1. Why should I consider a Manufactured Home?

2. How is a manufactured home different from a site-built home?

3. How can I be sure that a manufactured home is a quality-built home? Do manufactured homes use the same building materials and processes?

4. Can I customize a manufactured home to meet my particular needs/wants?

5. Are there limits on where I can locate or place a manufactured home?

6. Will a manufactured home appreciate in value?

7. What kinds of financing are available for manufactured homes?

8. Will I be able to insure my manufactured home?

9. Are manufactured homes more susceptible to fire than site-built homes?

10. Can I make repairs/renovations on a manufactured home the same way as with a site-built home?

1. Why should I consider a Manufactured Home?
If you're looking to get the most out of your "housing dollar," you need to consider a manufactured home. Depending on the region of the country, construction costs per square foot for a new manufactured home average anywhere from 10 to 35 percent less than a comparable site-built home, excluding the cost of the land. Today's manufactured homes offer the quality construction, modern amenities and livability you are seeking... at a price that fits your lifestyle and budget!

2. How is a manufactured home different from a site-built home?
A manufactured home is constructed entirely in a controlled factory environment, built to the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (better known as the HUD Code.) A site-built home is built "on-site" using traditional building techniques that meet either a local or state building code.

Manufactured homes, like site-built homes, are now available in a variety of designs, floor plans, and amenities. Today's manufactured homes are indistinguishable from site-built homes and are fully compatible with any neighborhood architectural style.

3. How can I be sure that a manufactured home is a quality-built home? Do manufactured homes use the same building materials and processes?
Today's manufactured homes are built with the same building materials as site-built homes, but in a controlled factory environment where quality of construction is invariably superior to what can be done outdoors.

The HUD Code regulates and monitors the manufactured home's design and construction, strength and durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and overall quality. It also sets standards for the heating, plumbing, air-conditioning, thermal and electrical systems. The HUD Code also ensures compliance with these standards with a thorough inspection system that takes place at each step as the home is being constructed in the factory.

These are major benefits to having your home built in a factory:

• All aspects of the construction process are quality controlled.
• The weather doesn't interfere with construction, cause costly delays and warp or damage building materials.
• All technicians, craftsman, and assemblers are on the same team and professionally supervised.
• Inventory is better controlled and materials are protected from theft and weather-related damage.
• All construction materials, as well as interior features and appliances, are purchased in volume for additional savings.
• All aspects of construction are continually inspected by not one, but several inspectors.

4. Can I customize a manufactured home to meet my particular needs/wants?
Today's manufactured homes come with "standard" features that you would find in a site-built home. Many floor plans are available that range from basic models to more elaborate designs that feature vaulted ceilings, drywall, fully equipped modern kitchens, comfortable bedrooms with walk-in closets, and bathrooms with recessed bathtubs and whirlpools. You may also select from a variety of exterior designs and siding materials, including wood, hardboard, or vinyl siding.

A variety of models provide homes that are accessible for those with special needs. Features include extra-wide halls and doorways, accessible counters and appliances, and specially equipped bathrooms..

5. Are there limits on where I can locate or place a manufactured home?
Many cities and towns, still relying on outdated perceptions and stereotypes of "mobile homes," have zoning regulations limiting where you can place a manufactured home. However, more and more urban and suburban governments are recognizing that today's manufactured homes are virtually indistinguishable from site-built homes and are allowing manufactured homes to be placed in their communities.

Before purchasing a manufactured home, be sure to check the zoning regulations in the area where you want to live.

6. Will a manufactured home appreciated in value?
Generally, a home is a great investment. Appreciation on any home - either site-built or manufactured - is affected by the same factors: the desirability and stability of the community, supply and demand for homes in the local market, and maintenance and upkeep of the home. When properly installed and maintained, today's manufactured homes will appreciate the same as surrounding site-built homes.

7. What kinds of financing are available for manufactured homes?
Just as there are choices when you buy a site-built home, there are a variety of financing options when you buy a manufactured home. Down payments and loan terms are similar - 5 to 10 percent of the manufactured home's sales price, and loan terms of 15 to 30 years.

If you are buying the home and land together, or plan to place the home on land you already own, some financial institutions offer traditional real estate mortgages with similar interest rates. Should you be purchasing the manufactured home separately from the land on which it will be located, the home will probably be financed as a personal property manufactured home loan, usually with a somewhat higher interest rate.

FHA-insured and Department of Veteran Affairs-guaranteed (called FHA and VA) loans may offer lower interest rates or lower down payment requirements if available in your area. They require more paperwork during the credit application and approval process and, therefore, may take longer for approval than a conventional loan.

8. Will I be able to insure my manufactured home?
Yes. There are several insurance companies that specialize in offering insurance coverage for manufactured homes.

9. Are manufactured homes more susceptible to fire than site-built homes?
Manufactured homes are no more prone to fire than homes built on-site. As a matter of fact, a national fire safety study by the Foremost Insurance Company showed that site-built homes are more than twice as likely to experience fire as manufactured homes.

10. Can I make repairs/renovations on a manufactured home the same way as with a site-built home?
While you should perform minor repairs and upkeep on the home, just as with any home, it is advisable to hire a professional for more extensive repairs and renovations. Your homeowner's manual outlines maintenance requirements.

Failure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on maintenance and renovations can void the manufacturer's warranty, as well as lessen the value and life of your home.