2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on Mobile Home Expenses: Everything You Need to Know

Mobile Home Expenses: Everything You Need to Know

We all know how easy it can be to secure a reliable mobile or manufactured home in a leased-land community. However, a challenge arises when it comes to paying for the different mobile home expenses.

These expenses may include the monthly rent, utilities, and moving expenses. For those who have a mobile or manufactured home on private property, property taxes and mortgage loan payments are always what need to be paid for. Luckily, there are certain mobile home parks where the landlord or property manager takes care of some expenses.

Generally, your life in a mobile home park will be smooth if you pay your expenses on time. Failure to do so, however, puts you at risk of facing eviction from the community.

Here, we consider some common mobile home expenses worth noting.

Mobile Home Expenses

There are many expenses every manufactured home tenant or owner needs to understand. Let’s consider them below:

Mobile Home Monthly Rent

Rent is the main expense you will pay while living in a mobile home. Most landlords require you to pay the rent at the end of each month, and failure to do so might attract an eviction.

However, you need to check your lease agreement for the exact dates you are required to pay rent (learn what is lot rent for a mobile home park here). Monthly rent will only apply to mobile home tenants. You will pay for the initial purchase costs and obtain chattel mobile home financing if you decide to own a manufactured home.

You may be able to negotiate a payment plan with your landlord if you can’t afford the monthly rent. There is also an option of finding a roommate.

The amount of rent you will pay typically depends on several factors, as we will highlight below:

Actual Size of a Mobile Home

This is a major determinant of the rent amount you will pay monthly. It’s pretty straightforward, a manufactured home with larger square footage will cost more than a smaller one. If you move to a home twice the size of the initial one, expect the monthly rent to approximately double.

If you want to pay less, we recommend a single-wide mobile home (learn what is a single-wide mobile home here). However, those with large families can consider double-wide or triple-wide units (learn what is a double-wide manufactured home here). An increase in rent space or living space will traditionally translate into increased rent.

Mobile Home Park Location

The location of a mobile home park helps determine the monthly rent. For instance, mobile home parks closer to social amenities charge higher rent for their mobile homes. The same applies to mobile homes closer to cities.

You will pay less rent if you select a manufactured home park in rural areas. However, note that it will mean less access to social amenities. Checkout our list of top 10 mobile home parks in Michigan.

Age of Manufactured Home

The truth is that modern manufactured homes are designed with quality and modern features. For instance, nowadays you will find energy-efficient appliances, walk-in closets, and exciting floor plans (learn how to make a mobile home more energy-efficient here).

In fact, they are designed just like traditional homes. This means landlords spend more to purchase these manufactured homes, thus translating into a high monthly rent.

Avoid new mobile homes if you want to pay less monthly rent. Learn everything there is to know about used mobile homes for sale here.

Amenities Present in the Manufactured Unit

The type of amenities available in a manufactured home community will determine the amount paid in rent. If the community has a swimming pool, spacious parking space, and on-site washers and dryers, expect to pay more money in rent.

The same applies to mobile homes that are closer to social amenities such as parks, schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and playgrounds. Learn what is a mobile home community here.

Manufactured Unit Utility Expenses

You will pay different utility expenses depending on whether you rent or own your mobile unit. Let’s consider them below:

Hookup Responsibility Expenses

If the mobile home belongs to you, you must ensure utilities are hooked up. Even when you have the skills to do this, it is something we recommend a professional to help you out. For your information, a professional will accomplish the installation safely and correctly as per the HUD Code for mobile homes set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

If you are a tenant/renter occupying a manufactured home, it is the responsibility of the mobile home community property manager to handle installation costs. You can only lend them assistance by linking them with a reliable utility installer.

Gas Bills

You may need to cook daily while living in a manufactured home. This is only possible if you are connected to a reliable gas source. Here, most mobile homes are linked to either a propane tank or natural gas.

Each gas source comes with benefits and drawbacks. For example, with propane, you will get more power, but less safety and higher mobile home cost.

Having enough gas in your manufactured home can help you in different ways, including with water heaters and lighting fixtures.

The bills you pay for gas are relative to your personal usage. Since natural gas is cheaper, we recommend it to save on expenses.

Sewage Utility Costs

We understand you may be surprised to realize that you might be forced to pay for sewage in your new manufactured home. The good news is that sewage utilities are typically not as expensive as gas or power costs.

With most mobile home communities, you will be required to pay these monthly costs. However, some property managers prefer to include it in the monthly rent.

In most cases, the landlord has no control over how much you will be charged since sewage is a responsibility of a local sewer company. It is always linked to the city sewer system.

Power Utility Bills

In this modern era, electricity is essential in running almost everything, including most appliances, in a manufactured home. For this reason, it makes up for the lion’s share of a mobile home’s utility expenses.

The more lighting or appliances in your manufactured homes, the more in electricity bills you will pay. Most mobile home parks require tenants to pay their electricity bills directly to the local electricity provider. However, some landlords have arrangements in place to include it in the monthly rent.

Currently, tenants are implementing energy-efficient improvements in manufactured homes in an effort to pay less in electricity bills.

Water Utility Bills

Water is among the basic requirements in all homes, mobile homes included. For this reason, mobile homes are connected to a continuous supply of city water.

You will most likely be charged for water, depending on your usage. The more you use, the more you pay. However, some landlords prefer to charge a fixed fee as part of the rent.

You may find that your water has nitrates, for that, you can use a reverse osmosis system to remove nitrates from your water.

We recommend paying your water bills on time to continue accessing clean water without fail.

Utility Repair Costs

The truth is that no tenant controls whether utilities will fail or function effectively. At some point, utilities might fail or become unavailable without notice. When such a situation occurs, it requires an immediate fix.

So whose responsibility is it to fix utility failures? The burden to fix utilities can only fall on the resident if the mobile home is owned by them. Otherwise, it becomes the full responsibility of the landlord to restore everything to normalcy.

We recommend checking your lease to be sure who takes responsibility in case of utility repairs.

Landowner Related Expenses

Landowner expenses only apply to those who own a manufactured housing unit on private land. As a potential buyer, you can buy a mobile home together with land or buy a mobile home and place it on the lot you already own (learn how to buy a new manufactured home here).

If you have your mobile home on a chassis, it is considered personal property. This means you will pay at least two taxes. First, a personal property tax is paid for owning the home. Second, there is a property tax for the lot that you have your mobile home on.

If you have a permanent foundation for your mobile home and then fix it on the lot, it will be considered real property. In this case you will pay property tax, same as you would for a stick-built home. Additionally, you might have to pay for the property insurance each year. Checkout our guide on manufactured homes vs. stick-built here.

Furthermore, there are additional expenses you will incur for maintaining the land that your home sits on. This could be something like fertilizing and mowing the lawn.

If you decide to place your manufactured home on leased land, you will be required to pay the land rental fee either monthly or yearly. You should check the lease to know whether you are required to pay for the land either monthly or yearly.

Remember, you cannot control the monthly or yearly land rental fees once you sign the lease. Since the landlord is responsible for setting the payable amount, expect them to include additional costs along the way.

Some landlords go as far as charging maintenance fees. Remember, you will also be responsible for paying utility costs, such as gas, electricity, and water. Checkout these mobile home maintenance tips to help you out in the future.

Unexpected or Infrequent Mobile Home Expenses

There are always unexpected expenses that come up for both mobile home owners and renters. This might include mobile home insurance and pet fees. You should always be prepared for such incidents.

Any serious mobile home owner or renter should be ready for upgrades and repairs, too. Sooner or later, you might realize that you need to repair your roof or install new insulation. Learn how to super insulate a mobile home here.

Considering your living condition and lifestyle makes it easier to determine the amount you will need for infrequent expenses. For the case of pets, there is typically a fixed pet deposit and monthly fee that you will be required to pay when in a land-lease community (learn what is a land-lease community here).

Expenses Related to Purchasing a New Mobile Home

Purchasing a home typically comes with a one-time expense that happens to be the most expensive, the down payment. You can purchase a single-wide, double-wide, or even a triple-wide unit, depending on your budget.

According to the U.S. Census Report, the average sales price of a new manufactured home is $111,900. This is much more affordable than a traditional house developed on a permanent foundation.

Single-Wide Mobile Home Cost

This is the smallest mobile home available on the market, and it is also the least expensive. Since it fits well within most highway lanes, it is also easier to transport. Learn how much it costs to move a mobile home here.

A new single-wide manufactured home has an average cost of about $76,000. These manufactured homes are usually available between 784 square feet to about 1,440 square feet.

Double-Wide Mobile Home Cost

A double-wide home is typically twice the size of a single-wide unit. It is also available at a higher price and is more difficult to transport because it has to be delivered in two parts.

Due to their size, these manufactured homes make it easier to customize the interior or exterior layout. The median sale price of these units is $139,900.

Manufactured Unit Customization Costs

You can decide to customize your mobile home at an added cost. For your information, customization costs vary based on location and manufacturer (checkout our list of top 10 manufactured home dealers in Michigan). Also note that adding square footage to your mobile home will cost more than improving its cosmetic appearance.

Some of the common areas that you can customize include:

●       Cabinets

●       Fireplace

●       Plumbing Fixtures

●       Ceiling

●       Walls

Any customization on your mobile home requires the help of a professional for better results.

Mobile Home Transportation or Moving Expenses

After buying a mobile home, you will have to organize transportation to where it is to be located. Here, you can either consider a full-service or transport-only move.

With a full-service move, the mover will disconnect the structures and utilities and then reconnect them at the destination. A transport-only move involves the manufactured home being connected to a towing vehicle and being moved to its resting place only.

Generally, a full–service move is expensive and has an average cost of between $3,000 to $14,000, depending on the distance. A transport–only move comes with an average cost of $700 to $3,500, again mostly determined on the distance.

