bellcrest augustan (cavalier homes)--good or bad verdict?

[Kent]

I am thinking of purchasing an augustan model home made by bellcrest which i understand is owned by cavalier. I would appreciate any good or bad experiences anyone has had with this brand.

thanks

[David Oxhandler]

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[r murray]

For a 28x68 home in the low $40's..This is one of the best values in the industry..The carpet, cabinets,windows, doors, plumbing fixtures and appliances are the best in any home at any price...

For a better built home, one would have to spend many thousands more..

[KD]

R MURRAY,

YOU SOUND LIKE YOU NEED TO BE IN THE SITE BUILT HOUSING INDUSTRY
INSTEAD OF THE MANUFACTURED HOUSING INDUSTRY. ALL YOU PUSH IS
THE VERY HIGH END HOMES, AND DON'T YOU KNOW THAT MOST PEOPLE
BUYING A MANUFACTURED HOME CAN NOT AFFORD OR DON'T CHOOSE TO AFFORD 60,000 TO 80,000 FOR IT. MY GOD MAN, WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO PAY AS MUCH FOR SQUARE FOOTAGE ON A MANUFACTURED
HOME AS YOU WOULD FOR SITE BUILT? YOU KNOW AS WELL AS I DO THAT, THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF MANUFACTURED HOMES IS COST PER
SQUARE FOOT ALONG WITH QUALITY AND SERVICE.

[David Oxhandler]

KD

At one time what you say about manufactured homes was true. The product has changed dramatically over the past several years, as has the pricing of site built homes. Head out to any dealer selling new homes... you will be shocked at the numbers. But the value is still there when compared to any other type of new housing.

Where did you get 60 or 80 thousand when Mr. Murray was talking about 40 ?

[rmurray]

I am sorry if you miss understood...I was remarking of the outstanding value of the Augustan...
For your info..It has
thermo pane windows
solid Oak cabinets
all porcelian bath fixtures
all metal Delta fixtures
6 panal interior doors
fireplace
36" x 76" all steel exterior doors
top of the line kitchen drawers..over cabinets..large pot drawers.as I remember 12 of them
2 full baths
ScotchGuard treated carpet..with rebond pad..tackstrip installed
150lb interior door hinges
Top of the line Whirlpool appliances w/built in microwave, self cleaning wall oven, super quiet dishwasher, counter top range..
rolled edge counter tops w/rolled edge backsplash
the list goes on....
All for about $ 23 to$ 24/ sq foot delivered with air, skirting and steps..Try that on a local builder..

[kd]

david,

i was referring to him saying you would have to spend many thousands more
to get a better built home. than the 40,s.

better built- i think what he means is flash and glamour pretty much all
manufacturers {even the low end} offer duke power, osb wrap, quality flooring, one
piece tubs, name brand appliances, fireplaces, 6 panel doors, rebond pad and
upgraded carpet. my homes are always ordered with the things listed above and still they can be sold in the 40 range. i do understand all markets are different
but all i can comment on is my particular area. do you have any comments on
how you fill the industry is heading? for the future.................... and what are your
comments on why the greenpoints/bombardier/conseco feel it is the dealer who
caused the industry to have so many repos, when they made the loans and set
the stips?

[David Oxhandler]

Dealers can not make repos. Loan "stips" (stipulations) are set by the lender, not the seller. The lenders that find themselves drowning in repos are paying the price for poor underwriting practices.

In my humble opinion... Much of the reason is due to the market driven method that these finance companies ran their business. Setting quotas for the local offices, (demanding a certain number of loans monthly for each branch) led to decisions based on the number of deals so far this month rather than the real ability of the borrower to repay.