Manufactured vs. Modular Homes

“Manufactured homes are no longer for trailer parks,” said Ben Carson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

“Manufactured homes have the benefit of driving down construction costs. And in the wake of a natural disaster, manufactured homes could restore damaged property in weeks or months, not years.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) sponsored the first-ever Innovative Housing Showcase in Washington from June 1-5. The event included panel discussions, interviews and demonstrations with exhibitors, lawmakers, entrepreneurs and housing industry leaders.

The intent of the gathering was to educate policymakers and the broader public on innovations and building technologies in new manufactured homes that address affordable housing issues across the country.

The exhibits, which included prototype houses, showcase innovative building technology that addresses affordability and resiliency during natural disasters. The 18 exhibitors featured building technology demonstrations, information for future home buyers and housing counseling services.

Skyline Champion Corporation, a factory-built housing company that specializes in manufactured and modular homes, brought a pair of homes to the National Mall.

What are manufactured homes?
Manufactured homes, sometimes referred to as mobile homes or trailers, are built as either a single section or multi-section home (depending on the floor plan). They are pre-constructed in the factory on a permanent chassis; therefore, a permanent foundation is not necessary. These homes usually have skirting around the bottom to hide where the wheels were removed and to give it the appearance of a typical home.

Manufactured homes conform to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) codes. During your search, you’ll often find them referred to as “HUDs.” The HUD code regulates the design, construction, structural durability, transportability, fire resistance and energy efficiency of a home. It also prescribes performance standards for the mechanical, plumbing and electrical standards.

Manufactured homes offer families the chance to own a comfortable, amenity-filled home at a fraction of the cost. Families living in manufactured homes have a spacious and luxurious floor plan. Many floor plans range from basic models to more elaborate designs that feature vaulted ceilings, fully equipped modern kitchens, energy-efficient gas fireplaces, double pane windows, comfortable bedrooms with walk-in closets, and bathrooms with recessed bathtubs and dual vanities. Many homeowners have customized their homes to have extra insulation, ceiling fans, and thermal pane windows to improve air flow, lower utility bills, and provide a more comfortable living space.

What’s the difference between manufactured and modular homes?
Both manufactured and modular homes have one thing in common: both are built indoors and transported to their intended location.

Known as factory-built or pre-fabricated homes, modular homes get built in multiple pieces, unlike manufactured homes that get built in one piece. The completed two to five pieces of the home get transported to the home site, where they are then joined on top of a solid foundation. Once all the pieces are joined, these homes look similar to site-built homes. These homes must also adhere to local and state codes, depending on where the building is located.

Sources:

Limitone, Julia. “Ben Carson: Manufactured Homes Are No Longer for Trailer Parks.” Fox Business, Fox Business, 3 June 2019, http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/ben-carson-manufactured-homes-are-no-longer-for-trailer-parks.

Lerner, Michele. “Innovative Housing Showcase Is Coming to Washington.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 27 May 2019, http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/05/27/innovative-housing-showcase-is-coming-washington.
“Manufactured Homes on National Mall Make Big Impression.” MHVillager, 4 June 2019, http://www.mhvillage.com/blog/value-of-manufactured-homes/.

“Manufactured and Modular Homes.” Manufactured and Modular Homes, http://www.skylinehomes.com/our-homes/manufactured-modular-homes.

Brown, Sanda. “Mobile? Modular? Manufactured? What’s the Difference and How to Choose the Right One?” The Difference Between Manufactured vs Modular vs Mobile Home, Builder Homesite Inc, 3 Oct. 2017, http://www.newhomesource.com/guide/articles/the-difference-between-manufactured-vs-modular-vs-mobile-home.

“Modular Homes Section.” Modular Homes vs. Manufactured Homes, http://www.modulartoday.com/modularhomesvsmanufacturedhomes.html.

Perks of Becoming a Home Owner Versus Renter!

As the housing market remains stagnant and far from full recovery, one thing is clear: renting a home has become an increasingly popular option.

What is unclear, however, is the financial benefit that one gains from choosing to rent. As stated in The Mercury News, “scarce rentals and a robust local economy marked by steady tech hiring drove up Santa Clara County prices 3.2 percent from a year ago.”

As rents continue to increase, it reminds us that the Bay Area is truly one of the most expensive locations in California, and even the United States. Rates for 1 and 2 bedroom apartments in San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland remained one of the highest in the nation.

