FAQ

What is a Manufactured Home?

A Manufactured Home is a residential home built to the HUD Code, which is a preemptive building code that supersedes all other building codes.

Can a Manufactured Home be placed anywhere that a site‑built home can be built?

Yes! Since 1982, it has been mandated by state law that all cities and counties have to allow Manufactured Homes in any lot zoned for residential use.

Are building permits more expensive and harder to get on a Manufactured Home?

No! Since the Manufactured Home has already been inspected and approved through all stages of construction by HUD Inspectors, the permit process is much quicker and less expensive than on a site‑built home.

Are Manufactured Homes as safe as a site‑built home in fire, earthquakes, and other natural disasters?

This is one of the great myths of the site‑built industry. Today's Manufactured Homes are built to much stricter guidelines for safety and the United States Fire Marshall has determined that today's Manufactured Home with its drywall construction and fire‑retardant materials used throughout, hardwired smoke alarms and safety egress windows is safer than most site‑built homes.

Additionally, since 2008 all manufactured homes are built compliant with special fire‑retardant features for areas in Wildfire Urban Interface (WUI) Zones. They are also designed to withstand much greater lateral forces than site‑built homes, and all foundations meet seismic zone 2 standards. Lastly, it's required by state law that new Manufactured Homes not on a permanent foundation be equipped with a state‑approved tie‑down system.

What is the life expectancy of a Manufactured Home?

The Department of HUD recently issued a report stating that the life expectancy of a Manufactured Home is approximately 58 years. However, with proper maintenance, a Manufactured Home can last indefinitely.

How much money can I save by buying a Manufactured Home?

Manufactured Homes will save you 20% to 50% over a comparable site‑built home.

How could there be this much savings if today's Manufactured Homes are built with the same or better materials than a site‑built home?

Think about having your next car built in your driveway—compare that to a factory‑built new car. That's where Manufactured Homes have a tremendous advantage over site‑built homes.

Will my new manufactured home appreciate in value?

Manufactured homes appreciate at an even greater rate than most site‑built homes. This is because they start at 20–50% lower cost but often resell for about the same price as comparable site‑built houses in the same area.

Do I pay sales tax when I buy a new Manufactured Home?

No. Sales tax only applies to accessory structures when the Manufactured Home is not placed on a permanent foundation.

Do I pay property tax on my new Manufactured Home?

Yes. Property tax is approximately 1% of the purchase price (less any homeowner’s exemption). Most importantly, your mortgage interest is also tax‑deductible.

What kind of financing is available for Manufactured Homes?

All the same financing options available for site-built homes apply to Manufactured Homes: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, Jumbo loans, and more.

How do I get started?

Contact one of our Manufactured Home Specialists, and we will promptly send you a free information packet with all the details you need. We look forward to helping you!

Are there Low‑Income Programs available for manufactured homes?

Yes! We’re one of only a few retailers approved for zero to 3% down-payment USDA programs, plus FHA programs through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

I am considering purchasing a manufactured home or a modular. Is there another alternative that gives me the advantage of both?

Yes! Under the MH Advantage program (introduced in 2019), select manufacturers and retailers—including us—offer homes that combine modular financing benefits with the streamlined construction and permits of Manufactured Homes.

Are financing programs available for Veterans?

Absolutely! We offer VA loan financing and, as a member of the California Manufactured Housing Institute (CMHI), can help qualifying Veterans receive $4,000 in down-payment assistance.