3 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on The Pros and Cons of a Double-Wide

The Pros and Cons of a Double-Wide

If you don’t know what double-wide mobile homes are, they are prefabricated homes developed in factories and involve two similarly sized sections of single-wide manufactured home units. For your information, these homes have a variety of amenities and a range of floor plans that are comparable to stick-built homes.

You might be wondering, is it bad living in a double-wide mobile home? Here, we’ll explore the pros and cons of living in a mobile home and help you decide whether it’s the best option for you.

Pros and Cons of a Double-Wide

Is it Bad to Live in Double-Wide Units?

Even though living in a double-wide unit isn’t bad, it presents several pros and cons. Generally, apart from living in mobile homes presenting high financial savings, it’s just another lifestyle that might be either perfect for you or not.

A standard double–wide mobile home is about 48–90 feet in length and 20–28 feet in width. These mobile homes are transported to their site in two separate units. The two manufactured home units are then assembled at the site.

Double-wide mobile homes offer plenty of space for large families and are a great way of saving money.

These homes are bigger than a single-wide mobile home, which ranges about the same feet in length, but are anywhere from 12 to 18 feet in width. With that being said, a single-wide manufactured home is easier to move.

Pros of Double-Wide Manufactured Homes

Affordability

If there is one reason why people love double-wide mobile homes, it’s the fact that these homes are highly affordable compared to stick-built homes. This can be attributed to how mobile homes are built in comparison to site-built homes.

Double-wide mobile homes are developed in factories where materials are sourced cheaply. For this reason, these homes have been considered the largest source of non-subsidized housing in the country.

The median price of a double–wide mobile home is $49 per square foot, compared to almost $107 per square foot for a site–built home. It is, therefore, about three times cheaper.

Fast Construction Process

Double-wide mobile homes have a faster construction process compared to traditional homes. It can take between 65 to 75 days for a mobile home to be ready. You can even find a manufacturing company that can accomplish the task in fewer days.

These homes also have a quicker utility hookup and final installation process, on top of the fast construction. No matter if you buy a manufactured home to put on your own property or you buy a mobile home already in a community, you’ll be surprised at how fast you’ll start to enjoy your new lifestyle.

Eco-Friendly and Energy-Efficient

Are manufactured homes energy-efficient? Absolutely, and they are environmentally conscious. The HUD Code for manufactured homes is there to ensure that all manufactured homes have a high degree of energy-efficiency in the manufactured housing industry. This includes upgraded insulation in the walls, energy-efficient windows, on-demand water heaters, and insulated skirting.

Today, almost all manufactured homes are Energy Star certified. Additionally, bathrooms and state-of-the-art kitchens are designed with water-saving faucets and energy-saving appliances. Buyers can also go for energy-efficient lighting if they so choose.

In fact, modern manufactured homes are 25% more efficient than they used to be. The idea of having an eco-friendly and energy-saving home option for buyers is always a great one.

Customization Option

Whether you dream of having a retirement ‘castle’ or a perfect first home, the customization options for a mobile home are almost limitless. Some manufacturers even have more than 100 plans that you can select from so you can make your dream of mobile home ownership, and your own specific housing goals, come true.

These homes allow you to modify the roofline or exterior style for the finished design to fit your desires. You can also design a bathroom that pampers your spirit, a kitchen that’s appealing to your inner chef, and built-ins which guarantee that every aspect of your life is pleasant.

You can also pick a floor plan that makes sense to the way you want to live. While double-wide mobile homes allow you to select your layout options, many site-built construction units restrict you to the developer’s floor plans.

There are also options to choose materials, extra fixtures, and the colors you want.

Double-Wide Homes are Versatile

Double-wide manufactured housing also presents some long-term options. Since the homes are highly affordable, people who have a big site can start small and later add more modules, as their needs adjust.

A double-wide mobile home can also serve as a starter home for those who plan on developing a permanent and larger structure in the future. They can then rent the original home or use it for another purpose on the compound.

Another option is that you can move your double-wide mobile home to another site if the current location isn’t a long-term option. This happens in most cases when the initial site is in a land-lease community.

Low-Risk Construction

Most construction sites are usually affected by problems, such as delivery delays, theft, and damage. With double-wide manufactured homes, such problems are always minimal. You will, therefore, save both money and time.

Low-risk construction presents a winning scenario for both the buyer and manufacturer. For instance, the manufacturer experiences minimal construction waste, along with less disappearance and misuse of materials.

The resulting efficiency contributes highly to a reduced average price of manufactured homes when compared to other types of homes such as a stick-built home, thus the person buying a mobile home wins too.

Cons of Double-Wide Manufactured Homes

Depreciation

One major disadvantage you’re likely to encounter is a depreciation in the home’s value. Just like a car depreciates when it leaves the lot, the value of a mobile home also reduces when it leaves a factory.

Unlike a site-built home, manufactured homes don’t come part and parcel with your own land. If you’re buying a mobile home on a piece of land, its value may go up, but that can’t be attributed to the mobile home itself.

The depreciation can be associated with the category that mobile homes fall under, as far as property types are concerned. While site-built homes fall under the real property category, site-built homes fall under the personal property category.

Personal property can be removed from the land, while real property is fixed on the land. Generally, personal property depreciates while real property increases in value over time.

Harder to Resell

Selling a manufactured home second-hand can be difficult, especially if you set it up in mobile home parks. It also becomes hard when the buyer wishes to move the home from where it’s currently located, mainly due to the cost to move a mobile home.

In such a case, both the seller and the buyer incur extra costs in the thousands. For this reason, most people prefer buying a stick-built home.

Damage

Even though mobile homes have improved greatly when it comes to being resistant to natural disasters, like tornadoes and hurricanes, these homes aren’t nearly as strong compared to site-built homes.

The anchoring requirements for these homes don’t offer the stability you’ll find in site-built units. This makes them more exposed to damage compared to a traditional home.

With that said, they are improving, and we expect their structural and stability designs to keep improving with time. In fact, don’t be surprised to find some homes having a concrete foundation.

Difficult to Finance

As we previously mentioned, double-wide manufactured homes are considered personal property and not real property. As we have seen, real properties are those attached to an asset, such as your own home on your own land. It’s, therefore, more difficult to finance a manufactured housing unit than site-built homes.

If you manage to get a personal property loan for a mobile home, you should expect shorter terms and higher interest rates. For instance, while the interest rate for real property (mortgage loan) in 2018 was around 3.2% for a 30-year term, personal property loans attracted an interest rate of 3.99%, with a 7-year term, during that same time. Also expect a higher down payment to be required.

With that said, some lenders now offer prefabricated home loans with a 30-year term. This makes the manufactured home financing easier.

Tough Trailer Park Policies

This disadvantage will depend on whether or not your manufactured home is in a mobile home park.

Even if you decide on buying a mobile home with your own money, but it’s in a manufactured home community on leased land, you’ll have a landlord. This means you will still be restricted to someone else’s procedures, schedule, rules, and will have to pay rent for the leased land, even though you own the home.

If you wish to sell a home that is in a manufactured home park, it becomes difficult. To make matters even worse, you’ll get less for homes if they are in mobile home parks, especially if the buyers are looking to move it.

It’s, therefore, critical to understand the policies for different manufactured home communities.

Limited Design Options

Since double-wide mobile homes are produced in mass quantities, they have limited design options. A stick-built house, on the other hand, has several design options.

Remember, you can incorporate your personal touch through painting or remodeling, for the case of a stick-built home. Mobile homes are, however, difficult to give a unique feel.

With that said, the limited design options are also responsible for the low cost that is experienced in mobile homes. It’s common knowledge that a mobile home is more affordable when compared to a site-built home, thus, presenting a cost-effective alternative.

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3 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on Cider Mill Crossings vs. Tyrone Woods Manufactured Community

Cider Mill Crossings vs. Tyrone Woods Manufactured Community

Finding a place to settle down is challenging in itself, but the issue of getting a home to live in is a whole other story.

Once you have found the perfect town that offers good education, job opportunities, and a nice atmosphere, the next priority is getting an affordable home. At the same time, you have to ensure that this new home provides all the on-site amenities, facilities, and other perks needed for a decent lifestyle. There’s also no replacement for the positive feeling that a closely knit community makes.

All of the factors above might be difficult to find, but it does seem like Fenton, Michigan meets the requirements for many folks in the U.S.

What is Fenton, Michigan?

The suburb of Fenton in Michigan is a popular area among young professionals and families. Many of the residents here even own the home they live in.

