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If you have been thinking about purchasing a manufactured home (or if you’ve already made the decision!), we’re here to help you understand how these homes differ from traditional homes and how you can benefit from living in one.
From single-family homes to urban development HUDs, manufactured homes come in several different styles and sizes. No matter what type of home you are on the hunt for, it is important to know the essentials of manufactured homes beforehand, so you can make the most of this home buying decision!
Follow along to learn the basics of manufactured home buying and see how you could reap the benefits.
What is a Manufactured Home?
Before delving too far into the details, let’s start by answering the main question here: what is a manufactured home? You may have heard of the term mobile home before, and manufactured homes are essentially the new next step.
Some elements are similar to the classic mobile home you may think of; for example, they are typically built off-site and then brought to a plot of land. However, new and improved manufactured homes are now much more customizable.
The Building Blocks of Manufactured Homes
“Manufactured homes” take a quite literal meaning to their name – i.e., they are easily manufactured because they are built in factories. While these types of homes were originally built with wheels for easy movement (creating the old term “mobile home”), modern-day manufactured homes are much more innovative.
Typically made to only be moved once to their permanent site, manufactured homes have a sturdier foundation than they used to. In fact, as stated by Chase Daugherty, vice president of a manufactured home building agency known as Express Homes, “they are built on solid-steel frames, giving them a sturdiness that belies the stereotype of yesteryear.”
These more permanent foundations will allow your home to stand the test of time, so you won’t have to find yourself continually updating certain features!
Design Ideas for Manufactured Homes
Many manufactured homes run on the smaller side, and you may have even heard them referred to as “tiny homes” before. Since these homes are built at an accelerated rate, it is easier to make them smaller than traditional plot-built homes. However, the ability to manufacture different sizes and styles has become much easier, making some manufactured homes quite spacious!
It is not out of the ordinary for many manufactured homes to be built with a functioning kitchen, bathroom, living area, and even multiple bedrooms. Some are even designed with built-in porches or balconies!
Fun Features in Manufactured Homes
You may think that with factory-built homes, you won’t be able to add any personalized features to the foundation. However, that is fortunately not the case! Many homes can be customized during the manufacturing process to include ceiling fans, vents, hardwood floors, large windows, and more!
The cookie-cutter homes built in factories are things of the past – much like traditional homes, home buyers opting for the less traditional option can still make their home their own!
Save Money by Joining the Manufactured Home Community!
As previously mentioned, manufactured homes cost less than site-built homes, due to the ease of building and placing. Cost is certainly something that has stood the test of time with manufactured housing options – they have been helping people save money for years.
The exact cost of your home will vary depending on the state you live in, the cost of the land plot, and the size and style you select for manufacturing. If you decide to add in any extra features, those will also increase your cost – however, it is likely you will still be saving a boatload in the long run, as opposed to opting for a more traditional home option.
With a manufactured home, you likely also won’t have to worry about obtaining a home loan or paying a traditional mortgage – in fact, many of these modular homes are paid off within the first few years of construction, giving you more money to spend on experiences, adventures, and the things that matter.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Just be sure to check the building codes in your area, as well as HUD standards if applicable, in order to make sure you are constructing in a safe and sustainable manner. Any manufactured homes built before June 15, 1976, automatically do not meet HUD standards and therefore will need an inspection before the home can be deemed legally safe for occupancy.
If you are unsure about certain building codes and standards in your area, be sure to contact the Department of Housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope we did a satisfactory job of answering your manufactured home inquiries, but below are more FAQs we have received if you still find yourself wondering more.
Are Manufactured Homes Good Quality?
The short answer is, yes! The quality of your manufactured home is largely dependent upon the amount that you, as the one paying for the construction, would like to pay. See “Design Ideas” and “Fun Features” sections for a refresh on how you can control the overall quality of your manufactured home!
Do Manufactured Homes Appraise Well?
In many cases, manufactured homes do unfortunately appraise for less than traditional homes. This is mainly because purchasing a manufactured home is not considered a traditional real estate transaction, so many banks will not finance a manufactured home purchase.
Why Do Banks Not Finance Manufactured Homes?
Since purchasing a manufactured home is not considered a traditional real estate transaction (see above point), many banks will not finance that sort of purchase. Since manufactured homes can technically be moved, that factor on its own could interfere with financing. However, again, you will likely still get the best
What Companies Refinance Manufactured Homes?
If you are looking to refinance or sell your manufactured home, there are fortunately some companies you can contact. For example, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have some cash-out refinances you can take advantage of. For more up-to-date information on this in your area, you can contact local lending/financing services.
To learn more, follow along with our blog to see how you can live the best life in your manufactured home!
