"permenant"

[jeremiah sisovsky]

What does "permanently" attached really mean? We were told that a skirted mobile home, assuming the wheels were taken off, is not permanent. But talking with a bank, we were told a permanent MH can be one that has the wheels taken off and is skirted?

Also why is it so difficult to find a lend for a singlewide MH on land? I mean this MH is hooked up to a septic system, well water, my wife and I have stable jobs. It's not like were going anywhere in the middle of the night (granted that would be easier to do with a singlewide than a doublewide). What can we do to assure a mortgage lender that?

[rmurray]

It is really hard to explain...but I will try...Almost all mortgages are sold by lenders to Fannie Mae..or Freddie Mac....both large mortgage holding companies...therefore even if a lender is not selling the mortgage..they package it just in case sometime in the future they want to...Unfortunately for the most part..Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac only finance double sections....

"permanent" means different things to different lander...Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allow vinal skiring as long as there is a permanent footings and the home is attached to the ground...A local inspector has to approve the foundation and that it meets local codes..

FHA has a completely different definition..Their's involoves a structural engineer, soil testing, siesmic considerations, freeze line rules...the list goes on and on...A FHA foundation in GA would be much different than an FHA foundation in North Dakota..

The only advice I can give you is to try the lenders on this site..They specialize in manufactured homes..I am afraid you will not find the really low rates afforded a mortgage on a double section..

[David Oxhandler]

Try www.ManufacturedHomeLender.com . The site represents a wide selection of lenders who share the incoming requests and questions of potential lenders. Fill out the form on their home page and the local lenders will contact you.

[Diane]

I am trying to up-grade my modular to a permanent house (for financing reasons)
Do you know where I might find anyone who would know where this information might be:
structural engineering
permits
criteria
etc.
I am in a double wide with a block foundation all the way around.
I can't believe I am the only one who would be asking this question.
The house and property are probably worth about $ 750,000 so a couple of points in the financing makes a pretty big difference.
Diane
Acton CA.

[David Oxhandler]

Your decision to retrofit the foundation system of your home is an important one and should be dictated by local soil conditions rather than loan requirements. In California, where earthquakes are a factor and the foundation is more critical than anyplace in the country. The current trend is towards the products of FOUNDATION WORKS. Their advanced systems were designed and engineered for manufactured homes. These foundation systems add a high level of structural stability and have proven most cost-effective for the manufactured home, buyer. Initial costs are considerably less than other types of foundations. Average installation requires less than 1 day vs. up to 2 weeks for slab or runner foundations. Result: Dramatic out-of-pocket savings. Meets industry standards for permanent foundation. Qualifies for FHA or VA loan vs. conventional loan. Result: Lower monthly Payments. Foundation Works systems are waterproof...rustproof...vermin proof...termite proof. Result: Less maintenance means continuing savings. Foundation Works pads, stands, and precast concrete skirting can be easily moved and reinstalled at another location. Result: Lower relocation costs. Foundation Works meet or exceed industry standards, and have been proven safer under adverse conditions. Many cities in Oregon and Washington are being upgraded to Seismic Zone 3 & 4, and will be requiring earthquake resistant bracing in the near future. Thoroughly safety tested and certified by the State of California for use in Seismic Zone 4, 'the Foundation Works Systems exceed strength requirements by a factor of 2! Traditional foundations offer little protection from wind damage because the manufactured home literally sits on top of the foundation. Foundation Works Systems solidly anchor your home and footing...and have been safety certified in 80 mph winds. Foundation Works are engineered and designed exclusively for manufactured housing. Tests show the Foundation Works are 4 to 6 times stronger than the average foundation for manufactured housing, thus providing more safety and stability. Foundation Works offer you the best foundation technology available for your manufactured home...plus added safety and stability...at a lower cost. Get a free Quote by submitting the form you will find at the FOUNDATION WORKS web site

[Jim Stocking]

A "Permanent" foundation, in this area, for a mobile / manufactured home is a Siesmic restraint system, as determined by the state. If you would like to call me for further information I can be reached at Dura-Bilt Homes in Lancaster.
(661) 946-7917 during the week. There is a message machine on the weekends and if you leave a number, I will call you back.

Jim