The Top 5 “Do’s” and “Don’ts” When Purchasing a New Manufactured Home

Over many years I have personally been involved with hundreds of manufactured home clients. I have advised customers about the buying process and assisted them in making the decisions that are so important when becoming a homeowner. Purchasing any home may very well be the most important decision that any of us will make in our lifetime and there are some decisions in the process that will be important to your longtime happiness. Conversely, a bad decision in the purchasing process may have a negative impact and affect your overall experience of owning a home. Bottom line,  you don’t want to be thinking, “would-a”- “could a”- “should-a” after purchasing your dream home.

The best way to make sure that you get the perfect manufactured home for your family, and at the best price, is to acquire as much knowledge as possible before beginning to shop retailers. I have written over 150 blog articles on this site that will answer most any questions you might have about today’s manufactured home and the manufactured housing industry. Reading any of these articles will give you the insight and knowledge that will help you when you begin the quest for your dream home.

Below are my Top 5“Do’s and Don’ts” to consider when purchasing a manufactured home. They are in no particular order and a more detailed description of these buying tips can be found in my blog articles.

#1 DO – Determine the floor plan that addresses the needs and desires of your family before visiting a retailer or getting a price quote. All floorplans available in your local or nearby areas will soon be available at our website ManufacturedHomes.com.

   DON’T-  be deterred if you cannot find a floorplan that is exactly what you are looking for. Most likely the floor plan that closely matches your preference can be modified or customized to your specific wants and needs.

Suggested blog article: “HOW TO READ MANUFACTURED HOMES FLOOR PLANS”  -and-  “WHICH MANUFACTURED HOME TO PURCHASE? ANSWER THESE 21 QUESTIONS”

#2  DO – When securing a price from a  retailer make sure you are quoted a price that includes all the features and options that you have decided on for your home. Be sure to also make sure that the price includes normal delivery and installation to your home site.

   DON’T- Sometimes a retailer will quote a  base price that does not include the options you will require. There are some retailers who will quote “f.o.b” pricing, which means that delivery and installation is not included. Don’t consider a base price or “f.o.b” as a credible offer when comparing prices. By the same token, it is highly unlikely that the price you receive before visiting the retailer will be the lowest price available. At this point in the process you are looking only at “ballpark pricing” for your budgetary purposes.

Suggested blog article: “MANUFACTURED HOMES:PURCHASING TIPS” –and– “HOW TO ESTIMATE YOUR NEW MANUFACTURED HOME BUDGET”

#3  DO – Securing your dream home at the lowest possible price is an important aspect of your purchasing decision; however, what you should also be seeking is value. Pricing is only one component of value. From whom you purchase should also factor into the value equation. Ideally you should purchase your home from a retailer that quotes you a competitive price and is someone that you feel comfortable working with. Be mindful that a retailer who exhibits an interest in assisting you, and has a reputation for providing excellent service after the sale, is just as important as the sales price itself.

   DON’T – Do not base your decision to purchase upon price only. There are many elements of the purchasing process that should be considered that will have affect the enjoyment of obtaining your dream home.

Suggested blog article: “MANUFACTURED HOMES: “WHAT HOMEOWNERS SHOULD EXPECT”

#4  DO – Shopping for that perfect home, price, and retailer can be overwhelming and often confusing. Keeping notes as you shop as these will help refresh your memory about the particular things that you saw and heard during the shopping process. Note also any price quotes you are verbally given by a salesperson.

    DON’T –  Do not begin price negotiations for a home until after you have secured all the information necessary and are confident that the home will meet all of your needs.

Suggested blog article: “MANUFACTURED HOME DEALERS: QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK”

#5  Do – At closing, review your notes and make sure every item you have chosen has been included in your sales price and is priced as verbally espoused by salesperson.

     DON’T –  Do read all documents thoroughly to make certain everything promised verbally is included in writing. Do not sign any documents that do not include verbal promises. Do not authorize order to be released to factory for construction until you receive a written confirmation from the factory listing that all the items and decor selections are included. You should sign a confirmation and retain a copy of all paperwork.

Suggested blog article: “MANUFACTURED HOUSING: COMPLETING THE PURCHASE”

ManufacturedHomes.com will launch very soon. We are a free service to manufactured home buyers and are designed to connect the user to every aspect of of the manufactured home industry. You are welcome to use the learning aspect of the site as often as you wish while awaiting the full site to debut.