Homes of Merit Question for Mr. Murray

[Mrs X]

I posted this question on the other board but I think it was too far down to be noticed.

Mr. Murray, I notice you sell Homes of Merit modulars. I think you said they were a little less expensive than Mascot Homes

Does your company work in conjunction with real estate agents who locate affordable land for your customers and if so, do they scout out land all over or is it just the Augusta area?

[rmurray]

We do have relations with many Real Estate folks....but they are very local in thier dealings...Seldom do you find real estate pros that reach out more than a county or 2...Especially for land only sales in which they feel the commission is very small...

As a matter of fact...most of the real estate folks we deal with are developers and have subdivisions in small areas...

You should have far less problem finding land for a modular because zoning will no longer be a problem....Of course...many subdivisions will still have restrictive deed restrictions that will keep you out...

Personally...I think land location is the most important part of the purchase...You should spend at least as much time picking the location as the home...The right location is probably more important than the right house...I wish I could be more helpful..

HOM offers most of its floor plans as modulars as well as HUD homes...pricing will depend on the features you decide to get..The factory price for a modular is the same as the HUD code home...except the foundation and crane to get the home off the truck run the price up about $5000 from a basic set hud home with masonary underpinning..That would put a 1500 sq foot home at as low as 58 to 59 K....From there you could add many thousands in additional options...

[Mrs X]

I thought a modular home was much more expensive than a regular M-H.

Thanks for your help.

[rmurray]

There are many modulars out there...Most seem to be the very most delux...but basic modulars come in all different shapes and sizes...

Remember...when we speak of modulars...they are built to state codes and they are different in every state...so when others read these posts...what is true in GA mat not be true in CA...

I used the HOM example to point out that basic modulars in GA are nothing different than quality HUD homes (by the way..Mascot modulars are exactly the same price as the Mascot HUD home except the foundation costs as mentioned on the HOM)...except in GA there is no frame (although there is a move in state government to allow frames) and the home will have slightly heavier floor joists and will have to be lifted off the truck onto the foundation...The foundation is somewhat like a FHA HUD foundation and costs about the same...

Some manufactuers do have option prices to build modulars...Example might be Horton...They run about $4000 more..plus the $5000 additional set up costs...The reason for this is that Horton does build a good quality home but when they build a modular...it is built to meet the codes in 12 states and every quirk of every state is included in the price..Not just GA..

Many things folks equate with modulars in their mind are not required by law...Example..taped and painted sheetrock...not required...another is roof pitch...all that is required is a true 3x12 pitch...the list goes on..

This leaves lots of flexablility for the buyer in the style and features that they get..And how much pocketbook they have to commit...

Of course...individual counties might have additional requirements of ALL homes...In your area some counties require a 5x12 pitch roof and a garage on ALL homes...In this case this would run the price up...but less so than on a stick built..