How Much Mobile Home Can I Afford?

One of the first questions we address with our manufactured housing clients is “How much mobile home can I afford?” 

There are many variables:  amount of down payment, income and debt.  Every client has a unique financial situation so our manufactured housing specialists can create a customized plan to get loan and park approval.  Sometimes that plan is to wait for 9 months until they secure more of a down payment.  Or Alliance works with our clients to boost their credit score. 

Some senior parks don’t require all the residents to be at least 55 years old.  In this case an income of a full time professional in their forties can be combined with a retiree’s income.  Mobile homes in senior parks tend to have a lower price point than all age parks.

Alliance also has strong relationships with mobile home lenders like Community West and Triad as well as brokers such as Mobile Home Loans.  Mobile home lenders just announced a decrease in interest rates this month so now is a great time to prequalify.

Our manufactured homes specialists can give you information on income requirements to get interested buyers started.  Mobile homebuyers cannot be pre-qualified over the phone but our manufactured homes specialists can explain the 3 times rule required by most mobile home parks.

All mobile home parks have different eligibility requirements.  They also have different space fees, amenities, rules and regulations.

Potential homebuyers should first determine where they want to live.  Manufactured homes specialists can then pull up listings in their preferred area.  If a homebuyer has 2 dogs, specialists can narrow down pet-friendly parks.  Once future homebuyers know a specific area then they can work on financing and park approval.  The process to mobile homeownership can be happen in less than 3 months or as long as homebuyers need to find their perfect home.  Making a call to an Alliance manufactured homes specialist is the first step.  888-874-8692

What is a Trade-In?

Ever thought of upgrading to a new manufactured home? Simply put, now is the best time to buy a new home. The recession has really impacted the housing industry, which has not only driven prices down but also provided the motivation for innovation and great design improvements — a perfect combination for buyers. At Alliance Manufactured Homes, we offer a trade-in program to help you on your path towards owning a brand new, energy efficient home.

A trade-in is a transaction in which a homeowner sells their home to Alliance, and subsequently applies the proceeds of that sale toward the purchase of a brand new home to occupy the same space. In addition to designing and installing the new home, Alliance also removes the old home, thereby completing the transaction from start to finish.

A trade-in is ideal for someone who owns an older 60’s or 70’s mobile home. This option is especially attractive if the home is in need of repairs such as leaky roofs, rotted porches, termite damage, and so on. Rather than use all the time, effort, and money into improving your older home, use its equity to help you purchase a brand new home and start fresh!

Here are other amazing benefits to choosing a trade-in:

• Design your new home to fit all your needs
• Increase the value of your home
• Reduce maintenance costs
• Reduce utility costs
• Tax deductible
• Stay in your current space; keep your friendly neighbors, and your address!

So if you love your neighbors and your community, but would like the comfort and lifestyle that comes with a new home and value that is unrivaled on the market for any type of residence, now is the time to trade up!

Call us at (888) 874-8692 and see how easy it is to customize your brand new home!

A Whole New Meaning to Mobile Home Communities

Location, location, location! Paradise Cove in Malibu California gives a whole new meaning to mobile home communities. Not only is this oasis notorious for its breathtaking canyons, nearby sea, and warm weather, but it is the home of multi-million dollar manufactured homes. Celebrities such as Matthew McConaughey, Pamela Anderson, and Minnie Driver once called this community their home. It was also a popular location for film sets such as the Beach Boys’ Surfin’ Safari record. So what does it cost to live in this beach friendly community?

David Carter, a real estate agent in Malibu says one home sold for $2.5 million in 2011. “Paradise Cove is full of gorgeous, tricked-out residences with a lot of value. It’s hard not to fall in love with this place”, Carter explains.

It is not uncommon to find luxurious features such as sub-zero appliances, recessed lighting, marble floors, and granite counters in some of these homes. So next time you’re thinking of moving you may want to consider Paradise Cove. When you’ve got the warm weather and a beach what’s not to love?

Source:

Grigoriadis, Vanessa. Bohemian Cove. Vanity Fair. Web. 6 Nov 2013. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2011/03/paradise-cove-201103

6 Items Every Household Should Have

Did you know most families are not prepared for an emergency? According to a Columbia University survey in 2011, respondents didn’t have basic emergency items such as water and flashlights. Below are recommended items any household should have to keep your family safe when faced with common hazards:

1. Risk Detectors – Risk detectors should be installed to alert for smoke and carbon monoxide. Don’t forget to replace them as they may lose their sensitivity over time.
2. Fire Extinguishers – Every household should have a fire extinguisher to control small fires in an emergency.  Not only is it important to have one in accessible locations, but learning how to use properly one is key.
3. First Aid Kit – A first aid kit is a must for any emergency. Each kit will include basic supplies such as wound-dressing and antiseptics, but you should add extra medications specific to your family members.
4. Battery-powered Flashlights and a Radio – In an event where the electricity is out for a long period you will need flashlights and a radio. Flashlights will aid in navigating through the dark and allow you and your family to travel to a safe location. Make sure to keep an extra set of batteries. A radio will all give you access to any important local and government updates.
5. Food and Water Supplies – It is recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to have at least one gallon of bottled water per family member per day. In addition, there should be enough nonperishable food items for your family (including pets) for at least three days.  Be sure to check your emergency food and water every six months for expiration dates.
6. An Emergency Game Plan – Did you know most families do not have an emergency plan? Planning in the event of a fire, earthquake, or any other emergency will ensure each family member is aware of the proper steps to take and where to meet in case of an evacuation.

