3 years ago
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Justin Becker ·
Comments Off on What’s the Difference Between Modular and Manufactured Homes?
There are more modular and manufactured homes in the industry today than there has ever been.
These homes are designed and built in a factory, then they are assembled on-site, rather than developed from scratch. The homes are also more affordable, when compared to site-built homes.
With that said, there are key differences between a modular home and a manufactured housing unit. It would, therefore, help to understand the differences between the two style homes before making a purchasing decision.
In this article, we’ll cover the differences between manufactured and modular homes.
Difference Between Modular and Manufactured Homes
Before we explore the differences between these two homes, let’s first look at what they involve:
What are Modular Homes?
Modular homes are also referred to as prefabricated or factory-built houses. As the name implies, these homes are designed and developed in a factory, instead of the traditional house construction method.
The homes are designed and manufactured cheaper and quicker compared to site-built homes. After being built in a factory, the manufacturer takes the homes in different sections and assembles them on the site.
These homes are becoming more popular since they are less expensive, while maintaining the same curb appeal as site-built homes.
What are Manufactured Homes?
You might find some people referring to these homes as mobile homes, however the modern day manufactured home is vastly different from the trailer homes that were built in the 1970s.
Manufactured homes came into effect after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) building codes were adopted in 1976.
The goal here was to erase the negative reputation that mobile homes carried before this period. There was also the need to rebrand this part of the real estate industry with a fitting name.
Since that time, mobile homes have improved in the quality of their construction process, building materials, and safety. In any housing crisis, these homes offer an affordable option for many American families.
Costs of Modular vs. Manufactured Homes
The cost of a modular home is calculated per square foot, but it’s upon the sellers to choose how they label their home prices. Some prices only involve the base cost per square foot, without including the taxes and construction costs.
Most modular homes usually cost about $200 per square foot, on average. However, the actual cost of the home will depend on the specific model.
Modular homes could be as expensive as site-built homes, at times, but rarely lower than manufactured homes.
Manufactured homes, on the other hand, are among the most affordable housing options you can ever find on the market. The rent of these homes are typically lower than many apartments for rent.
The actual price, however, depends not only on the year, make and model of the home, but also vastly on the size, and whether it’s a triple-wide, double-wide, or single-wide unit.
An example is the average price of a new double-wide unit, which goes for between $75,000 to $90,000. However, there are older, or secondhand, models that could cost less than $10,000.
Value Over Time
Most home buyers prefer buying a home that will hold a higher value over time. In this sense, modular homes are closely related to site-built homes. They have the same lifespan, same styles and fall in the same real estate market as stick-built homes.
Modular homes are known to appreciate over time. This is because they are considered real property, because they are fixed to their foundation and never moved.
Manufactured homes, however, are viewed as personal property. This means that they will depreciate, more often, over time, just like a car would. Manufactured homes normally depreciate at an average rate of 3% per year.
Difference in Financing
A modular home is considered a real estate property and, therefore, qualifies for traditional financing. However, their loans work differently.
The bank will give you a two-stage loan. During the first stage, you’ll pay off the interest until your home is complete. This is also referred to as a construction loan.
The second stage involves the loan becoming a traditional mortgage. This type of loan is otherwise known as a construction-to-permanent loan.
With that said, things aren’t quite as smooth when it comes to manufactured homes. These homes, as we said before, are considered personal property, so they don’t qualify for traditional financing options.
If you want to qualify for a traditional loan with a manufactured home, your home must be immobile by being fixed permanently to your property. The mobile home should also be certified as a real estate property, meaning you must own the land it sits on, and meet the HUD safety standards.
If you don’t comply with the HUD standard requirements for mobile homes, you may not qualify for personal property financing, like chattel, VA, and FHA-backed loans.
Difference in Safety
Safety is among the most common concerns for those willing to invest in modular and manufactured homes. Since these homes are designed and built off-site, homebuyers sometimes distrust the safety associated with them.
