Dazed and Confused

[Benita]

My husband and I are preparing to buy a manufactured (mobile) home to put on 7 acres of land.
We have done a lot of research (or as much as possible with the limited resources available) and
are concerned about which home manufacturer to chose. My husband is partial to a Palm Harbor
(Boaz, AL plant); however, I have my reservations. While they have several appealing features
(we are looking for a very modern looking interior), I noticed that the showers/tubs were pcs and
there were a couple of other features I felt were sub-standard. Another builder is Champion's
Gateway Homes. However, I just read on the web that Champion is mass produced and uses
"cheap" materials. We don't want that at all. We are willing to pay a slightly higher price for
better quality; however, with the lack ratings/regulations/information sources, it is very difficult
to tell who has the best quality. We have also looked at Clayton, Horton, Fleetwood, Oakwood,
Waverlee, etc. and all were sub-standard to one or the other of us (or at the least a poor choice
in decor options and too traditional, country and/or reminiscent of "trailers"). We are suppose
to go this weekend to look at some Franklin Homes but I can't find out much about them. They
don't have a web site and everytime I do a seach Fleetwood comes up. Are they affiliated with
the Fleetwood Homes? Which manufacture would you recommend in the Eastern TN area?
Or even very northern GA, AL? Where can we find a dealer for those brands?

After all we have read, seen and heard, at this point we are completely dazed and confused!!!!!
Any advice is appreciated but hurry, we are suppose to try to make a decision within the next week or so
and DO WANT A HIGH QUALITY HOME. We go into the dealerships as highly informed (as best
we can be) and wonder how people who are not so well informed keep from losing their shirts?
The highest prices don't mean the highest quality - I learned that very quickly!!

[Ron]

All manufactured homes are built to the same HUD standard. Which manufacturer to choose is really a personal choice, much like which car to buy. When you look at dealer models on their lots, you are generally looking at the basic home.

You have the capability of ordering a home with all types of upgrades to compliment the floor plans you like. Plastic bathroom tubs and lavatories can be upgraded to fiberglass, carpet can be upgraded, insulation added, on and on. These options will cost additional money.

You really need to decide on which floor plan you like, the shop the MH dealers for the manufacturer that has your floor plan, add in the extras. Compare these costs between MH dealers offering the product you like from the same MH manufacturer. It takes time, don't rush yourself. This purchase is too important.

[Eileen]

Benita, I just looked at some Franklin homes and they are very, very nice! They're made in Russellville, Alabama. As far as I know, the exclusive dealer in Georgia is Five Star Manufactured Homes in Bowdon, Georgia. I know you're in Tennessee but I'm sure Rodney Walker of Five Star could direct you to the nearest location to you. Five Star's website is "www.fivestarmh.com." Phone number - 800-545-9707 or (770) 258-7321. The two models I looked at that were really "jam up" were 618-68-3-28 (1750 sq. ft) and 607-56-3-28 (1420 sq. ft.) These were both 3 bedroom/2 bath. One of the great things about this line is - regular drywall is standard. Give Rodney a call, and tell him I referred you,please.

Good luck!

[Benita]

Thanks for your replies. We found a Franklin dealer in the Knoxville area and the Manager there
and I have been talking. He's been great so far. Any other homes of higher quality out within
our area (100 miles+/-) that we should consider?

[Denice]

Benita,

You might want to check out the Solitaire homes. I know they have a plant in Oklahoma and dealers in Texas but I'm not sure about TN. I have just put earnest money down on a Solitaire home and am very pleased with my selection. I looked long and hard at the Palm Harbors and Solitaires. My sister bought a Palm Harbor last December. The Palm Harbor my sister bought is a beautiful home and very well built and she is pleased with it. Her only disappointment is that she doesn't have sheet rocked walls through out her home. I will have all sheet rocked walls, as this is a standard feature of the Solitaire homes. After touring the Solitaire with me my sister wishes she had looked at the Solitaire before making her chose. Their web site is www.solitairehomes.com. They are definitely worth looking at. They're not flashy like the Palm Harbor but I think they are better built in my opinion.

Good Luck!

[Terry]

Denice, Yes, Solitaire is a fine home and very good company and they always built quality homes since they started business 48 years ago. I am pleased with my home and proud owner of it. The Oklahoma and Texas dealers are owned by the manufacturer and they really make sure their customers are satisfied with their homes. The 3 dealer ships in New Mexico don't care about their customers at all, and I am one of the customers. Good luck.

[Jeff]

Just got home from looking at the solitaire homes. In my opinion this is one of the best built homes on the market.the prices are reasonable for the quality. All of the standard features of these homes are expensive upgrades on others. This was the only dealer that had an actual floor sample of how the home was built right when you walk in the door real wood that you could see and feel.We banged on the walls jumped on the floors and could not get these homes to move! We looked at palm harbours, shult,oakwood,nationwide,clayton,and patriot. After seeing the solitaire my mind was made up. 1/2'' sheetrock,plywood floors,2/6'' walls,storm windows, cpvc plumbing with cut offs, and this was standard. All the options and upgades could be had for 4000 more on any home or as low as 800 for the least amount. the higher included plywood sheating on the exterior under the siding. This was a releif after al the novodeck and pex plumbing sales pitches thrown at me!! I think these homes will stand the test of time .
Good luck in your search! Make sure you get good floors walls plumbing and all the isulation you can upgrade to as for the bells and whistles you can do them to your own taste after the closing and won't have to finance them for the next 30 yrs.
Jeff