Also stated in The Mercury News, “the average one-bedroom rental in Mountain View, home to Google, went for $3,270, second only to San Francisco in price.”

With rent on the rise and no show of it cooling down, right now is the best time to buy a home and become a homeowner!

When you purchase a manufactured home, you are getting everything an apartment complex offers plus more! You own the home, have your own privacy and space from neighbors, and don’t have to deal with parking spaces! If there is ever a problem, there is a park manager who lives within the community to help you out.

Like many luxury apartment complexes, some mobile home parks offer a community recreational club house with a playground, swimming pool, and spa. Other parks allow pets, depending on the breed restrictions. Many houses also have a small yard space for either a flower garden or a BBQ area. Communities such as Casa De Amigos, Plaza Del Rey, Chateau La Salle, and the Franciscan are great for families with children! The parks are secure as well as safe, because they are gated communities with a homey yet private feel. There are also senior communities that are perfect for adults 55 and older. Try looking up at the New Frontier, Sunset Estates, Cape Cod, and Millpond parks to see that they are just as great as the all-age communities.

The manufactured homes themselves are a great purchase and investment! Some homes are 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom where as others are 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom or a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom. The appliances are either recently updated stainless steel or brand new.

If you want a new home or a completely remodeled home, Alliance Manufactured Homes can make it happen for you! If you own private land and need a manufactured home (or a ADU), Alliance Manufactured Home can do a custom order for you, too!

Why settle for an apartment complex with no privacy, no space from neighbors, landlords, and a continuing spike in rent when you can buy a manufactured home for a fabulous and reasonable price? Purchasing a manufactured home in these tough times offers a security blanket that an apartment complex cannot offer you – so why compromise?

Call today at (888) 874-8692 to speak with an agent about buying a manufactured home!

Sources:

Hansen, Louis. “Bay Area Rents Likely to Stay Sky High.” The Mercury News, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2018, http://www.mercurynews.com/2018/02/06/bay-area-rents-likely-to-stay-sky-high.

Miley, Michelle. “Buying a Mobile Home Vs. Renting an Apartment.” Home Guides | SF Gate, 5 Jan. 2019, http://www.homeguides.sfgate.com/buying-mobile-home-vs-renting-apartment-3048.html.

The Concept of ADU for California’s Housing Crisis

It’s no secret that the state of California has an affordable housing shortage.

From million dollar condos and townhomes to remodeled 1970’s modern homes that appealed to the millennial market, it is the demand to live and work in the Golden State that outweighs the supply of affordable housing.

Unfortunately, the Silicon Valley’s ever growing tech industry is one of the many problems.

According to KQED, “between 2010 and 2017, nearly 20 percent of all new Californians were either being born in or moving to the Bay”.

While mobile/manufactured housing is an option to those looking to not share a wall with a neighbor, another option is what you would hear in the news: granny flats, in-law units, and backyard units. What do they mean?

The technical term for these names is the accessory dwelling unit (ADU). No matter what you call them, ADUs are an innovative, affordable, effective option for adding much-needed housing in California.

As reported by Matt Levin of CALmatters, these units are “typically around 500 square feet and have a bathroom and kitchen, are especially popular among older California families looking to downsize and rent out their main property”.

What are the benefits of ADUs?

• ADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators.
• ADUs can provide a source of income for homeowners.
• ADUs are built with cost-effective wood frame construction, which is significantly less costly than homes in new multifamily infill buildings.
• ADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy.
• ADUs can provide as much living space as many newly-built apartments and condominiums, and they’re suited well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.
• ADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care.

At Alliance Manufactured Homes, we can help you get an ADU unit for your private property. For more information, contact us at (888) 874-8692.

Sources:

Levin, Matt. “Are in-Law Units the Secret Solution to California’s Housing Shortage?” CALmatters, 4 Apr. 2019, https://calmatters.org/articles/in-law-units-california-solution-housing-granny-flat.

Levin, Matt. “5 Reasons California’s Housing Costs Are So High.” KQED, 4 May 2018, http://www.kqed.org/news/11666284/5-reasons-californias-housing-costs-are-so-high.

California Department of Housing and Community Development – HCD, and California Department of Housing and Community Development. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), http://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-research/AccessoryDwellingUnits.shtml.

Changing Image of Manufactured Homes

Brand new 2019 Karsten home in Town & Country (adult 55+ community); San Jose, CA

Today’s manufactured housing is not your father’s mobile home. Manufactured home builders are shifting from trailer parks to infill lots and even entire communities of spacious, well-built homes on permanent foundations. While mobile homes still make up a big part of California’s manufactured-housing industry, builders are working to shake the image of the boxy mobile home and move into the private residential market.

