Starting to freak out.

[martha]

Thanks Jgn-
In our area it seems like we could build for around 115 or so and MH go for around 65-68 (for the Silvercrest models I like)
That means that the SFootage I want will cost me about $170,000 for MH and around $290,000 for site built. That is a big difference!


What kind of damage do you look for to show "major" transportation damage? I want to be there the day of setup to take pictures for my scrap book and really think the idea of shmoozing (sp?) the setup crew is great! Will it be obvious when I see something or are there specific things/places to look at?

Thanks again!

[Patrick]

Hi,

Another suggestion is to visit the factory if you have not already done so. Silvercrest has factory tours every sat. at 1000am at the woodland facility. Not sure about skyline although they are located in woodland as well.

I also suggest that you check out palm harbor or fuqua, both seem to be a step up from the silvercrest and I personally liked palm harbor's factory tour and presentation much better.

Pat

[martha]

Patrick -
Silvercrest seemed to be much nicer to me (at least the manor series). Although My mother in law liked the Palm Harbor floor plan she saw in Paso Robles. It had lots of nice upgrades. Do you own a manufactured home or are you a dealer?

We plan on visiting the factory in Silverton OR. Does anyone know if they do tours any other time? We are going to be in Oregon on a wednesday and I would hate to miss the opportunity to visit a factory. Same thing with Palm Harbor.

[Patrick]

Martha,

Myself and my wife are in the process of purchasing a Palm Harbor (mt everest with a good deal of customization).

We took a tour at Palm harbor I believe they have tours 7days a week. Just call ahead to make sure they can accomodate you.

As far as quality, the finished manor series was quite impressive, but going thru the factory tour (woodland, ca) I was not impressed with the manufacturing. During const. the floor frames appeared to be sagging until they attached ex. walls to it to kind of bring them up.
Palm harbor builds the frames on a metal frame that follows the unit all the way thru to completion then the I-beams and wheels are attached and the metal frame is left behind.

Good luck on the tour drive (did that as well)

Patrick

[Craig]

I'm with you Jen.
my home was destroyed by the tape & texture people who "trimmed" the inside & the lack of following through with the repairs that needed done.
my Homes of Merit out of Lake City, FL was delivered over 2 months ago.
would you believe they are still working on the original punchlist ?
the dealer states the factory has to fix some things. however, Homes of Merit states the dealer is responsible because the tape & texture guy the dealer hired messed up the cabinets by putting masking tape on them insead of the blue painters tape (pulled the finish off of all of my cabinets).
I ended up going straight to the factory to get things fixed because the dealer doesnt seem to (or doesnt want to) be able to get anyone out to repair the home.
I have complained to the factory about the dealer & was told maybe I am being too picky. but for $80,000.00; we as homowners should be picky. who wants to make payments for a home that obviously has items that should be addressed. but arent.
I have no clue as to where to turn now to get the problems corrected.

[FromWA]

I love my MH. It was set up properly and has a great floorplan.

The problems I see and will complain very loudly about are the placement of the homes in parks and the lack of value on the secondary market. I will tell everyone whether they want to hear it or not because I am unable to sell my MH home now that I am financially able to buy a stick built house. Neither is anyone else unless they substantially mark down the price. I hope you are placing your MH home on a purchased lot - at least the property goes up in price. When I bought my MH home the salesman lied to me and told me that MH homes always go up in value in parks. He is still telling that lie today.

[rmurray]

You are correct...your salesperson did not tell you correctly...but..to his/her defense...The last 30 months has been the worse time in all of the history of the industry with repos...and you have been competing with the large losses incurred by the lenders...many who have gone out of business themselves..

If there is good news...repos are slowing down..the used home market is stablizing...and prices are firming up...

This next 12 months there will be about 150,000 used homes sold..I hope one of them is yours..

[Christen]

Hi I can relate totally (I posted a thread also with no responses so far). Its scary huh? It sounds like you are looking for a primary residence. For me, its just a vacation retreat. I havent done all my homework yet, although it seems you have! Its a tough decision. They are certainly affordable for most people! But at what price? I agree that I think the salesmen on the lots of MH dealers are just going to try to make a sale and close the deal. I would imagine though, that they must stand behind their products (or the manufacturers do), if any of them want to stay in business. I have heard that Silvercrest is a good manufacturer along with Fleetwood and some others. I really wish I too, could get more insight from people who know. Good luck. Hey somewhere on the internet I saw a link for a guy who sells a book all about these type of homes....maybe that would be a good thing for you to do.

[rmurray]

Try the bookstore on this site...there are 3 or 4 good books that might interest you..

[Martha]

Thank you to everyone who responded to my original post and the others!! I appreciate the insight.

It looks like our property is going to close at the end of june so now I really have to start buckling down to decision making!



You know its funny- In order to sell our stick built house here we need to patch and paint the settlement cracks. not to mention the stain from the leak we had due to inadequate flashing. not to mention the issue with the shower......


thanks again!