However, there is no need for concern or fear. There are no major differences between the safety of homes built off-site and those built on-site.
Nowadays, as stated before, all manufactured homes are produced as per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) safety building codes. These building codes ensure that the safety of a manufactured home is the same as that of a site-built home.
All manufactured homes are developed in a controlled environment, and later taken to the home site. You’ll notice a red certification label from HUD fixed on every home’s exterior, certifying that it complies with the HUD Code.
Modular homes are developed as per the state and local safety regulations that they are delivered to. Sometimes the regulations are similar to HUD Code standards, since some states implement federal code.
Each governing authority or state, therefore, has its safety certification attached to each modular home.
On top of all of this, both modular and manufactured homes are inspected, after installation, at their respective sites to ensure total safety for the home occupants.
Final Verdict
As we have seen above, manufactured homes are more affordable compared to most other home types, and the homes are also easy to transport. However, these homes are less durable, and typically smaller, than other home types.
On the other hand, modular homes have similar characteristics to site-built homes, and it’s easier to acquire traditional financing options on these homes. They are also considered more durable and quicker to build.
With all of this being said, the home you select should depend on your personal needs and requirements. We hope that you get the best home deal on the market.
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3 years ago
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Justin Becker ·
Comments Off on Modular Home Dealers in Michigan: How to Find the Best
We all lead different lives, and as such, we have different needs to satisfy. That is why you should consider a few things before choosing modular homes dealers in Michigan, so that you can choose the one that best suits you.
Modular Home Dealers in Michigan
Here are ten things you should consider when choosing a modular homes dealer:
1. Target Buyer
The very first thing you should be considering before choosing a modular homes dealer is who the target customer is. Some modular homes floor plans are built just for senior citizens, while others are built for large families. Some floor plans are even built to accommodate all kinds of lifestyles.
The reason you must think about the target customer is that the modular homes’ floor plans are built to suit the needs of the prospective buyers. An elderly citizen choosing a modular homes dealership for young people may not find the modular homes very comfortable.
Many modular dealers in Michigan state explicitly who their target customer is. Some say it’s for retirees, while others say their modular homes are for people of all ages.
Cedar Springs Mobile Estates is a modular homes dealership for people of all ages and all lifestyles.
2. Location
The location of Michigan modular homes is one of the most important factors. You have to be conscious of the location of modular homes when considering if to move-in.
You should note whether there are major roads nearby, which would assist in commuting. If there are no major roads near certain Michigan modular homes, finding a commute can be a problem. Cedar Springs is located near US-131, which means that finding a commute will not be a problem.
You should also consider whether it’s near major cities or busy towns. If a Michigan modular homes dealer offers you modular homes near major Michigan cities, it’s usually a good thing. That means that you will be surrounded by lots of shopping and dining centers, sports, and even entertainment.
Cedar Springs is found just 20 minutes from Grand Rapids, five minutes from Rockford, and very close to Kent City.
3. Living Space
You need ample living space in your dream home. No one wants crampy floor plans for their dream home, where all of their stuff is piled on top of one another. That’s why living space is a major factor when choosing modular homes.
When considering living space, you should think of your lifestyle. If you’re a retiree, your ideal dream home probably will not consist of many bedrooms, or much space.
If, however, you’re part of a large family, with many kids, you will need lots of space. Your dream home will need to include enough bedrooms and baths, with ample space between each house, so you can have a nice size yard.
If you consider your lifestyle, you will correctly determine how much space you need, and so choose from the best floor plans and Michigan modular homes dealers.
Cedar Springs Mobile Estates’ manufactured homes offer two to four bedrooms floor plans, with at least one bathroom.
4. Amenities
Amenities are a huge part of our lives, and you should consider them while choosing a modular homes dealer. Some modular homes offer you lots of amenities, like clubhouses, golf courses, community centers, etc.