Manufactured homes – also called prefabricated homes or off-site construction – cost less, take a fraction of the construction time, fit well in vacant lots and are one answer for cities trying to offer more affordable housing, builders say.

“It’s the best-kept secret in building,” says Otis Orsburn, president of Modular Lifestyles, a manufactured home designer and developer in Roseville. “The image of our industry is behind the times, but it’s one of the best values out there.”

What’s even more telling is that only 35 percent of the prefabricated homes being built in California go into mobile home parks nationwide, previously the industry’s biggest market. The bulk of the buildings, 65 percent, are going to private property. Manufactured homes are gaining popularity in the state (mostly in Southern California areas such as Orange County) but interest is creeping northward to the central San Joaquin Valley and the Bay Area.

Still, the industry’s old image lingers and some buyers remain hesitant about putting a manufactured home in an urban setting.

John Schleimer, president of Market Perspectives, which does real estate research and consulting, says manufactured homes account for about a quarter of new homes built or sited in the nation.

“The problem they have is gaining acceptance in non-rural areas,” he says. “It’s got a place in the marketplace, but right now, there’s such a negative connotation it’s a tough sell.”

He says manufactured homes have made great advances in the last two decades and in some cases look better than site-built homes.

Market forces, increased housing demand and improved technology are combining to propel manufactured homes into the consciousness of developers, consumers and government officials. Manufactured homes come in sizes ranging from 400 to 4,000 square feet, with single- and two-story designs.

On-site construction of custom homes may take six to 12 months, with weather often hampering progress. With manufactured homes, the site can be prepared while the home is built in the factory, compressing construction time.

Mr. Orsburn says permit fees for a manufactured home are less than those for conventional homes because the houses are inspected at the factory instead of in the field, reducing the number of inspections.

Source:

Gonzale, Anne. “Manufactured Homes Push beyond the Trailer Park Market .” Silicon Valley Business Journal, 10 Apr. 2003, http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2003/04/14/focus3.html.

Community Spotlight: Casa De Amigos

1085 Tasman Dr.
Sunnyvale, CA 94089

ALL AGE COMMUNITY

Enter through the dramatic archways into one of the Bay Area’s largest mobile home parks. Casa De Amigos is one of Sunnyvale’s highly sought-after family park, featuring 900+ quality manufactured homes, offering an array of amenities and beautiful landscaped grounds.

Dip into one of two pools, unwind at one of two Jacuzzi, or mingle at one of the two expansive clubhouses with your neighbors!

Located in the heart of the Silicon Valley, there are abundant recreational and leisure activities, as well as local career, employment, and educational opportunities. Residents living in the community are minutes of a variety of restaurants, shopping and entertainment including the Levi’s Stadium and Mercado Shopping Center with an AMC theater.

With easy access to Lawrence Expressway, Highway 101 and 237/85, along with award-winning schools, Casa De Amigos is an perfect place to call home!

Is It Time For An Upgrade?

Before an Upgrade

After an Upgrade

Are you beginning to have issues with your mobile home that was built in the 70’s or early 80’s? Are you like many of our customers that have experienced a leaky roof, unsafe electrical, or a rotted porch? Or has your family just outgrown your small home?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then it is time for an upgrade! An upgrade is the process of removing your old mobile home and replacing it with a brand new manufactured home.

Here at Alliance Homes, we make the process of upgrading to a new 2019 model easy, affordable, and efficient. Not only will you get to design your dream home, but you will also experience the confidence and security that comes with living in a home built from the newest and highest quality materials.

With an upgrade, you also have one special perk, RPP, also known as Resident Preferred Pricing. RPP allows you to purchase a brand new home at the lowest price, because you already occupy a space in a community.

Call today at (888) 874-8692 to speak with an agent about upgrading your home!

Key Information:

1. New home, old space rent. Keep your existing space rent when you upgrade!
2. Allow the best construction team to set-up your new home. Alliance Installations has a full time 45 person crew. We have set over 150 new homes in 2018.
3. Use your old home as your down payment and have immediate equity in your new home. With as little as a $1,000 down payment, your monthly mortgage may be less than you think!

Financing Your Manufactured Home

Need a loan for your home purchase? Looking to refinance? You have come to the right place. While you are welcome to use your own financing source, you can never have too many options and Alliance can provide you with competitive, hassle-free financing.

