The Manufactured Housing Forums

I'm a first time buyer. Buying a new home on a leased lot. It's a package deal.
I pick one of 3 manufactureres. the unit and amenities that I want. The unit is
built, transported, installed, tied down and basic landscaped as a single price.
The park is one of the retail sales centers for the 3 manufacturers.

I'm being told that I'm paying manufactures selling price on the house, plus
quoted trnsportation and setup costs on eveything else and the park is adding a $2000.00 commision and a 3 1/2 % sales commision. I don't mind those figures but how do I know that I'm not paying some kind of "list price" for the house (like an inflated list price for a car) plus inflated transportation and setup costs.

I don't have any problem in paying fair market value for all of the above but how do I determine what that is. If I buy a stick house in a neighborhood that has similar square footage and amenities and pay what everyone else has paid then I'm pretty
sure that I've paid about what i should.

It seems that the above system, unless I have some measurement guide leaves me open to abuses that could costs me several thousand dollars that I might not need to pay. Any help on this subject appreciated, thanks Bob

Hello Robert,

What is the brand? How much are you paying for it? What are the delivery charges? Have you shopped the same brand at other sales centers to be sure your not paying too much? Whats the total price?

Randy Eaton

I am looking at a 1996 Redman 28x48 less tongue, partly taped and textured, upgraded carpet about 3 years old, one bedroom door needs replacing, includes swamp cooler on roof with one downdraft in living room, 3 bedroom, 2 bath. I know the owners paid 30,000 for it new, they added the tape & texture, newer carpet and swamp cooler, and it is now priced at 40,000. How can I get a ballpark value without paying for a full-fledged appraisal? I know there is a book value on these things, just like cars. Where do I get the book value?