Source:

Roberts, Amy. 6 Must-Have Safety Items for Every Home. Liberty Mutual. Web. 25 Oct 2013.
http://www.libertymutual.com/safe-and-smart-living/home-articles/home-emergency-response-plan

5 Great Reasons People Purchase Manufactured Homes

1. Manufactured homes are built in controlled environments under the factory roof and shipped in weatherproof wrapping.
2. The costs per square foot is typically much less than site built homes.
3. Manufactured homes can be completed faster than site-built homes.
4. Manufactured construction is typically greener because building in a factory environment reduces a great deal of waste.
5. Most manufactured home companies permit you to design your own home. Design and build a brand new home for less than your rent!

Breakthrough in Bay Area Housing Sales

According to a recent report the Bay Area’s housing marketing reached the highest level of sales in nearly seven years.

Realtor’s president, Errol Samuelson said, “You’re seeing the marketing start to stabilize, which is a really good thing”. While sellers are benefiting from the large yearly gain in sales prices, buyers are finding it easier to move into the market.

David Chung, a recent home buyer in Walnut Creek said, “We timed it well… These are incredibly low rates. I couldn’t be happier”.

Furthermore, Kevin Kieffer with Keller Williams in Danville states, “There’s enough owner-occupy buyers coming in to fill the gap, and they’re getting a better price”.

Source:

Carey, Pete. Bay Area Home Sales Hit Seven-Year High.  San Jose Mercury News. 15 Aug. 2013. Web. 26 Aug 2013. http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_23869987/bay-area-home-sales-hit-seven-year-high.

California Home Buying Process

 

Fig. 1 Besançon, Ellie. “Members are Using One Cool Thing!” California Real Estate Oct. 2012: 9. Print.

How do most people find their dream home? Home buying trends are changing. According to the California Association of Realtors, 80% of people found their home through an agent followed by websites, sale signs, and open houses. The data also reveals that home buyers today are looking at fewer homes before making the big move. What do you think of these statistics? (see fig. 1)

The Distinction Between Manufactured, Mobile, and Multi-Unit

In order to better understand the present day’s manufactured homes it is to differentiate the definitions of manufactured homes, mobile homes, modular homes, and multi-unit manufactured housing.

The terms all refer to a type of home, but each one has its own specific home type. The California Manufactured Housing Institute website, http://cmhi.org/cons05bll.asp, states the differences between each.

Manufactured Home. The manufactured home is constructed to comply with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, a uniform building standard administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Code). Over 97 percent of all homes constructed in California factories meet this code.

Factory-Built Homes. Often called “modular” homes, factory-built homes are constructed to comply with the California Administrative Code. About three percent of all factory homes produced in California meet this code.

Mobile Homes. These homes were constructed to comply with standards enforced by the State of California prior to June 15, 1976, when the federal preemptive HUD Code became effective. Mobile homes have not been constructed since this date.

gMulti-unit Manufactured Housing. These homes are built to very specific codes and for use as two-or more dwelling units. Structures can include, duplexes, dormitories, hotels, apartment houses, and other structures that contain two-or more dwelling units. Each have different applicable codes. These homes are utilized by developers for higher density and infill development.

If you have any questions about homes, please check out our website at Alliance MH or give us a call at 408-598-2078!

Introducing the Latest in our Design Evolution – The Powerhouse!

Why is Alliance the most successful retailer in Northern California? We think different, and create a way to give our buyers what they need.

You demanded affordable luxury, we built it. You required green construction, we delivered it.  And now, introducing the latest in our design evolution – The Powerhouse.

Watch the meter move backwards, and your savings move forward, as The Powerhouse enables you to generate your own power for FREE! The first of its kind in Silicon Valley, The Powerhouse combines unparalleled luxury with cutting edge solar technology.

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Why choose The Powerhouse? By investing in this cutting-edge renewable energy source you are:

Protecting Yourself Against Rising Energy Bill

In the next 10 years, the average Californian will spend over $14,000 on electricity, and this figure is expected to increase 3% – 5% each year!

Protecting the Environment

Solar is the cleanest and most sustainable energy source available, with no fuel, no moving parts, and no emissions.  The environmental impact of the average solar electric system is the equivalent to planting nearly 39 trees per year.

Protecting the Value of your Home

Solar is a safe, long term investment with an excellent financial return. And it continues to generate value long after it is paid off.

Make a statement! Demonstrate your commitment to environmental sustainability! Want to learn more about this home? Call (866) 502-7038 to speak with an agent for more details!

How Safe are Manufactured Homes?

One of the most asked questions we come across is, “Are Manufactured Homes safe?” As with any home purchase safety is the most important factor. In some cases, Manufactured Homes are much safer than site built homes.

Here are helpful facts about Manufactured Home safety that may enlighten you in your decision when looking for a home.

• Manufactured Homes are constructed on a non-permanent foundation whereas site built homes are on a permanent foundation.
• Manufactured Homes are installed onto a series of steel support piers. These piers offer structural foundation support as well as seismic support for any lateral forces caused by earthquakes.
• Each new home is equipped with 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 exterior studs and a high percentage of shear walls to exceed the required strength parameters. This ensures the structural support during any shaking or rattling from an earthquake.
• The homes are built to the HUD code. This 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 systems.
• Manufactured Homes are inspected frequently at the assembly plant during each phase of construction. In-plant inspectors, as well as independent agencies inspect your home on behalf of the federal, state, and local governments for code compliance. Evidence of this inspection can be seen through the federal, state, or inspection agency label of approval.
• Manufactured Homes are built and shipped on a permanent chassis and can withstand harsh winds on the freeway.
• Manufactured Home communities are required by the state of California to have evacuation procedures for their residents.

For more information on the safety of our homes call (888) 874-8692 to speak with an agent today!