how much does a new manu home cost in so Cal?

[Christen]

I am seriously considering buying a parcel of land in Kern county and having a brand new or newer manufactured home installed on it. This would be near the Lake Isabella area of Kern county in southern California. Does anyone know what this typically costs? How long does the process take?

[Karen]

It's easy, but it takes homework. Find out from the county what the permits and fees are first. Where is the water, electric and phone? How much will that cost. Our budget is: Well, 10-15K, Electric is already here, Phone is already here, Propane is easy, just order from the local gas company, Site prep permits, fees, school fees can be easily over 20K, the actual house is 40-50 a square foot, plus about 30-40 a linear foot for the foundation. Septik is around 5000. It is not unrealistic to plan for about 200K plus the land price. SHOP around, and network with the neighbors. A Manufactured home is not much different in price when you buy 1400 square feet or 2000 square feet. spend your money wisely, only upgrade on the items that will always be valued. Dormers change daily, we didn't get any because they date the house. Six panel steel doors, 6: walls, zone 3 insulation, vinyl siding, big water heater, wood cabinetry were all important to us.Read the book advertised on this site how to buy a manufactured home, it was really informative.

[Martha]

The homes we like in Bakersfield and Visalia (also the central Valley) Sell for closer to the 60 - 65 sf mark. We are however looking for a primary residence that has the total look and feel of a site built.

[Karen]

Every manufacturer has several dealers. You need to find the one that doesn't have the overhead of a sales lot. You also need to get your money first, don't ask them for financing. My house was $84,000 delivered, I got my dealers name from my Well Driller. I was so frustrated with the sales men in Purple Suits, that was how I felt, they were flaky and liars, they also made up prices until you sat down to write up a purchase agreement. Make anyone you talk to write up an agreement he is ready to sign, you will see the real numbers that way. That is why I advised networking. What is the manufacturers name in Visalia? ASk in this forum who is licensed to sell for them. If you have seen the models you know what you want. Paper dealers are a lot cheaper, if you can find an honest one. Ours is an investor that just writes an occasional deal. They are a married couple and have walked us through every step of the way. That is what you need, or become a dealer yourself! (ha, ha)

[rmurray]

Would you go to a paper doctor...part time dentist with no office and over head...maybe no insurance???

Do you buy your Rolex watches from the guy selling them from his car's trunk??

Dealers have a very important function in the industry...Set up is the MOST important part of the sale...Improperly set up homes can be the worst nightmare..So much so that few good manufacturers will sell a home to anyone but a legitimate dealer...with full service capability..

The number of homes I have sold is in the thousands...I have yet to find any customer who has found better finance arrangements than the dealership would refer customers to (accept the few who used their CD's for collateral and the 1 that charged his whole home on a 0% credit card)...Professional dealers keep up with the ever changing finance world daily..and know who is offering the best deals at any time...Dealer know if they can save the consumer thousands...they are much more likely to sell a home..Of course..weekend dealers probably have no idea how to help save their customers tens of thousands..

P.S....I have not wore a purple suit since the 70's

[Karen]

In answer to your defense, no I wouldn't go to a "paper" doctor or dentist, but I do purchase a lot of items on e-bay. My dealer is licensed and has an office. He also has a flooring line with three different manufacturers. What he does not have is a showroom, forcing him to make sales that are less than legitamate.

He has a licensed contractor approved by Wells Fargo to perform the set up and I hired a contractor, highly recommended from a co-worker, to do the dig out and site prep work and another to dig a well.

I have gone to at least four dealerships that have all promised great financing (I already own my land) and in the end they pick apart my credit and ask for 9% and a hard money loan to pay the well driller, etc. These are large dealers also.

I don't know where you are from, but I live in southern California, armpit of the world. You must know how totally competitive it is out here. I am very happy that I was able to put my deal together on my own. It has been far less expensive, I received advice from all three involved contractors and was able to keep everyone honest and in check. It is just that way in California, especially Riverside County where tract homes are selling for over $500K, and mobiles on 2-3 acres are pulling in $300K.

I am sure you are a great dealer, with a very honest reputation, but to be honest, I did my deal based on the book by Randy Eaton, purchase right off of this website.

[Karen]

In answer to your defense, no I wouldn't go to a "paper" doctor or dentist, but I do purchase a lot of items on e-bay. My dealer is licensed and has an office. He also has a flooring line with three different manufacturers. What he does not have is a showroom, forcing him to make sales that are less than legitamate.

He has a licensed contractor approved by Wells Fargo to perform the set up and I hired a contractor, highly recommended from a co-worker, to do the dig out and site prep work and another to dig a well.

I have gone to at least four dealerships that have all promised great financing (I already own my land) and in the end they pick apart my credit and ask for 9% and a hard money loan to pay the well driller, etc. These are large dealers also.

I don't know where you are from, but I live in southern California, armpit of the world. You must know how totally competitive it is out here. I am very happy that I was able to put my deal together on my own. It has been far less expensive, I received advice from all three involved contractors and was able to keep everyone honest and in check. It is just that way in California, especially Riverside County where tract homes are selling for over $500K, and mobiles on 2-3 acres are pulling in $300K.

I am sure you are a great dealer, with a very honest reputation, but to be honest, I did my deal based on the book by Randy Eaton, purchased right off of this website.