If you’ve been on the house hunt for a while now, you’ve more than likely heard the term “manufactured home.” But what is a manufactured home, exactly? If someone told you it’s simply a mobile home, then we must inform you that times have changed.
For many home buyers, manufactured homes are an affordable alternative to more traditional, expensive real estate. Despite their lower costs, the modern manufactured home can feature the same desired amenities as pricier housing.
While Rocket Mortgage ® does not currently offer financing for manufactured housing, we feel the need to keep our readers informed on their housing options to help them choose the best home for their needs.
What Is A Manufactured Home?
Manufactured homes are, as their name suggests, “manufactured” in factories piece by piece in accordance with building codes set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The homes are affixed to a permanent chassis with wheels and transported to the home site, either in sections or as a whole, and installed on either a temporary or permanent foundation.
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Modern manufactured homes can come in three general floor plans:
- Single-wide: A home built in one long section.
- Double-wide: Two sections joined to make a larger home. This model is popular with first-time home buyers.
- Triple-wide: A less common model with three sections joined together for a larger, more spacious home.
A newer model of manufactured homes, dubbed the CrossMod™ by the Manufactured Housing Institute , can include features similar to traditional site-built homes like garages, covered porches and interior drywall. A CrossMod™ can also be financed and appraised similarly to traditional housing.
Manufactured Housing Vs. Other Prefab Homes
There tends to be a lot of confusion when it comes to differentiating between various types of prefabricated housing.
Some terms are used interchangeably when they really describe different types of houses, and while the distinctions might seem subtle, it’s essential to nail down the difference if you’re considering purchasing a manufactured home or any of these commonly confused housing options.
Mobile Homes And Trailers
While the terms “mobile home” and “manufactured home” are often used interchangeably, the former term has been technically obsolete since 1976, when the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act enforced by HUD went into effect. The same is true of “trailer.” While the term is still sometimes used colloquially, it no longer accurately represents what manufactured homes are.
So, in essence, “mobile home” refers to any manufactured home made before June 15, 1976. Manufactured homes these days feature more solid structures and greater amenities than their predecessors, making the distinction between them an important one. Mobile homes and trailers are also sometimes used to refer to temporary structures towed between locations.
Modular Homes
Modular homes and manufactured homes are similar in that the former are also built in factories. There are a few crucial differences, though. Unlike manufactured homes, modular homes are:
- Delivered in sections and built on-site, almost always on permanent foundations
- Generally governed by local state building codes rather than the HUD Code
- Subject to the same zoning laws as site-built homes
- Known for entirely customizable floor plans
While the differences might not seem enormous at first glance, the distinctions are important. If you’re looking at either of these housing options, make sure you fully dig into the differences between modular and manufactured homes. Rocket Mortgage ® does offer financing for modular homes.
Kit And Panelized Homes
Kit homes are a “some-assembly-required” housing option. Pieces of the house arrive to your property in a kit and then must be assembled on-site by the homeowner or a contractor, whereas a manufactured home typically arrives completed. Rocket Mortgage ® doesn’t offer financing for kit homes at this time.
Buying A Manufactured Home
Many home buyers see a manufactured home as a more affordable option than a traditional site-built home. Existing homes can be found on listing websites or through a real estate agent, but manufactured homes are typically sold through retailers. Home models can be viewed on a sales lot, where you can also choose customized features and even apply for a home loan. The retailer will even arrange the home’s delivery and installation.
Many manufacturers include home warranties that cover features like plumbing, heat, electric and even certain appliances.
Manufactured homes are often significantly less expensive than building a house because:
- Manufacturers purchase building materials in bulk and at lower costs.
- Indoor factory construction allows for more controlled costs and an efficient construction schedule.
- Construction time isn’t hindered by weather conditions or other delays.
Choosing A Lot
Before you purchase your home, you’ll need somewhere to put it. There are two main options when it comes to lots for manufactured homes:
- Manufactured home communities
- Rented or purchased land
Communities can vary as much as any neighborhood, so make sure you get a good feel for the area before choosing a spot to put your new home. If you’d rather buy your own land, check your local zoning laws to see what restrictions apply for manufactured homes.
Loan Options
The following home loans are available for manufactured homes from lenders:
- Government-backed mortgages: HUD-approved loans like FHA and VA loans are available to those who qualify.
- Conventional loans : Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae both offer conventional mortgages designed specifically for manufactured homes.
- Chattel loans: These are secured loans that put up your movable property, or “chattel,” as collateral. Loan terms commonly range between 10 – 20 years as opposed to a typical 30-year mortgage.