Mobile Home Loan Repayment

For most middle class income earners, a successful mobile home purchase without a personal loan is often difficult. For your information, it is impossible to access a traditional mortgage for a mobile home thanks to the nature of their classification (personal property).

However, you can still access loans for mobile homes in parks. Such are available for conventional loans under programs like Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. They can also be accessed through the Federal Housing Administration or related government agencies. Learn more about a FHA loan and VA loan here.

Luckily for you, these loans present a low interest rate. Therefore, you will not find it hard to repay them.

The Final Remark

When renting or buying a mobile home, you should understand the expenses you will be responsible for. These expenses include monthly rent, loan repayment, customization costs, moving costs, utility costs, landowner expenses (if applicable), and other infrequent expenses.

We recommend checking your lease to understand whether you or the landlord is responsible for paying the relevant expenses. There are certain expenses, such as maintenance costs, that are purely left to the landlord.

Ensure that you take care of all expenses without fail to avoid facing eviction from your landlord.

Read more

2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on What is a Single-Wide Mobile Home?

What is a Single-Wide Mobile Home?

Purchasing or renting a new or used home is among the biggest milestones in a person’s life. One common home that many people have started embracing is the manufactured home (learn why mobile homes are becoming more popular here). There are several options here, with a single-wide manufactured home being the least expensive and smallest in square footage.

If space is not an issue and you have a limited budget to rent or buy a mobile home, then a single-wide unit may be your best bet. In this article, we address all unanswered questions about single-wide manufactured homes.

What is a Single-Wide Mobile Home?

A single-wide home is a type of manufactured home involving a floor plan with a single section rather than different sections linked together. The home is designed and developed in a factory and later moved to a manufactured home site (learn how mobile homes are built here). Nowadays, all single–wide mobile homes are governed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Code for mobile homes).

According to the standards, most single–wide mobile homes are between 14–18 feet wide and 52–80 feet long. Since they contain a single structure, they are affordable and easy to transport.

Single-Wide Home Characteristics

One of the main characteristics of single-wide mobile homes is the narrow and long footprints. When you check the interior space, the rooms are directly connected without any hallway separation. If it has a hallway by any chance, it happens to be very narrow.

Most mobile homes, including single-wide and double-wide mobile homes, are not placed on the ground directly. In most cases, they are elevated with risers.

Single-Wide Home Dimensions

The size of a single-wide home varies from one manufacturer to another. It can even vary between models developed by the same manufacturer.

If a manufactured unit has a width of more than 20 feet, it is considered a double-wide manufactured home (learn what is a double-wide manufactured home here). The smaller dimension in width of single-wide mobile homes translates into a lower purchase and manufactured home maintenance cost.

Below are different sizes of single-wide mobile homes worth noting:

Moderate Single-Wide Manufactured Homes

This is the smallest option you will ever come across. A good example is the Casa De Cielo model from Palm Harbor. These manufactured units have dimensions of 14 x 37, which translates to about 500 square feet.

These single-wide units will be your best option if you are operating on a budget. They come with a 1-bathroom, spacious 1-bedroom unit, and large windows for natural lighting.

Mid-Size Single-Wide Units

A good example of a mid-size single-wide home is the CM2562L from Champion Home Builders. It is a one-section home with dimensions of 12 x 56 feet, which is approximately 747 square feet.

You will be happy to find that it comes with 1-bathroom and 2-bedrooms. Many people like it for its open floor plan and sizable closets.

Even though it is spacious, you may be surprised to find that it is available at an affordable cost.

Large Single-Wide Units

If you have a large family, but have a limited budget, it would be better to consider getting a large single unit. Here, we highly recommend the K1676H2 from Karsten Home Builders.

The K1676H2 measures 16 x 76 feet. It comes with 2-bathrooms and 2-bedrooms, with a total living space of 1,178 square feet.

Without question, this is among the most highly rated homes and comes with exciting features, such as plenty of natural light and an eat-in kitchen.

There are of course other large single-wide units to consider if the K1676H2 does not meet your standards.

Single-Wide Mobile Home Prices

Before considering the price of these homes, understand that single-wide units are the least expensive option you will ever find when it comes to manufactured homes. Buying a high-quality single-wide mobile home will generally cost you between $33,941-$66,629. Learn how to buy a new manufactured home here.

With that said, the actual cost will always vary depending on added high-quality materials, available amenities, and layouts.

Generally, single-wide manufactured units are more affordable compared to similar-sized site-built homes. We can attribute this to the more efficient use of manufacturing materials and processes. Learn more about manufactured homes vs. stick-built here.

Why Buy Single-Wide Manufactured Homes?

Now that we understand what manufactured units are and what they involve, consider why a mobile home is a good investment:

Affordable

As we mentioned, all mobile homes, including single-wide ones, are much more affordable compared to traditional site-built homes. They are considered the number one solution to the ever-growing housing demand, thanks to their affordability. Remember, higher rental prices together with a housing shortage fuels the high demand for housing.

The cost of buying a single-wide home is about $49 per square foot, which is very low compared to $107 per foot for site-built homes. Therefore, single-wide mobile homes are perfect for you if you are running on a limited budget, but are desperate to own a home.

Structurally Strong

Since single-wide units are developed in a factory, many potential buyers doubt their structural strength. Thanks to the HUD Code, however, we are here to confirm that these homes are among the strongest. The HUD Code was established in 1976 and was developed to ensure that manufacturers meet the standards for construction, design, energy-efficiency, safety, and transportation (learn how to make a mobile home more energy-efficient here).

If a single-wide unit meets all the requirements, it will have a red seal permanently fixed on it. These homes are developed to withstand different weather conditions, including rain, wind, and storms. Check the wind zone ratings for mobile homes here.

Fast Construction

If you want to own a home faster, then you have no better option than to consider a single-wide mobile home. The construction period is about 2-3 months, which is very short compared to site-built homes, which may take up to two years to complete.

Even after construction, the mobile home can be easily moved to the site and installed within no time. Your only headache will be identifying a reliable manufactured home mover and installer (learn how much it costs to move a mobile home here).

Whether you decide to purchase a single-wide unit to place on your lot or buy one in a manufactured home community, you will enjoy your new lifestyle within no time.

Energy-Efficient

If there is one important aspect of single-wide manufactured homes, it is the fact that they are energy-efficient and environmentally conscious. As per the HUD Code requirements, all manufactured units should be developed with upgraded insulation for energy-efficiency purposes. This includes having energy-efficient windows, insulated skirting, and on-demand water heaters. Learn how to super insulate a mobile home here.

Additionally, bathrooms and kitchens are developed with Energy Star appliances. For this reason, you will save more energy than you would in a similar-sized site-built unit.

Offers Versatility

If you want to own a home now, but would still like to add an extra section or upgrade to a site-built home in the future, a single-wide mobile home would be the perfect option for you. Since single-wide units are affordable, those with small families can start with them, and later add more modules when the need arises.

Who knows, maybe you can even move from a single-wide mobile home to a permanent structure. You can then sell the single-wide unit or use it for a different purpose (learn how to increase the value of a mobile home here).

Another advantage is that you can easily move your home from one place to another. This happens mostly when you get a new job in a different location.

You have to identify a reliable mover and get a good site to place your home. With a site-built home, on the other hand, you will be forced either to sell or rent the home. Learn about our program that we will move your mobile home for free here.

Customization Options

There are so many plans you can select from while in the process of buying a manufactured home. This includes modifying either the exterior or interior of your mobile home to meet your style.

You can also ask the manufacturer to design the kitchen the way you want it. The same applies to the bathroom and overall floor plan. You can choose colors and materials that fit your preference, too.

Financing Options

Nowadays, you can get a loan while buying a manufactured home just like you would for a site-built home. However, you should establish the manufactured home on your personal lot in order to utilize traditional financing options. With that said, there are also ways to finance a mobile home that is in a park as well.

Before getting the loan, you must meet the lender’s guidelines. You will have to provide documents for your employment, credit score, and tax records, among other things. Learn what credit score is needed to buy a mobile home here.

There are several different loan types you may be eligible to get for your single-wide manufactured home, including conventional mortgages, FHA loans, and VA loans. There are also chattel mobile home financing options for homes already in communities; and if you come from a rural area, you stand a chance of getting mortgages offered via the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Cons of Single-Wide Units

Although single-wide manufactured homes present many benefits, they also come with certain disadvantages you should be aware of. Let’s go through them below:

Lot Availability Challenges

Having your single-wide home in a sparsely populated or suburban area might be difficult. This can be attributed to the limited land to place your home. In some places, the law only allows site-built homes.

You might also find a limited number of manufactured home communities to place your home due to some mobile home parks only allowing double-wide units. Just do your research beforehand to find the most ideal spot, and find out what lot rent is for a mobile home.

Manufactured Home Stigma

Even though manufactured housing units have greatly improved since the introduction of the HUD Code, they still face some stigma. However, as time has gone by their quality has improved and people have been forced to embrace these homes.

For instance, in Michigan, some local communities that had banned manufactured homes in the past have revised the zoning requirements and now allow manufactured homes to fight the challenges of inadequate housing.

Despite such challenges, we can guarantee you that modern manufactured homes come with features that are well worth your money.

Single-Wide Manufactured Home Location

For densely populated areas, such as cities, landlords and property managers always have lots with several manufactured homes. These lots grouped together are called mobile home parks, and many of them allow people to put single-wide mobile homes on them. The end goal here is to reduce the housing cost.

In rural areas, most developers provide single-wide homes with dedicated lots, which offers a private and cheap living space option.

Top Single-Wide Home Manufacturers

With an increased acceptance of manufactured homes, manufacturers have also increased. However, how many of these manufacturers are reliable and experienced?

Below are some of the top manufactured home dealers to consider:

Champion Home Builders

This company has been in the manufactured home development industry since 1953. Today, the company has invested resources in developing quality modular homes and mobile homes.

