewriting parts of the description with a bit more spice. Consider the following two examples:

  1. Garage: 24' x 30'
  2. This oversized garage is 24' by 30': plenty of room for two cars, extra storage, and a built-in workbench.

In both cases you convey the facts, but only the second creates excitement by putting those facts into context.

Our description field has most of the features you would find in a fancier word processor, such as text formatting, numbered lists, indenting, and spell-checking, so there is no need to cut and paste! You can use the formatting options available to create a description to really catch the buyer's attention. The description field is a "What-you-see-is-what-you-get" editor, so the way your text looks there is the way it will display on your listing page.

If you would like to spell-check your description, click on the "ABC" icon. All the misspelled words in your description will be underlined with a red squiggly line. You can then click on each word to reveal a list of spelling suggestions. Click on the correct word in the list, or "Ignore word" or "Ignore all" from the bottom of the list.

URLs, (i.e. website addresses,) and email addresses are NOT allowed in the home description field and will be removed (if you are a private seller) or replaced with the address to your company page on MHVillage (if you are a professional seller and have a company page set up.) There are other fields available for you to enter this information.

Listing Caption

The caption is one extra line of text that appears in the search results on Featured or Premium listings. Facts are not important with this tag line - you want EMOTION. Look at the following three ideas:

  1. Pristine view of Mt. Rainier
  2. Waterfront property with excellent bass fishing
  3. Remodeled kitchen with top-quality cabinets

Each caption sparks interest and invites the home buyer to learn more.

Spell-checking is available for this field, although it works a little differently than the spell checking for the Home Description field. If you would like to spell-check your caption, click on the "Spell Check" button to the right of the field. A separate window will open with misspelled words highlighted. You can correct each word and click the "Close" button when you are done.

URLs, (i.e. website addresses,) email addresses, and phone numbers are NOT allowed in the listing caption, and will be removed. There are other fields available for you to enter this information.

Recurring Expenses

People want to know their total monthly cost. The more information you provide toward that goal, the closer they are to a decision.

Lot Rent

Monthly rent for your space in a community. Leave this blank if you are selling a home with land. If some utilities are covered by your lot rent, be sure to include that in the Home Description.

Taxes

Monthly taxes. If you pay an annual assessment, divide it by 12 and enter the result rounded to the nearest dollar.

Utilities

This space is for the average monthly utilities not covered with your lot rent.

Finance Terms

Describe how you expect to get paid and when. Some examples are:

  1. Cash only or arrange your own loan.
  2. 10% down with approved credit secures this property.
  3. Seller willing to take a loan of up to 50% of the sales price.

For rentals, state the monthly (or weekly) rent and terms. The terms and availability may be more complicated than can be described in a paragraph. In this case, state "call for details" - but be sure to include a price somewhere.

 

Multiple Listing Exchange

Enlist the services of local MHVillage professional sellers to show and sell YOUR home on YOUR terms! If you choose to participate (it's optional), the MH/LX allows you to define when, how much, and under what terms you are willing to compensate a professional who helps you sell your home. You decide the dollar amount, conditions, and timing of any compensation. The MHVillage MH/LX gives you access to professional brokers without the restrictions and cost of other programs. Only registered MHVillage professional sellers will be able to see your terms and incentives.

This powerful selling feature is included in a Basic listing for professionals. For individual sellers, this feature is part of the Premium listing.

Commission Terms

Describe the dollar amount, conditions, and timing of any compensation. Here are some examples:

  1. $500 provided to any broker that provides the contact information for a home buyer that eventually purchases my home. The money is due when the sale is complete.
  2. $2,000 provided to any broker that shows my home to a shopper that eventually buys my home. The money is due when the sale is complete.
  3. 5% of the final sales price provided to any broker that shows and completes the sale of my home. The money is due when the sale is complete.

You can give a dollar amount, a percentage, or both. Be sure to be specific.

Showing Instructions

Define who will show your home, what notification is needed, and any other conditions. Some examples:

  1. Put me in touch with the prospect, and I will set up the showing.
  2. Call me one hour prior to showing the home. I am usually available weekends and weekdays after five.
  3. Show the home any time. I left the key with Kathy in space 155. Give her a call and she can let you in. Make sure she puts the pit bull on the chain before any strangers come in the house.

Comments

Include anything you want to convey to professionals only.

Seller's Information

The seller's information describes the initial person for the buyer to contact. This can be different from the owner of the house.

Name

Enter the first and last name of the person to be contacted.

Phone

Enter the phone number you want called by a home buyer. If you have a second number or restricted time of availability, enter that information in the Home Description.

Either a phone number or an email address is required: we recommend entering both. Some home buyers will ONLY call, others will ONLY email.

Email

Enter the email address you want buyer leads sent to. The email address will be cloaked (hidden) from the shopping public to eliminate a source of spam. If you do not regularly check your email, consider using the account of a friend or relative who does.

