Hurry! HELP!

[Susan]

We have just found out our home is going to sell in 2 weeks! We were planning on buying a mobile home, but now we have to move at warp speed! We have found a Fleetwood we LOVE, but have found so many horor stories on here about Fleetwood.

If we upgrade to 2x6 exterior and upgraded insulation package, are they still that bad?

We live in Central TX and have access to Palm Harbor, Cavco, Clayton, Skyline, Fleetwood, Patriot and maybe others we aren't even aware of.

We would get Randy's books, but we have to order our home yesterday and don't have time!!!

Thanks for your help!

Susan

[rmurray]

Be careful...you are about to make the biggest mistake you could possibly make...buying in a hurry could make you do things you should not do...If I were you..I would consider a short term rental until I could research all product...locations...and finance...

The best finance takes longer to arrange than you have..

[Susan]

We are trying to make an informed decision, as far as financing, we are doing a cash deal.

Any suggestions on the different home builders we are looking at for the Central TX area?

[Art]

Hi Susan,
I don't know what horror stories you've heard about Fleetwood, but I have been in my Entertainer since August with few, if any problems. I guess the construction codes are different in TX...mine came with 2x6 and max insulation...I am in PA and we have had 12 degree mornings already with almost no heat loss. So if you are concerned about that, then definitely go with the higher end construction. I do agree with Murray, though- take your time and do not rush into anything. I was in much the same postion you are and wish I had had more time than I did (not that I have any regrets...it's just a big move!). Good luck to you.

[Don]

Can you tell me what type of exterior material you have? Is it OSB Wrap? or just that basic backboard sheathing?

Thanks for your answer!

[Just Syl]

Please slow yourself down....you are going to end up in a really bad situation, cash sale or not. I would take factory tours. If the manufacturer is not offering tours, I would be forced to ask WHY? Check the Better Business Bureau in your area for info on the dealer and the manufacturer. We are headed for the same situation, but have resigned ourselves to the fact that we will have to spend a few months or maybe longer in an apartment until we get this puzzle figured out. We are trying to place on private property in Los Angeles, CA.

(Anybody out there with experience in Los Angeles, CA can feel free to contact me with any helpful suggestions or WARNINGS!!!.....PLEASE)

My reasearch has turned up some pretty nasty things on Fleetwood. We took a site built carpenter/contractor with us to look at various homes by various makers and Fleetwood did come out on the very bottom according to his knowledge. He gave us thumbs up on Palm Harbor, especially the "packaged" homes . I also hear good things about Silvercrest, but they are very expensive and rumour has it that quality is going down quickly b/c of being linked to Champion.