Are you thinking about buying a mobile home? Here are some things to consider before you buy!
Photo by: Ideamobilehome
Too often, first time buyers make the mistake of only considering structures built on site. However, these residential properties tend to have disadvantages that inexperienced buyers may not recognize! But by expanding your search for single-family houses by a wide range manufactured house sizes and designsWorking families tend to get more value and satisfaction. Apart from that, the purchase of a prefabricated house differs considerably from models built on site. These are 6 considerations that could help streamline and improve the purchase of a mobile home.
1. Find out about types of home sizes manufactured
One of the misunderstandings that often keep people from chasing a brand new prefab is based on the idea that they are small. Nothing is further from the truth. Prefabricated houses are usually divided into three types. These include single wide, double wide and multiple wide, often referred to as "triple wide". These labels refer to how many sections are delivered. Because transportation safety regulations define the size of wide loads, systems build houses in sections to follow these guidelines. When you buy a prefabricated house, the total area of the living space you selected corresponds to the number of sections delivered and installed. These are the general specifications.
- Single-wide: 500 to 1,200 square feet
- Double-wide: 1,000 to 2,200 square feet
- Triple or multiple widths: Over 2,000 square feet
It is important to understand that home buyers can purchase the space and layout they want.
2. Consider FHA Manufactured Home Financing
Prefabricated houses offer many of the same financing options as structures built on site. Under HUD, buyers have access to traditional mortgages that are supported by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). The borrowers negotiate the terms of the loan with private lenders and agree on length and interest rate. However, home ownership of mobile devices has nuances that tend to be reflected in credit products. Homeowners have the option to buy land or lease land for their new home. If you're a borrower who wants to mortgage a land purchase, these are the FHA limits.
- Home only limit: $ 69,678
- Lot limit: 23,226 USD
- Combined house & property: $ 92,904
These limits are well within the lower cost of prefabricated houses. The FHA also enables borrowers to secure a 20-year mortgage for a single-wide and lot combination, 15 years for a house only, or 25 years for a multi-wide prefabricated house, and plenty for qualified borrowers.
3. Do the costs fit into your budget?
Financial experts often advise first-time buyers to take out a mortgage that does not exceed 25 percent of your average monthly salary. The FHA can be a little more generous if you go through the approval process. Sometimes approved funding can make up up to 31 percent of your income. The situation of every potential homeowner is different, but this must be taken into account.
- Set a monthly budget that you can live with
- Calculate your debt-to-income ratio
- Keep in mind that annual property taxes and fees could increase
- Include leisure expenses, maintenance and property maintenance
The cost of a prefabricated house in 2019 was approximately a third of a piece of land. This drives many first-time buyers to these houses to get financial flexibility.
4. Location, location, location
Prefabricated house owners have more location options than a few years ago. Developers have constantly created luxuriously-made shared apartments that offer amenities such as recreation centers, community pools, meeting rooms, and well-tended grounds. Some are designed for 50-year-olds and the elderly. If you think this type of association makes sense for your lifestyle, homeowners may have the option to lease or own a lot and pay a monthly fee for all of these perks.
5. Choose a design and layout that suits your lifestyle
One of the important differences between on-site models is that prefabricated house buyers let their customer service representative choose their layout and design. In addition to the area and number of sections, buyers choose open floor plans, master suites, porches, large windows, kitchen islands and luxurious bathrooms. Make sure you take your time and think about the desired living space. Manufactured buyers have the unique opportunity to design their dream home. Choose wisely.
6. Perform thorough due diligence
Local and state guidelines for prefabricated houses may differ slightly from structures built on site. Some communities have restrictions, although many override these outdated rules. In addition to the local housing regulations, it is important to check whether a well, a connection to municipal sewers, water and other utilities is required for private land. Building inspections also differ between cities. Consider building or downloading a home-made checklist and making sure you don't encounter unnecessary errors during the delivery and installation process. Manufactured home dealers typically provide resources to make the process seamless.
