Quality manufacturers in Illinois regions?

[Scott]

It seems like a majority of the postings here are for about every region except mine. I live in Southern Illinois, about an hour east of St Louis. I have heard about Karsten, Palm Harbor, Patriot, etc. As for the region I live in, what are the best quality M.H.? I'm looking to spend around $70k-$80k and want to buy a double-wide home that will have good resale value. Besides the test of time, it would also have to hold up to 2 small children. I have been to a Patriot dealer, but wasn't real impressed with what was on lot. Truthfully, they didn't really have many homes to walk through on lot. And at the Fleetwood dealer, I seen a lot of "fluff" and seen/heard quality issues with them(leeking roofs). Before driving 2-3 hrs to a dealer I want to be certain they can offer a home that is on par with the high-end quality manufacturers such as Karsten. Additionally, can the size of the dealership be any sign of the service & quality(i.e. bigger is better)? Seen some dealers with only 3-5 homes on lot. Could you expect the same, or better, from them compared to a dealer with 25 homes on lot.

[rmurray]

I cannot comment much on the lines in your area...but I do want to comment about the "size" of the dealer..

These "smaller" dealers should be able to offer you much better priceing...large dealers have very large overheads...most dealers have dropped inventory to a manageable size....4 to 8 units..those with 25 are paying very high inventory costs..and have to pass it on to you..they must do a large volume of sales and might not be able to give you much attention...All dealers can order from a large selection of homes from the manufacturers offerings..

The bottom line is the size of inventory does not mean one is better than the other...Observe how well they present the product...clean offices...well displayed homes..homes protected from the weather...professional look should be important...if a dealer does not care for his inventory..he will not care about yours later...Then ask for references...they will be asking for yours..

[Karen]

Scott I have sent you an email also but wanted to respond here.

As a small dealer ourself we feel that we are able to give the customer more one on one time. There is no "rush feeling" when you come into our office. We do not carry alot of homes ( usually only 2 at a time). However you have over 50 floor plans to pick from + you can change the look of the home too. If you wanted to take a wall out between 2 small bedrooms you can( as long as it is not a load barriering wall).

I could carry 10 homes on the lot but to me that would be a waste. This way you can pick your own colors, floors plans & options. I have customers that live close by that will let you view their homes. This is without us there- you can ask any & all questions about us & the homes.

I would be glad to talk to you and/or work with you. I am the only one that does the sales, you will always get a straight answer from me. I work from 10-3, ( M-F)then our son comes in. If you need to speak with me - I can stay later too!

However, sometimes I do have to close the office to go to closing or take parts to the crew for set up.I am usually just 30 minutes away. The calls are always forwarded to my cellphone when I leave so just call the office & you will get me on the line. Just call before coming in & I will be glad to show you the plans & homes.

Good Luck- Karen

www.beckerbrothershomesales.com

[rmurray]

Nice web site...Good Luck with business..

[anonymous]

be careful about any dealer you chose, make sure your contract not only
specifies the features of the homes and the services provided by the
dealer but the time frame in which they will complete such services.
small dealers, like becker brothers, have few employees which means
you could literally wait months for them to finish setting up your home
and completing things like blocks, etc. i speak from experience,
make sure you find out how many people will be working on your
home to get it fully set up and how long it will take. once they have
your money you move to the bottom of the list, everything and everyone else takes precedence. becker bros are notoriously slow, i found out later,
at completing projects. project management is not their strong point.

[Tammi Howard]

I am getting ready to purchase land and place a manufactured home on the property. I am interested in finding out what it will cost me to put the house on the land. The home is a Cavco Biltmore and the base price for the home only is $137,000. This includes set up and delivery. Can anyone tell me approximately what i will be paying for the extra set up costs which are outside of the set up and delivery? I need permits and a graded pad as well. What are the average air conditioner prices? Does anyone have any experience with Cavco? That is only an option. I am also considering a Palm Harbor home. Please email me directly at [email protected]

[rmurray]

I would hope your dealer should be able to give you advice for the costs in your area...They do this everyday and know the contractors there....From what I have seen here on this forum..CA..costs tens of thousands more than anywhere else in the country...Enjoy the Sunshine.....