Click the "Test" button to verify the email address you enter and send yourself a test email. If the test email is rejected or placed in your "bulk" or "spam" folder, make appropriate adjustments to your filter software. Sending a blank email to mhlist@mhvillage.com will fix most problems.

Either a phone number or an email address is required: we recommend entering both. Some home buyers will ONLY call, others will ONLY email.

Website Link

Enter the full web address (URI) of a page outside MHVillage for your listing to link with.

Links will typically be of the form: http://mysite.com/mypage.html.

This link will only display on your listing if you post the home at the premium level.

Professional

Check "Yes" if you sell or rent homes on a regular basis. Brokers, retailers, real estate agents, and community managers are examples of professionals.

Fax Number

Enter the fax number for your business.

This field is only shown if the Professional Seller's "Yes" radio button is selected.

Inventory ID

Certain larger companies issue their own ID number to each home. If this applies, enter that number here. Most users will leave this field blank.

This field is only shown if the Professional Seller's "Yes" radio button is selected.

Additional Email

Additional email addresses allow you to send buyer leads to up to four addresses at once. Professional sellers might use this feature to send copies of leads to multiple sales agents or managers. Individual sellers can send copies of leads to the email addresses of home, work, a friend, or a spouse. The additional email addresses are available with Premium listing option packages.

Click the "Test" button to verify the email address you enter and send yourself a test email. If the test email is rejected or placed in your "bulk" or "spam" folder, make appropriate adjustments to your filter software. Sending a blank email to mhlist@mhvillage.com will fix most problems.

Add/Upload Photos

Photos make your listing come alive. Photos can show the immaculate landscaping, rural views, inviting fireplace, or upgraded kitchen. Unfortunately, posting these photos on-line brings up a number of tasks some of us have never done. If you are looking at this help file, chances are you have the skills to upload a photo. If not, get some help from a friend. The biggest problem with photos is not taking the time to post them.

Let's Review the Upload Page

Here are the general instructions for uploading a photo to your listing.

  1. On the photo upload page, click the "Browse" button and locate the photo's file on your computer.
  2. Click the "Upload Photo" button to submit the photo. Depending on your internet connection and photo size, this step may take several minutes.
  3. After the photo is processed, the screen will refresh to include a small version of the photo.
  4. Fill in a short description of the photo in the description field and click the gray arrow to save the text.
  5. Repeat until all of your photos are uploaded. (The number of photos shown on your listing page varies depending on which options package you select later in the listing process.)
  6. Pay attention to the position of the photo in the photo list. Photo #1 is included in the search results for Featured or Premium listings. Use the Move to Position menu included under uploaded photos to choose where you want to move the photo. Click the gray arrow to make the change.

Before You Upload

Here are a few things to get straight before trying to upload:

Photo File Types

The best format for electronic photos is JPeg (extension .jpg or .jpeg). Cameras usually give you JPeg as an option when you take photos. If your photos are not saved in JPeg format, use the software that came with the camera and the save-as command to change the format.

If you are scanning a floor plan, avoid the "Fax" setting. If the floor plan is black and white, your software may default to GIF (.gif) format. If it looks ok, keep it.

Do not put the photos into a word processing file or try to upload any type of "photo album" - it will not work.

What Should I Photograph?

The number one request is by people shopping for homes is for a CLEAR shot of the front of the home. Here is a list of suggested photographs, in order of importance.

  1. The front of the home - a clear, close shot
  2. The living room/great room/family room. Include the fireplace or interesting entranceway if you have one. Include a separate shot of the view from the room if you have something exceptional.
  3. The kitchen
  4. The back or sides of the home
  5. Any feature you claim is remodeled or premium quality
  6. Any outside features like decks or garages
  7. The landscape or setting of the home
  8. A scan of the floor plan
  9. The master bedroom
  10. The master bathroom
  11. A scan or copy of community information if applicable

Tips on Photographing Homes

Take a few extra minutes to get the right shot. Here are some tips:

How do I get Electronic Photos?

The easiest way to get electronic photos is with a digital camera. If you do not have one, use a film camera and get the shots developed and have the photo lab save the photos to a CD. (Most big stores with photo development labs, like Wal-Mart and Target, offer this service.) If you do not have a camera, buy a disposable one and have the photos put on a CD. You can also scan prints or floor plans with a scanner.

Common Problems

My photo will not upload.

  1. Check the file format. Only JPeg and GIF files will upload properly.
  2. Check the file size. Anything larger than 200k should be avoided.
  3. Wait longer. Large files on a dial-up connection can take 15 minutes or more.

I don't have photos of my home. Can I still post my listing?

  1. Get your home posted as soon as possible. Photos can be added (and removed) at any time. The text on the listing will start to be indexed by Google and other search engines as soon as it is on-line. The indexing will draw home buyers to you.