We have our own in-house finance team that can help
you with whatever you need.

We will handle your credit application and shop it around for you—providing you with the best rate and no stress.

We can help you correct any issues in your report and
work with you to build up your score.

Call us today at (888) 874-8692.

Meet Lan!

Lan Nguyen began her career in manufactured housing with Advantage Homes as an admin in December of 1999, and became a sales agent in the summer of 2000. Throughout her 17 years’ experience, her hard work and first class customer service allowed to be among one of the top performing agents in Santa Clara County. Lan brings an unparalleled skill set to manufactured housing; not only does she hold a B.S. in Business Administration, but she is also a Licensed Realtor®.

When asked why she transitioned to Alliance, Lan indicated that she “admires Alliance’s creativity and innovation on new home designs.” She sees this new opportunity as a positive move toward advancing her career in manufactured homes, as she is “now working with the leader of this industry.”

When working with Lan, you can expect to receive experience, consistent communication, and strong attentiveness to details. As a top producer, she is knowledgeable regarding all things manufactured housing, from loans to community expectations to HCD guidelines, and she has cater to each client’s circumstances to enable a successful approval process.

Fluent in both English and Vietnamese, Lan is prepared to go above and beyond your needs to help you with your next housing change. Contact Lan today at (408) 215-0082 or Lan@AllianceMH.com for your manufactured housing inquiries!

Here are a few testimonials from Lan’s clients, via Yelp:

Thank you Lan Nguyen for your excellence services in helping us buy a brand new mobile home from Skyline!

We first met with Lan at an open house and discussed with her our plan.  At first, we wanted to purchase a new home so ended up on a waitlist for available space at the mobile home park we wanted.  A little of over one month, Lan called us back about the good news that space has opened up.  We worked with her to start customizing our home and then realized later that this didn’t fit our needs anymore and we decided to buy a new mobile home that was available for sale at the time.  She was very patient in the process and gave us helpful feedback in helping us decide what home would be right for us.

I would highly recommend Lan as she is very friendly and know what she is talking about.  As part of the walk through, she would help point out some defects that we missed which showed that she really cares for her customers. She is willing to work around the clock to make her customer happy by replying to my emails after hours which really helped with my busy work schedule.  Planning from our side changed, and she was able to get the home manufacturer to finish up the home faster to help us with our move in date.  An AC unit was also installed with the home which she helped out on.

There were defects in the homes, but Skyline was able to send their tech’s down to fix the defects after we closed out escrow.

So far, we are happy with our purchase and the 15 months warranty gives us a peace of mind regarding the house.

– Johnny D. from San Jose, CA

I hired Lan Nguyen to sell my mom’s Sunnyvale manufactured home of 30 years. She helped me every step of the way and worked with the park managers and new buyer through the inspections to park applications for new residence. Lan is very professional and handled the buyer and seller relationship smoothly. She is patient and realistic. I highly recommend Lan if you plan to sell your mfg home or are looking to buy one. She understands what needs to be done from the sellers and buyers side. She has good relationships with park Managment to ensure their needs are met too. She gets the job done efficiently and effectively and organizes all the paperwork and she accommodating for special needs too. She does not need to be micro managed and that’s was VERY helpful for me. Lan gets the job done and I highly recommend she help you buy/sell your mobile home.

– Becky O.

My wife and I purchased our first manufactured home in Sunnyvale. Lan Nguyen was our agent, she stayed in contact with us every week during escrow, informed as far as where we were in our process of purchasing, and made a whole purchasing process very easy and we were able to close escrow in 3 1/2 weeks. I had a lot of questions about The leasing process, what type of insurance that we needed as well as property tax information in regards to owning a manufactured home, she patiently answered all my questions and explain the whole process to us. During our move-in process there’s a few things that came up and she was able to help us resolve our issues very quickly. I would highly recommend Lan Nguyen for either purchasing or selling your property.

Lan thank you for all your help. We are very happy with her new home.

– Roger M. of Sunnyvale, CA

 

5 Manufactured Homes Myths

Manufactured homes, known to many as trailer or mobile homes, have evolved over the past 50 years. There are a few myths often associated with the manufactured home market which may have at one point been almost true.

Since construction standards were established in 1976 by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, many of the negative remarks about manufactured homes are only myths. As the manufactured housing market continues to develop new concepts and designs, these homes have been purchased by more families than ever before.

