Five things to know before buying a manufactured home

A new year means it could be time for a new home! Manufactured homes are an amazing option if you’re looking to downsize or relocate in 2023. Many people are new to the market, and you’ll find affordable manufactured homes can have spacious floorplans and modern features in communities with resort-style amenities.

The homebuying process also comes with some key differences from what you may have experienced in the past. Garber Communities is here to help you start your journey with five things to know before buying a manufactured home.

The difference between manufactured home and mobile homes

The term “mobile home” is a thing of the past! When the Department of Housing and Urban Development created the HUD code in 1976, building standards and regulations were put in place for manufactured homes. This means any factory-built home constructed after the creation of the HUD code is known as a manufactured home and is different from old-school mobile homes and trailers.

Manufactured homes also aren’t mobile anymore. They can only be placed once from factory to installation, which is why you’ll often find manufactured home communities with plenty of home options to fit your needs.

The difference between manufactured homes and site-built homes

You guessed it — the main difference between these two homes is that manufactured homes are built in a factory and installed on a piece of land while site-built homes are built on property. Thanks to the HUD code, manufactured homes are built by quality contractors and undergo careful inspections throughout the construction process to ensure they’re up to code, just like site-built homes. They also don’t face the same weather impacts throughout the construction process.

Owners of manufactured homes don’t have to miss out on modern features and high-quality design options. These homes can be highly customized and offer open floorplans, upgraded appliances and more!

Affordability and financing options

Manufactured homes are a great way to get the most for your money. According to the Manufactured Housing Institute, the cost per square foot on a new manufactured home can be up to 50 percent lower than the cost of a site-built home, excluding the cost of land. Manufactured home communities also offer many benefits to lower living expenses. Land rental fees often cover property taxes and utilities like water, sewer and garbage pick-up.

Title 1 loans are a great financing option for manufactured homes. Depending on your area, these loans can come with lower limits than other loans used to purchase property. If you need more information about financing for an affordable manufactured home, read our guide to Title 1 home loans, here.

Benefits of manufactured home communities

If you’re looking to avoid the hassle of land ownership and live in a like-minded community with resort-style amenities, a manufactured home community is the perfect place for you! There are a variety of options, from age-restricted, 55+ properties to all-ages communities, to help you find the lifestyle of your dreams. Residents also enjoy the freedom to paint, decorate or remodel the interior of their home and a variety of amenities like pools, nature trails, fitness centers and more.

Garber Communities has several manufactured home communities in Florida that are ready to welcome you home. Residents get the best of Florida living in DeLand’s all-ages community, A Better Place, and active retirement communities in Florida like Holiday Springs RV Resort are a great place to enjoy your golden years.

Live in your dream location

Affordable housing doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a great location! There are affordable manufactured homes in beautiful communities all over the country. These homes can be installed in a variety of locations and have been built to withstand many weather conditions, including snow, rain and winds.

Garber’s communities are in some of the most sought-after Florida towns. From city-living in Orlando at Town & Country to serene natural landscapes in Dade City at Fisherman’s Cove, you can find a place to call home in an amazing Florida manufactured home community.

There are beautiful and modern manufactured homes waiting for you! At Garber Communities, we know the home buying process can be complicated and our experienced staff is standing by to answer your questions or help find your dream home. To learn more about Garber Communities or to schedule a tour, call 407-949-8629.

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