The population is 11,375; not low enough to feel boring and not high enough to feel crowded. Overall, one can expect a very nice lifestyle here, especially if they’re of a conservative mindset and prefer a proper suburban feel.

Why Should We Choose a Place like Fenton?

There are a lot of reasons why Fenton residents enjoy their lives here.

For one, the place is perfectly nestled among many major, happening cities. If you’re in the mood for a taste of the fast-paced life, it’s fairly easy to get away from the idyllic suburban life for a while.

Not only that, but the somewhat close proximity of these cities also make sure that you have easy access to prime shopping locations, specialty grocery stores, and a lot of exciting experiences.

Fenton is around 14 miles from Flint, 46 miles from Detroit, and 38 miles from Ann Arbor. The very slogan of Fenton reads “Be Closer,” which is quite fitting.

There are two Great Lakes (Lake Erie and Lake Huron) about an hour away, but Fenton itself is very close to a whopping 58 lakes. Lake Fenton and Silver Lake are just two examples; the takeaway here is that the surroundings are beautiful and idyllic.

Overall, this location is excellent for outings, regular exercise, picnic, water sports, and so much more.

Can You Afford a Place to Live in Fenton?

With housing prices on the rise, don’t be surprised if a traditional brick home in Fenton, MI 48430, or other zip codes, is way past your budget! The same could be true for renting an apartment.

Fortunately, there are several ways to finance a manufactured home in this suburb. There are also many options out there for people who want to settle down in a manufactured home, especially when they’re eyeing Michigan’s fastest growing county.

When we look at the manufactured housing communities in Fenton, Michigan, two names will usually come up among the rest. These are Cider Mill Crossings and the Tyrone Woods Manufactured Community.

Both Cider Mill Crossings and Tyrone Woods seem to claim similar offerings, amenities, and other attractions. Since one has to make a decision between the two, let’s have a look at what each option really offers in exchange for the price or rent of a manufactured home:

Cider Mill Crossings vs. Tyrone Woods Manufactured Community: Which One is Better?

It could be that your quest for affordable manufactured homes ends right here; both Cider Mill Crossings and Tyrone Woods Manufactured Community claim that their offerings are within reasonable ranges. What’s more, they provide several kinds of units in order to cater to different individuals, families, and other groups.

Cider Mill Crossings

The natural beauty of Michigan, and Fenton in particular, is enough to draw many people towards Cider Mill Crossings. If you want to enjoy the local surroundings, with several lakes and parks, for an extended period of time, Cider Mill Crossings does provide an option for home ownership.

Cider Mill Crossings is located right on the outskirts of Fenton, within the charming Tyrone Township. There are ups and downs to living in this area, which we will be discussing below:

Pros of Living in Cider Mill Crossings

The advantages of living in the Cider Mill Crossings community may not be apparent right away.

For the most part, potential homeowners only have the claims of the management itself to go by. These opinions might be somewhat biased, but we’ll try to check out the most athletic perks for Cider Mill Crossings:

1. Relatively Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing is relatively more affordable than conventional options in any case; this is just one of their many benefits.

When we look at the prices for the Cider Mill Crossings community, they seem to be slightly less than other options in the area.

As of now, the average monthly rent at Cider Mill Crossings is $979 to $1,429 for a three bed, two bath unit measuring around 1,344 square feet.

For four beds and two baths, and a total square feet area of 1,568+, the rent range is $1,099 to $1,449.

For a 1,904+ square foot unit with five bedrooms and two baths, the estimated rent is about $1,499.

This may not be less than Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community, but the difference is still there.

2. Convenient Location

There’s no denying that the Cider Mill Crossings community has a decent location for most residents.

Cider Mill Crossings is just off US-23 in the rapidly developing Livingston County. The place itself is strategically located halfway between the major cities of Flint and Ann Arbor. Detroit and Lansing areas are also under half an hour away.

If you’re commuting for work in any of these cities or just want an exciting change, the Cider Mill Crossings community will be quite convenient.

3. Several On-Site Amenities

The residents in Cider Mill Crossings can enjoy several amenities that are exclusively for them. Examples include a clubhouse, a fitness center, and a well-stocked community library.

Some sources state that the fitness center at Cider Mill Crossings has new equipment, while the clubhouse makes a prime hub for social gatherings in the community. The library has a large book collection along with several useful facilities, such as printers, media, internet services, and so on.

With the internet connection, many people can easily access their office or shared network in Cider Mill Crossings if there are no misconfigured or infected devices.

4. A Cozy Feel

Fenton is a suburb after all, and any part of it will probably give residents that quintessential small town feeling.

This is not to say that the community is a very quiet or staid one, though. If you look around, there are several cultural institutions, dining establishments, and shopping centers just a few minutes away.

You may also be able to find a place to repair misconfigured or infected devices. If you want to visit a huge mall, or something similar, some major cities aren’t too far off from Cider Mill Crossings. If you’d rather stay home, there’s probably an office or shared network to tap into.

Cons of Living in Cider Mill Crossings

Unfortunately, there are some very glaring downsides of choosing the Cider Mill Crossings community for your manufactured home.

If you’ve already made the purchase at Cider Mill Crossings, you might want to check out how to sell a manufactured home in Michigan just in case.

Take a look at the most common disadvantages of the Cider Mill Crossings community now:

1. More Focus on Buyers than Renters

If we look at the online feedback from people living in this community (or those who have lived here), the outlook doesn’t seem too bright for renters.

According to the reviews, the management behind Cider Mill Crossings is more likely to favor those interested in buying manufactured houses.

Renters, on the other hand, feel like they are being harassed and even forced to move out so that buyers can come in. Naturally, this is not the attitude one wants when they look for a place to live.

2. Controlling Management

There are also some reports of the management and administration staff misbehaving with residents in Cider Mill Crossings. Some people felt that they were constantly being told what to do.

3. Possible Hidden Costs

While Cider Mill Crossings does provide a lot of amenities and the basic facilities, there have been complaints about the quality of services and hidden costs.

Just one example is the water bill; not only are there some issues with the water quality, but the water bill increases without reason every month. The bill also includes a separate charge for sewage.

4. A Questionable Pet Policy

While it’s commendable that this community allows pets, the restrictions regarding this policy would be very limiting.

For instance, you’re only allowed to have one single pet per unit. The pet rent is fine, being $25 per month for now, however there is a pet deposit required in case of any damage. Plus, there are certain breed restrictions that may not allow some pet owners to have their furry family members in their new home.

5. Slowness in Resolving Maintenance Issues

While the swimming pool is a nice touch, the Cider Mill Crossings community does lag behind when it comes to maintenance.

Tenants have complained that their gutters haven’t been repaired for months, and that cold air continuously comes in when it’s cold. The same negligence will probably be there for misconfigured or infected devices.

When we look at all these negative factors, even the relatively low rent or prices don’t seem like such a great bargain. Check out the web property on your office or shared network before making any decisions.

Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community

When you want affordable prices within the beautiful setting of Fenton, Michigan, the Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community seems to provide a lovely option.

Here, we can get manufactured homes on sale or on a lease. Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of this choice now:

Pros of Living in Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community

1. Convenient Location

The location of this community is a strategic and convenient one. It’s around half an hour from Ann Arbor and Flint, while Lansing and Detroit are around an hour away.

They’re just around two miles off US-23 on the Center Road exit. Even from the community itself, you can get to Downtown Fenton in a matter of minutes.

2. Several Nearby Activities

Whether you have kids and need to entertain them or just want a change yourself, this community gives you several fun activities to achieve these goals.

There are opportunities to hunt, golf, and fish, along with several other commercial, cultural, and community activities available. While the setup is a quiet one, you do get to have recreational and shopping places that cater to all age groups.

You can also check the web property of the place to make a schedule.

3. Large Spaces

The prices are lower here than at Cider Mill Crossings, and the houses are quite a bit larger than other options.

While the number of beds and baths might be around the same, a unit here gives you a lot more bang for your buck. Check out the community’s web property online to ascertain the details.

At the same time, you can also get the answer to the question of whether a manufactured home is a good investment.

4. Several Amenities and Facilities

All the services and amenities here are updated and run as smoothly as possible, and there’s always a property manager on-site. One can set up an office or shared network easily given that there are no misconfigured or infected devices.

5. Relatively Friendly Pet Policy

This community does allow dogs and cats. The pet limit is two per household, which isn’t bad.

