Myths about manufactured housing have pervaded our culture for decades, yet many of the outdated stereotypes about prefabricated homes don’t hold up against their modern construction. Nearly everything about the unregulated “mobile homes” of the 60’s and 70’s has evolved. But for some of us, the stigma still remains.
The truth is, manufactured homes provide affordable, quality housing to 22 million Americans.*( https://www.manufacturedhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2017-MHI-Quick-Facts.pdf ) That figure continues to grow year over year, as more people discover that many of the myths surrounding manufactured housing just don’t hold true. It’s time to dispel the misinformation surrounding this smart housing choice.
MYTH 1
Manufactured homes aren’t as sturdy as site-built homes, making them more susceptible to high winds and tornadoes.
TRUTH
Modern manufactured homes are actually often sturdier than site-built homes. How can that be? Manufactured housing is held to a high standard of quality that equals that of site-built homes, according to Home First Certified.
Established in 1976, The Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, also known as HUD Code, regulates manufactured housing. HUD revised its codes in 1994 and 1999, adding even more regulations that make manufactured housing and its foundations safer.
State and federal standards for installation have evolved over the decades as well. Modern manufactured homes are erected on a permanent foundation in compliance with the Permanent Foundation Guide for Manufactured Housing, HUD says. This means most manufactured homes will have wind and weather resistance on par or better than their site-built counterparts!
MYTH 2
Rising prices have put new homes out of reach for most Americans, and there are just no affordable options.
TRUTH
Most manufactured homes can save you 1/3 to 1/2 off comparable site-built construction. The Manufactured Housing Institute’s 2017 Industry Overview reports that the average price for a site-built home was $107/square foot, compared to an average $49 price/square foot for a manufactured home.
Affordable homeownership opens doors for Americans that are trapped in the cycle of renting. Not only will your mortgage go towards an asset that you actually own, but you can do more when you spend less. Save money, travel, go back to school. Enjoy a higher quality of life by spending less of your income on the roof over your head.
Myths about manufactured housing have pervaded our culture for decades, yet many of the outdated stereotypes about prefabricated homes don’t hold up against their modern construction. Nearly everything about the unregulated “mobile homes” of the 60’s and 70’s has evolved. But for some of us, the stigma still remains.
The truth is, manufactured homes provide affordable, quality housing to 22 million Americans.*( https://www.manufacturedhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2017-MHI-Quick-Facts.pdf ) That figure continues to grow year over year, as more people discover that many of the myths surrounding manufactured housing just don’t hold true. It’s time to dispel the misinformation surrounding this smart housing choice.
MYTH 1
Manufactured homes aren’t as sturdy as site-built homes, making them more susceptible to high winds and tornadoes.
TRUTH
Modern manufactured homes are actually often sturdier than site-built homes. How can that be? Manufactured housing is held to a high standard of quality that equals that of site-built homes, according to Home First Certified.
Established in 1976, The Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, also known as HUD Code, regulates manufactured housing. HUD revised its codes in 1994 and 1999, adding even more regulations that make manufactured housing and its foundations safer.
State and federal standards for installation have evolved over the decades as well. Modern manufactured homes are erected on a permanent foundation in compliance with the Permanent Foundation Guide for Manufactured Housing, HUD says. This means most manufactured homes will have wind and weather resistance on par or better than their site-built counterparts!
MYTH 2
Rising prices have put new homes out of reach for most Americans, and there are just no affordable options.
TRUTH
Most manufactured homes can save you 1/3 to 1/2 off comparable site-built construction. The Manufactured Housing Institute’s 2017 Industry Overview reports that the average price for a site-built home was $107/square foot, compared to an average $49 price/square foot for a manufactured home.
Affordable homeownership opens doors for Americans that are trapped in the cycle of renting. Not only will your mortgage go towards an asset that you actually own, but you can do more when you spend less. Save money, travel, go back to school. Enjoy a higher quality of life by spending less of your income on the roof over your head.
MYTH 3
Manufactured homes are difficult to find loans for.
TRUTH
Financing a manufactured home is much more accessible than it was many years ago. While the process for accruing loans is different from that for stick-built homes, there are still many lending options to choose from.
Specialized manufactured home lenders are often certified brokers of government-backed FHA loans, which can make this housing option even more affordable. Retailers sometimes offer direct financing, and chattel loans are available as low-interest options with high down payments.
UMH considers all types of credit backgrounds and financing is available for qualified buyers. Special financing programming via UMH Sales and Finance, Inc. can help qualified buyers buy a brand new UMH home with a 10% down payment, 6.75% APR, based on a 25-year loan. (as of July 2018 and subject to change) NMLS # 200331. These are some of the most competitive rates in the industry! Visit our Sales Center to learn more, and contact an agent to start exploring your options.
MYTH 4
Manufactured homes don’t last, and they will deteriorate more quickly than site-built homes.
TRUTH
Did you think that manufactured homes were made from different materials than site-built homes? Think again!
All of the same building materials that are used to construct stick-built homes are used in the construction of manufactured homes. The difference in construction is not in the materials used – it’s in the process.
Site-built homes are subject to poor weather, vandalism, and time constraints during the construction process, which can lead to unforeseen problems and create lasting damage. These variables are removed in the standardized, quality-controlled factory environments where manufactured homes are made.
MYTH 5
Manufactured homes all look the same and offer all the choice of the Model T Ford: Black, black or black.
TRUTH
Nothing could be further from the truth. UMH features dozens of models, sizes and finishes to fit your needs. From gleaming stainless steel appliances and spa-like bathrooms, to countless exterior styles and a diverse array of counter & cabinetry options, your luxury interior awaits.
The truth is out there. Visit UMHsalescenter.com to discover it for yourself.
TRUTH
Financing a manufactured home is much more accessible than it was many years ago. While the process for accruing loans is different from that for stick-built homes, there are still many lending options to choose from.
Specialized manufactured home lenders are often certified brokers of government-backed FHA loans, which can make this housing option even more affordable. Retailers sometimes offer direct financing, and chattel loans are available as low-interest options with high down payments.
UMH considers all types of credit backgrounds and financing is available for qualified buyers. Special financing programming via UMH Sales and Finance, Inc. can help qualified buyers buy a brand new UMH home with a 10% down payment, 6.75% APR, based on a 25-year loan. (as of July 2018 and subject to change) NMLS # 200331. These are some of the most competitive rates in the industry! Visit our Sales Center to learn more, and contact an agent to start exploring your options.
MYTH 4
Manufactured homes don’t last, and they will deteriorate more quickly than site-built homes.
TRUTH
Did you think that manufactured homes were made from different materials than site-built homes? Think again!
All of the same building materials that are used to construct stick-built homes are used in the construction of manufactured homes. The difference in construction is not in the materials used – it’s in the process.
Site-built homes are subject to poor weather, vandalism, and time constraints during the construction process, which can lead to unforeseen problems and create lasting damage. These variables are removed in the standardized, quality-controlled factory environments where manufactured homes are made.
MYTH 5
Manufactured homes all look the same and offer all the choice of the Model T Ford: Black, black or black.
TRUTH
Nothing could be further from the truth. UMH features dozens of models, sizes and finishes to fit your needs. From gleaming stainless steel appliances and spa-like bathrooms, to countless exterior styles and a diverse array of counter & cabinetry options, your luxury interior awaits.
The truth is out there. Visit UMHsalescenter.com to discover it for yourself.