Some offer you recreational parks, swimming pools, parking spaces for you and your guests, central air conditioning systems, and more. All the stuff to make your life easier and more fun.
It depends on what you’re looking for. You should consider if you are someone who likes lots of amenities and, with that in mind, make the right decision.
5. Community
A huge part of living in a manufactured home is the community that surrounds it. You should consider the surrounding Michigan community of modular homes when looking to move-in.
You should consider the crime rates, the hospitality of the people, social activities that go on, and so on. If you make the right choice about the community that you want to integrate yourself into, half the problem is already solved.
Living with great people helps your mental health a lot, and a little research about the community surrounding a manufactured home will help you make the right choice.
6. School District
If you are raising school-aged children, one of your major concerns may be their academics. One of the things you should consider in Michigan manufactured home dealers is the school district that they are located in.
You would want a school district with excellent records of producing well balanced and intellectual kids. You may want a Michigan school district where many of the students are athletes, or you may be interested in a district that encourages going to college.
For the sake of your kids, you should consider the school district that a manufactured home is located in Michigan, before moving. That way you don’t make the wrong choice concerning the academic future of your kids.
Cedar Springs Mobile Estates is surrounded by a plethora of public, private, and charter schools, all with top rankings.
One worth mentioning is the Grand Rapids Community College, which is nearby.
7. Aesthetics
Beauty is an essential part of a home. You should consider the aesthetic appeal of manufactured home floor plans and their surroundings before moving in.
Some Michigan manufactured home floor plans are designed to appeal to the eye, while other floor plans are just carelessly slapped together. It all comes down to what matters to you. If you’re interested in a beautiful looking home, then the aesthetics of a home should be one of your main concerns.
You may also be a nature lover and would want manufactured homes located amongst trees, hills, and lakes. Such modular homes exist in Michigan, you just need to find them.
8. Payment Options
You have to pay before moving into a home, and, therefore, you should consider the payment options of a manufactured homes dealer before choosing it.
Some Michigan manufactured homes provide you with easy means of payment, like paying through an online portal. You should take that into consideration.
One of the main concerns of people when looking for a Michigan modular home dealership to patronize is their income level or credit score. Some modular home dealerships have strict regulations about who they sell to and the income levels they would consider. Others are welcoming to all credit scores and income levels.
Some Michigan dealerships even find you lending partners to help you buy a home, and some offer referral programs. You should consider all of these so that you have a smooth modular home purchase or lease.
Cedar Springs Mobile Estates is one of the modular home dealers in Michigan that offers you attractive lending programs. There is also an online portal for easy pay.
9. Surrounding Recreational Activities
Some modular homes seem to be located in isolation, in Michigan, where the people of the modular homes are the only ones around, and residents have to travel for miles to get to the first major restaurant.
You should consider what recreational and entertaining activities surround a Michigan modular home. Some modular homes have lots of shopping centers, both nationwide chain stores and local boutiques, surrounding them. Some have the best diners, both fast food and sit down, all around them.
Again, it comes down to what you want.
10. Pet-Friendliness
Not all Michigan modular home dealerships welcome pets. If you’re a person who is allergic to most furry animals, then living in a pet restricted modular home may be the best option for you and your health.
However, if you have a pet, or lots of them, it would be far better for you if you went to a modular home dealership that welcomes them.
Cedar Springs Mobile Estates loves your pets and will welcome them.
Conclusion
There is no best modular home dealer, but there is one that takes care of your particular needs.
That’s what you should be looking for: the best modular home dealer for you.
As you can see, Cedar Springs Mobile Estates fulfills most needs of most people.
It probably fits your needs too, so contact Cedar Springs for a free tour today.
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3 years ago
·
Justin Becker ·
Comments Off on Modular Homes Michigan has to Offer: What You Need to Know
Do you want to buy or rent a modular home in Michigan? Modular homes are now among the highest quality and most affordable home options that there is.
A modular home offers you an opportunity to get your dream home at an affordable price, unlike a stick-built home. However, you should be aware that these homes also have some drawbacks.