For your information, it specializes in developing both single-wide mobile homes and double-wide manufactured homes.

Single-wide units here measure about 850 square feet, with the double-wides obviously coming in larger sizes. You will have the option of customizing a single-wide unit to fit your needs. For instance, you could add a fireplace if you want.

Clayton Homes

No other company can rival Clayton Homes when it comes to developing energy-efficient homes. The company was even given an Energy Star Manufactured Housing Builders Award in 2021. Its dedication to developing energy-efficient homes has greatly contributed to making sustainable homes.

Clayton focuses on reusing recycled materials to develop manufactured home materials. Almost all the appliances you will get in a Clayton manufactured home are energy-efficient. Therefore, you will save more on utility costs.

Expect to get a single-wide manufactured home for as low as $80,000. If you want a double-wide mobile home, you will obviously have to pay more. Checkout our top five double-wide mobile home dealers in Michigan here.

Fleetwood Homes

Finally, we have Fleetwood Homes that offer family-friendly floor plans. The company manufactures both single-wide and double-wides.

You will like the manufactured homes from Fleetwood because they are very spacious. Some of the best series from Fleetwood to consider include Sandalwood XL and Westfield Classic. Generally, you will have a variety of plans to select from, including single-wide and double-wide floor plans.

Fleetwood offers affordable housing compared to other reputable brands.

Conclusion

We highly recommend single-wide homes thanks to being structurally efficient, energy-efficient, versatile, affordable, and customizable.

We also recommend purchasing single-wide homes from reputable manufacturers, such as Champion Home Builders, Clayton Homes, and Fleetwood Homes.

Single–wides are perfect for you if space is not an issue and you have a limited budget. Feel free to contact us at Cedar Springs Mobile Estates to see if we have the single–wide home of your dreams.

Read more

2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on What Life in a Mobile Home Park is Like

What Life in a Mobile Home Park is Like

Mobile homes have shown to be an economical housing solution amid economic downturns over the years. According to the U.S. Census, the number of individuals living in mobile homes has more than doubled since 1990, when the figure was 7.3 million.

With the recent economic slump in 2020, expect an increase in the number of people who choose to live in mobile and manufactured homes as their primary residence. If you have never lived in a mobile home, you may be curious about what it is like to live in one.

Mobile homes are manufactured in a factory while resembling typical site-built homes on the inside (learn about how mobile homes are built here). In fact, they have undergone a transformation that has elevated them from the stigma of trailers, and are in fact growing in popularity year after year. Learn more about why mobile homes are becoming more popular here.

One of the reasons why more and more people are gravitating to manufactured homes is the perks that come with living in a mobile home park.

Life in a Mobile Home Park

Generally, manufactured home communities offer perks that you may not get from apartment communities or private homes. For starters, many parks promote community living by hosting events to bring residents together. Mobile home communities also provide more solitude because manufactured homes are separated by a good distance, making them less susceptible to noise from your nextdoor neighbor.

Not everyone who lives in a mobile home park/trailer park owns the home; some prefer mobile homes for rent, while others prefer mobile homes for sale. The bottom line, though, is that the land is leased (learn what is a land-lease community here). That said, an individual who owns a home will pay a monthly lot rent, just like a normal apartment renter, with the exception that they will have equity in the future (learn what is lot rent for a mobile home here).

Mobile homes appeal to a wide range of individuals; and while they may not be your first option, it is crucial to know what it’s like to live in a mobile home park.

Many Senior Citizens Choose Mobile Home Parks for Retirement

Due to their affordability, the majority of older individuals prefer mobile home parks for their retirement homes. This is partly the reason senior citizens are willing to downsize from their real estate homes to mobile home parks. Checkout our guide on the pros and cons of downsizing to a mobile home.

Typically, mobile homes are enticing since a real estate/traditional home is often out of reach for most senior adults, and the hefty expense of repair and maintenance is another factor.

Furthermore, traditional housing is lonely, which is why retirees choose mobile home parks, where they can live in a community and socialize with people who share their interests.

During Natural Disasters, Mobile Homes are Perfect for Temporary Solutions

Mobile houses are generally the go-to choice for temporary accommodations in the event of floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes. This is due to the fact that they may be manufactured and deployed in a matter of days.

A real estate home or a traditional home is not appropriate for this case because they take longer to build and cannot be moved once completed, making it a waste of money to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on this form of temporary accommodations. In contrast, a mobile home can be installed and moved later if need be. Learn how much it costs to move a mobile home here.

People often wonder “are manufactured homes safe?” Well, another element that makes mobile houses viable for a temporary dwelling is the building materials used in their construction, which can survive extreme weather conditions.

Having said that, if you plan to live in a trailer park, establish whether the location is prone to natural disasters in order to avoid the chances of losing your belongings (check the wind zone ratings for mobile homes). Also, make sure you have a homeowner’s insurance policy in place to protect your home.

There is a Strong Sense of Community

Mobile home living provides you a sense of belonging and allows you to connect with your neighbors more frequently. The park is meant to encourage community living, which is why you will find more shared amenities, such as a playground and a fitness center.

Prioritize Mobile Home Parks with HOA Rules

It may seem counterintuitive to advocate choosing a park with HOA regulations, but there is a good reason for it.

Consider this, you live in a park where your neighbors are blasting loud music, throwing endless parties, and allowing their pets to roam freely; how chaotic would that be?

That said, if you want to join a mobile home park/trailer park, choose one that has reasonable restrictions rather than one that does not have any.

Not All Mobile Home Parks have the Same Living Experience

Do not expect to have the same experience in a mobile home park/trailer park as a friend or relative who lives somewhere else. Just like anything else, some parks provide greater services than others.

For example, one park may include additional features, such as a larger playground for children or frequent community events that bring residents together; while others, not so much. Just be sure to do your research before settling on a community.

Rent–to–Own Option

Not everyone can afford to buy a mobile home outright; and with the recent economic downturn, finding a suitable payment plan for acquiring a mobile home has never been more important. That said, many mobile home parks provide residents with rent-to-own mobile homes as an option, in which residents pay a lump amount up front and make monthly rent payments to cover the remaining balance.

If you have a bad credit history and a low credit score, a rent-to-own mobile home in a park may be a possibility for you. However, depending on the risk associated with the resident, the upfront amount could be high, so be sure to read the fine print. Find out what credit score is needed to buy a mobile home here.

Some Mobile Home Parks are Age Restricted

Mobile homes in a community have their own set of park rules that must be adhered to. As a result, some mobile home parks are age restricted (retirement communities), implying that they only accept residents within a specific age range. For example, there are many parks that will only allow residents of 55 years of age and older.

Age-restricted mobile home parks provide a pleasant and quiet environment for older citizens, as well as amenities tailored to the needs of those aged 55 and up. These are features that may not be found in a normal mobile home park/trailer park.

According to AARP, at least 3.3 million senior citizens over the age of 55 live in mobile homes, with 85% of them more likely to be mobile homeowners than renters.

What Makes Mobile Home Living an Attractive Option?

Why do more than 17 million people in the United States prefer to live in a mobile home? What qualities lend legitimacy to mobile dwellings as a permanent residence option? If you are still undecided, consider the following community perks to persuade you that they are the best option for you.

Affordability

When compared to renting or buying a home, living in a mobile home, whether it is rented or purchased, is less expensive. Buying a manufactured home will cost you up to 30% less. For example, a site-built home/traditional home or a single-family home may cost you $300,000, but a new mobile home may cost you less than $100,000. Learn how to buy a new manufactured home here.

More Space

A mobile home offers a considerably bigger living space, just like a real estate home. There are double-wide and triple-wide homes to pick from. Since mobile homes have been improved (complying with HUD Code) to provide a luxurious living style, it’s conceivable you won’t notice the difference.

Building Equity

Renting an apartment does not provide you with any future returns, but purchasing a mobile home does. Equity is the difference between the loan balance and the price you can sell the house for at the current market rate.

Despite the fact that mobile homes do not rise in value over time (learn how to increase the value of a manufactured home here), you have a better chance of making a return than a person who has rented an apartment for years.

More Privacy Compared to Apartments

Renters in apartment buildings are frequently separated by walls, making them vulnerable to noise from their next-door neighbors (see how to deal with noisy apartment neighbors). Mobile homes, on the other hand, have a good space between them, limiting the likelihood of noise disruption.

Access to Amenities

Mobile homes in communities have access to amenities that you would not find in a traditional home, so you might have to build a stick-built one to get the same benefit. The downside to that option is that it is costly to build some of these amenities, such as a swimming pool and fitness center. Learn if it is worth buying a mobile home in a park here.

According to HomeAdvisor, the cost of building a swimming pool ranges from $16,441 to $44,198, with the national average standing at $29,638. In mobile home parks/trailer parks, you can have access to such amenities without the worry of such enormous cost or upkeep.

Less Worry About Repair and Maintenance Bills

Site-built homes are known for their high repair and maintenance costs, which, when combined with mortgage and energy bills, can add up to a large monthly expenditure on the entire home. In mobile home parks or trailer parks, the vast majority of residents benefit from lesser repair and maintenance costs because parks frequently have a dedicated maintenance team to assist you with lawn services and plumbing at a reduced rate. Learn about these mobile home maintenance tips.

Less Worry About Property Taxes

Another reason why less people are choosing site-built homes is the high cost of property taxes. For instance, mobile home owners in Michigan pay a $36 annual “specific tax,” as well as sales tax, when they buy their house. When it comes to property taxes, if you rent a mobile home, you have nothing to worry about. Checkout our mobile homes for sale in Cedar Springs, MI and mobile homes for rent in Cedar Springs, MI.

What to Consider when Choosing a Mobile Home Park

If you are thinking of living in a mobile home park, there are a few things you should know to make the most out of your stay. Since not all parks provide the same experience, you should do your homework and choose the one that best meets your needs.

