Current average cost per sq ft-manufactured homes?

[n4nsl100]

I am still pursuing purchasing a Clayton home. We are meeting with our rep tomorrow(who is a GREAT guy) and I would like to know the average current costs per sq foot so I can negotiate with options. I surfed and found that in 2006 the average costs ranged from $32-$40 per sq ft. How much more are those figures for 2008? We are looking at double or triple wides and I would like to keep it around $42 per sq ft but I am not sure that is reality.

Thanks so much

[AZRealtor]

Base prices shouldn't be too much higher for a larger home. Keep in mind that the cost per square foot reduces as you go higher in square footage. The prices you saw were probably base and may have been on a smaller home on average. Before you go in, you should establish a maximum budget for the home. If you know what plan you like, use 50-55/square foot to include options and sales tax. It will be imperative to control your spending, nobody else can do it. Inform your sales rep that you have a max number that you will spend and ask him if the $42/square is a reasonable estimate for base pricing. If so, is he willing to put it in writing? What does it include? If you can establish a basis on the front end that will accommodate your negotiations, you can then option according to "list" price on options, which most dealers are willing to supply (I have known of some situations where dealers made up substantial profit through up-charging options, but most in the industry don't mind sharing the options information).

[n4nsl100]

OK, met with the rep today at LUV Homes. We are looking at the Linville(2280 Sq ft) with upgrades of ceiling fans, larger refrigerator, 2 dishwashers, laminate flooring throughout. jetted tub, additional oven and adding a wall to make a small office. He gave us a ballpark figure of $100-$125,000. A little more than I wanted to spend but it is still only $54/Sq ft. He is sending the floor plan to Clayton(SE Homes) to get exact figures.
I have the books and have read and read, along with searching the web. I am just putting the information out there to get as many "professional" opinions as I can get. As I said in earlier post, this is our first manufactured home and I am trying to make sure I have all the bases covered. I have not said but we are in the Birmingham Alabama area.
Any opinions on the ballpark price we received? I will follow up with another post once I receive the figures from company.
Thanks so much.

[rmurray]

Southern Energy (SE) has had a long history in North Central Al...Clayton bought them only about a year ago..They used to build 3 series of homes..The top series was Southern Energy and very well done...The most basic was Called Southern and very basic indeed...If I were you, I would consider arranging a plant our..The main plant is not far from your home..The Guide book info would mostly be pre Clayton information and may have changed..The price is a little low for the top line home from this plant..Be sure to get all offers in detailed written form..