Here, we explore everything you need to understand about modular homes in Michigan.
Modular Homes: Michigan
Before we explore modular homes in Michigan, let’s first understand what the homes involve:
What are Modular Homes?
A modular home is a home unit that is built in an indoor environment, like a factory setting. The finished units are covered and then moved to the new location, where they are assembled.
A modular home isn’t a mobile home, but rather more like a site-built home that is developed off-site. The homes are sometimes referred to as system-built, prefab, or factory-built homes.
Prefab Homes vs. Modular Homes
Prefab homes and modular homes refer to the same thing.
Prefab homes are still homes designed and developed off-site, with the different sections then transported to the site and then assembled.
Modular homes are, therefore, considered prefabricated homes.
Manufactured Homes vs. Modular Homes
Modular and manufactured homes are not the same.
A manufactured home is normally placed on a temporary foundation. The homes can be transferred from one place to another, and are sometimes referred to as mobile homes.
With that said, regulations and laws guide the relocation of a manufactured home.
Mobile Home vs. Modular Home
A mobile home is simply a manufactured home developed before June 15, 1976, when the HUD Code was put into effect.
When the HUD Code was passed, (Housing and Urban Development) they were renamed manufactured homes.
How Modular Homes Differ from Site-Built Homes
Since modular homes are developed indoors, they are completed within weeks. They don’t experience the same delays, as a result of things such as weather, as we see in traditional homes.
The homes must also comply with guidelines, building codes, and specific rules that often surpass those of any traditional home.
When you buy or rent a modular home, ensure you shop around and view some model homes. There is a significant difference in service, quality, and price with such homes.
Do All Modular Homes Look the Same?
Contrary to this popular misconception, these homes don’t all look the same.
There is no design limitation to these homes. For instance, you can design styles or floor plans for your dream home basically in any way you can a traditional home.
You can incorporate any architectural detail or window style you would like.
Where to Find Modular Homes for Sale
Countless companies are developing and selling modular homes. You can either buy a pre-designed home that requires nothing but installation, or customize the unit with your desired floor plans.
Below are just a few examples of some places you can buy your dream home:
Amazon
That’s right! Amazon is without question one of the best places to find a home.
Just do a quick search, and you’ll land your dream home. You can also check out model homes to see the different floor plans that are offered and which fits your needs.
For instance, a 1,000 sq ft modern home by ECOHOUSEMART is delivered within 100 to 120 days after ordering.
Nationwide Homes
This is a reputable home manufacturer/dealer servicing the Southeast areas. The homes available here offer a variety of floor plans, including Cape Cod, Ranch styles, and two-story prefab homes.
Nationwide Homes are available in North Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, and South Carolina, so this is not one that has homes available to the residents of Michigan.
Impresa Modular
Impresa Modular is another reputable company that can ship homes almost anywhere in the United States, including Michigan. The company offers eight home styles/floor plans, including the popular contemporary styles.
Advantages of a Modular Home
Let’s look at what makes a modular home appealing to buyers:
High Quality
The quality of these homes has improved greatly and can often compete with any standard traditional home. In fact, at times, the quality of these homes can be greater than some site-home finished products.
Since the homes are developed in a factory environment, on an assembly line, the building process is under intense quality control. This is among the reasons why people prefer to purchase these types of homes.
High-Speed of Construction
A modular home is constructed faster than any traditional home. For instance, with a stick-built home, the construction materials are sourced from different suppliers, often leading to delays.
However, a modular home is developed by competent industries, meaning that supplies are abundant for the job, all in one central location, so it is constructed quickly.
The development of a modular home isn’t affected by inclement weather such as snow, thunderstorms, or rain. These homes are developed in an indoor environment, so the weather is never an issue.
The transportation of a modular home to your new site is also a time-saving experience.
Modular Homes are Affordable
There are fewer costs linked to the construction of a modular home. These homes are known to cost at least 15% cheaper than a stick-built home, on average.
