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wepampercampers's avatar
wepampercampers
Explorer
May 23, 2013

sell fixer-upper 5er or fix it first - Oregon Coast

I am hoping for some helpful advice. The sub-floor on our large slideout needs to be rebuilt. Do I sell it as a fixer-upper or fix it first?

A couple stains on the carpet makes me think the new owner would want to refloor anyway. So I don't know if it's worth it for us to do or just sell it as is. I don't know how hard it is to replace that floor.

And, actually, I don't know why the repairman is telling us the subfloor is bad. I don't feel or see any rot. The slideout fits snug in the out position. But going in and out is a little rough and it doesn't fit tight when you pull it in. So it needs to find a permanent home and not be used for a lot of travel. It would work great as a park model.
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    May 24, 2013
    To fix it you are very unlikely to get your money back on it, even if you do the work yourself. Your time is worth something.

    Take the book value, deduct a reasonable amount for the buyer to fix it, leave some room for him to work you down price a bit more, sell it "as is".
  • John_Wayne's avatar
    John_Wayne
    Explorer II
    May 24, 2013
    What is the low NADA price for the unit? As an example it's worth 5,000 to fix floor 2,500 now to get your money out of it you need to sell for 7,500. Or sell it for the low book price of 5,000 so your out 2,500 to get the low book price.
    Or do you take the loss and sell it for 2,500 you come out with the same money in pocket. Or you can ask some where between high and low let them talk you down because of damage and maybe come out with more.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    I would try selling it first as a non-travelling trailer. Market it as a home, guest house or extra bedroom and price it below the market due to the problems.

    Be sure to have the buyer sign a "As is, Where it is with no warranty" agreement.

    You might find someone down on their luck needing a roof over their head with a place to park it or someon in need of a vacation home to place on property. Take cash or wait for check to clear before signing it over.
  • I_am_still_wayn's avatar
    I_am_still_wayn
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    A 13 year old trailer with a rotten floor and stained carpet is worth very little. In fact, you may find yourself literally giving it away. Now, repair the floor, replace the carpet, curtains, etc. with newer colors and styles, and you will have no interest in getting rid of your camper!
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    May 23, 2013
    I think I would fix it even if you have to pay someone to do it. If it's not fixed, 60 - 75% or the prospective buyers won't even look at it and the others would want to take off more than the repair cost. And put in newe carpet. Maybe go to the dealers and see what the current style of carpet is in 5'rs so that it then looks up to date. By the end of next week you can have 2 - 3 quotes on what it will cost.

    Bill

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