That said, here are things you should know about choosing a mobile home park:

Understand the Total Cost of Buying a Manufactured Home

Despite the fact that mobile homes are inexpensive, knowing the exact cost of a home will help you better manage your finances. If you have been living in apartment complexes for a while, you may overlook the cost of lawn services, lot rent, and general repair and maintenance.

Having said that, make monthly estimates to understand the true cost of living in a mobile home park in order to avoid surprises. Ask for help from family and friends who understand the life of mobile home parks, or even ask professional mobile home dealers/real estate agents. Here are the top 10 manufactured home dealers in Michigan.

Figure Out if a Mobile Home Park is Right for You

Living in a mobile home park may not be an ideal choice for everyone, so make sure it is what you want and meets your requirements. For starters, establish whether you have a stable source of income. This will help you avoid the chances of defaulting on the mortgage in the future. Also, learn about what the different loans for mobile homes in parks are.

Do you relocate often? Buying a mobile home may not be worth it if you move around frequently due to job obligations or any other reason. If this is the case, you may be better off renting a manufactured home/apartment than buying a mobile home. You may also want to consider tiny homes because they are easier to transport. Tiny homes are more mobile in nature so their relocation (home transportation) won’t be as hard as manufactured homes.

Inspect the Park Before Joining

Park rules can make or break your living experience, so make sure you talk to the park owners (responsible for managing communities and park licensing) and learn more about the community before joining.

In addition to chatting with the park manager, talk to other park residents to obtain their opinions on customer service and how life is at the park. If there are a lot of complaints, it may be a sign that the park is not what you are looking for. Also, if the neighborhood’s vibe matches yours, you might wish to build a presence there.

Another important factor is the crime rate of the neighborhood. Obviously you want to feel safe for yourself and your family, right? Look into the local crime rate and burglaries, as well as other types of crime.

How Far Do You Want to be from Your Workplace?

When it comes to picking a mobile home community, location is key. Look for parks that are closer to significant amenities, like retail malls, food establishments, health care facilities, and public transportation. If you live close by, it will be less expensive to seek these services than if you reside further away.

The good news is that most mobile home parks are closer to downtown and public parks, making it easier for residents to go for walks in their spare time.

Final Thought

Generally, mobile home living is rapidly becoming the designated choice for many people for various reasons. For starters, mobile home parks are designed to accommodate family living settings. Also, some parks are designed to host the aging population as their retirement home.

Residents at mobile home parks can get away from the daily maintenance and repair chores that many site-built homeowners face. If there is a repair bill, it will be a small percentage of what homeowners spend on a regular basis.

If you are thinking about moving to a manufactured home community, do your research and chat to your family about it to get their opinion. It is possible that your family knows what is best for you and why.

Lastly, some stereotypes about mobile homes are true; so, before rushing to buy a home in a park, make sure you understand what you are getting yourself into. We here at Cedar Springs Mobile Estates hope you find exactly what you want for you and your family.

Read more

2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on How to Buy a New Manufactured Home

How to Buy a New Manufactured Home

Many first-time manufactured home purchasers make costly mistakes when purchasing their dream home. They frequently overspend on a home because they lack the necessary information about the purchasing process.

We understand the excitement of purchasing a manufactured home, but that does not mean you have to waste your hard-earned money in the process. Taking the time to research and understand what it takes to acquire a new manufactured home can help you avoid any financial distress.

That said, we have put together a step–by–step guide to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes made by manufactured home buyers.

How to Buy a New Manufactured Home

Generally, manufactured homes are affordable compared to traditional homes, and typically up to 30% cheaper. In addition, the process of buying a mobile home could be more worthwhile than renting an apartment. Sometimes the average rent is more than the mortgage a mobile homeowner pays every month, which is why you should consider purchasing a manufactured home.

Having said that, this comprehensive guide covers everything from deciding on the sort of manufactured home you want to buy and obtaining manufactured home financing, to selecting the land on which your home will be placed and thoroughly preparing the home for move-in.

Let’s dive in!

Decide on the Type of House

Single-wide mobile homes and double-wide manufactured homes are the most common forms of manufactured homes. For larger families, triple-wide manufactured homes are another alternative. Before evaluating other factors, like pricing and manufactured home dealers in Michigan, decide on the type of dwelling you desire.

That said, with your spouse or family, establish which sort of home best suits your needs by looking at the floorspace or floor plan. The floor plan varies from about 400 sq. ft. to over 2,500 sq. ft., with the option to customize your home.

If you expect to live alone, a single-wide home may be the best option, but a double-wide or triple-wide home is the best option if you plan to start a family. Checkout our list of double-wide mobile home dealers in Michigan here.

Secure Financing

Financing a manufactured home is one of the most critical parts of the buying process. It is critical to learn how to finance a mobile home by knowing where to seek a loan and whether you meet the lender’s requirements. In addition, establish which lender offers the best mortgage terms for your manufactured home.

Manufactured home financing is not the same as conventional lending (traditional mortgage) for site-built homes. Since manufactured homes/mobile homes are classified as personal property (meaning they don’t typically have a permanent foundation/are permanently fixed) rather than real property, financing options are limited.

That said, do not expect to get mobile home financing from traditional financing institutions (which are usually for a site-built home). So, where should you look for a manufactured home loan?

● FHA Loans (Federal Housing Administration)

● VA Loans (Veterans Affairs)

● Chattel Loans

● Fannie Mae MH Advantage Program

● Personal Loans

The majority of these manufactured home loans, such as an FHA loan or VA loan, are government-backed and do not provide loans to individuals. Rather, they guarantee bank loans and, therefore, look for financial institutions that offer these kinds of loans.

A VA mortgage is reserved for the members of the military to secure land purchase and their manufactured homes. Chattel loans or chattel mobile home financing is used to finance personal properties like vehicles (auto loans) and boats, among other items. With that said, a chattel loan usually has a higher interest rate than any other manufactured home loan.

You may qualify for traditional mortgages if you are willing to set up your modular home or mobile home on a permanent foundation, meaning your home cannot be moved once installed and, therefore, can be classified as real property.

Manufactured home loans often have high interest rates because of the high risk associated; however, you can be safe if you have a good credit history and credit score. So, what credit score is needed to buy a mobile home? Most lenders require a minimum credit score of between 580 to 620 to buy a manufactured home.

If you have a lower credit score, don’t worry; you can still secure financing, but you may have to offer a bigger down payment to lower the risk (mobile homes often have a minimum of 3% for a down payment). The good news is that you can repair your credit history and build up a solid score that will earn you better loan terms. However, it is important to note that raising your credit score takes time.

Typically, a good credit history will help you get a good manufactured home loan term, such as a lower interest rate and, therefore, lower monthly mortgage payments.

Private Land or Manufactured Home Community

What location do you intend to put your manufactured home? Determine this prior to purchasing a manufactured home. If you own your own land, you will not have anything to worry about; all that is left is to prepare the area for installation. However, if you want to live in a mobile home park, you should visit many mobile or manufactured home communities near your ideal area and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each. Read about the benefits of living in mobile home parks here.

Where you place your home can affect the choice of financing. For example, an FHA loan can help you finance the home and the lot, while a chattel loan may only finance the home and not the lot.

It is also crucial to examine your state’s zoning restrictions; purchasing a manufactured home that does not conform with zoning standards might be costly. That said, if you don’t know much about zoning restrictions, ask your manufactured home dealer or real estate agent for help.

Find a Reliable Manufactured Home Retailer

Once you have decided on a home, you will need to find a reputable manufactured home dealer. The easiest place to start is online, where you may look for dealers in your area and read reviews. Pay attention to what prior customers have to say about the dealer and ensure they have positive feedback or ratings. Find out what is the best website to find a mobile home here.

Another option is taking referrals from friends and family members who are knowledgeable in the mobile housing industry.

Two Types of Dealerships

In the United States, there are over 4,000 manufactured home dealers, but they are divided into two groups:

• Factory owned dealers
• Independently owned dealers

So, before you start shopping, figure out what kind of dealer you want to work with.

Factory Owned Dealers

It is tempting to believe that factory-owned dealers are the best option because they have a single command line, but this is not the case. In fact, independently operated dealers receive considerably fewer complaints than factory owned ones, on average.

Furthermore, compared to independently owned dealers, factory owned dealers normally charge more for manufactured homes/mobile homes.

Independently Owned Dealers

Independently owned dealers are often a fraction of the size of factory-owned dealers. They are often run by families and have fewer manufactured homes and builders on hand at any given moment. However, compared to their factory-owned counterparts, they often have superior reviews because of affordable prices and their level of customer service.

Delivery

Manufactured homes typically are factory-built homes and have an average delivery time of four months after the order is placed. How mobile homes are built gives them a timeframe of being completed anywhere between a few days to a couple of months. The manufactured home construction process is seamless because it is conducted in a controlled environment and built by professionals.

The dealer will arrange for delivery to your specified area once you have decided on the type of home you want. Learn about Cedar Springs Mobile Estates here and how we will move your mobile home for free. The good news is that the dealer will walk you through the delivery procedure and ensure that your home arrives in good condition.

Setup and Connection

The installation process starts once the manufactured home has been delivered to your site. Check to see if your site or land is close to city services; if it isn’t, make arrangements for it ahead of time.

After installation, ensure an inspection is conducted to certify the home was placed correctly and leveled. If your home is not leveled, you are likely to have trouble soon as you move-in. It could be your plumbing, doors, among other things, which will require additional funds to repair.

Generally, a home inspection also allows you to be confident the home complies with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, otherwise known as the HUD Code.

Things to Know When Buying a Manufactured Home

Before acquiring a new manufactured home, make sure you know everything about it and understand what you are getting yourself into.

Here are some tips to keep in mind before purchasing your dream manufactured home:

Interior Features

At this point, you should pick all the features you want the home to include. You can design the mobile home to include various features, such as walk-in closets, wood-burning fireplaces, and custom closets, among other things.

