first time mh buyer

[Tiya]

Hey all! I just started to read your forum and I'm looking to buy my first MH. I am going to inherit 13.5 acres (lucky me!), and I have the opportunity to move on to the land now. I am looking for a quality MH in Oklahoma. Are there any manufactures to stay away from? Are there any that are better than others? I'm in sales so I'm looking forward most to haggling the price. What is the usual profit on a MH? I also want something very small (under 1300 sq ft). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[jgn]

What part of Oklahoma? There are several manufacturers represented in Oklahoma and one that is out of Duncan, Solitaire Homes. There are as many choices as there are homes it just depends on what you are looking for. You want a small home but I would not get anything but a multi-section (double wide). My three choices are Karsten, Palm Harbor and Solitaire. I would stay away from Fleetwood and Oakwood, search those names on Google or this site and you will get additional information about them.
Karstan makes a very nice home toward the top end of the price range. It seems like every time we go there it is a different story which I don't like but I do like their homes.
Palm Harbor is a little under the Karstan price wise and also a nice home . The have a Corp. owned sales site in Tulsa. We have had a good experience dealing with them and the fact that they are both the dealer and mfr is a plus for me (only one person to blame if it's not right). They have a tendency to try to oversell unless you get a good representative.
Solitaire is the best value for quality of construction for the price but is plain and very few options. This would be my choice because of the bang for the buck but SWMBO does not like the looks.

We are currently looking at these three homes in Tulsa to replace a 1976DW at the lake. Follow this site, visit a number of dealers and ask a ton of questions. Don't be in a hurry and keep in mind that the dealer is as important as the manufacturer. Ask a lot of questions, buy some books and have fun shopping.

[Tiya]

Thanks I live just south of Norman. I want something very basic almost bare bones. I'm pretty handy and so I will add all kinds of stuff. Although I really liked Palmharbor they were just way to expensive especially for something that will eventually be a lake house. I will check out Solitaire. What about Champion good bad does it really make a difference. I will most definately get a doublewide. Thanks.

[rmurray]

Remember homes come in all different quality ranges...prices are very competitive so..if one is lots less than the other..it is likely that there are great differences in the structure..warranty..features..

A newbie should invest in some of the books listed here in this web site..some are e-books and can be downloaded on demand..Most in this bookstore here are very good guides for the novice buyer...

You will have to decide what you want...low price..small size...or good quality..PH should have some 1300 sq ft homes in the 40's...still with the 5 year warranty..if you keep the features in line..

When you finance...be sure you spend the money to subdivide the property to a smaller lot..it would make little sense to mortgage 13 acres for 1 home..this would leave most of the property free and clear..an asset you might could use later..

[Ray]

We are replacing our "solid as a rock" 1968 Delta" with a new trailer (I only wish I knew where to find another Delta). Bottom line - we shopped until we've dropped. Suspect we will purchase a nicely optioned Clayton. I like PH ...but quite frankly feel they are asking about 10K more for a comparably priced model. Good Luck

[rmurray]

The diffenence between the middle quality homes and the best is about 10K in the size you are looking at...Then there is the warranty...

[Larry]

Stay away from Fleetwood and Clayton

[Terry]

Larry can you tell me your experience ? I need to know why you think I should stay away from Fleetwood I have an appt with them on Saturday-Terry