How Much Does A Manufactured Home Cost Faqs
Is it cheaper to build a house or buy a manufactured home?
Nationwide, the cost of a manufactured home is $55 per square foot versus $114 per square foot for a stick-built home, according to the Manufactured Housing Institute. So, generally, manufactured homes are less expensive!But you have to look beyond the sticker price to the total cost of buying a new manufactured home. You may need to purchase or rent the land on which the home will sit, and you may need to pay for clearing the land, delivery of the home, installation of utilities, and a foundation.So, it can be cheaper to buy a manufactured home, but you need to work with your lender and real estate agent to run the numbers. Depending on your location and the size and customization of the manufactured home youâre buying, opting to build or buy a modest traditional home may be more affordable.
Is it worth buying a manufactured home?
Manufactured homes can be much more affordable than site-built homes. But you need to look at all the associated costs, including land purchase or rental rates, utilities, installation, and other expenses.Research has shown that manufactured homes can hold their value very well compared with site-built homes. So buying a manufactured home can be a prudent housing choice, especially in areas with high housing costs for stick-built homes or overheated markets where it is difficult to get a bid accepted due to competition.
How much does it cost to put a basement under a manufactured home?
Figure Out The Specifics Of The Home That You Want To Purchase
The type of home youre looking for will affect the loans you may be eligible to receive. For example, if you want to buy a double-wide manufactured home that costs $100,000 or more, you wont be eligible for an FHA loan. In addition, older mobile homes may not qualify for financing at all.
Why its important: All lenders have specific lending criteria based on the type and value of your home.
Getting Modular Home Setup Quotes
Before hiring a contractor:
- Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
- Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
- Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau .
- Pick specialized contractors over general ones if its a specific project.
- Ask for a full itemized contract in writing in case of a dispute.
- Avoid making large payments upfront. Never pay in full or in cash, and come up with a payment schedule for work completed.
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Double Wide Mobile Home
This one is mostly used by families of average size. They come with pretty good room combinations. Usually, a double wide home has a width and length of 20-42 ft and 42-90 ft. That means youre getting a wide space of around 2000 square ft. Its much bigger than a single wide.
Unlike a single wide, which has one section, double wides have two sections before it gets assembled. Typically a double wide offers 3 bedrooms, 2 to 3 bathrooms, kitchens, dining room, living room, and a washing room. Double-wide homes in Georgia can cost anything from $75,000 up to $90,000.
New Home Price around $75,000
Used Home Price around $20,000 to $50,000
How To Cancel Your Mobile Homes Certificate Of Title In Pennsylvania

A Certificate of Title for a Mobile Home may be cancelled must be kept in a safe place. Within 10 days of the move, the owner of a mobile home shall deliver or mail the Department of State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 687, Harrisburg, PA 17105, a copy of the certificate of title, and a copy of the property title
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How To Compare Mobile Home And Manufactured Home Quotes
Before comparing quotes for manufactured home insurance, make sure you know what types of coverages you need and how much you need. If you are unsure, it makes sense to talk to your insurance agent.
The NAIC offers more tips for comparing quotes. They include:
- Ask for the exact same coverage and limits from each company you contact so that you can make an apples to apples comparison.
- Ask about any discounts for which you might qualify.
- Get rate quotes and other key information in writing, or save an electronic copy of the information.
- Use the same deductible amounts when comparing policies.
Where Can I Buy Mobile Home Insurance
Finding good home insurance is typically not difficult. There are many mobile home insurance companies for you to shop and compare rates.
But finding a policy may involve slightly more work than purchasing coverage for a more traditional home with a foundation.
Not all insurance companies offer mobile home insurance or offer policies in all states, so youll need to shop around, Walker says.
Fortunately, in many places, the same insurance companies that sell traditional homeowners insurance also sell mobile home insurance.
When looking for a policy, one of the best places to start is with the insurance company you bought your other policies, such as auto insurance. As an existing customer, you may be eligible for discounts.
However, it would be a mistake not to compare insurance companies and get quotes from multiple insurers before settling on a policy. Shopping around is often the best way to lower your insurance costs.
If you are struggling to find an insurance company that meets your needs, contact your state insurance department for more help.
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What Are The Drawbacks Of Buying A Mobile Home
Though the relatively low cost of a mobile home can make them appealing, buying and owning one isnt without drawbacks.
For example, while the value of mobile homes does appreciate over time, some owners may find that reselling can be difficult. Further, securing a loan for a mobile home can be challenging, as many lenders view them as riskier investments than a loan for another type of house. It can be especially tricky and costly for borrowers with poor credit scores or those trying to buy a mobile home on land they dont own.
These drawbacks in addition to other downsides like needing to pay trailer park or land access fees may be enough to discourage some buyers from considering a mobile home, even if they find the price of said home appealing.
All that said, a mobile home could be a good investment depending on who is buying the property and their needs. As long as a buyer understands what theyre doing, a mobile home could provide a good blend of affordability, convenience, safety and shelter.
How Much Are Property Taxes On A Mobile Home
Property taxes on a mobile home are typically lower than those on a traditional home. This is because mobile homes are usually considered personal property, rather than real estate. The amount of property tax you will pay on a mobile home will depend on the value of the home and the tax rate in your area.
In order to be taxed on real estate, a mobile homes owner must pay property taxes. It is not required in some states, such as Michigan, to charge an annual tax for manufactured homes. The real estate tax bill is due if you own both the home and the land on which it sits. The tax on a home is calculated on the basis of the propertys assessed value. In some states, homeowners who pay lot rent may be able to claim them as a tax deduction. In some states, a monthly fee is charged to park owners based on the number of units on their property. If you have a mortgage on the land and home, an escrow account may be used to pay the taxes.
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Existing Manufactured Home Costs
Existing manufactured homes are listed online alongside single-family homes. Prices vary by size, model, and location, but in general manufactured homes are substantially more affordable than single-family homes.
Since there isn’t a national database for existing manufactured home sales, we analyzed over 450 recent home sales on Redfin to see how the existing manufactured and single-family prices homes compare. All properties had 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and less than 2 acres of land sales and were sold during the same time period in 2022 in the same area south of Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.
On average, 3 bedroom/2 bathroom existing manufactured homes sold for $195,876 while comparable single-family homes sold for $307,166. Manufactured homes sold in this area were newer, came with more land, and sold for $111,290 less than single-family homes.
Existing manufactured homes vs single-family homes
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23 | 22 |
Based on 350 single-family home and 111 existing manufactured home sales recorded on Redfin in the same search area in the six month period ending on June 7, 2022. All homes were 3 bed, 2 bath on less than 2 acres.
The good news is, all of the most popular home loan options work for manufactured homes, though the borrower criteria varies based on program:
Is There A Difference Between Manufactured And Mobile Homes
But first, youve probably heard both terms thrown around. Is a mobile home the same as a manufactured home? If youre confused, youre not alone. Most of us still use these two terms interchangeably when we refer to a housing unit on wheels. The difference is in when they were built.
It means that if the structure is built after 1976 and meets all federal rules for quality, durability, safety, and affordability, it is technically called a manufactured home. If it was built before 1976, it is technically called a mobile home. Today, many people still use the term mobile home when referring to a manufactured home.
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Types Of Mobile Homes
Knowing the cost of different types of mobile homes isnt very helpful if you dont know the size of each type. After all, most people dont know the difference between a single-wide and a double-wide by looking.
So check out this briefing of the three types of mobile homes so you can find out which one is right for your family. Shopping without keywords is difficult, so find out which one you want to look for.
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What You Should Know Before Buying
Here are a few things to consider before buying a mobile home:
Purchase or Lease?
Leasing in a mobile home park may bring you a sense of community and the freedom to move whenever you like. Once you know how much do mobile homes cost to buy and decide on going through with this option, make sure you get a 3-year lease in place to boost your chances of financing your home.
Buying your own plot may sound ideal, but consider the safety risks, taxes, and costs for connecting utilities before you do so. Also, you need to make sure the area youre planning to buy in allows mobile homes to be placed there.
The Right Time to Buy
Prices may fluctuate over the year, but costs are generally lower from January through March. Make sure to monitor the prices before making your move so you can choose the ideal time to do so.
Know What Width to Buy
While the cost of mobile homes that are single-wide might be cheaper, theyre usually only 15 feet wide on average. For more comfort in the long run and the added advantage of having more financing options, you should consider getting a double-wide mobile home.
DID YOU KNOW:37% of new mobile homes are built off-site and placed in communities. |
Benefits Of Buying A New Manufactured Home
It isnt just their lower price tag that makes manufactured homes an intriguing investment for buyers. A new manufactured home has many other important qualities that may make someone want to consider a purchase:
- The taxes are lower. Property taxes are not as high as on a site-built home. Thats because manufactured homes are classified as personal property, whereas site-built homes are real estate property a higher taxed designation.
- Theyre safer than ever before. The introduction of HUD codes on mobile homes in the late 1970s meant that there have been fewer mobile home fires than there were previously and more protection from natural disasters. According to MHI, in hurricane zones, the standards for manufactured homes are even more stringent than regional and national building codes for site-built homes.
- Theyre quick to build. Built in factories, theres an inherent efficiency to the way theyre designed and put together. Theyre also not going to be delayed by bad weather.
- Theyre customizable. A new manufactured home offers buyers the chance to customize their living space without the high price tag normally associated with new construction.
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Are Modular Homes A Good Investment
Modular homes are a good investment because they increase in value over time, like any other property. Plus, theyre more energy-efficient and last as long as site-built homes. The highest appreciation rates are for modular homes with a permanent foundation that includes the land and building ownership.
Check Your Credit Reports
Whenever you apply for any type of financing, a lender will consider your credit as part of your loan application. Clean credit histories and solid credit scores make it easier to secure loans and receive better rates and terms from lenders.
If you find mistakes when you check your credit reports, you can dispute them with the appropriate credit bureau Experian, TransUnion or Equifax.
Why its important: The better your credit score, the lower your interest rate will likely be. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of the loan.
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How Much Does A Mobile Home Cost
Have you ever dreamed of having a place by the beach or a house in the mountains? You can turn this into reality without breaking the bank if you opt to have a mobile home. Mobile homes, also known as manufactured houses, are considered to be cheaper alternatives to traditional houses. If you are considering owning one, knowinghow much does a mobile home cost is a good starting point.
How Are Modular Homes Built
Modular home manufacturers build 80 to 90 percent of the home’s sections or modules in a factory. Factories construct the walls, install drywall, appliances, and roof framing, paint, and inspect for quality-control. The factory work happens simultaneously with on-site work to prepare the foundation.
Once the modules are delivered to the construction site, a crane lifts them into place over a permanent foundation. Contractors assemble the sections, connect the utility lines, and attach each piece to the foundation. Sometimes, the home is kept on the steel frame it was delivered on as part of the foundation.
Contractors complete the home finishings and conduct minimal inspections. Now the home is ready to move into.
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Cost Estimates To Move A Manufactured Home
Just to use an estimate, the transport-only move will cost anywhere between $700 and $3,500. The full-service move will cost $3,000-$14,000.
The transport-only move for up to 60 miles is about $700-$1,000for a single-wide, $2,000-$2,500 for a double-wide and $2,600-$3,500 for a triple-wide.
To move a single-wide mobile home using the full-service moving service and the same distance of up to 60 miles will cost about $3,000-$5,000. Full-service moves include the disconnect, reconnect and transport services. To move a double-wide mobile home will cost $4,000-$10,000. For triple-wide, expect to pay $10,000-$14,000 or more. Of course, these are just estimates.
Custom Fixtures And Layouts

The opportunities for custom fixtures and layouts in manufactured homes are vast. You can have a custom bathroom or kitchen, just as you can in a site-built home. You can decide on customized siding or trim, roofing, and doors.
Many retailers offer blueprints with variable layouts to choose from.
Because customized fixtures and layouts vary so widely, and your choices are so individual, itâs prudent to consult with a Realtor or salesperson about the range of choices and their cost.
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Mobile Home Insurance Cost
Even though small houses can be built on a foundation, many people prefer to build them up on a trailer frame to make them mobile and avoid standard specifications imposed by municipal authorities on permanent structures.
Mobile homes are gaining popularity rapidly in the US and around the world, noticing the fact that they are offering more affordable living.
- Low-cost insurance for a single-wide mobile home goes from $250 to $700 per year
- The cost for double-wide mobile home insurance goes from $300 to $700 per year
- The cost of triple-wide mobile home insurance goes from $550 to $1,300 per year.
The insurance of a mobile home covers theft, legal liabilities, damage to the home, and property damage, and the cost depends on the location, the age and size of the unit, and the purchase price.
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