The good news is that you do not have to do everything manually nowadays. Online design software may help you arrange your home’s interior, from colors to the floor plan to the kitchen style. You have complete control over your house planning with these internet tools.

Most manufactured home dealers have the courtesy of offering clients a walk-through of possible features that they offer in their modular homes, mobile homes, or manufactured homes. If you have no idea what features your home will have, dealers will often have a model home for you to see and get a sense of what amenities your home will come with.

Nonetheless, make sure you understand the most important features you want to have before buying a manufactured home.

Exterior Design

The outside aesthetics of a dream home is a huge consideration for many homebuyers. That said, you can choose your exterior design from various colors and material options. You should note that the features chosen for the exterior design may increase the final costs of buying the home. For example, patios or decks will require additional materials and labor.

State Laws for Future Planning

Understanding the state laws is important if you plan to buy a manufactured home. You should establish whether it is possible to relocate your manufactured home to a different state or location. Learn how much it costs to move a mobile home here.

For example, if you later discover that state regulations prevent you from shifting your cherished home to another location, it could be costly.

Appliance Package

Despite the fact that new mobile or manufactured homes come with appliances, make sure you choose what you want based on what is offered.

Final Thought

If you do not know how to navigate the market, buying a manufactured home can be a lengthy and difficult process. Doing your homework and researching the market ahead of time might help you reduce the stress of finding your next dream manufactured home. Always consider securing financing from institutions that offer loans for manufactured homes.

Read more

2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on How to Increase the Value of a Mobile Home

How to Increase the Value of a Mobile Home

A mobile home is the economical choice for many families and individuals. However, some may hesitate before buying a mobile home for either residential or investment purposes (learn if a mobile home is a good investment here). The main reason for this doubt is that the value of mobile homes or manufactured homes tends to go down right after they become someone’s property.

With traditional homes increasing in value each year, it is only logical that potential buyers think twice about buying a mobile home in a park. Some real estate agents may also advise caution, but the fact remains that manufactured homes are just more accessible than the traditional opinions. Mobile homes depreciate in value, sure enough, but they do provide an affordable, alternative way of living.

Can We Increase the Value of a Mobile Home?

The good news is that your manufactured home purchase or manufactured home construction can actually increase in value if you take the right steps. While the curb appeal might not be that of a traditional home, a mobile home can prove to be a worthy investment. The aim here is to plan carefully and see what potential buyers are looking for.

How to Increase the Value of a Mobile Home

When you aim to upgrade mobile homes, focus on making these living spaces more attractive for the market. A mobile home’s value may not fall much if you are in the right location, especially if you invest in some specific home improvement projects and construction upgrades.

Wondering how to enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase the value of your investment? Here are some tweaks you can make to that manufactured home right now:

1. Look into Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Making a manufactured home more energy-efficient is a great way to add value for the long run. Plus, if you are already living in the mobile home or manufactured home, a few energy-efficient upgrades will cut down your bills. So, how do you make a mobile home more energy-efficient?

The United States Department of Energy affirms that an energy-efficient mobile home is likely to generate lower energy costs and harmful emissions. If you are thinking of buying used mobile homes for sale and making them more energy-efficient, look into the following steps:

• Put in energy-efficient windows and doors
• Apply caulk and weatherstripping
• Install insulated skirting or just additional insulation (learn how to super insulate a mobile home here)

Before you start making any of these changes, keep in mind that most manufactured homes have to stay within the HUD Code, or the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code for mobile homes). Make sure to look these up and act accordingly rather than getting sidetracked by local building codes.

Making Changes to Your Appliances

Before you buy any new appliance, make sure to check the energy rating for it. If you have the budget, try getting upgraded appliances for the kitchen and the mobile home in general.

Just a few suggestions include central air conditioning, a microwave, and so on. They might end up using more energy than before, but the upgrade will increase the value of the mobile home.

If you choose appliances with an acceptable energy rating, you will get a more energy-efficient system. The manufactured home’s heating and cooling costs will be lower due to the system working better as well.

2. Make a List of Possible Inexpensive Upgrades

Buying new appliances, especially energy-efficient ones, can get expensive. While the result will be immediate savings, not everyone has the budget to make such a change right away. If that is the case at your end, consider some more budget-friendly upgrade that will enhance curb appeal and increase your mobile home’s value simultaneously.

In fact, such upgrades may actually make more sense considering the overall prices of manufactured homes. If you are working on upgrades to get a higher sales price when it is time to sell, highly expensive changes won’t be beneficial. Instead, consider the following steps:

●       A fresh coat of paint on both the interior and exterior

●       Updating the lighting fixtures and getting new ones to enhance curb appeal

●       Updating the plumbing system

●       Installing new cabinets or fixing the existing ones

3. Stay on Top of Maintenance

The value of a mobile home will depreciate even more quickly if there are broken pipes, boards, and appliances in there. Any real estate agents or appraisers that value properties will also consider the quality of the mobile home. Generally speaking, a manufactured home that is all ready for a new tenant will probably go for a higher price than a fixer-upper.

This is not to say that you need to spring for renovations or the latest floorings, appliances, and so on. Simply staying on top of things might suffice; call in a professional to handle any plumbing issues, fix the loose hinges on the door, and immediately change the window panes if there is a crack. Fixing a drafty spot also counts, especially as it makes the place more energy-efficient. Learn some more mobile home maintenance tips here.

4. Place the Manufactured Home on Real Property

Finding a mobile home can be challenging for some people, but most of them will not prefer one on a rented lot. The financing options are limited in such cases, so the value of your mobile home could drop by half! That is a major decrease to consider. Therefore, it is important to take the required steps right away.

If you can afford to move that manufactured home to your own property, the increased value will be worth it. The difference might even be enough to cover your costs, and then some. Of course, you can consult a professional in the real estate business before taking the leap. Learn how much it costs to move a mobile home here.

5. Check Out Options for Siding and Roofs

Some high-end options for siding could make a major change in the appearance of your mobile home. The standard shingle roofs and vinyl siding are not that appealing anymore, so you have a lot to work with here. Cedar plank siding, shaker shingle roofs, and other such options will not take much time or material. However, they can definitely add value to your manufactured home and attract more buyers in a short period of time.

Changes in the Roof

The usual flat roof of your manufactured home does not need to be a permanent fixture. Pitched roofs usually look more attractive, need less maintenance, and are a structurally sound option as well. The triangular shape will not let rainwater pool on the roof, resulting in less leaks and water damage. On the other hand, we would warn you against shingles made of asphalt; they are too difficult to maintain properly. Learn what the best roof coating is for mobile homes here.

6. Convert the Manufactured Home to Actual Real Estate

When potential buyers don’t have many financing options, they might not even be able to afford a manufactured home (learn how to finance a mobile home here). This is just one of the reasons why you might want to look into converting a mobile home into actual real estate. Follow the specifications in UMHA (the Uniform Manufactured Housing Act) to make this conversion if the home is already on your own land.

After the legal conversion, you can go ahead and put in a permanent foundation. Remove any wheels and axles; basically, anything that makes the manufactured home non-permanent. Lastly, make sure to register the structure as a piece of real estate. The process might be demanding, but it is a surefire way to increase the value of a mobile home and ensure a profitable sale.

7. Consider Landscaping Ideas

Finally, consider the way your home looks now. The online pictures are the first glimpse that most people will see, while the outside is the first thing they see when they take a tour. Aesthetics are a major part of making a sale. Some simple landscaping ideas for mobile homes might be in order.

There is no need to go overboard here; landscaping can include planting some new shrubs, some more flowerpots, or a well-tended garden. If you have a yard, make sure it is neat and clean before thinking about changing the geography.

The Takeaway

Owners of manufactured homes can do so much to increase the value of their property. You may have been wondering whether mobile homes are worth buying, but the increasing demand for non-traditional housing is reassuring.

Some people may want a lovely new paint job for their own satisfaction and aesthetic sense. Others may invest in this upgrade to increase curb appeal and a mobile home’s value in order to sell it. Remember, your manufactured home is your personal property; you can track its value while making the required upgrades.  Also, You could get an online house valuation for free.

Even if you don’t intend to sell your mobile home just yet, energy-efficient upgrades are always a saving bonus. Take some ideas from the discussion above and see which ones seem most promising for increasing the value of your mobile home.

Read more

2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on Is it Worth Buying a Mobile Home in a Park?

Is it Worth Buying a Mobile Home in a Park?

Purchasing a mobile home in a park is a significant financial investment, which is why you may be unsure if it is the right call to make. So, should you buy a mobile home?

If you are one of the many individuals who are unsure about purchasing a mobile home, you need to know about the advantages of mobile homes for homeowners. Although there are compelling reasons to purchase a site-built house, mobile homes provide a number of advantages over traditional residences, i.e. homes built on a permanent foundation.

For example, a mobile home is up to 30% cheaper than a site-built home. Furthermore, you will need at least a 20% down payment to acquire financing for your real estate asset/traditional housing, which is a big sum when compared to the 5-10% down payment required for mobile homes.

Is it Worth Buying a Mobile Home in a Park?

Yes, buying a mobile home in a park is worth it. The financial benefits of this type of housing are substantial, and it is a great alternative for someone trying to save more money.

Site-built homeowners are frequently subjected to high taxes, which a mobile homeowner in a community will easily avoid. If you are still unsure whether you should buy a mobile home or not, let’s go a little deeper and give you some additional reasons why you should:

Costs Less than Stick-Built Homes

The most obvious benefit of purchasing a mobile house is that it is considerably less expensive than regular residences.

Mobile homes have been growing in popularity because of their affordability. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development figures, nearly 22 million Americans live in mobile homes. This figure represents 7% of the United States population.

