Ten Shopping Tips to Help You Make the Best Manufactured Home Choice

1. Like most other things, higher quality costs more in the beginning but not in the long run. So go for the best built home you can qualify for. A top-of-the-line model will hold its value better when the time comes to sell and move up.
2. Shop around for a model that doesn’t have the mobile home silhouette, in other words, a rectangle with a flat roof. Many manufacturers have models with steeper pitched roofs, porches, and even slide-outs that get away from a boring rectangle.
3. Look closely at the furnishings that often come with the home. Many times they’re low end, and you would be better off buying them elsewhere.
4. To get a good idea of what’s available, go to regional trade shows where you can see the latest innovations from many mobile home manufacturers at one time. Any manufactured home dealer can tell you when and where they are for your area.
5. Visit several dealers and price similar homes. Look out for the model loaded with options that you may not want or need that are included in the price. Get a breakdown of all the costs. That way you can tell what items you don’t want and may be able to eliminate or trade for something you do.
6. Check on the dealer as you would a builder. Call the Better Business Bureau and see if there are any complaints. The bank that does the financing is another good source of information. Also, talk to several past customers and see if they’ve had any problems and if they would use their dealer again.
7. Modular home builders will usually quote you the base model price with the cheapest appliances, finishes, and fixtures. The molding, windows, floor coverings, and fixtures will often need to be upgraded a notch or two. To be realistic, plan on adding $5,000 to $10,000 to the base price to get what you really want.
8. Consider adding more windows or going with bigger windows that will make your home more livable and add to its value if you resell.
9. Upgrading the tub and shower stalls are a good investment and helps the home keep its value. Also consider upgrading fixtures. Bottom-of-the-line faucets and other fixtures lose their shine fast and will need replacing in a couple of years.
10. Curb appeal not only gives you pride of ownership but is important to maintaining your home’s value. Adding trim in a second color or upgrading the exterior is worth considering. It’s important to remember that sooner or later all homes sport a ‘‘for sale’’ sign. If you keep that in mind when you buy, selling will be easier and more profitable when you outgrow the house or get a job transfer.