Evidence of paperwork
If you are able to show prospective buyers evidence that your vehicle is in good shape or has been looked after then you have a stronger chance of making a sale. Make sure you are able to present a valid MOT.
If the time has almost come to get it renewed, don‘t delay, get it sorted out as soon as possible. A 12 month MOT will reassure a prospective buyer whereas no MOT will only ring alarm bells.
If you purchased your motorhome from new then you can make your motorhome more appealing by showing them a properly stamped service history book to show them that it has been looked after. A well maintained motorhome with a documented service history should demand a higher price.
Also be sure to present your vehicle registration document which has the details of the registered keeper. Instruction manuals are also a useful thing to present and help the potential buyer to really familiarise themselves with what they might be buying.
If you can display evidence that you have had a motorhome habitation service carried out this will also be beneficial.
If you purchased your motorhome from new then you can make your motorhome more appealing by showing them a properly stamped service history book to show them that it has been looked after. A well maintained motorhome with a documented service history should demand a higher price.
Also be sure to present your vehicle registration document which has the details of the registered keeper. Instruction manuals are also a useful thing to present and help the potential buyer to really familiarise themselves with what they might be buying.
If you can display evidence that you have had a motorhome habitation service carried out this will also be beneficial.
You can think of a habitation service as being a motorhomes equivalent to an MOT for the aspects of your motorhome that are used for living such as LPG / Water / Electricity.
Wear and Tear
Unfortunately, even minor damage like dents or holes caused by road debris or hail reduces the value of your motorhome. However, minor bumps and scratches can easily be repaired.
The cost of the work will be far less than the potential loss of value when you are trying to sell your motorhome with visible damage. Be sure not to overlook the inside of the vehicle for any potential wear and tear.
It’s very important to give interior bodywork, furniture and equipment all a thorough inspection. For example, one of the most common repairs is from damage caused by wind-out awnings which are not properly secured when extended.
It’s very important to give interior bodywork, furniture and equipment all a thorough inspection. For example, one of the most common repairs is from damage caused by wind-out awnings which are not properly secured when extended.
Damp and Water Damage
Some motorhomes leak for years without any visible signs of water damage, and by the time you discover it’s there the damage can already be expensive. Larger motorhomes that feature indoor plumbing for kitchen sinks, showers or toilets have on-board water tank or tanks that have been known to potentially leak and cause damage.
You know you have a water leak in your motorhome when you see mould, mildew, rust and rotted wood. The majority of motorhomes get damp from the joints/seals on the outside of the motorhome.
Examples of this include around the windows, toilet, external lockers, where the body is attached to the floor of the motorhome and where the motorhome itself is attached to the cab. All of these problems usually occur because of poor sealing at the factory.
To prevent damp from happening a simple reseal can be applied during the time that you get your vehicle serviced.
The quicker you spot a possible leak, the quicker you can get the problem addressed. Stains, discolouration, swollen wall, saggy ceilings, warped flooring and a damp or mouldy smell are tell-tale signs.
Making repairs yourself can be a monumental job, so it’s best you leave these up to a professional.
Paintwork
Elements like acidity in rain, road salt, UV rays and general pollution from the sun all damage the outside of your vehicle over time. So treating your motorhome to be resistant to stains, fading and oxidisation is a wise move if you want a gleaming, speck-free motorhome.
There is a whole range of automotive touch up pain you can use to achieve this effect from pain pens to address small motorhome scratches, to brush cap bottles for scratches and chips to spray cans for larger jobs.
Tyres
Tyres are designed and built to be used. The rubber used in tyres ages faster when the tyres are not used. When tyres sit still, they start to dry out and age faster. The problem is, the tyres on many motorhomes don’t get used that much.
To determine if your tyres need replacing inspect them for cracks. Cracks less than 1/32-inch deep are fine, but if the cracks are more than 2/32-inch deep the tyre should be replaced immediately. Tyre professionals would recommend replacing motorhome tyres every 6 years because of faster aging and weather cracking and infrequent use.
Roof Condition
You should carry out annual or even biannual inspections to spot cracks that may lead to a water leak happening later down the line. A leak can happen around roof vents, the sky light and the front and rear top seams.
If you have luggage or storage racks on the roof that have been used plenty of times or have been overloaded, they are likely to cause a roof leak. It’s advisable to have your motorhome roof resealed every 5 to 10 years to combat hazardous leaks from occurring.
Motorhome Extras
If you love DIY and think any modifications will add to the value and appeal of your motorhome then think again. These practical touches might work for you, but they may not suit a potential buyer. So consider removing extra shelves, hooks to return your motorhome back to it’s original state.
Depersonalise as much as you can, removing extra cushions, throws and personal keepsakes and out them aside for your next motorhome. However, make sure you take out and display the tools and accessories that come with the motorhome as this will only make your motorhome look more attractive.
Cleanliness and General Presentation
Last but not least is the cleanliness of your motor home. By presenting the motorhome in the best possible light you will undoubtedly have a greater chance of making a sale. Start by cleaning windows and wheels with good quality vehicle shampoo and polish.
