Top 3 Types of Property on which to Build Your Manufactured Home
A manufactured home is a great alternative to traditional construction. Built in a factory, under strict controls and with stringent standards, today’s modular homes for sale are different than their predecessors. Manufactured homes are built to last and customized to fit its owner’s style and preferences. Once you’ve decided to buy a manufactured home, you have a big decision ahead of you—where to build it. This decision is largely subjective, but should be made after careful consideration of several factors. When it comes down to it, there are three basic property types on which to build a manufactured home.
- A modular home community is a popular place to build a manufactured home. Aside from the benefit of living in a community, this kind of neighborhood is also a convenient place to build. It’s typically easy to get financing in a place where there are many other manufactured homes, and you won’t have to do as much research to determine if the lot is suitable for building, because that’s the purpose of lots in this type of setting. There’s usually a true feeling of community in these neighborhoods, too, with amenities and recreational facilities, often with planned activities for all ages. On the other hand, some people may prefer freedom rather than togetherness, and may not want to pay the maintenance fees—akin to condo or HOA fees—charged for the security and landscaping provided by these communities.
- A mixed construction neighborhood can be appealing, because of the variety of homes. However, before falling in love with a neighborhood, take a few moments to research whether it’s permissible to build your manufactured or modular home there. While discriminating against a manufactured home is typically not allowed (as long as they meet site-built construction standards), it may be a little more difficult to secure financing. Because mortgage lenders often prefer to have a similarity between housing styles in a neighborhood, they may be reluctant to finance vacant lots if they are going to be used for a different kind of home.
- As more and more rural lots are being zoned for housing, you may be very drawn to the idea of building on your own land. If you will be happy with an isolated lifestyle, and your commute will not be worrisome, country life may be perfect for you! While choosing a piece of property, it is important to examine it closely before you buy. Never buy land “sight unseen,” because you’ll need to check out the physical aspects of your lot, as well as digging into legalities associated with building there.
- Walk the land, to determine its suitability for building. Make sure the land is level, and if it’s a rural lot surrounded by open land, you might want to have it surveyed, and the corners flagged, before you make an offer. A contractor can be very useful when you’re trying to assess the land, particularly in determining the cost of construction.
- Determine the availability of electricity and utilities. Look into utilities like gas, phone, and cable, and determine how close these services are to the property. Even when electrical service is already established in the area, it may be expensive to bring it to your lot, and you’ll want to know that before you make your decision.
- Make sure there is no restrictive zoning. Quite often, rural land is designated as a flood zone, so be sure to determine that this is not the case with your desired lot before making an offer. Also, determine whether there are restrictive covenants, zoning regulations, or easements that will limit your options. You’ll also want to find out what’s involved in getting the permits you’ll need to complete your construction.
- Establish your financing options before you decide on a lot. If there’s a loan on the land, it may be hard to obtain a construction loan, so you might need to find out if your builder and lender can work together on a construction loan package.
Regardless of your preference for placement of your manufactured home, it’s a good idea to enlist the assistance of a housing professional like a Palm Harbor housing consultant or a real estate agent. A knowledgeable agent can be a valuable ally in helping you to determine the best place to build, because agents have expertise in determining whether the lot you want is a suitable location. Your agent will be able to look into the zoning to determine whether erecting modular homes or manufactured homes is permitted. They can also help you find out about important things like access to things like water, electricity, and sewage treatment, as well as whether or not the land is flood zoned. Working with a housing professional will be helpful because he or she can do much of the research and legwork for you to help you find the best place to build your new home.
Once you’ve decided where to build your manufactured home, your next step should be to choose the right company from which to purchase it. Palm Harbor Homes is an excellent choice, with over thirty-five years of experience building homes that exceed customer expectations and can stand the test of time. For more information on building on your land, manufactured homes, and modular homes contact us at PalmHarbor.com, or join us on our social networks: Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and, YouTube.
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