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!

Save Green by Going Green

Alliance Homes has partnered with Skyline Homes and Karsten Homes to build new, green energy certified homes. Not only are these homes built responsibly and with little waste, they also have low utility bills-saving you money!

Love to cook or spend time in your already green kitchen, but want some more green ideas? Check out Martha Stewart’s Website for more tips and ideas. Below are a few of the tips:

Say Yes to Convection – Because it continually circulates heated air, thereby reducing cooking time, convection uses 20% less energy on average than a conventional oven.

Green Dish Washing Liquid – For greasy pots and pans, try scouring with salt. For burned saucepans, fill the pan half full with water, spoon in baking soda, let it soak overnight, and bring to a boil.

Unclog Your Sink Naturally – Don’t worry, it sounds more complicated than it actually is. Boiling water converts baking soda to sodium carbonate, a more effective drain cleaner. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 3 cups of boiling water, and let science take over. It’s a much safer choice than commercial drain cleaners, which can harm skin, eyes, lungs, and the water supply.

Fill Up the Freezer – The more full it is, the less energy it uses to keep food frozen.

Try Reusable Towels – Paper towels cause waste, even if you stick to the recycled brands. Microfiber towels grip dirt and dust like a magnet and don’t let go. After use, toss the towels into the laundry and reuse over and over.

Hopefully these tips can help you out in your kitchen but also give insight into the many ways to go green. You can start by going green in your kitchen through appliances and these Eco-friendly ideas, but you can incorporate other ideas to other rooms throughout your home! For more information please take a look at our website,  click here!

 

Why Now is a Great Time to Buy!

Not sure whether now is a good time to buy a home? Buying today is full of opportunity and more consumers are coming to realize this conclusion.

In a recent monthly survey, the mortgage company Fannie Mae found that nearly three-quarters of Americans thought it was a good time to buy a home due to their expectation that purchase prices will increase within the next year. Doug Duncan, a chief economist from Fannie Mae, stated in the Wall Street Journal, “Conditions are coming together to encourage people to want to buy homes”.

So why should you buy a home right now? We’ve listed the main reasons below:

Lower interest rates. Interest rates today are some of the lowest since 1971. “Homeownership is within reach of more households than it has been for nearly two decades,” said Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).  No one is sure just how long these low rates with stick around.

Increasing rents. Rental prices have continued to climb while vacancy rates reach a low. According to Ryan Severino, a Reis senior economist, “…rents tend to spike as landlords perceive that tight market conditions afford them greater pricing power over tenants”.

Lower prices. Prices still have not returned to their 2006 levels.

Still not sure whether buying now is the best decision for you? Now is the time to find out! Whenever buying a home you need an experienced, reputable, and trustworthy agent at your side.  Our agents at Alliance Homes are here for you. Contact your local experts today!

Sources:

Apartment Rents Rise, Vacancies Plunge. ABC News. Web. 6 Jul 2012. http://news.yahoo.com/apartment-rents-rising-vacancies-10-low-140611799–abc-news-savings-and-investment.html

June 2012 Market Update. Keller Williams Realty. Web. 18 Jun 2012. http://images.kw.com/media/shared/tmre/tmire-jun12.html

Why Now is a Good Time to Buy a Home. MSN Money. 25 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 Jun 2012.  http://money.msn.com/debt-management/article.aspx?post=88a39190-6e56-47e4-a1a7-4ec8a79edfc4

Why Buy a Home? Carla Hill. Realty Times. 25 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 Jun 2012. http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20120125_whybuy.htm

How is Your Credit Score Determined?

First of all, what is a credit score?

A credit score is a number that lenders use to estimate a borrower’s risk. When it comes to purchasing a home, a credit score plays a huge role in determining the interest rate a lender is willing to offer. Whether you’re a first time home buyer or looking for another home, it’s a good idea to obtain copies of your credit report, that way you know what you can qualify for. Now that we know what a credit score is, what factors affect it and how can you improve it? By understanding the 5 factors that can help or hurt your score you will be on your way to building a healthier credit.