With that said, there are some breed restrictions in place. There’s no pet interview required; all you have to do is put in the pet deposit and pay the $25 per month pet fee.

6. Better Pricing

Overall, the rent and sale prices for this community are lower than those of Cider Mill Crossings, and you’re likely to get a larger space.

Again, you can view the web property for full confirmation. Call them up and make sure there are no misconfigured or infected devices.

Cons of Living in Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community

1. Relatively Long Commutes

If you have a job or are pursuing education in Lansing or Detroit, keep in mind that the commute will take around an hour each way. This could be tiring for some, but the commute itself is fortunately easy.

The Takeaway

While there are a lot of pros and cons to consider for manufactured home living, the type of community you choose has a major influence on the overall experience.

Whether you want to go for the Fenton, MI 48430 zip code or aim to settle in the thriving Livingston County, going for Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community over Cider Mill Crossings makes the most sense.

It has a lot of positive reviews online, more amenities, and a better location than Cider Mill Crossings, among many other factors. For more information on this amazing community and all it offers, make sure to check out its web property online.

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3 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on The Guide to Selling a Manufactured Home in Michigan

The Guide to Selling a Manufactured Home in Michigan

Are you aware that different states require different and unique strategies for you to succeed in selling houses?

Each manufactured home is unique, and so is their location. For this reason, you need to tailor your selling strategy, depending on location, if you want to increase your chances of success. For instance, you must have your title in place.

Here, we’re going to look at the secrets of selling a mobile home successfully in Michigan.

Selling a Manufactured Home in Michigan

Follow the tips below to sell a manufactured home in Michigan:

Competitive Market-Based Pricing

Every seller has an idea of the amount they would like to fetch on their mobile home. It would be the absolute best price based on the number of resources you invested in, what you think the mobile home is worth, and the amount of money you need.

Unfortunately, your expectations might fail to match market conditions. For this reason, you should base the price of your property on the Michigan market. You’ll have little success if you out-price all similar mobile homes for sale.

Factors that affect the local market include:

• Interest rate
• Availability
• Population demographics
• Time of the year
• National economy

You must research the value of similar properties in Michigan. Here, it may be best if you consult a professional.

After making a comparison with other related properties, you might be surprised to find that you are charging more for your manufactured home than it’s actually worth.

Local Marketing

Even though it’s wise to promote mobile homes on national listings, you’re likely to gain more from advertising the unit in spaces that focus on prospects that are in Michigan.

Most potential homebuyers go to specialized online listings to search for mobile homes. Additionally, the old-school strategies of real estate signs and flyers can still work effectively. You can stay up-to-date and even get free real estate flyer templates and post them on social media. These are some of the best ways to get to interested parties that are in the state of Michigan.

Rules and Regulations

Each state has laws and regulations guiding the sale of mobile homes. The rules may also vary if the home is located within a mobile home park. You should double-check the laws beforehand so that you don’t get stuck later.

For you to sell your mobile home in Michigan, do the following:

• You and your buyer should draw up a Bill of Sale to finalize the transaction.
• You should have your mobile home title ready for the new homeowner to verify the information beforehand. A home title or property title involves the right to ownership of a home. The title is, therefore, a critical requirement and proves that the home is indeed yours.
• Apart from the title, print and provide a copy of the rules and other documents to your potential buyer.
• Having everything in place will inspire the confidence of potential buyers. It’ll be enough proof that they are, in fact, engaging with a serious buyer.

Winter Ready

Even though the weather might be warmer, it’s certain that “winter is coming.”

If you’ve ever lived in Michigan, you know that this period of time can be very harsh. Michigan comes second on the list of all 50 states having the most brutal winters.

Generally, it means that potential buyers are likely to go for homes that are well prepared for winter. They want to stay cozy and warm no matter the temperature.

Buyers always feel reassured if the features below are in order:

• Roof
• Furnace
• HVAC
• Insulation
• Fireplace
• Plumbing

Our advice is to sell your mobile home during spring or summer in the state of Michigan. However, if you need to sell your mobile home during winter or autumn, ensure the house is warm and inviting.

Here, you can turn on the furnace and the heater. If possible, offer potential buyers some cookies and hot coffee as well.

Use Professional Services

It isn’t easy to predetermine the best strategy that is likely to offer you the best deal. If you opt for a business-savvy approach, you must investigate the opportunities at hand.

One such approach is to employ professional services to sell a mobile home in Michigan.

Since there are many factors to consider, handling the process by yourself can be difficult. The selling process can consume a lot of your time. You also stand the chance of making mistakes that can destroy the deal.

The mobile home real estate industry is very different from that of stick-built homes. Believe it or not, you still have plenty of options to select from.

For instance, companies such as U.S. Mobile Home Pros can either find someone to buy your home, or buy the mobile home from you.

Professional services can reach a wider audience compared to if you were to do it yourself. They also have more resources. This will translate into a hassle-free and quicker finalization process.

Added Value

Value is a key term any time you wish to make a sale. You’ll tire of hearing this word, but keep in mind that it’ll pay off in the end.

The first step here is to have your mobile home inspected and appraised by a professional. If the appraisal doesn’t offer the value you want, there are high-value upgrades you can perform to boost this amount.

Experienced sellers understand how to tailor renovations and upgrades to meet the trends in the industry of today. It is the best approach to capitalize on your potential market.

For instance, in 2019, the most searched mobile home style in Michigan was “industrial.” People have fallen in love with the raw wood and metal finishes that characterize this edgy look.

High-end countertops, subtle paint colors, and classy light fixtures can be great additions to your manufactured home.

Preparation Work

If you have a plan in place, it will be easier to prepare your manufactured home for sale in Michigan. It would, therefore, help to approach your team of professionals to come up with the best plan.

After handling the necessary appraisals, inspections, and repairs, the next step is promoting your mobile home. To sell quickly, sell your mobile home to the right buyers in order to present the unit in a favorable light.

To get effective results, you should involve your agent through every process.

Paperwork

Lastly, you’ll require a certificate of occupancy, mobile home title, and proof of paid taxes. Having these documents will guarantee the buyer access to the relevant financing options. It’ll also make you sell your mobile home with less effort.

Mobile homes are personal property, if you sell them without the land they sit on. For this reason, the mobile home title is issued by the local DMV.

Selling these homes is, therefore, similar to selling a car. Let’s break down the required documents:

Required for all Michigan real estate sales:

• Two forms of ID
• Copy of any addendums and purchase agreement
• Bill of Sale
• Closing statement
• Signed Deed
• Affidavit of Title (home title)

Possible additional documents:

• HOA forms and guidelines
• Loan payoff information
• Proof of renovations or repairs
• Survey affidavits or survey results
• Mobile home warranty information
• Mobile home inspection results
• Closing disclosure
• Relevant affidavits (non-foreign affidavits under the IRC 1445, name affidavits)
• Correction agreement and statement
• Copies of Trusts, Power of Attorney letters, or relevant Wills

Michigan disclosure forms:

• Lead-based paint disclosure
• Flood zone statement
• Seller’s property disclosure statement

The Closing Process

Unfortunately, this process comes with several expenses.

Normal costs include:

• Title search: A title search involves examining records to confirm property ownership
• Transfer taxes
• Title insurance (for buyers): A title insurance will protect against financial loss
• Mortgage repayment penalties
• Loan payoff costs
• The outstanding amount owed on the home

Budget at least 1–3% of your home’s value in closing costs.

Final Verdict

Selling a mobile home successfully in Michigan always comes down to the efforts you put in to meet conditions that make the state’s real estate market unique.

For instance, before you sell your home, you should at least do high-value upgrades to increase the home’s value.

It is also required of the seller to provide a certificate of occupancy, mobile home title, proof of paid taxes, among others. We hope that you get the absolute most value from the sale of your mobile home.

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3 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on What is the Life Expectancy of a Manufactured Home?

What is the Life Expectancy of a Manufactured Home?

Buying a manufactured home has many distinct benefits. Manufactured homes are inexpensive compared to apartments or site-built homes. The building process is also quite fast; it takes only a few days to a couple of weeks to fully build a mobile home.

While manufactured homes have many benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. As such, you should establish what your housing plan is.

For example, is the mobile home a short–term or long–term goal?

This, then begs, the question:

What is the Life Expectancy of a Manufactured Home?

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), today’s manufactured homes have an average life expectancy of 30–55 years, depending on the level of maintenance.

A study by Manufactured Housing Institute, done in 1990, placed the habitable life of a manufactured home at 55.8 years.