The average price of a mobile home compared to a traditional home:

• Single–wide mobile homes price: $43,500 – $59,000
• Double–wide mobile homes price: $110,400 – $119,400
• Traditional homes price: $337,560

In apartments, rent increases are typical, which can be a major disadvantage, especially if you are on a tight budget. Purchasing a manufactured home, on the other hand, may relieve you of the stress of regular rent hikes.

Low Cost of Repairs and Maintenance

From a financial standpoint, purchasing a mobile home will save you hundreds of dollars in repair and maintenance costs each year. This does not indicate that you will not spend money on mobile home maintenance and repairs; rather, it implies spending less than you would on a standard home.

For example, landscaping services and maintenance workers are frequently available in mobile home parks for a fraction of the cost of what you would pay for a regular home.

Build Equity

Buying a manufactured home in a park helps you build equity compared to renting an apartment. The difference between what you owe on your mortgage and what you could sell your property for at the current market rate is known as equity.

Renting an apartment gives you no future perks; however, paying a mortgage gives you some long-term benefits. That said, you would rather invest in your future by buying a mobile home over renting an apartment.

Rent-to-Own Option

The good news is that some mobile home communities offer rent-to-own options, which means you may wind up buying your house with just your monthly rent payment. Learn how to rent-to-own a mobile home here.

We acknowledge that not everyone can afford to put money down and buy a house right away, which is why mobile home communities offer a convenient method for prospective homeowners by offering rent-to-own.

If you decide to go this route, be prepared to put down a large amount upfront, which is normally negotiable with mobile home park owners. The remaining balance will be paid with your monthly rent payment at the agreed-upon period.

More Privacy

When compared to apartment living, a mobile home in a park provides more privacy. In most cases, you will have a lot of your own, which is often more private space outdoors than you would in an apartment.

Your neighbor’s loudness will not be an issue because the distance between you and your next-door neighbor is usually reasonable. In apartments, however, typically the wall is what separates you from your next-door neighbor, thus loud music could be a problem.

More Space Outdoors

Most apartments lack outdoor spaces, making it tough to live in them, particularly if you have a growing family. However, outdoor spaces for mobile homes are larger, allowing you to have more fun with your family during your free time.

Community Living

Manufactured home communities value community living, which is why they invest in community events that allow residents to connect and build friendships. In addition, residents benefit from amenities. such as clubhouses, fitness centers, and playgrounds, which the park owners provide to the greatest extent possible.

Pet-Friendly

Most mobile home parks are pet-friendly, so if you have furry friends, a park can be a great alternative. In comparison to the confined places in apartments, your dog will be able to walk about much more freely because you will have a larger outdoor space.

Little to No Taxes

Mobile home parks are known for their tax benefits. A mobile home is not classified as a real estate asset, but rather as personal property, so it is not taxed like other properties.

In Michigan, residents of manufactured home parks pay a fixed charge, also known as the “specific tax.” In addition, they pay sales tax when they purchase a mobile house.

The high cost of property taxes is a big factor to why many homeowners consider renting or finding mobile homes for sale. Traditional homeowners frequently struggle with the mounting costs. The lower cost in taxes, therefore, gives a mobile homeowner a huge advantage over a real estate homeowner.

Lower Monthly Costs

A regular home’s operating costs are frequently higher than that of a mobile home. Lawn maintenance, heating and cooling, and repairs all add up to a lot of money over time. When you factor in your monthly mortgage and other living expenditures, you are sure to regret purchasing a site-built home.

On the other hand, the operating costs of a mobile home are low, meaning you may save money on most repairs and maintenance services.

What You Should Know as a First-time Mobile Home Buyer

Buying a mobile home for the first time might be stressful, which is why you should learn some useful tips. With that said, here are things you should know when buying your first mobile home:

Do Your Research

The first step is to conduct research in order to determine market prices for these sorts of houses prior to visiting mobile home sellers. You can end up losing money paying more for mobile homes/manufactured homes than you should if you don’t do your homework.

Furthermore, Since market pricing differs by location, you should have a firm idea of where you want to go before visiting various manufactured home dealers in Michigan. Mobile homes near cities may not be the same price as those further away.

Also, you want to establish if the mobile home park is age-restricted or not. An age-restricted community means that only persons in a given age range are allowed to join as residents, such as those aged 55 and up.

In addition, find out if the community is pet-friendly? These are the kinds of details you want to establish before finding a mobile home. Most parks have pet restrictions such as a pet limit, which is often two per household and aggressive breeds. Just be sure to review the mobile home park pet policy.

Decide the Type of Mobile Home You Want to Buy

Do you want to buy a single-wide, double-wide, or even a triple-wide mobile home? Each has a different price tag, which you should be aware of before proceeding. A single-wide is a good choice if you are single, but if you have a growing family, a double-wide or triple-wide may be necessary.

Take Referrals from Friends and Family

Always start by asking your close friends and relatives for recommendations. They might be able to assist you in finding a mobile home park that suits your needs and preferences.

Not all mobile home communities have a good reputation for customer service, and you want to have the finest experience possible as a first-time homebuyer, right? This is why referrals are crucial when looking for a mobile home in a park.

Use Online Tools to Narrow Down Your Search

Physically looking for mobile homes in a park can be exhausting, which is why you should utilize online tools to help you narrow down your search. Real estate websites will help you search for a mobile home based on the location and the pet-friendliness of the community. Find out what is the best website to find a mobile home here.

Visit Mobile Homes in a Park

The best way of determining whether or not a mobile home park is right for you is to pay a visit in-person and get a sense of the community. That said, consult with locals to learn about their opinions of the mobile home park. Move on to another park if most people are unhappy with the services.

Understand Your Financing Path

Before purchasing a mobile home in a park, you should understand your mobile home financing options. Consider how you will finance the home, which mobile home loan you want to get, whether you qualify for it, and so on. Learn more about how to finance a mobile home here.

A mobile or modular homes mortgage is not the same as traditional mortgages. Mobile homes have fewer financing options compared to stick-built homes because they are considered personal property; however, they do have fewer restrictions, meaning you could get a mortgage loan with less paperwork.

Generally, you should have a good credit rating or credit history to qualify for better loan terms. A bad credit score will get you terrible terms, such as higher interest rates, because of the risk associated. The good news is that even if you have a low credit score, you can still acquire a mobile home loan.Learn what credit score is needed to buy a mobile home here.

Final Thought

The advantages of purchasing mobile homes in a park make it worthwhile; lower taxes, fewer repair and maintenance costs, and more privacy are all reasons you should consider buying a mobile home.

Every community has its own set of park rules, which you should acquaint yourself with before joining a community. It could be about the noise level and pet policy, among others. Parks offer leased-land, where residents pay what is lot rent for a mobile home every month. The difference is that you own the home, but not the land.

Read more

2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on Loans for Mobile Homes in Parks: What You Need to Know

Loans for Mobile Homes in Parks: What You Need to Know

With the growing cost of conventional homes, a mobile home may be the best alternative for housing. This is because mobile homes can be up to 30% less expensive than site–built homes.

Even though mobile homes are less expensive than traditional homes, they can still cost thousands of dollars, which you may not have on hand. That said, once you have decided on a mobile home for sale that you want to purchase, the next step is to secure financing. This part can be a headache if you don’t know what type of financing to pursue mobile homes.

Whether you are buying a mobile home or any other type of home, choosing the right financing option is always a crucial decision. Read up on if mobile homes are worth buying here.

Loans for Mobile Homes in Parks

Conventional lenders do not consider mobile homes real assets unless they are permanently tied to the property. So, if you are looking to purchase a mobile home in a community, what kind of financing should you pursue?

If this interests you, then read on to find out all you need to know about mortgages for mobile homes in a park.

What is a Mobile Home Park?

A mobile home park, also known as a trailer park or a manufactured home community, is a temporary or permanent location where mobile and manufactured homes can be parked.

The best thing about mobile home parks is that you will have access to community amenities, such as pools, laundry facilities, fitness centers, recreation areas, and more. Some communities are age-restricted, meaning they only allow residents of a certain age group. For example, a mobile home park could be exclusively for senior citizens looking for a retirement community to reside in. On the other hand, some communities welcome anyone who wishes to live in a mobile or manufactured home.

Types of Loans for Mobile Homes in Parks

Now let’s take a look at the various options one has to finance mobile homes for sale in a community:

FHA Loans

You can secure manufactured home financing with a Federal Housing Administration loan (FHA loan). FHA is a government mortgage program that is backed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which means that if the borrower defaults on the loan, they are not responsible for making up any of the difference that is left owing. It provides mortgages that require as little as a 3.5% down payment, which is lower than the traditional 20% down payment requirement for a real estate home.

There are two types of FHA Loans: Title I and Title II. Title I can be used to buy the mobile home, but not the land on which the house will sit. Title II can be used to purchase both the mobile home and the land.

Like any other loan, FHA has loan terms and rates for its mortgage. The maximum you could borrow is $69,678 for a manufactured home, as of the end of 2021; and the FHA has a maximum loan duration of 20 years for a manufactured home.

You should be aware that the FHA does not provide loans; rather, it guarantees them, so look for FHA-approved lenders. Before choosing a lender, however, compare the rates. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development provides search tools to help you quickly find FHA-approved lenders.

Not every manufactured home can qualify for an FHA loan. For instance, your manufactured home must have been built after 1976. So, before buying a manufactured home, check the year of construction.

Chattel Loans

A chattel loan is a type of loan used to purchase various properties. It is a personal property loan that you can use to buy your manufactured home. Chattel loans are typically used to fund high-value personal property, such as yachts, planes, and farm machinery.

If you do not own land and want to live in a mobile home community, a chattel mobile home financing option may be ideal because it is not tied to land ownership like a VA loan is. VA loans are strictly for military members. So, if you are a veteran, check out your eligibility for this type of loan, but it is required that your home be your primary residence in order to qualify. Learn more about can you buy a mobile home with a VA loan here.