If you don’t have a large budget, then a modular home may be the best option for you.
Financing Options Through Manufacturers
Apart from the regular financing options available to most buyers, there is also usually the option to finance a modular home via the manufacturer.
You might even get better financing options from some manufacturers than you would from traditional lenders. This means that you’ll get a more affordable home with favorable financing.
Modular Homes are not Mobile Homes
A modular home is not a manufactured home, nor is it a mobile home. Even though mobile homes are now built to a better standard nowadays, they aren’t as good of value compared to modular homes.
Mobile homes have lower resale value compared to both stick-built and modular homes. They also don’t last as long as modular homes.
Disadvantages of Modular Homes
There are some challenges that you should understand while considering purchasing a modular home.
Even though these homes offer plenty of benefits, they aren’t in the same league as site-built homes, especially when it comes to the public’s perception.
Below are some downsides to these homes:
Fewer Customization Options
Even though these homes can be developed in various configurations and floor plans, it isn’t easy to customize them.
The homes aren’t as flexible as site-built homes. For instance, you can’t come up with circular floor plans if you wanted to.
You Should Factor in the Cost of Land
Even though modular homes are cheaper to purchase, you still have to buy the land where you’ll place the unit.
The cost of the house combined with land could be a bit shocking, especially if you aren’t prepared for such.
If you go with this option, you should set aside enough money for buying both the home and land.
There Might be Land Restrictions
Although a modular home is favored over a manufactured home, in most places, some municipalities and neighborhoods won’t allow you to build such homes. You should ensure the location you want to place your dream home allows such units to be erected.
With that said, more and more places are now accepting the building of these homes.
Why Modular Homes in Michigan?
Michigan is one state that is reputable for having quality and affordable homes. Below are some reasons why modular homes are better in Michigan:
Homes in Michigan are Affordable
If you’re after cheaper, but quality, homes, Michigan is the place to be. Here, you can get a home for as little as $30,000.
To own a home in Michigan, you are required to pay a down payment as low as 10% of the home’s price. You’ll never get such a good deal in another place.
When renting a home in Michigan, the prices could be as low as $795/month.
These Homes Have It All
Most homes in Michigan are designed with pitched roofs to assist with water draining. They are also designed with vinyl siding to make them weatherproof.
Michigan modular homes also present a variety of different floor plans to select from. The floor plans include, for example, homes having 1,500 sq ft., with 2-baths and 3-beds. There are also floor plans that have sizes of up to 2,000 sq ft, and more.
Most of the floor plans in these Michigan modular homes also include oak kitchens, stone fireplaces, hardwood flooring, and other modern features.
You’ll also be excited to find that central heating and air conditioning features are included in most home floor plans.
Excellent Home Communities
Most homes available in Michigan offer you a chance to have your own private yard, while being within a good proximity to neighbors.
If you own pets, Michigan modular home communities will be just perfect for you. Apart from allowing pets, there are also pet parks where you can take your pet for a walk.
There are also organized community events that are meant to bring people together. Not to mention, if you love nature, Michigan has several public parks where you can relax with your family.
Michigan Has a Variety of Home Zones
Michigan has some of the best and fair zoning laws in the country. There are also several home zones where you can find an affordable home.
Zones in Michigan also have access to quality facilities such as schools, roads, and shopping avenues. You’ll also have access to amenities such as swimming pools, well-styled floor plans, spacious parking, and clean water.
Final Verdict
If you’re seeking an affordable and quality home, Michigan is the place to be.
Homes here come with excellent amenities and features. The homes are also affordable, but, at the same time, maintain the quality of site-built units.
With that being said, before buying a Michigan modular home, you should do your research. You can also approach reputable dealers and realtors in Michigan to help you out. At various dealers, there are model homes that you can check out before making a buying decision.
We hope you get the quality and affordable Michigan modular home that you desire.
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