What Doesn’t Impact the Longevity of Manufactured Homes?

As said earlier, the lifespan of your home depends on the level of maintenance and upkeep done throughout it’s life.

With that said, the short lifespan of your home shouldn’t be pinned on the following factors:

Construction Material

Manufactured home construction is made predominantly out of wood and metal. The same materials are used for traditional real estate homes.

So why does the former have a shorter life span? Let’s find out.

While construction materials might be the same for both housing options, mobile homes have a reduced framing design, making them weigh less.

Generally, mobile homes weigh far less than traditional homes since they don’t come with bricks and other masonry features, like fireplaces.

The Construction Process

Building a manufactured home requires a team of craftsmen, technicians, and assemblers to work in the same home until completion.

The team always looks at all home details such as rigidity, especially regarding walls, roofs, and floors, all while making sure the components are cut to precision.

With a team of experienced technicians, and a stellar building process in place, the home’s quality and durability increase.

Furthermore, the home’s construction always takes place in a controlled environment, with regular quality assurance inspections by the relevant institutions.

Mobile Home Standards

Today’s homes are subject to highly regulated construction and safety standards that came into effect in 1976. Congress passed the bill in 1976 to increase the quality of homes manufactured in the factory.

The regulations have pushed the manufacturers to comply, hence the increased durability of homes manufactured today.

For manufacturers, they are required to have their homes meet the strength and durability test set forth by the federal government.

Now that we understand that the home construction and safety, materials, and process are not to blame for the short life span, the real question is, what exactly affects the life of a mobile home?

What Does Impact the Longevity of Manufactured Homes?

While the manufacturer might have done their part in building the home to the HUD Code, the following factors affect the longevity of your home:

●      Improper Installation

●      Foundation Problems

●      Water Damage

Improper Installation

After the building process is complete, the home is expected to be delivered and installed on the land, whether leased or private.

With improper initial installation, the structural integrity of the home will be compromised. As such, problems will manifest in the future.

To avoid the headache of problems showing up later, it’s ideal to have the home installed by experts.

Whether you are buying a new manufactured home for sale or a used one, it’s crucial to have a professional home inspector check if the home installation was done properly.

A good installation will make your home last as long as possible.

Foundation Problems

The foundation can affect the lifespan of a home dramatically. For example, if the foundation of the home shifts due to poor construction, the immediate effect is the weakening of your house framework.

Foundation problems, such as un-leveling, can cause your door not to shut properly, walls to crack, and the plumbing to leak. In other words, it could be a never-ending problem just for messing up with the foundation.

Water Damages

The water problems require immediate attention. You can not afford to waste time; or you could end up facing dire consequences.

Water can cause extensive damage to the home. For instance, however small it may be, a leaking roof can turn into a major catastrophe, causing huge damages.

If the home is located in areas prone to experiencing high rainfall, it’s ideal to keep a good coat of paint on the outside of the home.

How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Home

After buying a new home, the expectation is to have it in good condition and maintain it as long as possible, right?

While the average lifespan of a home is typically 30-50 years, you can increase that number by doing the following:

Consider the Location

When thinking of home installation, give careful consideration to the location. Not only does the location give your home better chances of being installed on a properly laid foundation, but it will also help your home maintain its value.

Generally, the value of land increases over time, according to the neighborhood. Strategically picking the location can be a huge success in the long term.

Home Inspection

Regular inspections will keep you informed of the status of your home. You’ll be on the watch out in case anything needs your immediate attention. Inspections can also help tell whether your home is still level.

Flooding, strong winds, and other natural causes can make your home foundation shift. As such, regular inspections will be ideal for establishing the extent of the natural causes.

Upgrade your Roofing

A roof will shield you from all elements above. It’s one of the most important features of a house.

Ignoring roof maintenance is the perfect recipe for shortening the lifespan of your home. Most of the older homes are built with rolled steel roofing. Often, they tend to leak between the seams and along the outer walls.

Therefore, it‘s important to reseal and re–coat your roof regularly to prevent leaks. While you are at it, inspect and clean out the gutters too, on a regular basis.

Install Skirting

If you are looking to prevent your home from pest invasions, then skirting is one of the recommended practices to carry out.

Also, ensure the skirting is well ventilated to avoid mold and keep humidity from damaging the home.

General Maintenance

General maintenance will keep your home in good shape and deal with likely problems before it happens.

If you skip general maintenance, you will be giving room for small problems to turn into bigger problems, which may require a major overhaul.

The following are areas to keep in mind if you want your home to have a longer lifespan:

1. Consider re-leveling the home when necessary
2. Repair any plumbing issues immediately to avoid issues escalating
3. Always let a professional handle any wiring issues
4. Keeping windows properly moving in their tracks
5. Caulking the exterior seams where water may enter

When Should You Scrap Your Home?

When the home repairs cost surpasses its value, cut your losses.

What good does a home bring when the repair is too costly compared to the market value? It doesn’t make economic sense, right?

When faced with such a situation, always try to sell the home first. However, if your efforts don’t bear fruits, it might be best to scrap them and sell them in pieces.

Most mobile home parks have an age limit for the home. As such, if you’re caught up with the regulations, and moving seems too expensive, you may need to sell it to someone willing to remove it, or scrap it yourself.

Final Thought

While the average life expectancy of a mobile home is 30 to 55 years, you can still outlast that number. This is best done if you ensure the installation is done properly, choose the right location, and generally adhere to maintenance practices.

Featured Image by Pat Freling of Paint Strategies

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3 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on Living in a Manufactured Home: What are the Benefits?

Living in a Manufactured Home: What are the Benefits?

Manufactured homes have seen positive growth since the first mobile home was launched several years ago in the real estate market.

The homes have proven to be affordable, easy to customize, and have a low maintenance requirement.

Manufactured homes have been attracting mostly people who seek to exit the high cost of living in site-built homes but still want enough space.

As a potential buyer, there are several things that you must focus on before settling in these units. There are also several benefits of staying in these homes.

In this article, we’ll focus on manufactured unit living, and the benefits that come with it.

Living in a Manufactured Home

A manufactured home is:

1.     Prefabricated

2.     Created in a factory

3.     Then moved to its final location

They are made with modern manufactured home improvements, and the HUD Code guides their development.

Buying a Mobile Home

Financing a manufactured home is very different from buying a townhouse or single-family home.

Lenders consider such homes to be personal property, rather than real estate.

Several years ago, manufactured and modular home loans worked like car loans.

They required higher down payments, higher credit scores, and higher interest rates, compared to a traditional mortgage.

However, the view of lenders, to help home buyers finance manufactured homes, are shifting.

The manufactured homes, nowadays, are of a higher quality than those that came earlier, thus increasing their longevity.

For manufactured homes, the condition of the property determines the available home financing options.

If the unit is fixed on a permanent foundation, it is considered of higher quality.

Also, if the buyer owns the lot, the chance of getting lower interest rates increases.

Basically, the more ‘homey’ your unit is, the more financial options become available for you.

Manufactured Home Land

Homes manufactured in factories are designed with beauty and comfortable space in mind.

They, therefore, offer luxurious upgrades and fixtures, including hardwood floor plans and granite counters.

Since the manufacturers/dealers don’t sell land, you should have the foundation and lot to place your new manufactured home before purchasing the unit.

You can, therefore, have your unit on leased-land in a manufactured home community.

There is also still the option to live in manufactured units on your own private land, if you so choose.

If you choose to live in a mobile home park, your family will be exposed to a vibrant community with fantastic amenities.

Renting the space where you place your unit also lowers the initial down payment required to secure financing.

If you decide to buy land to place your home on, you should understand that it’ll cost more upfront.

It also requires you to do extensive research into zoning laws and local deed restrictions.

With that said, some benefits of owning land is that it give you a better chance to secure lower interest rates and a traditional mortgage.

Please note that we recommend you contact the relevant local building professionals before you commit to buying land.

Maintaining a Manufactured Home

Just like a site-built home, a mobile home requires care and tender love to ensure that they remain long-lasting and safe.

Once you place the home on the foundation, you should regularly inspect for leaks and rust.

As a maintenance practice, routinely check your foundation and apply durable roof coating at least once per year.

Also, your manufactured home will remain clean and comfortable if you clean the gutters, HVAC systems, interiors, and siding regularly.

Manufactured Home Benefits

There are pros and cons to living in a manufactured home. However, here, we’ll focus on the pros, or benefits, of settling in such a home:

Affordability

For many Americans, manufactured housing is the best available, affordable option, compared to all others.

