MANUFACTURED HOUSING: PURCHASING TIPS

GETTING STARTED

Purchasing a manufactured home can be both a pleasant experience and an efficient undertaking, so long as the purchaser has a basic knowledge of the process. Conveying your requirements to the seller will eliminate misunderstandings and/or omissions that might be difficult to correct at a later date.
It’s important to determine your needs and desires before visiting your manufactured housing model display center.
Items to be considered are:

• Square footage desired, which can and may be limited based upon the site you have chosen to locate your new home. Remember to consider the space needed for exterior accessories such as a carport, a garage and decks and/or steps.
• Number of bedrooms required for your family, now and in the future.
• How would you prefer the floor plan to be configured? Would you like a family room and separate living room or a single great big room? Are all bedrooms in one area of the home or would you prefer privacy separations between master bedroom and other bedrooms? Do you require study and/or office space? What are your preferences for the size and style of kitchen and baths? Etc.

Another important factor is determining where you would like to locate your new manufactured home. Normally the delivery site will be either private property or a manufactured home rental community.

• Private property – Contact the local housing agency to determine if the property is zoned for a manufactured home. If not, determine what would be involved in acquiring an exception via a Conditional Use permit application. Determine what codes, regulations, permits and other fees would be applicable to the placement of your home on the property. Also be sure to ask if your manufactured home is required to be attached to the ground using a foundation system.

• Manufactured Home Rental Community – Obtain an advance copy of the rental/lease agreement to determine if there is a Rental Payment Acceleration Clause. What are the restrictions on parking, overnight guests or the use of community facilities such as recreation centers, pool and laundry facilities? Is the park space large enough to accommodate the size of the home you are intending to purchase, including porch, steps and parking carport or garage? Your retailer/dealer should measure the site and determine any and all setbacks and easements prior to the home being ordered from the manufacturer.

SHOPPING FOR THE PERFECT HOME

Being as prepared as possible with all the relevant information and an awareness of your needs and requirements will ensure an enjoyable experience when you visit your manufactured home sales center.

It is suggested that you share your requirements with your salesperson and only look at those homes that fit your criteria. If the model homes at your sales center do not contain the floor plans that meet your requirements, ask to see floor plans of other models of the same make. Manufacturers usually offer multiple floor plans of different layouts. Usually there will be a floor plan that at least matches most of your requirements and you’ll be able to order your new home by making the necessary changes to match your needs. Changes to an existing, approved floor plan are a lot less expensive than purchasing a complete customized home.

When requesting a selling price it is important that the price include normal delivery, installation of the home and all the optional upgrades you are requesting. Furthermore, make sure that the pricing includes all the options and upgrades in the model home that is being displayed. Your manufacturer’s brochure usually lists all the standard features. Manufactured homes are usually displayed with numerous upgrades. Beware of “base pricing” (no options included) and/or “F.O.B. pricing” (delivery and set-up not included). After you have received a complete price quote and it appears to be the perfect home, it’s usually a good idea to look at other manufactured homes models and do a price comparison – but remember: always make sure you are comparing homes that are equal in size, construction and amenities.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this series: Manufactured Home – Completing the purchase

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