Trading Mobile to Modular

[Haven]

Hi,

My wife and I have lived in a Fleetwood mobile home on land that we own for approximately 14 years and now we are wanting to upgrade our living situation. We are in a somewhat better financial situation now and are looking into our various options.

First off, we love where we live. The land we are on is not tied to our current home loan so there would be no problems in staying at this location if we were able to get rid of our current home.

One of the options we would like to find more information on is whether or not there are any reputable off-frame modular home builders in the East TN area that take mobile homes on trade-in? We still owe on the home so this would be advantageous it seems.

We do feel like we are sort of "short" on options when it comes to getting out of our current home without going directly into another manufactured home. We really like the idea of a modular home built to state and local codes over living in another HUD home. However, we are not opposed to the idea of another (very well built) HUD home if all else fails.

We know Clayton Homes advertises modular homes and takes trade-ins, but we're not sure if they actually offer off-frame modular or not. Plus, I've read many consumer complaints about Clayton Homes' construction quality, so they leave us a little squeamish.

Any advice we could get from someone that has been in a similar situation would really be appreciated.

Thanks!

[David Oxhandler]

Manufactured and modular homes are often built on the same assembly line. The difference in quality is not necessarily tied to the construction code but to the quality standards set by the builder. Those builders that are not competing solely on price, but offer the end user the best possible product generically get high grades on both types of factory-built homes.

But builders don't take trade-ins, that is strictly the realm of the dealers. To find out who offers the capabilities of a trade you will need to visit your local dealerships.

Before you leave home downlaod The Grissim Guide to Manufactured Homes and Land This book is a comprehensive resource guide for MH Shoppers. It explains how to determine the fair price of a home. You will find out how to find a dealer worthy of your trust, how to make the right home selection, and, as important, how to be informed so you can make the right decisions. You will also learn smart negotiating tactics, (what not to disclose) and even what to insist be in writing

You can get an excellent two-for one price package deal right now The MH Book Store is offering the Grissim Buyers Guide and and The Grissim Ratings Guide to Manufactured Homes ... The first consumer ratings guide ever listing every manufactured home builder with at-a-glance comparison listings.

This is key information home shoppers need to make an informed decision.