1. Manufactured Homes Look the Same
Many manufactured home builders, like Skyline Homes and Karsten, offer basic floor plans with quality features such as a front porch and dual pane windows. However, they also provide a wide variety of customizable floor plans, design options, and upgrades to meet the client’s needs. According to SFGate on the subject of no variety, manufactured homes “provide consumers with a wide range of interior and exterior options” and “produce luxury models with hardwood floors, whirlpool baths, stonework fireplaces and walk-in closets”.

Alliance Manufactured Homes’ Design Room in the San Jose Office (2410 Monterey Rd.)

If you have never been inside a manufactured home before, try to visit one of the open houses in your area. Once you’re inside, it is difficult to tell the difference between a manufactured home and an on-site built home. With many homes designed for individual needs in mind or to meet a budget, many homes can be spacious and well-appointed.

2. Manufactured Homes Can Get Destroyed Easily
Manufactured homes sold after 1994 are built to the same HUD standards for construction, strength, fire resistance and wind resistance that are applied to site-built homes. A report published by the state of Florida indicates that no manufactured home built to these standards received any major damage during the severe 2004-2005 hurricane season. Another study published by Foremost Insurance Company came to a conclusion that manufactured homes are less likely to catch fire than site-built homes.

In fact, manufactured homes today are factory-built under climate-controlled conditions. This means that the building materials are not exposed to outdoor conditions, especially during the raining season, where moisture can cause expansion and mold in the future. Skyline Homes stated on the comparison between factory-built and site-built homes that “factory-built homes are generally stronger,” sturdier, and more efficient.

3. Manufactured Homes Are For Families W/ Low Income
It’s no surprise to that the housing market in the Silicon Valley is growing at a ridiculous pace over the past years. The supply of available homes are decreasing, yet the demand to keep the prices up is very high. Many tech companies are located in Sunnyvale, Mountain View, and San Jose; however, these cities are also home to multiple family and senior mobile home parks. LA Times reported that “there are tech industry workers who live in Plaza del Rey — employees of Apple, Google, Oracle and local start-ups.”

4. Manufactured Homes Are Hard To Finance
Manufactured homes were previously financed or purchased as personal property, making loans more difficult to obtain. Today, it’s easier to finance. Despite the fact that only a handful of lenders offer manufactured home loans, some of them are willing to provide financing options similar to those available for site-built residences. When properly financed, manufactured housing allows homeowners to build equity just as traditional site-built homes.

Mobile Home Brokers is our own in-house finance team capable of everything from checking your credit and handling your credit application, to securing you a loan with the best rate. They can provide you with quick updates on the status of your home sale through constant communication, quick turnaround, as well as competitive and hassle-free financing. Feel free to contact us at (408) 745-1000 for more information.

5. Manufactured Homes Lose Value
Unlike automobiles, manufactured homes can appreciate just like any other form of housing. According to Home First, other factors that help the value are the location of the land, age of the home, housing market, inflation rates, new upgrades/additions to the home, and availability of the area.

Manufactured home in Chateau La Salle (San Jose) with beautifully maintained curb appeal.

Community Spotlight: Millpond

2320 Canoas Garden Ave
San Jose, CA 95125

SENIOR COMMUNITY

Located in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood, one of the city’s most beautiful and historic areas, Millpond’s tree-lined streets and wonderful amenities make any resident proud to call this community home. Millpond has two sections located across Canoas Garden Ave from one another. Millpond I, which consists of 309 spaces, and the 52-space Millpond II opened in 1979. Both Millpond sections share the same common amenities, which are located in Millpond I.

Residents can host informal parties at the BBQ area or the large New England-style clubhouse. Take a break in the library, play billiards or cards, or just take a relaxing dip in the swimming pool or adjoining spa. Other amenities include a tennis court, crafts room, and kitchen. The alluring common area landscaping is included throughout the communities.

The many “Immobile Homes” with fenced yards and adjacent garages add to the beauty of the community’s attractive residential appearance of the streetscape.

Millpond is conveniently located next to a light rail station that runs to downtown San Jose and local shopping malls. Downtown Willow Glen, with its boutique shops and upscale restaurants, is within easy driving distance from Millpond.

With the charming restaurants and coffee shops of historic downtown Willow Glen only minutes away, the Millpond senior community is a great place to spend the best years of your life.

For more information on Brandenburg, Staedler & Moore communities, visit: http://www.bsmcommunities.com/comms/mpond/index.htm