Part exchange your car for a better model is a common practice. After being asked ‘how much you’re looking for’, whatever the figure you give, the dealer will have any number of instant reasons why he can’t offer you the figure you had in mind. But you’re anxious to have that model on the forecourt….. We know the rest. And you know the dealer will make a good profit. You’re loss is his gain. But in this case, it’s the price you pay for something better.
With this in mind, why then would anyone want to part with their GREATEST asset of all, their home, and the land it stands upon, for something LESS valuable? So anxious is the park home industry to sell you one of their wooden homes on a complete strangers slither of land, with very limited rights, that many are now willing and able to take your present abode in part exchange. Unlike your car, where maybe the difference between the true market value and what Arthur Daley’s car salesman will offer you, can be measured in hundreds of ££s. But the loss you could encounter with a deal of such magnitude is colossal in comparison. And it doesn’t end there. You will be entering a minefield, in terms of doubt and uncertainty for the future operation of the park, thanks to new inept legislation, now making itself felt nationally.
Which is why advertisements appear now convincing you its as easy as ABC to move smoothly from bricks and mortar to wood. To do this, the term ‘economical with the truth’ has never been so prevalent. No mention of the weak legislation, the 10% sales commission; in fact, recent industry brochures state no solicitor needs to be involved! One well known operator cites only three steps, apparently quoting an unknown buyer who (1) Saw the home they wanted at one of the firms new developments (2) Used their part exchange scheme and (3) Moved in!
Yes, tempting as this sounds…..and we all know of the hassle and headaches of moving home, the purpose of this warning is to slow you down. Think of this proverb: Be slow in choosing, but slower in changing”. Remember this; I is what an advert doesn’t say , that is more important than what it does. It is essential that you check out the truthfulness of claims made in all advertisements. Note, they have something to sell ; that is their concern, not your welfare. “If you don’t like it , get off!” ( More usually, unprintable words to that effect) It is a common remark to those who dare question the growing influence of unscrupulous operators. Their reward is 10% of the sale price of you’ve recently bought, so its crucial you seek the truth. If your unsure, walk away; it’ll prove to be the best exercise you’ve ever taken.
Its also worth noting that although all advertisements are supposed to conform to regulations that ensure they are ‘truthful honest and decent’, the fact remains that if nobody complains to the Advertising Standards Authority who take an age to come to a decision anyway, by which time the offending advertisement has served its purpose to deceive, and those who believed every word are left suffering, financially and otherwise, with nobody to turn to.
As a final warning, many claims refer to “community spirit”, as if is guaranteed on every park. Often, the truth is that a group of residents were forced to come together to help each other fight the park owner for their lawful rights! You will find that he best advertisement of all is personal recommendation. Good tradesmen, just like good park owners, do not need to advertise; their customers/residents do it for them. So when will all park owners learn that simple lesson?
Compiled for PHRAA by Colin Packman. President. August 2007.