A new manufactured housing unit costs about $62,600, which cost less than a single-family stick-built home, which goes for about $272,200, on average.

Mobile homes costs anywhere from 10-35 percent less per square foot to develop than other house options.

Affordability is the main reason why the middle class love mobile homes.

The average household size for most American homes is 2.7 people, which is ideal for living in such units.

Since the average income for most people is about $50,000, it can only make economic sense to settle in such housing units.

Control Over the Construction Process

If you have ever built a house, you understand:

●       Snarly contractors’ horror stories

●       Delayed construction

●       Cost overruns

Such challenges are never found in manufactured homes since the units are developed in factories, while being under tight federal regulations and strict rules.

The homes are built on assembly lines, leaving no room for error. The manufacturing process also maximizes the worker’s efficiency.

The good thing is that these manufactured homes are built in a controlled environment.

This means they are not impacted by:

●       Vandalism

●       Possible unreliable contractors

●       Bad weather

The control of the building process enables homeowners to save more money during construction, along with time.

The factories are known for buying large amounts of products, appliances and materials, compared to normal on-site builders.

This is just another thing that trickles down the cost savings to the owner.

Energy-Efficiency

Today’s manufactured homes are designed to be energy-efficient.

For instance, each house is developed with:

●       Efficient water heaters

●       High-performance windows

●       Efficient heating and cooling systems

●       Energy star appliances

You might be wondering how much money you can save on a energy-efficient home.

According to studies by the “North Carolina A&T University and the U.S. Department of Energy” such a home saves about 55 percent of the energy.

This means that if you normally spend $1,000 on energy bills, you’re likely to pay $450.

Excellent Amenities

If you’re into exciting amenities, then you should try out mobile units.

Some of the amenities you’ll enjoy include:

●       Ceramic tiles

●       10-foot ceilings

●       Top-of-the-line fixtures

●       Swimming pools

●       Wall-to-wall carpet

●       Energy star appliances

●       Hardwood floors

●       Spacious parking spaces

All of the amenities in a site-built home can also be found in mobile homes.

The only difference here is that everything will be installed before reaching your property.

Many manufactured homes have garden jetted bathtubs and walk-in closets, while others have bay windows, gabled roofs and a fireplace.

It’s common to find homes with more than one bathroom, outfitted with sunken tubs and double sinks.

Nice Manufactured Home Communities

Despite the stereotype that people have towards mobile home parks, most manufactured home communities are wonderful to stay in.

As a homeowner, all you are responsible for is paying a lot rent.

FYI: At least 25 percent of mobile homes are found in home communities, while the remaining 75 percent are located on private property.

The good thing about having your home in a mobile home community is that you won’t have to worry about trash removal, on-site repair work, snow plowing or lawn maintenance expenses.

Also, some communities are secure and gated, while others, such as those for exclusively 55+ seniors only, resemble tiny resorts.

A manufactured home community can offer luxury amenities as well, such as fitness centers, tennis courts, pools, social activities, golf courses and walking trails.

This also gives residents the chance to interact with other residents.

Appreciating in Value

Many home buyers believe that mobile homes rise in value.

Others believe that these homes depreciate with time.

However, the truth is that the units are just like any other home.

When you perform proper maintenance and building inspections, these homes appreciate just like stick-built homes.

However, just like other manufactured housing options, the value of these homes depend on several market factors.

These include:

●       The age of your home

●       The housing market

●       Inflation

●       The local community

●       The home’s initial price

●       The home’s overall condition

●       The home’s land-lease location

Fast Construction Speed

Here, you’ll be responsible for developing the foundation and the utility hookups, such as sewage and electricity, before your unit arrives on the site.

Everything else is developed in the factory, and the unit comes when it’s practically ready to be moved into.

Most factories can design and develop a single-wide or double-wide unit in almost one-third of the time required to develop site-built units.

The house gets to your site location when it’s about 90 percent complete.

You are, therefore, able to move into the house faster than expected.

Most importantly, all of this happens without the manufacturer ignoring safety and building codes.

Conclusion

If you’re seeking a place to live that has an affordable housing unit, is spacious, and comes with low maintenance requirements, then we got you covered.

These homes have a faster construction speed than most other options, and they still manage to come with excellent features and amenities.

They are also energy-efficient and are placed in nice communities, where you get a chance to interact with your fellow residents with ease.

Always weigh the pros and cons before renting or buying a manufactured home.

We ultimately hope you get an affordable unit that is perfect for you and your family.

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

How to Increase the Value of a Manufactured Home

Mobile homes have become very popular over the years, much thanks to their affordability. These homes are also easier to set up, when compared to stick-built homes, and they come with exciting amenities in the mobile home parks in which they reside.

With that said, there is no hiding the fact that manufactured homes depreciate at the same rate as driving a car from a lot. It, therefore, means that your mobile home will lose its value and lovely appeal sooner than you realize.

Because of this, many owners of mobile homes have decided to invest in upgrades to improve their appeal and chances of a higher sales price. However, several manufactured homeowners prefer specific home improvement projects to make their living spaces appealing and attractive.

Whether you intend to make your manufactured home offer you and your family a higher level of comfort, or you simply want to sell your home at a higher price, it would help to know what kinds of upgrades that will surely increase the home’s value.

To assist you in avoiding home improvement projects that won’t pay off in the long run, we’ve prepared for you a list of the most important upgrades that will increase your comfort level, as well as the functionality, aesthetic appeal, value, and energy-efficiency of your property.

How To Increase The Value Of A Manufactured Home

Here are ways in which you can improve the value and aesthetic appeal of your manufactured home:

Upgraded Appliances

The first step to increase the value of your home is to upgrade old appliances. Here, you need to replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones.

Many homeowners are seeking to implement these kinds of upgrades because they offer both long-term and immediate benefits. You can even sell the old appliances to willing buyers in an effort to offset the expense you incur during the upgrade.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Some energy-efficient upgrades can increase the value of your home more than even some stick-built houses that purchasers are looking at.

For instance, energy-efficient windows are a smart investment, and have proven to provide a huge value difference. With that said, it would be best to do your research so you make sure to get new energy-efficient windows, and doors for that matter, at a good price.

Other energy saving upgrades that can raise the value of your mobile home include adding insulation, installing insulated skirting, and applying weather-stripping and caulk throughout the home.

However, you should note that a mobile home must comply with the manufactured home construction and safety standards, or HUD Code, rather than just the standard local building code.

Also note, for homes located in a mobile home park, there is a need to clear exterior changes with the community.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint will never disappoint you. However, this isn’t the time for you to experiment with bold colors, especially if you are looking to sell your home. In this light, it would help if you aimed to keep the painting as simple as possible.

Those interested in purchasing the mobile home need to be able to picture themselves owning/living in the home. For instance, it can be difficult for potential buyers to like the bright red wall colors you applied in the living room. Always use neutral colors that are relatable to the masses.

Curb Appeal

If you implement nicely manicured landscaping, your manufactured home will automatically look and feel more valuable. Even if your property doesn’t have flower beds, you can always create an exciting look with containers.

Other ideas include hanging a bird feeder, repairing cracked walkways, and, mainly, converting your home into a more inviting place.

Small Upgrades

Some minor upgrades can make a big difference, including, but not limited to, massaging showerheads, new handles on cupboards and drawers, and brushed nickel faucets in the kitchen.

It would also be best if you upgraded the lighting. This may mean swapping the normal ceiling light in your living room to a chandelier or stylish pendant. If you don’t have ceiling fans, you may want to consider adding a few of those as well.

Move the Home

If you want to acquire the most value out of your manufactured home, consider moving it into a manufactured home community, if it is not in one already. Since financing options for homes in a park are becoming more plentiful, they are becoming easier and easier to sell.

Also, the perks and amenities that come with residing within a community add tremendous value. These include, but are not limited to, ground maintenance being taken care of, access to clubhouses and swimming pools, and playgrounds galore, on the community grounds, for children to play.

Is Your Property Worth Remodelling?

As we have seen earlier, manufactured homes depreciate over time. The older the home is, the less likely that adding upgrades or remodeling makes financial sense.

Unless you are planning to live in the home for a long time, you should think long and hard before deciding to invest money into improvements and repairs.

Also, like we said before, manufactured homes must comply with the HUD Code. Before you make any improvements, you should study these standards and regulations.

Comparables

Real estate agents and appraisers determine and estimate the worth of a mobile home using recent comparable sales. To decide whether your property is worth remodeling, you should research the top market value after certain upgrades and repairs have been made.

