I started my housing career back in 1999 in the Manufactured Housing Industry based in the Lehigh Valley, Pa area..so I have extensive experience in this field and would like to share this knowledge with you. Hope it helps clarify things for the consumer as well as the Real Estate Agents Throughout the US.
What Are Modular Homes? They are NOT Mobile Homes!
- Modular homes are built in sections at a factory.
- Modular homes are built to conform to all state, local or regional building codes at their destinations.
- Sections are transported to the building site on truck beds, then joined together by local contractors.
- Local building inspectors check to make sure a modular home's structure meets requirements and that all finish work is done properly.
- Modular homes are sometimes less expensive per square foot than site built houses.
- A well-built modular home should have the same longevity as its site-built counterpart, increasing in value over time.
Additional Local Resources: Modular Construction Tour , Modular Home Consumer Guide
What Are Manufactured Homes? AKA Mobile Homes - BUT No longer Called Trailers!
- Formerly referred to as mobile homes or trailers, but with many more style options than in the past.
- Manufactured houses are built in a factory.
- They conform to a Federal building code, called the HUD code, rather than to building codes at their destinations.
- Manufactured homes are built on a non-removable steel chassis.
- Sections are transported to the building site on their own wheels.
- Multi-part manufactured units are joined at their destination.
- Segments are not always placed on a permanent foundation, making them more difficult to re-finance.
- Building inspectors check the work done locally (electric hook up, etc.) but are not required to approve the structure.
- Manufactured housing is generally less expensive than site built and modular homes.
- Manufactured homes sometimes decrease in value over time.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Industry Terms , Manufactured Home FAQ's , Wikipedia Link, Lease Land Financing Resource
I hope this information helps you!
Keep Watch on my Blog for more information on Manufactured/Mobile Home communities located in the Lehigh Valley, PA Area. I will be gathering a list of communites in both Lehigh & Northampton counties.
PLEASE REPORT TYPOS
Hello Jason! Yes, the financing is very different too! I am going to be writing other Blogs on the other aspects of Manufactured Housing..as there are so many things to consider. lease Land communities vs Land/Home packages. What is lot rent? Where do you go to finance a mobile home? What about lease land community application approvals? Inspections? Heat Tape....so many things...to consider. This is an affordable option for some people to have a little piece of the American dream..but, the consumer must be informed, both the Real Estate consumer and the General Public when selling or purchasing a manufactured Home today.
Thank you for your comments!
Moriah,
I think you need to modify your signature line. Given that the office you work for lists homes for sale it is misleading to call yourself an "Exclusive Buyer's Agent. You not an EBA and that could result in action under the Realtor COE -especially the new provision requiring that advertising present a true picture. It may be that you yourself do not list homes but it is your office policy that determines your status. The agency status is determined at the office level not at the level of the agent that is representing that office.
Hello Paul! Thank you for your concern...I have replied to you by email and have also adjusted my signuature also. I certainly do not want to be misleading to the general public. I do only represent the best interest of buyer's. But, you are right...my Broker and the office I work with does have other Agents that do represent the best interest of both buyer's and seller's. AGAIN! Thank you for your concern!
One mark of a professional is being able to see the need for adjustments and make them. And you have!
I respect that and wish you well.
Paul Howard
Wher would you put "on-rail" modulars? They have the steal chsis and built in a factory, but they are brought in on truck beds and assembled using a crane.
Hello Randall! Well, I have never heard of "on-rail" modulars....(this could be slag?) You may be referring to someone wanting to build a modular on a Chassis...it does not make much sense to me....But, I am in Pennsylvania...where are you? It all depends on what area of the US you are talking about, different markets and different building specs and of course needs of the client. There are Manufactured and there are Modular's. But, there are always exceptions to every rule and you can customize Modulars and Manufactured homes to fit your needs...but, in general and by the Manufactured specifications of the "basic" plan...Modular homes are NOT built on a Chassis Standard. Manufactured are always built on a Chassis.
I hope this helps! Thank you for your comment!