Chattel loans are similar to traditional mortgages in that the collateral is the property itself. This implies that if you default on your loan, your home may be confiscated to pay off the debt. With that said, a chattel loan has a lower closing cost and fewer limitations than a regular mortgage.

The disadvantage of this type of loan is that it has a higher interest rate than any other type of manufactured home loan, which usually ranges 0.5 to 5 percentage points higher. Furthermore, it has shorter term lengths. This means that even though you will be able to pay your home off quicker, your monthly payments will be higher.

Personal Loans

Manufactured homes are typically less expensive than site-built homes, allowing you to finance your purchase with a personal loan. Personal loans are the type of mortgage you can utilize to purchase a variety of things.

Due to their flexibility, it is easy to use them to finance a manufactured home purchase. The good thing about a personal loan is that they do not require any collateral to secure the mortgage. This implies that if you default, you will not lose your home. However, the trade-off is that personal loans tend to have higher interest rates compared to traditional mortgage rates, making them more similar to auto loans.

Gregory Allen, the CEO of ASAP Finance says, “most lenders don’t consider mobile homes to be real property. They’re just not sure how much they’re worth and how secure the loan is. But when you have an approved loan, you can buy all kinds of things for your home: appliances, furniture, even repairs.”

Many personal loans allow you to borrow up to $50,000, with some lenders allowing you to borrow up to $100,000, which is certainly enough to land you used mobile homes for sale.

Pros & Cons of Manufactured Home Financing

With advances in manufactured home technology and decreased manufactured home prices, mobile homes are becoming increasingly popular. With that said, manufactured home financing can be tricky, especially if you are a first-time buyer.

There are many different types of loans to choose from, and the prices vary greatly, so it is important to do your due diligence before deciding which one is right for you. Here are some tips for finding a mobile home.

So, let’s weigh the pros and cons of manufactured home financing:

Pros

Fewer Fees and Closing Costs

If you are looking to purchase a new or used mobile home, you must understand the costs involved with the financing. One of the best things about manufactured home financing is lower closing costs than conventional loans.

Easier Qualification Process

The process of finding a loan for a mobile home is pretty much the same as that of any other type of home. However, there are some differences in the way they are financed. Mobile homes, being classified as “manufactured housing” or “manufactured homes,” typically qualify for personal loan financing types, such as a VA or FHA loan.

These loans have significantly fewer restrictions than conventional loans and are often obtained at lower interest rates. Also, the lack of restrictions makes them easier to apply and qualify for, which makes them attractive to people with poor credit.

Low Down Payment Requirements

The biggest win for people that obtain manufactured home financing over traditional lending is lower down payments. With traditional lending, it is not uncommon for a 20% or even 30% down payment to be required. These hefty deposit requirements can make it difficult for many people to become homeowners, especially those with low incomes and high debt.

For manufactured homes, however, you can pay as low as a 3% down payment, which is significantly less than that of site-built homes.

Smaller Loan Amount (and potentially smaller payments)

A smaller mobile home loan amount will likely result in a lower monthly payment, making it easier to manage your finances and stay afloat.

Cons

Higher Interest Rates

Since most mobile home loans have fewer restrictions, they have higher interest rates to compensate.

Only Available for Financing the Home, Not the Land

The majority of mobile home loans are only available to finance the home, not the land, which could be a major setback for ambitious homeowners who wish to buy both.

Steps for Getting Manufactured Home Financing

Buying a manufactured or mobile home in a park differs from buying a traditional home in that most lenders do not consider these homes to be real estate assets, and so they do not qualify for traditional mortgages.

So, before you go out and buy a mobile home, take a look at the steps outlined below to learn how to secure financing:

Check Your Credit Score

Your credit record is an important factor in determining your eligibility for manufactured home financing. Consumers with a higher credit score are more likely to qualify for a mobile home loan. Repairing your credit can help you increase your score and improve your chances of obtaining financing for a new or used mobile home.

If you want to find out what yours is and what it means, the first step is to order a free credit score report. A minimum credit score of 720 or better, combined with a good credit history, will usually earn you a cheaper interest rate.

You should be aware that different lenders have different credit score criteria, but aiming for a higher credit score is the safest way to get better mobile home loan terms.

Save for a Down Payment

Saving for a down payment on a manufactured or mobile home can be challenging if you don’t have any savings. Manufactured homes are more affordable than their site-built counterparts, and your down payment will be less as well. However, just because it is cheaper does not mean it is a small down payment; it is still a significant sum to save for.

Typically, the down payment for many lenders is 3% of the total loan amount. The more money you can put down for a down payment upfront, the lower your monthly payment will be.

Find the Right Lender

Begin your search for a mobile home lender once you have decided on the type of mobile home you want to buy. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Veterans Administration (VA) guarantee loans for manufactured homes. You can also find specific lenders who specialize in lending on manufactured homes.

Compare Rates from Multiple Lenders

Varying lenders have different rates, so you should shop around before deciding. You may have a good grasp of what you want, but it is always best to know your options. Many lenders offer the same types of mobile or manufactured home loans, but they differ in terms of interest rates and eligibility requirements.

Submit Your Loan Application

Check the eligibility requirements after you have decided on a lender to borrow from; then fill out the application if you meet their requirements. The best part about mobile home loans is that they have a faster approval process than regular loans.

What Credit Score Do I Need to Get Mobile Home Financing?

In order to get mobile home financing, you usually need a minimum credit score of around 600. This is because most lenders require that borrowers have a credit score of 600 or higher in order to receive approval for financing. However, there are some exceptions depending on the lender and the type of loan they offer.

A lower credit score may also make it more difficult for you to qualify for financing because lending companies may be less likely to approve your application if your credit score is below 600. If your score falls below 600, you will need to improve it before applying for mobile home financing. One way to do this is by paying off any outstanding debts and making on-time payments for some time. Learn more on what credit score is needed to buy a mobile home here.

Final Thought

When you are buying a manufactured, mobile, or modular home, it is worth knowing that there are many financing options available to help you pay for it. The key is understanding how to find the right one for your situation.

Most mobile home loans offer flexible terms, low monthly payments, and manageable interest rates. Before you look for a lender, do your homework on mobile home finance. This will give you a major competitive advantage when making your purchase. For example, establish the minimum credit score requirements, among other things.

Read more

2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on What is the Best Website to Find a Mobile Home?

What is the Best Website to Find a Mobile Home?

The mobile home industry is among the top growing markets globally; and with an increase in top-quality homes available, we have seen a proliferation of mobile home websites that allows renters or mobile home buyers to search for their dream home with ease, without the use of a licensed realtor.

With that said, mobile home renters and buyers need to understand that not all websites are designed equally. Most sites are designed for singularly promoting a particular brand of manufactured housing. Only a few allow shoppers to access a variety of manufactured housing units, allowing them to compare construction specs and pricing.

So, what is the best website to search for a top-quality mobile home? Read on to find out.

What is the Best Website to Find a Mobile Home?

The best website to find mobile and manufactured homes are ones where you can easily search for top-quality homes at an affordable price. Let’s consider these sites below:

Cedar Springs Mobile Estates: cedarspringsme.com

Cedar Springs Mobile Estates’ website does not top our list by chance. The site presents some features that you will never find in any other site. Here, you will find both mobile homes for sale in Cedar Springs, MI and mobile homes for rent in Cedar Springs, MI.

You can go on a mobile home virtual tour or easily schedule an actual visit to the manufactured housing units on the website. We do not doubt that all manufactured housing units here will meet your expectations.

For instance, Cedar Springs Mobile Estates is among Michigan’s most fantastic manufactured home communities. You will find affordable mobile homes for rent and mobile homes for sale here with top quality features.

Mobile homes for sale in Cedar Springs are perfect for retirees, growing families, and young professionals. Also, if you have pets, you can tag them along and keep them in this mobile home community without any challenges. Just be sure to review the mobile home park pet policy.

Below are reasons why you need to use cedaspringsme.com to find a manufactured home:

Their Mobile Homes Come with a More Personalized Experience

You will live in a family-owned mobile home park that guarantees you a personal experience, which is outlined right on the website. Unlike most mobile home parks, you are treated here as though you were part of their extended family.

Inside these mobile homes for sale and rent, you will find features and amenities that will simply astonish.

Professional and Friendly Mobile Home Management

All mobile homes for sale and rent on cedarspringsme.com stand out because of the professional management team. The devoted full-time employees ensure that both renters and buyers enjoy their living environment and have peace of mind. They achieve this by ensuring that a mobile home park is safe and well-maintained.

A Vibrant Manufactured Home Park

As you step into Cedar Springs Mobile Estates, you are certain of being impressed. All the manufactured housing units on the website are uniquely designed with features you will never find anywhere else.

Apart from the inviting atmosphere and the land being well landscaped, the streets are also well-kept. This is without question the best place to call home.

Custom Design to Meet Renter and Buyer Expectations

All manufactured housing units you will see on the website are custom designed. The available manufactured homes for sale are also upgraded to the buyer’s custom specifications.

The upgrades include hardwood or vinyl flooring, high-end finishes and fixtures, and stainless steel appliances.

Some top-quality features worth mentioning include custom gourmet kitchens, upgraded skirting, stone fireplaces, and high-end countertops.

Additional features in this mobile home community include:

• Planned community social events
• Online payment portal
• Attractive lending programs
• Strategic location near the downtown area

Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community: tyronewoodsmhc.com

You will find both mobile homes for sale in Fenton, MI and mobile homes for rent in Fenton, MI on this website. The Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community website also allows you to either have a mobile home virtual tour or schedule an appointment for an actual visit.

This mobile home community is about 60 minutes from Lansing and Detroit and 30 minutes from Ann Arbor and Flint. You can acquire either a new or pre-owned manufactured home, depending on your own preference.