 

1. Payment History (about 35%). This is the largest portion of your credit score. Make sure that you make payments within 30 days as this can negatively affect your overall credit score. Always pay your bills on time. Late payments are probably the worst thing you can do.
2. Amounts Owed (about 30%). Borrowing is certainly not a bad thing, but being in a lot of debt is. Make sure you don’t charge over half the limit on all of your credits.
3. Length of Credit History (about 15%). Having a long payment history shows lenders you have paid your bills on time and will be likely to do so in the future. So, if you’re thinking about tossing your old credit cards you may want to think again. Keeping your credit cards are important in order to keep your credit history associated with each card.
4. New Credit (about 10%). The fourth portion of your credit report has to do with the amount of accounts you have. Each time you apply for a new credit card it appears in your credit report. Applying for too many credit cards in a short period of time is seen as risky.
5. Types of Credits in Use (about 10%). Spread out your debt among different types of loans. So for example, having some debt in car loans, student loans, and mortgage is better than having all debt on only your credit card.

Take a breath! It’s not all that bad. When it comes down to it it’s all about sticking to a budget and making payments on time.

Our in-house Finance Department will advise you on credit issues you have. We strive to make the home buying process simple and stress-free! Call us today at 888 874 8692!

The information provided is obtained from an article, What Determines My Credit Score? from Trulia.com.

Brief History of Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes today are fit to standards and upgrades of modern times.  They have come quite a long way since the 1920’s when they were first built as “trailer coaches,” which were compiled as something more comfortable to sleep in while people were traveling.  As the years went on “trailer coaches” evolved into bigger trailers with upgrades such as appliances and soon appealed to homeowners. With the rising popularity and enhancements of “trailer coaches” to manufactured homes, Congress passed a law.

According to the article, A Brief History of Manufactured and Modular Homes, from RebelHome.net, it states, “In June, 1976 -The United States Congress passed the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Act (42 U.S.C.). This means, since 1976, HUD assures that all homes are built to the rigid, consistent national standards it enforced back then and still does today”. It was from this moment on that homeowners were reassured that their home was built to a high standard.

The history of manufactured homes is significant because it is the evolution of a type of popular home. What started out as “trailer coaches” has expanded into a home fit for the ages and various lifestyles all over the country. Today, manufactured homes are identical to a regular site built home and come with the same amenities. Great strides have been made in terms of quality and remains a sound decision for affordable living. At Alliance, our brand new custom built homes come with luxurious features such as granite countertops, built-in energy efficient appliances, crown molding, wood window trims, and much more! We are more than happy to provide you with any information on manufactured homes in your area. Call 888 874 8692 today!

The Time to Become a Home Owner is Now!

Purchasing a home can be a long complicated and confusing drawn out process. Given the current state of home sales the past few years has not helped in the process, but now is the time to purchase a manufactured home!

Alliance can make the process of purchasing a new home easy for you! We can help you find the home of your dreams with the upgrades and location that suits you best!

According to the article, Is the time right for a prefab home?, it states, “With an average sales price of $65,000, new mobile homes and modular homes can be a cost-effective way to own your own home without a large outlay of cash, the Manufactured Housing Institute says. Ideal candidates may be college-bound students, downsizing adults or anyone seeking lower utility bills.”

If trying to list, sell, or purchase a manufactured home Alliance is your one stop shop! We can be your ally to becoming a home owner. Now is the right time to finalize that decision and become a manufactured home owner! Please check out the rest of the article at Is the time right for a prefab home?

If you have any questions check out our website at www.alliancemh.com or give us a call at (888) 874 8692 or email us at info@alliancemh.com.

New Year, New Home!

For many, a new year means a new you! That new you can be in the form of anything from physical changes up to purchases. 2012 can mark the year of that dream home you have always wanted!  If you have been hesitant about listing your home, or are interested into looking at new or used homes, now is prime time to list with Alliance Manufactured Homes! Let us find you the home of your dreams!  All 20 of our sales agents are more than happy to meet with you, answer questions, and show you different homes that best suite your lifestyle! Check out our website at www.alliancemh.com to learn more about our experienced agents who can find that home you have waited so long to call your own!  We can be your ally for a better future!

Merry Christmas!

Can you believe it? The most widely celebrated holiday is just days away! Christmas has become a traditional holiday where family and friends gather to create unforgettable moments and share home cooked meals. Children anxiously await for a popular figure known to have many names such as Santa Clause, Saint Nicholas, and Kris Kringle to stuff their stockings and place gifts under the Christmas tree. This highly anticipated federal holiday is celebrated by many around the world. Christmas trees, house decorations, wreaths, Christmas music, caroling, gift exchanges, and card exchanges are just some of the many traditions that have become associated with the holiday.

Alliance Homes would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! We hope your holiday is filled with peace, love & laughter!