Not the usual kind of question, I don't think

[Sue]

My husband and I are considering selling our current home and purchasing a manufactured home, to live in for a couple of years, and maybe keep after that for our kids. We currently owe $140k on a house that will sell for about $190. So we're looking at about $40K that we could put towards a purchase, leaving us with very little (or nothing) to finance. The MLS listing that gave me this idea can be found at http://www.realtor.com/FindHome/HomeLis ... ksrc=00003 but we know nothing else about manufactured homes, or this one in particular. We live in a fairly affluent area, and this is the nicest MFH community in the area, and the only one we would consider living in.

What we don't know is if this is even something we should consider. The goal is to cut our living expenses drastically, because we are facing my husband losing our main source of income. That leaves us depending on a business we bought a couple of years ago. We can expand that business and then take a salary out of it, but, at least at first, it will be a large (approx. $20K) salary cut.

We honestly don't know. Everyone we have talked to is very negative about what they consider a "backwards" move. I don't even know where to turn to get a different point of view... so am hoping to get a response here!

Thanks in advance.

[rmurray]

I checked the listing...there is not nearly enough info listed to give a quality or value estimation...The listing does not mention the make..model or size..all which could give a clue as to value..The ad does not even mention the amount of park rent...probaly not much more than your taxes now..

My guess is that this is not the only home for sale in this park...Check others in the park to see if the price seems in line...

As far as "Everyone we have talked to is very negative about what they consider a "backwards" move. "....First..I doubt "everyone" is paying your bills...The cost of owning and maintaining those $190,000 homes is rising very quickly..there is a move again to down size all over the nation...folks are getting tired of working for the house...

Only you can decide what is good for you and your family..sever financial stress sure is not good...this can cause health problems..marital problems..business problems...the list is long..You are lucky to have the equity to be able to have options..

Stop back here to get answers to all your questions...Good Luck with the new business..

[pat]

My husband and I are doing the same. We are going to be empty nesters soon and since we don't need the big house, pool and all the extras we are looking into the manufactured homes. We have found that the Karsten and the Palm Harbor seem to be built well. We are putting in on a lot in a regular neighborhood. I love the idea. We are going to cut back our work schedule by half and enjoy life a bit more!

[rmurray]

Sounds like fun...go for it..