Below are reasons why you need to use tyronewoodsmhc.com and get a home from Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community:

Their Manufactured Homes have Large Living Spaces

Most Michigan mobile home parks offer homes of about 1,000 square feet, or less. Tyrone Woods, on the other hand, offers double–wide mobile homes with more than 1,500 square feet of living space. You can even get a unit up to 2,200 square feet.

All floor plans have 3-4 bedrooms and at least two bathrooms.

Beautiful Mobile Home Designs

All the floor plans in Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community are renovated to modern standards. The manufactured homes all have pitched roofs and vinyl siding, and they are also designed with stone fireplaces and spacious oak kitchens to improve your comfort.

Mobile homes for sale in this mobile home park also have large master bedroom suites attached with full baths.

All Mobile Homes have High-Quality Amenities

Very few mobile home parks boast the amenities that you will find at Tyrone Woods. The manufactured homes in this mobile home community come complete with sheds for extra storage, air conditioning, and central heating. They also come with at least two private parking spaces, and the community has its own water filtration system to serve the entire manufactured housing community.

A Unique Manufactured Home Community

If you search and find a mobile home on tyronewoodsmhc.com, you will be signing up for a unique mobile home park with appealing social activities. Downtown Fenton and Tyrone Township, MI always offer a vibrant life to keep you entertained. There are various spots for you if you are an entertainment person, including shopping centers and golf courses.

The community is also part of breathtaking natural scenery. Here, you will have access to beautiful lakes and rolling hills.

Additionally, if you have schooling going children, there is the Linden School District. Records show that at least 96% of students from Linden Community Schools head directly to college.

Mobile Home Village: mhvillage.com

This is a listing service website for those who want to buy or sell mobile homes. Anyone can list their mobile home for sale in exchange for a small fee.

The site offers more granular searches to include the manufactured homes that should be moved, cheap mobile homes on private property, and homes in a mobile home park allowing pets. It will also allow you to search by manufactured home dealers, if you so choose.

We highly recommend this website if you are searching for a used mobile home for rent or sale. However, you might find the site difficult to navigate.

Zillow.com

Zillow is among the best real estate discovery sites in the country. Originally, the site gained popularity as software for appraising real estate value in real-time using historical data.

Today, Zillow has grown into a robust and user-friendly website to find land, houses, and mobile homes for sale. You are only required to enter the state or city name, then start your search.

After listings are populated, it becomes easy to refine the search with the “Home Type” filter. It is without question one site that we highly recommend.

Apartments.com

Our list could not be complete without Apartments.com. Here, you have a chance of selecting from over 1-million homes for rent. Most of the manufactured homes on this website are well-designed, have exciting amenities, and are quite affordable.

To find a mobile home, you search by point of interest or location. The site is reliable, secure, and free from scammers.

Read more

2 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on 8 Tips for Finding a Mobile Home

8 Tips for Finding a Mobile Home

Mainly due to their low cost, mobile homes have become increasingly popular in several cities across the U.S. Many ambitious mobile home renters and buyers, however, find locating the appropriate mobile home to call their own a somewhat difficult task.

Buying or renting a mobile home is a journey, but it does not have to be stressful. So, whether you are looking for your first mobile home or not, you can get ahead of the game and find the ideal one for you and your family with a few simple tips. For instance, one of the ways to do this is to understand the local market.

Finding a mobile home can be simple if you know your way around the local market. You will also save time and money as a result of this. Now let’s explore more tips to make your mobile home hunting journey more seamless.

Tips for Finding a Mobile Home

If you plan to move to a new area and are looking for an affordable place to live, a mobile home can be the perfect solution. Mobile homes offer a safe, inexpensive, and practical housing solution.

The truth is that settling in an unfamiliar area can be difficult. It can even be more challenging if you are looking for a manufactured home that fits all of your needs. The good news is you don’t have to do it on your own. We have prepared some top tips to help make your search process easier. So, let’s dive in!

1. Get Your Finances in Order

2. Start with Referrals from Family Members

3. Use Online Tools to Narrow Down Your Search

4. Do Your Research

5. Call Before You Visit

6. Narrow Down Your Neighborhood

7. Let a Professional Real Estate Agent Hep You

8. Visit Nearby Manufactured Home Dealerships

1. Get Your Finances in Order

Buying a mobile home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, you will want an idea of a mobile home invoice price before shopping around. Many factors determine the cost of a home, including location, size, amenities, and whether or not it is a used or brand new mobile home. read more about used mobile homes for sale here.

Before you go out looking for a mobile home, figure out your financing options. Additionally, since a mobile home is considered personal property, unlike a site-built home, they are ineligible for conventional financing.

If you want to find mobile home loans, such as Chattel Loans (which often have higher interest rates), you may want to look for banks or credit unions that work with these types of loans for mobile and manufactured homes. Learn more on how to finance a mobile home here.

You should also think about whether you want to put your home in a manufactured home park and pay lot rent, or whether you want to consider buying land upon which your home will sit.

If you are on a tight budget, renting is an excellent option as opposed to buying a mobile home. You can also choose the rent-to-own mobile homes, which allows you to pay down your debt with each monthly payment.

2. Start with Referrals from Family Members

It is easy to find your next mobile home if you ask your family members. Your family may be more knowledgeable about you, along with your wants and needs, than you may realize. In addition, your family can assist you in finding a reputable manufactured home dealership, as well as a mobile home community that suits your preferences.

3. Use Online Tools to Narrow Down Your Search

When it comes to finding a home, browsing online listings may be the first step that comes to mind. Many homebuyers prefer this type of search because they can easily see detailed information on the property. Websites also offer a variety of helpful tools, such as maps, mortgage calculators, and neighborhood information. Additionally, online listings allow you to check the home’s details prior to visiting, thus saving you time.

Also, if you want to find pet-friendly mobile home communities/mobile home parks, you can use the filter tools to narrow down your mobile home search. You can also filter by single-wide or double-wide home, amongst many other features.

4. Do Your Research

You want to make sure you are shopping smart and not just buying something because it is the first thing you laid your eyes on. Conducting your due diligence about the mobile or manufactured home, and the kind of community you would want is important to avoid any regrets later on.

There are many things you should take into consideration, including the area, the community‘s location, community amenities, such as swimming pools, and weather conditions are also important. Learn about wind zone ratings for mobile homes here.

There are also a variety of different mobile homes to look for. For example, if you want a certain floor plan, if you want to go with energy-efficient manufactured homes, or even buy land, then it is important to figure out everything before committing to one.

5. Call Before You Visit

If you want to buy a mobile home, call the mobile home community or the dealer first. This will help you get all the information you need about the homes available, along with any other related topics that may be important to you.

All communities are different. Therefore, calling will give you an overview of the community’s emergency response time and overall customer service. If they are fast to assist you, they are more likely to care more about the people who live there. Park owners and property managers are responsible for managing communities, and you certainly want to know if you will ultimately be comfortable with who is in charge.

6. Narrow Down Your Neighborhood

Consider narrowing down your search by location, and you will be on your way to finding everything you need in no time. Examine essential community features, such as closeness to public transportation, crime rate, and the availability of top-rated schools, shopping centers, and dining districts, just to name a few.

7. Let a Professional Real Estate Agent Help You

Finding a home, organizing a relocation, and shopping for household furnishings are all tasks that might be daunting for one person to take on by themself. So, allowing a real estate professional to assist you in finding a house that meets your criteria will save you time and headache. Agents are experienced in the manufactured home industry; so, once you have given them a list of your preferences, they will be able to find your future house quickly.

8. Visit Nearby Manufactured Home Dealerships

Use online tools to find manufactured home dealers near your desired location. After you have contacted several dealers, you can decide on which dealer to go with.

Dealers can advise you on the best type of manufactured housing and provide you with various floor plans that are perfect for growing families.

What You Need to Know for an Easy Transition to a Manufactured Home

There are many benefits to mobile home living. The most obvious benefit is the affordability factor since they are much less expensive than a traditional single-family home/traditional home (which not everyone can afford). This is because they are manufactured off-site and transported to the property owner’s choice of location. Learn how mobile homes are built here.

Another perk is that they can be placed on any flat, level lot and can be moved to a new location when desired. However, before you leap into buying or renting a manufactured home, there are a few things that you should do in order to ensure you pick the right one:

Take Pictures Before Moving In

If you are looking to find a mobile home for rent, taking your own pictures of the home before you commit is a good idea. This way, when comparing with your other options, you will have documentation on how well the homeowner keeps the property.

Review the Mobile Home Park Rules

If you are interested in moving into a mobile home park, make sure you understand all the rules before signing the lease. Mobile home parks vary widely with their rules and regulations, along with their mobile home park pet policy, so it is important to do your research.

Have the Home Professionally Inspected

A manufactured home inspection is the best way to determine if your home is ready to be occupied. An inspector will review all aspects of the house, including how it was built, whether it is water and bug resistant, if there are any safety hazards, etc.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the mobile home has to be code-compliant before moving in (see HUD Code for mobile homes). With that said, move-in only after you have double-checked that all of your utilities are working properly and everything is up to code.

Have a Plan of How Your House Items will Fit

When buying a mobile home to downsize, you need to be aware that the floor space will be smaller than that of most traditional homes, and so things that are of importance to you may not fit. Although the floor plans are smaller than site-built homes or apartment complexes, this does not mean that everything will not fit, you just may need to be a little creative. Measure the available floor space and decide how your furniture and other belongings will fit within your new space.

Meet Your Potential New Neighbors

When looking for the best home, meeting your potential new neighbors is always a good idea to get a better understanding of what life is like within the community. This will help you better comprehend what is going on in the neighborhood and determine if the location is the right fit for you and your family.

Final Thought

Mobile homes are a popular choice for people looking for a home. Buying a mobile home is the perfect solution for those who do not want to deal with the hassle of renting or paying mortgage payments every month. Furthermore, mobile homes/manufactured homes come in various styles, colors, and sizes – so there is something out there for everyone!

Read more