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.

Meet April Dawn!

April grew up in Sanger, California and later moved to the Bay Area where she has lived for the past 20 years.

Following high school, she registered for the military in the Marine Core and soon after attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) where she studied Design for 3 years. When her husband accepted a job for Yahoo!, she decided to find work in Sunnyvale.

In 2006, she began a career in the manufactured housing industry for Advantage Homes where she performed administration and warranty work, as well as handled service issues. When Alliance Manufactured Homes decided to open their doors later that year, she became a sales agent and has been with the company ever since.

According to April, the most rewarding thing about being a sales agent for Alliance is helping families find their dream home. With experience in design she is able to help her clients custom design beautiful new homes. Her familiarity with construction and factories helps her excel in new home design. April loves and respects people and it shows in the customer service she delivers. She strongly values the friendships made in sales with her clients and because of this she has been recognized as the top Sunnyvale New Home Agent for four consecutive years. April looks forward to helping you find or custom design your dream home!

For more information on April or any of our experienced agents, visit our website!