Clear out any rubbish and don’t forget to empty the fridge. Inspect carpets, curtains and upholstery and wash and vacuum anything that isn’t clean. If you want the job done right then hire a professional valet to help your motor home appear spotless to any prospective buyer.
Think of adding elements that spruce up the general presentation of your motorhome. Put fresh flowers on the table, hang brightly coloured towels in the bathroom or even perhaps leave some freshly baked bread and coffee on the kitchen counter to create a real home from home feeling.
Think of adding elements that spruce up the general presentation of your motorhome. Put fresh flowers on the table, hang brightly coloured towels in the bathroom or even perhaps leave some freshly baked bread and coffee on the kitchen counter to create a real home from home feeling.
Where can I sell my motorhome?
Locally
Yes, this method may not give you reach you want but it will undoubtedly, connect you with keen buyers. For instance, it costs close to nothing to park your motorhome in an area with high traffic with a ‘For Sale’ sign, using local periodicals or magazine classifieds or using your local campgrounds for flyers or ads.
Online
There are a number of channels online to choose from to advertise your motorhome sale. Here are a few of the best ways to sell your motorhome online:
Classifieds
Classified websites provide a good platform for you to sell your motorhome for free to prospective buyers. From Gumtree to Craigslist to the Caravan and Motorhome Club classified section, there are plenty of options available. But just be aware of scammers as there are plenty of them around.
Online Auctions
eBay Motors is an online marketplace for buying and selling vehicles and accessories. There are several services and tools to help you buy and sell your motorhome and the listing formats are like those on eBay.
Forums
There are dozens of motorhome forums out there for nearly every manufacturer, type of motorhome and motorhome organization. You’ll find lots of motor home enthusiasts on these forums so you’ll have a great chance of getting advice on selling your motorhome and to build a rapport with prospective buyers.
Motorhome Dealer
To make the sale quick and relatively painless, many people will sell direct to a motorhome dealer. When you sell your motorhome to a dealer you are sure of a guaranteed sale.
You might be looking at less money than you would get if you were selling privately, but a dealer will take all the hassle out of speaking and dealing with private buyers and you can sell your motorhome fast. You’ll also avoid dealing with those who contact you and can’t really afford your motorhome – so it can be a massive time saver.
Motorhome Broker
A broker is a company that will accept your motorhome onto their books and try to match it with a buyer. You don’t get paid until the broker sells the motorhome and then they will take their commission.
Think of the relationship that a real estate agent has with a home seller you that’s the relationship you will have with a broker. However you should be aware that most brokers will tie you into a 3 month contract and charge 10% average commission, regardless of whether he vehicle sells or not.
How to Place an Advert
When placing an advert to sell your motorhome, there is one golden rule you need to consider. Before you do anything, make sure you are honest and open about the condition of your motorhome, otherwise you will have lots of wasted test drives and meetings that don’t lead to a sale.
Taking the first step will place you a better position for a sale. There are other things to consider though when placing an effective ad online.
Photos
Be sure to use a good digital camera. Take as many photos as you can from every imaginable view, then afterwards touch up or edit them if necessary, choose the best 10 to 15 you can find. Try and aim for an equal split between pictures from outside and inside the motorhome.
Descriptions
Look at ads other people have written about the same brand, year and model and copy what applies to yours. Keep the ad simple and use lists rather than wordy descriptions. Ensure the ad is also accurate and grammatically correct.
How Much is my Motorhome Worth?
When it comes to valuing your motorhome, there is no definitive guide. With such a wide range available of different sizes, layouts and types, valuation can prove difficult. If you set the price too high you’ll have few prospects.
Set it too low you could lose out on a potentially higher sale. Ideally you want to set the price above what you want to accept, which leaves room for customers to haggle.
If you still can’t decide on how to price it then luckily there are ways and sources where you can get some idea of how much your motor home might actually be worth.
If you still can’t decide on how to price it then luckily there are ways and sources where you can get some idea of how much your motor home might actually be worth.
Get a Free Quote Online
One tactic is to try out the many sell my motorhome valuation tools available online, gathering a number of quotes as you go along. If you compare enough you might get some idea of what might be offered for your motorhome.
Ask Experts Online
Online forums are a goldmine for educated opinion on your motorhome. Here you will find a wealth of knowledge and information that will help guide you in your pricing decision.
In Summary
So in summary if you are looking to get the best possible price when selling your motorhome, don’t forget to keep the following mind:
- Pay attention to aspects that can help or hinder the sale of your motorhome
- Investigate what channel is the best way for you to sell your motorhome
- Come to a price that you’re happy with by gathering online quotes or by using a third party motor home appraisal service
TOP TIPS ON SELLING YOUR MOTORHOME…
- Be friendly and try to build a rapport when people call. People buy from other people they trust
- Never lie about your vehicle
- Encourage people to come out and see your motorhome in person
- When a potential buyer arrives, have the sales paperwork at hand
- Get complete buyer information prior to signing anything
Looking to sell your motorhome? Get a free valuation today!
Thanks to https://www.webuyanymotorcaravan.com/ for supplying this guest post.