You can speak to any mobile home park director about improvements, or link up with a realtor specializing in such homes. You don’t have to repair anything if the cost of improvements can’t be justified by the potential for gaining a higher value.

Budget

After determining the after-repair value, you should prioritize the most critical thing in your home that needs upgrades, and then approach a contractor to give you an estimate of the repairs.

The cost of the items should be affordable such that even after selling the home, you’ll retain enough equity.

It would be best to decide what is supposed to be fixed based on practical considerations.

Value Adding items

Since the price of a manufactured home is more affordable when compared to traditional site-built homes, value-adding items aren’t typically significant renovations.

You can address inexpensive and cost-effective cosmetic issues such as vinyl flooring, carpets, exterior & interior paint, lighting fixtures, countertops, and cabinets, just to name a few.

It would be costly to add significant renovations, such as moving walls and building additions.

Saleability

There are manufactured homes that aren’t saleable, thus not making them good remodel investments. This includes all mobile homes that were built before 1976.

Lending institutions’ guidelines don’t factor in mobile homes that were developed before this period.

Any potential buyer for such a property is less likely to qualify for any loans. So, if your home falls under this category, you should ensure that you research more about loan programs available for such cases before you decide to make renovations.

Conclusion

There is no hiding the fact that a manufactured home reduces in value at a quicker rate than traditional homes. There is, therefore, the need to increase the home’s value, whether you want to sell it or live in it for the long term.

To improve the value of your home, you should carry out energy-efficient improvements, like doors and windows, and regular maintenance. However, you must involve a professional every step of the way.

We hope that you maintain the value of your home and keep it in tip-top shape, resulting in more opportunities for you in the future.

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3 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on How Long Do Manufactured Homes Last?

How Long Do Manufactured Homes Last?

More often than not, whenever the term mobile home is used, people are more likely to associate it with low quality. It is a misconception that surrounds the mobile home industry due to the quality of the homes manufactured before 1976.

If you are looking to make a living in real estate, it is ideal to choose the right property for your portfolio. Not only should you choose a real estate property with strong rental income potential, but also one that is likely to appreciate its value over time.

If given the same care as any site-built home, manufactured homes should last forever. A report by the Federal Housing Finance Agency indicated that manufactured homes retain value much like stick-built homes.

Needless to say, many real estate investors worry about the quality and lifespan of mobile homes. So the question is, how long will a mobile home last?

Let’s dive in and uncover the mystery.

How Long Do Manufactured Homes Last?

The truth is, today’s manufactured homes are built to the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, better known as the HUD Code, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For instance, fire resistance and energy-efficiency of the home are some examples of the aspects that are regulated.

The lifespan of a mobile home is a frequently discussed topic. To settle the argument, a study by the Manufactured Housing Institute placed the average life expectancy of a manufactured home at 55.8 years.

How to give your manufactured home a longer life span

Looking to invest in manufactured homes suggests that you will want it to stay standing for a very long time. But how do you increase the chances of your manufactured home lasting long?

Here are some of the tips to consider:

Keeping up with maintenance

It goes without saying that for your manufactured home to last long, proper maintenance has to be followed to the letter.

For example, painting the home’s exterior regularly and caulking all exterior seams where water could enter will go a long way.

Unlike site-built homes, where maintenance is your full responsibility, manufactured homes in community parks are attended to by park owners, to whom you pay a lot rent, which can also help with the longevity of your home.

When agreeing on a lease, establish the part you’ll play in maintenance.

Being vigilant about water damage

It is paramount to attend to all plumbing issues, as soon as they show up, to avoid further damage. This could add more years to your manufactured home.

Also, ensure your manufactured home is properly ventilated.

Choosing the right location

Where you choose to place your home has a lot to do with weather conditions. You should consider areas with no extreme humidity, otherwise you run the risk of your manufactured home building materials, like wood, warping and degrading over time.

Why Do Some Believe that Mobile Homes Have a Short Life?

The perception that mobile homes have a shorter lifespan than other forms of housing has been making waves over the years.

This is fueled by several reasons, as detailed below:

Portrayal of Manufactured Homes in News Media

More often than not, news reports focus on manufactured homes, above all other property types, whenever harsh weather is in the forecast.

In contrast, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and enhanced installation practices for manufactured homes have countered the notion that homes built in a factory are particularly susceptible to weather.

Emergency Response Practices

When storm damages do occur, you often see the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sending “temporary housing” to areas where people are displaced from a variety of homes.

The housing issued by FEMA is sometimes similar to manufactured homes. However, what you probably don’t know is that this temporary housing is not the same as manufactured homes, as they are not built to the same standards.

Reasons to Be Optimistic About the Longevity of Mobile Homes

You have more than one reason to be optimistic about mobile homes.

The construction process they go through only assures the quality aspect of the home.

Take a look at the details below:

Mobile homes are designed for safety and efficiency

The primary reason the HUD code was passed by Congress in 1976 is to enhance the manufactured home safety and construction standards, which improves the living conditions for homeowners.

In fact, manufactured homes are held to a higher standard, when it comes to quality and safety, than ever before.

Unlike site-built homes, the wood and metal that go into a new manufactured home have been safely stored inside a factory. The building materials used for manufacturing the home only experience the outdoor weather once they are complete.

Stable Labor Force

Manufactured homes are built in factories by professionals. The attention to detail is what keeps the consistency and heightens the standards of a new manufactured home.

For instance, electricians and framers work in the same building, on the same line, every day.

HUD inspects manufactured homes

It’s not officially a manufactured home until HUD has attached its metal verification plate to it. This indicates that the home has met the manufactured home construction and safety standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Prior to construction beginning at the factory, several in-house inspections and quality assurances are conducted, as per the federal building code.

In fact, manufactured homes are one of the most heavily inspected forms of housing there is.

Factors That Negatively Impact a Manufactured Home’s Lifespan

The inspection and quality assurance that is done in the factory aren’t the only reasons for the long lifespan of your home. There are more cards at play here:

Improper Installation

Without a doubt, if your mobile home was not properly installed, the structural integrity of the entire home will be compromised.

Over time, the effects of poor installation will keep showing, and it eventually will end up costing you more than you anticipated.

To counter the problem, it is highly advised to have your home inspected before moving in, regardless of whether it is a new manufactured home or a used one.

Foundation Problems

The poor foundation of your manufactured home can affect its lifespan. If your home experiences movement in the soil, this could weaken the framework of the house.

Furthermore, this could cause un-leveling of the home, resulting in your door not shutting properly, walls cracking, and eventually leaks occurring in plumbing.

Damage

Water is the biggest culprit, as far as damage is concerned.

Whether it is a leaking pipe or a leaking roof, water can cause extensive damage to a mobile home. On the other hand, cold weather can freeze plumbing, while hot weather can create humidity and mold problems.

Should You Remodel Your Mobile Home

Remodeling an older mobile home can be a great way to increase its lifespan.

However, the decision is dependent on several factors. For instance, remodeling a home that was made before 1976 can be costly, as they were not built to HUD code standards.

To give you an insight, many of these homes only have 60 to 100 amp electrical panels, which are inadequate for today’s electrical needs.

More often than not, the wiring and plumbing are sketchy and most have non-uniform window and door sizes.

When Should a Mobile Home Be Scrapped?

A general rule of thumb states that if a home is in a condition that the cost of repair surpasses its total value, then it might be the right time to consider scrapping.

Also if it has experienced significant damage by water, insects, mold, or rot, there’s no point in holding on to it anymore. It’s better off to consider other alternatives before it gets any worse.

In such situations, you might find it is too expensive to repair and, thus, it is advisable to just cut it into pieces and sell it for scrap.

Final Thought

As discussed earlier, manufactured homes have an average life expectancy of 55.8 years.

Manufactured housing is inexpensive, when compared to site-built homes. They are energy-efficient and offer a quality home living experience, similar to a stick-built home.

The only major differences to stick-built homes are that mobile homes are manufactured in a factory and take a considerably shorter time to build.

If you are on a budget and still thinking about buying a manufactured home, you can choose to place it in a community park and pay a lot rent.

Just remember, whether you choose to buy a new manufactured home, or a used one, it is important to get it inspected to ensure its serviceable life.

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3 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on Manufactured Homes vs. Houses For Sale: Fenton, MI

Manufactured Homes vs. Houses For Sale: Fenton, MI

Buying a new home is never an easy thing. It requires getting the right information, regardless of source, on several real estate aspects including new open units, size (sqft), cost, among others. You might find yourself undecided between buying a site-built house for sale or a manufactured home.

