Best way to check out a dealer?

[LindaBo]

Other than the Better Business Bureau,how could I check a dealers reputation? How about contractors who do lot preparation?

[trmimo]

Ask the dealer for names and numbers of people who have recently purchased their home from them, then call the people and ask how they were treated, were promises kept and were issues resolved promptly and fairly. Any reputable dealer is proud to give references of happy homeowners. Talk to community managers in your area, even if you are not placing your home in a community. They interact with dealers more frequently than the average homeowner and they here about the dealer experiences of their residents. Same for the sub-contractors. Ask for references of satisfied customers and talk to them.

[LindaBo]

Trmimo,
Great suggestions. Thanks.

[admin]

The most important part of your manufactured home purchase will be the selection of the right dealer. The dealer is not only going to sell you the home. In most cases he will arrange your financing, site preparation and home installation. Your dealer will also administer your homes warranty. So you want to be very sure that you select a dealer worthy of your trust. Along with how to select the right dealer you need to know how to make the right home selection, how to determine the fair price of a home and discover smart negotiating tactics, (what not to disclose) and even Deal terms - what to insist be in writing.

You can get the education your seeking from The Grissim Buyers Guide to Manufactured Homes and Land The tuition is very reasonable at only $19.95 for the e-book version which is available now for instant download

Exhaustively researched, and with extensive input from both industry insiders and consumer advocates, this guide gives you all the information and tools you will need to successfully find the dealer your looking for and pin point the right home for you.

YOU can also read the free excerpts from the companion book The Grissim Ratings Guide to Manufactured Homes This guide lists every builder in the U.S., their histories, products, price ranges, construction ratings, with up-to-date information on the companies and the products they build. Plus it includes an annotated construction rating chart with 56 criteria you can use to evaluate any home — before you buy. The Rating's Guide includes evaluations for All 79 U.S. builders.

The Manufactured Housing Book Store is offering a special 2 book offer on the combo purchase of both of these great consumer guides.

[LindaBo]

David,
Thank you so much for all the info and links. I will definitely make use of the guides! I appreciate all the help!
Linda