DEAR SUN SPOTS: My husband and I are going to be building a house soon, and we are trying to figure out where to live after we sell our house and while we are building. A while ago, someone’s house in a nearby town burned down, and while they rebuilt, they lived in a house trailer on their own land.

I was pretty sure it had a rental sign on the front of it, but I was never able to get by the place to write the information down before they moved the trailer off the land. I tried to search the Internet, but had no luck finding anything.

So, what I am wondering is, are there companies out there that rent mobile homes on a short-term basis? We don’t want a recreational vehicle or camper. Any help you can give me would be wonderful. — K.T. via e-mail

ANSWER: Sun Spots also found the search frustrating. She found plenty of mobile homes advertised for rent, but they are the ones already in place on a lot, not the ones available to come to you. She did find www.temporary-housing.com, which advertises ready-to-occupy mobile homes after disasters. They serve New England and can be reached at 1-800-486-4976. Readers may know of local companies that supply a similar service.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I thank you for all you did regarding my letter about Haband. After your column appeared, I called Haband again and talked with a man about the situation where they owed me two free gifts. The representative knew all about it and agreed to send the free items.

About two weeks passed before a package arrived in the mail. It contained a messenger bag, valued at probably $3 to $5 at the Goodwill store, and no pen but rather a China-made LED flashlight, probably valued at $5 max.

So I am really sorry that I proceeded to collect these items. They weren’t worth the effort. I thank you for all you did — it worked.

I do have the customer service number for Haband. It is toll free, 1-800-213-1220. — Donald Gunn, Greene

ANSWER: Sun Spots is sorry that the gifts didn’t work out, but other readers will be very grateful to have the phone number, so you have provided a good service for them.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am interested to know where I might be able to sell a fur coat. It is in excellent condition. It is 60-plus years old. I need to find someone who knows what the value of it may be and to sell it. It is time to part with it. Thanks. — Patty via e-mail

ANSWER: There is not much of a market for fur coats these days, at least in this country. You could try and sell it on eBay, which has a worldwide market.

If you want to try to sell it on eBay and don’t have a computer, there are people who will help you with the process. Consignment sellers include Oxford Depot, 11 Mechanic Falls Road, Oxford, ME 04270, 539-2202; Stephen J. Martelli, Auburn, 786-9116, sjmartelli@myfairpoint.net; and Nola, Goin’ Postal, 120 Center St., Auburn, 784-9900.

If you would consider giving it to a charity for the tax deduction, there are some nonprofits that could use your coat. Advocacy groups for the homeless can use fur coats to keep the homeless warm during long Maine winters. Another option is animal shelters or wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers, where the fur coats are used for the abandoned babies to snuggle. Finally, theater groups sometimes need fur coats for costumes for their plays.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I enjoy your column very much. You help so many people. I try to answer and help if I can.

I made a mistake by starting a sweater not being sure if I had enough yarn to finish. Apparently they no longer have it. It is Red Heart Country Blue 826043. If anyone has this yarn, they can call me at 998-3448 or send the yarn to P.O. Box 97, East Poland, ME 04230.— No Name, East Poland

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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