There are benefits and disadvantages to buying either of the two options. In this article, we will compare the differences between manufactured homes and houses for sale in Fenton, MI.

Houses For Sale: Fenton, MI

Fenton, MI is among the best cities in the state of Michigan. The municipality has a total population of over 11,000 people, with over ten neighborhoods. There are new construction efforts in the city, which have given rise to more new houses for sale.

Generally, Fenton, MI, is one of the best places that you can live. That’s why we’ve created a list of top places that you can find new houses for sale in Fenton, MI.

Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community

If you’re migrating to Fenton, MI, there is no need to spend a lot of money setting up a new site-built home. Instead, Tyrone Woods has a collection of new manufactured homes for you.

The community is located about 10 minutes from downtown Fenton, MI. This means that you can access exciting amenities, new open house events, and recreational activities, all while having a very short commute to do so. Investing in a manufactured home is always a good idea at Tyrone Woods.

Parshallville

Parshallville is another top Fenton, MI real estate destination you should consider. The area is known for top new construction projects and exciting multi-family apartments.

The only challenge here is that houses for sale cost twice that of the neighboring areas in Fenton. For instance, the price of a typical new home goes for $35,614. If you’re planning to rent a new house, you’ll likely pay $1,470. The prices could also go up for 3 beds/2 baths or 3 beds/3 baths units due to their bigger sizes (sqft). However, the cost in the neighboring areas could be as low as $10,000 based on their smaller size (sqft).

Most of the houses here in Fenton are new 3 beds/2 baths or 4 beds/2 baths units. The demand for new open house spaces in Parshallville is higher than the national average. This is exactly why there are new construction projects everywhere in Fenton, MI.

Bancroft Ct.

Bancroft is also located in Fenton, MI, and has new houses for sale, which are mostly valued around $8,700. The community has received positive reviews, especially from new tenants who have fallen in love with the climate. Bancroft is popular for having more site-built homes than manufactured homes.

The cost of living here in Fenton is lower than the national average. Bancroft is a small locality with a total population of over 600 people. At least 40% of the people there are children.

Over the last ten years, Bancroft, in Fenton, MI, has seen an appreciation rate of 7.8% for new homes. The sale pending of these new homes has also gone up. If you buy a house here, your children will attend the best schools. You’ll also have access to the best restaurants, and shopping centers in Fenton, MI.

Linden Rd. / Bennett Lake

Linden Road and Bennett Lake are other exciting neighborhoods in Fenton, MI. The average cost of a new home in the area is about $350,000. Although this is higher than most communities in Michigan, the houses are top quality. In addition to this, many landlords buy houses in the area because they’ll get a high rental income.

For instance, if you were to buy a new two-bedroom home, your rental income will be around $1,500 per month, according to the Fenton, MI real estate market statistics. Having such few new open house units attracts such returns per sqft.

The area surrounding Bennett Lake, in Fenton, MI, is also very populated, making the cost of new homes for sale high. Most new homes here are single-family homes, having four to five bedrooms. With that said, you’ll also come across several multi-family units.

The reason why houses have a high rental income is that the landlords have many new homes. There are 2nd and 3rd generation families here. Observers believe that this is because there are very few homes for sale that were developed before 2000.

At least 5% of the new and existing houses on Linden Rd. are listed for sale each year. This is good for landlords, since it shows guaranteed demand for housing.

One thing about this Fenton area is that 95% of the population commute using personal vehicles. The area has many wealthy managers and professional executives. If you’re a parent, there is no need to worry since there are good schools for your kids. Hurry up to get a house here, since the sale pending rate is always on the rise.

Faussett Rd. / Runyan Lake Rd.

If you are looking for a quality new house in Fenton, MI, then Runyan Lake is the place for you. The cost of new 3-bedroom homes for sale averages $340,000. If you buy a house, and then rent it out, your average income will be about $1,681 per month. There are few new open house units available, which helps attract such rental income per sqft.

The Faussett Rd./Runyan Lake Rd. location in Fenton, MI is categorized as a rural area having large multi-family homes for sale. The trend of developing mobile homes has been accepted in the area, and you’re likely to come across a new modular home at least after every 100 meters. Most residents in the area moved there in the 1970s.

Since the new open vacancy rate on Bennett Lake Rd., in Fenton, MI, stands at 3%, it’s not easy to find a vacant house. You might even spend more than two years before you find your ideal home. There are new construction projects to set up new homes, but the sale pending rate for these units are high, so act fast!

Comparisons Between Manufactured and Site-Built Houses for Sale

There are several differences between site-built houses for sale and manufactured homes. Even before we explore these differences, it’s important to let you know what the two involve.

Manufactured homes are prefabricated homes that are developed in a factory and finally moved to their new location. The new location can be a leased location or the owner’s piece of land. Site-built homes are traditionally developed houses. These homes for sale are permanent structures that can’t be moved.

Types of Homes

According to various sources, manufactured homes can refer to both modular homes and mobile homes. Mobile homes are developed on a steel chassis and are then set on a property site. Since mobile homes are not considered houses, they must be developed to conform to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development building code.

Modular homes are also created in factories, just like mobile homes, however, they are required to comply with the local building codes. Modular homes are more closely related to site-built houses for sale than they are to mobile homes.

Benefits

If you purchase a new manufactured home, you’ll enjoy more benefits than developing a new site-built home. For instance, buying new manufactured homes has proven to be cheaper than site-built houses. As a result of having simple designs, manufactured homes have a low maintenance and repair cost.

Developing a new modular or mobile home will also take less time. However, site-built homes for sale attract more rental income in the long term.

Appreciation in Value

A site-built home has a higher appreciation value compared to manufactured homes. Among manufactured homes, modular homes have a low appreciation rate, while mobile homes don’t appreciate at all. On the contrary, mobile homes normally depreciate.

Site-built homes are more durable as opposed to manufactured homes. Since a new mobile home isn’t placed on a permanent foundation, it isn’t appropriate in areas that experience extreme weather conditions.

Considerations

Mobile homes aren’t legally considered as houses, but rather a form of personal property. This situation complicates everything for new owners who would want to venture into manufactured housing investments.

It’s important to note that manufactured homes may be set up on leased land or mobile home parks. Investors can’t take mortgages, in such cases, but can instead take expensive personal property loans. However, site-built homes are real houses that you can take mortgages on.

Expert Insight

There are many dissatisfactions when it comes to manufactured homes. There are complaints, especially from new investors in manufactured homes, about the designs not meeting their expectations. They also express dissatisfaction with the difficulties in accessing loans. Such frustrations aren’t found as often by those who invest in site-built homes.

Conclusion

Although there are several differences between manufactured homes and site-built houses, they both have certain benefits. The one you choose should depend on your needs and budget.

For instance, manufactured homes are more affordable, while site-built homes appreciate faster in value. However, if you’re a new investor, we recommend that you visit the Tyrone Woods Manufactured Home Community, in Fenton, MI. The homes there are affordable and come with excellent amenities.

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3 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on What is Manufactured Housing?

What is Manufactured Housing?

You’ve probably called them mobile homes for years without realizing it’s not really what they are referred to. Mobile homes is what houses were referred to as when they were built off-site, up until 1976, before a major overhaul of the construction policy by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Mobile homes that were built after 1976 are referred to as manufactured homes.

According to a report by the National Housing Institute, more than 22 million people in the United States live in manufactured housing. This shows just how popular manufactured homes are in the United States.

A manufactured home can surprisingly be spacious with more living room space, a bigger kitchen, and large bedrooms. While it may be easier for anyone to spot a manufactured home, the updates in recent years have made it resemble a site built home, or traditional real estate home, with a customized floor plan and increased ceiling heights.

A modular home is a subset of manufactured housing. Like manufactured housing, they are factory built and transported to the site. However, modular homes are set on a permanent foundation. Modular homes must conform to specific rules, guidelines, and building codes that often surpass those of traditional on-site homes. Besides, loans for modular homes are the same as those of site built homes.

What is Manufactured Housing?

Manufactured housing is a housing unit entirely factory built and transported to the homeowner’s site. Manufactured homes come in single units and multi-section. Multi-section often pertains to a larger home, with more varying dimensions than a single unit.

“They are built on solid steel frames, giving them a sturdiness that belies the stereotype of yesteryear,” says Chase Daugherty, vice president of Express Homes, a manufactured home building company.

All manufactured homes are built in compliance with the HUD code, which was put into place on July 15, 1976. The changes covered the design and construction specifications, strength, and durability, among other things. Generally, the quality standard was improved, which ushered in a new generation of mobile houses that is now referred to as manufactured homes.

As part of the HUD code implementation, each manufactured home is required to have a data plate.

What is a Data Plate?

A data plate is a piece of detailed paper containing full manufacturing details, located inside of the home. It is often located in the kitchen cabinet or the bedroom. On top of the data plate, each house is labeled on the outside with a red “HUD label,” which signifies the manufacturer built the home to conform with the HUD code, set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Homes built before 1976 cannot have the HUD label or certificate, even when they are updated to current standards.

Sometimes people might remove the data plate, for whatever reasons. In such a case, you might be able to get a replacement from the Institute of Building Technology and Safety (IBTS). It can provide you with a label verification letter or performance verification certificate, depending on your need.

Often IBTS provides assistance to government agencies on behalf of the federal government. However, it cannot fetch data information for mobile homes built before 1976, which is around the time the HUD code was implemented.

How Long Does it Take to Build a Manufactured Home?

One of the best things about buying a manufactured home is the short time it takes in the construction phase and delivery process. It can take anywhere between 2-7 days to build in the factories. However, the actual moving in for a homeowner may take up to 4 months from the date they placed an order.

Many factors come into play that results in taking months before the actual delivery to the homeowner. ”There are many factors that contribute to the timeline from when a customer signs a purchase agreement until the time a manufactured home is move-in ready – permitting, financing, and site-prep to name a few,” says Mark Bowersox, EVP, Industry Relations at the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI).

The Evolution of the Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes were built to address a specific purpose. It was meant to offer affordable, low-cost, owner-occupied housing to the masses. Manufactured homes share the same historic origins as travel trailers, however today the two are very different, even in their sizes and furnishing. Travel trailers are being used to offer temporary or vacation homes.

The Early Movable Homes

The history of movable homes can be traced back to the 1500s, during the roaming band of gypsies who traveled with their home-drawn mobile homes. In the United States, mobile homes were built around the 1870s. This type of mobile home was simply moveable beach-front properties built in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina and moved by horses whenever it needed to be.

However, the current manufactured homes, that are known to many, were brought to demand following the end of World War II. The veterans returned home needing housing, which resulted in high demand. The housing in supply couldn’t serve the returning veterans. The trailer industry, on the other hand, responded by building small homes that could be moved from place to place and could house the veterans and their families.

In 1943, a mobile home had an average width of eight feet and a length of more than 20 feet. It served up to three sleeping sections, but one big miss was a bathroom. It didn’t have one! By 1948 the mobile home was a little more improved with a bathroom added on board and the length increasing as far as 30 feet.

With that said, in the 1950s and 1960s Americans wanted larger homes with improved amenities such as better appliances, among other things. The demand ushered in a new generation of mobile homes that suited the needs of a young family.

From Mobile Homes to Manufactured Homes

On July 15, 1976, Congress passed the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act (HUD CODE) which made manufactured homes the only form of single-family buildings subject to urban development HUD.

In 1980, Congress again approved the use of the term “Manufactured Homes” to replace “Mobile Homes.” Nowadays, manufactured homes are situated in land-lease communities, commonly known as trailer parks. This is the land on which the home sits on. The homeowner is thus required to pay a Lot rent.

Mobile park owners, on the other hand, provide utilities such as water, electricity, garbage removal, sewage and pools, among other things. While parks are known to provide basic housing needs, some parks have specialized in providing shelter for senior citizens.

Why You Should Consider Living in a Manufactured Home

Manufactured housing has attributes you won’t get with traditional homes. They provide flexibility when it comes to housing needs. Here are some of the reasons why manufactured homes are a great option to take for housing needs:

It’s Affordable and Easy to Acquire One

The primary reason for mobile homes, back then, was to provide veterans with affordable housing. The same applies to date, however, manufactured homes now are far more improved and customizable compared to those built before 1976.

You need little effort to find a community park where you could lease land and have your home on it. In fact, you can find used manufactured homes available, which will take a shorter time to complete the paperwork for and move in to.

On the other hand, site-built homes take longer to finish construction. They need more time, from the basic design of the house to the actual building. This is different from manufactured housing, which is built in an assembly line, making the process smooth and easy for bulk production.

Typically, a new manufactured home will take as low as two days to finish building, and up to 4 months before moving in.

According to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau, the average sale price of a new manufactured home was $88,200 in August 2020, the most recent average price available. This is way more affordable compared to traditional homes, which around the same time was around $325,000.

As of December 2020, the cost per square foot of modern homes was ranging from $240 per square foot to over $325 per square foot. This means more square feet for a modern home would cost a lot more than buying a manufactured home.

Easy to Maintain

Traditional homes come with huge responsibilities of maintenance, unlike homes manufactured in factories. Usually, the cost rises depending on the size of the house. However, when it comes to manufactured homes, it’s relatively cheaper to maintain and pretty much stress-free.

The park takes care of major responsibilities of homes manufactured in factories, that usually could have been yours if you owned a full site built home. For a family living on a budget, this could be a great option due to its low cost of maintenance.

Fast Installation

Dealing with manufactured housing isn’t that complicated. It is easy to get your house installed, within a short time, after placing an order. Unlike solid homes, manufactured homes are easy to install.

The typical process will look something like this:

Step 1: Obtaining Permits

The first step is obtaining the permit to set up the mobile home within your area. You should inquire with your local home park manager about the requirements. It’s a common industry practice for inspection to happen after completion.

Step 2: Prep the Site

After securing the necessary permits required, it’s time to prepare the site to install the house. This includes ensuring the site ground is level to the right standard. Also electricity and water must be installed. Make sure you work with a licensed contractor to install all of these items.

Step 3: Build Footer Foundation

Prepare the footer foundation if it’s not there already.

Step 4: Move the House into Place

With the foundation set up, now is the time to move the house into place.

Step 5: Secure the House with Hydraulics Jacks

Hydraulic jacks offer the necessary support the house needs. It’s not advisable, however, to use mechanical jacks as they may not be as sturdy and can collapse.

Step 6: Construct Foundation

It’s time to build the foundation and give the house the right weight support by building piers under any area of the mobile home.

Step 7: Lower the Jacks

Lower the house from the jacks on to piers, but do not remove the jacks as they may be important for leveling.

Step 8: Check the Interior Leveling

Finally, check the interior of the house and make sure it’s level.

Fulfilling Housing Dream

Anyone can fulfill their dream of owning a house through manufactured homes. Since they are more affordable ,compared to traditional homes, they can be acquired via personal loans or savings, if possible.

They offer an escape route, and while the traditional homes might be complicated, manufactured housing offers a smooth path to be a homeowner.

Simple Life

The fact that the homes are more affordable and easier to maintain, you’re likely to have a more stress-free life. You wouldn’t have to worry about the responsibilities that normally a traditional home will demand. You’ll have more time to do other important things.

Energy Efficient and Eco-Friendly

The Manufactured Housing Institute reports that such housing construction is in a way that yields up to 90% less waste and environmental impact than site built housing. The increased energy efficiency makes manufactured homes more eco-friendly than traditional homes.

Besides the fact that it’s factory built and transported to sites, it offers little environmental damage compared to site built homes.

Manufactured Homes are Quality Controlled

While many might assume that manufactured homes are of poor quality and vulnerable to weather, the Manufactured Housing Institute points out that this is a common misconception.

In fact, after the 1976 HUD Code came into effect, modern manufactured homes were subject to federal building code, which resulted in a higher standard of manufactured homes being constructed, which is far superior to those previously referred to as mobile homes.

The homes are built to withstand the harsh environment. Thus anytime you’re buying a manufactured home, be rest assured you are not likely to be at any risk.

Last Take

Housing manufactured in factories is so much more reliable and affordable compared to traditional homes. You’re more likely to fulfill your dreams of owning a house via manufactured housing simply due to the pricing and upkeep cost alone. Not to mention, home parks offer homeowners a sense of community. They often have group activities, fitness amenities, and caring neighbors.

The homeowners often have their driveway, backyard and are still close enough to have a neighbor, which fuels social interactions. While the manufactured homes may not be classified as a real estate asset, and thus not eligible for loans from some financial institutions, that doesn’t rule out the fact that there’s an option to acquire the house with a mortgage.

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