How to Buy a Manufactured Home

Manufactured homes have come a long way from the old, square cracker boxes. Today's manufactured homes come in as many models as "stick-built" homes, and they're usually less expensive.

Things You'll Need

• Manufactured Homes

Instructions

1. Decide how big of a home you want. Manufactured homes come in a variety of sizes, though two or three bedrooms is the standard. Manufactured homes come "single wide," "double wide," and even "triple wide."

2. Decide how much you can afford to spend. Manufactured homes generally start in the low to mid-$20,000s.

3. Select a manufacturer with a good reputation. Drive through some new mobile home parks and see who the predominant manufacturers are. Choose a company that has been in business for at least 10 years - if it's made it that long, it must be doing something right.

4. Preview models with a critical eye and ear. Is the home made with quality materials? Do the interior and exterior doors sound hollow? Do they shut solidly? Do the floors squeak? Does the floor seem to move underneath you? Do the walls feel thin? Can you feel air coming in around the windows and front door when closed? Do the windows open evenly or do they hang to one side? Does the front door hang straight or is it slightly off? When you look down the hallway, do the door jambs look level? What types of materials are used on the exterior walls? What is the roof made of? What is the insulation factor?

5. Ask what type of warranty comes with the home. How long is it effective? What does it cover? Who will do the work if there is a problem?

6. Find out if the manufacturer provides financing. Oftentimes a manufacturer provides its own financng - which may or may not be better than what you can find on your own. Typically, it is easier to get financing through the manufacturer or the dealer. A regular lender usually has requirements and parameters that the manufactured home must meet, including age and size.

7. Ask what kind of foundation is required. (The foundation is usually the buyer's expense.)

8. Arrange for delivery. Ask how your home will be delivered and who pays for it.

9. Look into insurance. Some insurers will not insure a manufactured home. Others have special policies. Compare rates.

Tips & Warnings

• Manufactured homes are typically cheaper than conventionally built homes and can look almost identical to them.

• You can get a manufactured home with almost any type of siding, including log.

• As a manufactured home gets older - say 10 or more years old - it may become harder to refinance.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish