What's Important When Shopping For A Manufactured Home!

Often, customers come into our store and look a bit frustrated. 
They usually have been out looking at homes, and have been shown homes but NOT helped! Yes, there is a big difference. 

To often the buyer after looking online, doing research on the home computer, getting a little confused with all the choices and options, "They find a floor plan" finally decide they know what they are looking for, and then go shopping for it.

Yes, research is a great thing! However, determining all the needed home features, making sure all the working components are specced out to be ordered that are not thought of by a buyer, set up and delivery, trim out, and much more, all need to be considered when shopping for a home. That is many times where a lot of the confusion stems from. Who does it all? How does it happen? What's the cost? How to go through the whole process? This is ALL weighing heavy on the buyer's mind when starting the shopping process.

So what's important when shopping for a manufactured home?
Shopping at a place that has a selection of multiple builder brands and models to view is a good start. Also, does the salesperson really add value? Value is also by asking the right questions to fully understand your families home features and size needs for today and tomorrow, your interest in the many energy saving features, all the back end stuff like lot prep, delivery, set up, and finish out needs is all value added benefits you the buyer are looking for. These are all areas that cause stress, concern, confusion, and when shopping, can keep you looking store to store until you find the company and salesperson that can fill these needs.
I ask all the time, have you seen homes you like? The answer is yes, we found the perfect home down the street! "There is a reason the customer did not buy" The reason buyers keep looking, is a buyer needs to know they are getting the best value, and that value is based on a great house at a fare price, and that all their concerns are met.

When shopping, Questions you should also ask are:

• Which homes have MOST of the features that you feel important, like bedrooms, living areas, office, open or separate kitchen, size of various room needs, where a utility room is located? Example back, side, middle, etc!
• Types of builder brands carries, and benefits of each one?
• What type warranty does this builder provide, and is there any extra warranties that can be applied to the home?
• What type energy saving features can this home have, and are they added in this price shown?
• Can this home be stretched in length or width to areas that we feel are to small?
• Can walls and fixtures be moved to accommodate special wants or needs?
• What are the most common upgrades being added to the house?
• What foundation type is recommended for this home, and what is the added price for it?
• If an item needs to be fixed or replaced, How does the "after the sale" service rank by the builder compared to the other builders?
• Do I need Modular or HUD code for the area I live, and what is the difference?
• After going over available money down credit, and intent of the home, ask about the differences in putting up land VS doing a Home Only transaction? Costs and speed!

As you can see, it is important to not only have the right questions asked of you, but to also ask back some probing questions. 

By
Brett Swearingen
brett@homemart.us
Home-Mart, Inc.
Tulsa, OK.