Frequently
Asked Questions
1. How is the quality of a
manufactured home in comparison to a site-built home?
The quality of construction that
goes into a manufactured home can be superior to a site-built house because all
building is done in a controlled environment. They are also built to the
federal Manufactured home construction and safety standards. Also known as the
HUD code.
2. Can I buy a home directly
from the manufactured?
No, you need to buy your home
from a dealer who is licensed to specifically sell Manufactured homes.
3. How can I be
sure that a manufactured home is a quality built home?
The HUD Code regulates and
monitors the manufactured homes construction and design as well as the fire
resistance, energy efficiency and transportability.
4. Why should I consider a
manufactured home?
In today's housing market, you
can purchase a manufactured home at a quarter of the cost of a site-built home,
with the same quality of workmanship and amenities.
5. What are the interest
rates on a mobile home loan?
If the home will be located in a Mobile home park in which you do not own the
land, the interest rates range from 8% - 10% on new homes and 9% -12% on used
homes. The age of the home, the lender, and your credit history all are determining
factors as to which interest rate you receive.
6. Is there a down payment
requirement?
Pre-HUD homes made before (1976)
usually require a minimum of 20% down. For homes newer than 1976, It depends on
the lender, the credit history of the applicant and the price of the homes that
have recently sold in the area. (Comps)
7. Are there other
requirements?
Each park has a manager that will
meet with the applicant for park approval. The interview will cover the parks
rules and regulations and the manager will look at the applicant�s income to
debt ratio and make sure the space rent is within their budget.
8. Can I customize
a new manufactured home to meet my particular needs or wants?
Yes, there are options you can
choose from with a new home. You can upgrade over the standard features the
same way you would in a site-built home. You can choose upgrades such as walk
in closets, skylights, oak cabinets, dry wall, whirlpools, vaulted ceilings,
fireplaces, and kitchens with islands. The outdoor options vary as well for the
siding materials including wood, vinyl siding, or hardboard.
9. Are there Limits on where
I can locate or place a manufactured home?
Yes, there are certain zoning
regulations that vary from city to city. Be sure to check the zoning
regulations in the area you live in before purchasing a home.
10. Are manufactured homes
covered by a warranty?
Most manufacturers now offer
a warranty to guarantee the quality, workmanship, and major cooling and heating
systems of the home for a specified time, ranging from one to five years. Be
sure to check this out before signing any documents.
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11. Do manufactured homes
appreciate in value?
As with site-built homes, there
are a lot of variables in this answer. Has the home been properly kept up and
maintained? What is the local area like? What is the supply and demand in the
market? If the home has been maintained the value should increase as with site
Built homes.
12. Can I take care of
installing a Manufactured home myself?
No, The sub-contractor or
retailer is responsible for making sure the home is installed in accordance
with the state regulations.
13. Is there homeowners
insurance for my manufactured home?
Yes. Many companies specialize in insuring manufactured homes. Such as Foremost
Insurance Company.
14. Can I Make repairs on a
manufactured home?
First, check with your
homeowner�s manual for the outlines on maintenance requirements. And as with a
site-built home, there will be times when you need a professional service
company, outside of your expertise.
15. Are there other
considerations I should know about before purchasing a manufactured home?
What the area is like. The amount
of space rent, the frequency of raising the rent and the amount.
16. What do I do if I develop
problems with my manufactured home?
Housing Community and development
(HUD) recommends that you first contact the retailer who sold you the home. If
it cannot be resolved, contact the manufacturer. If it still cannot be resolved
contact your local HUD office or related agency.
17. Are Manufactured homes
subject to property tax?
Manufactured homes sold
new on or after July 1, 1980 are subject to property taxation approximately
1% of the purchase price. The county does not tax most manufactured homes sold
prior to July 1, 1980. Manufactured homes not subject to local property tax
are subject to a yearly in-lieu license fee, much like the Vehicle License Fee
that owners of automobiles pay.
18. Is the price
of a shed included when purchasing a manufactured home?
Brand new homes do not include the price of a shed with the purchase. However,
the shed is included when purchasing a used manufactured home.
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