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Long gone are the days of the old shabby looking houses on wheels called Mobile Homes...
Formerly known as mobile homes, manufactured homes are sold mostly through retail dealerships and can be customized to fit your needs and budget.
Manufactured homes are an affordable alternative for home buyers, and some of today's options feature amenities that might surprise you, such as walk-in closets, fireplaces, stainless steel appliances — even vaulted ceilings.
Here’s what to consider if you’re thinking about buying a manufactured home.
What is a manufactured home?
Manufactured homes are built in factories according to construction and safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD. The homes are built on permanent chassis — base frames with wheels — and then professionally transported in one or more sections and installed on site. The wheels and axles are removed, and the homes are anchored in place. They can be set on permanent or semi permanent foundations.
A new class of manufactured homes has emerged in recent years, dubbed "CrossMod" by the Manufactured Housing Institute, a trade group. These homes are factory-built to HUD standards and then placed on permanent foundations. They can include features such as drywall interiors, garages and covered porches that make them almost indistinguishable from site-built homes.
Modular homes are cousins to manufactured homes. They, too, are factory-built, but modular homes are constructed according to local and state building codes like site-built single-family homes. Sections of the homes, or modules, are transported to home sites, then assembled by local contractors and placed on permanent foundations.
"Tiny houses" are not considered manufactured homes, which must be at least 320 square feet under HUD standards.
What is a mobile home?
The terms mobile home and manufactured home are sometimes used interchangeably, but there's a big difference. Mobile homes are factory-built homes that were built before June 15, 1976, when the federal HUD standards went into effect. Manufactured homes are those built after that date.
The manufactured home industry has come a long way in 40-some years, so new models are a far cry from the mobile home stereotype.
Buying a manufactured home
Most manufactured homes are sold through retailers, which offer new and pre-owned options. You may also find existing manufactured homes through real estate agents, on some general real estate listing websites and through online manufactured home marketplaces. And in some states, you can buy from the owner of a manufactured home development.
Purchasing a manufactured home from a retailer is a little like buying a car but without the haggling. You can look at model homes on the sales lot, choose the customized features you want and apply for manufactured home financing all in the same day. Single-, double- and triple-section floor plans are available ranging from one-bedroom, one-bath homes of less than 500 square feet to four-bedroom, three-bath homes of more than 2,500 square feet. The retailer will usually coordinate the transport and installation.
Most manufacturers offer warranties to cover the structure as well as the plumbing, heating and electrical systems for a certain period, usually one to five years, according to the Manufactured Housing Institute. Some appliances may also be covered by warranties. Ask the seller for details.
Choosing a manufactured home lot
Besides selecting a home, you'll need to find a place to put it. That may be on a leased lot in a manufactured home community or on land that you rent or buy.
Manufactured home communities vary widely. Some communities are restricted to residents ages 55 and older, while others are open to all ages. Amenities in newer communities run the gamut and can include such features as expansive lawns and gardens, clubhouses, golf courses, pools and waterfront lots.
If you want to buy land, first check with your local government about zoning restrictions for manufactured homes. Other things to consider include septic, electrical and building permit requirements, site preparation, access to the property, and soil quality and stability.
Manufactured home loans
You can find a lender through a manufactured home retailer, similar to the way you apply for financing through an auto dealer. Manufactured home lenders and retailers have agreements to work with one another. Or you can find a lender on your own that's willing to finance a purchase from that retailer.
Two main types of loans are used to finance a manufactured home: mortgages and chattel loans. Generally, manufactured homes must be permanently fixed on a foundation and titled as real property with the land to be eligible for financing with a mortgage. Other manufactured homes are titled as personal property and are eligible for chattel loans.
Chattel loans
Most manufactured homes are financed by chattel loans, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Chattel loans generally have higher interest rates than mortgage loans, but lower upfront origination costs and quicker closing times. The loan terms are typically 10, 15 or 20 years versus the common 30-year term of a regular mortgage.
Call us today so that you can start the journey to become a home owner without having to have hundred of thousand of dollars or perfect credit. A FICO of 580 can qualify, these manufactured properties are going fast so call us to see if you qualify today!!
(Some content on this blog was obtained from Nerdwallet.com)