SKYLINE - SHOULD WE BUY IT?

[SHARON MCKAY]

We looked at a Skyline recently that is $60,500 (28 x 72).

Of course everyone has their own opinion - but, can anyone give me concrete reasons not to buy a Skyline?

People are recommending Fleetwood & I had one years ago and it was cheapo. Should we stick with Schult?

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Sharon,

Skyline has a good reputation in the industry and people I talk to say, they treat their employees very well. They are a privately held company not traded on Wall Street and I am told they have very deep pockets. This mean they will be around for years to come. In today’s economic slow down many companies are facing hard times and in our industry many manufacturers have gone out of business. I like Skyline homes they are going after the low-end to mid-range buyers with some nice upper-line homes as well. But for the most part the fall into the, “Average Construction Category.” Like with most large companies Skyline is appealing to the masses and in my opinion does a good job. On average a customer is going to spend between $4,500 to $7,000 to bring a Skyline into the quality construction category. Skyline homes cost between $35 to $45 per square foot. Skyline has many different floor plans to choose from and they are willing to work with you if you want to make some modifications. Skyline and Fleetwood are both national companies going after the entry-level to mid-range buyers but if had to choose between the two, I would go with Skyline. Fleetwood does a better job in marketing themselves but I like Skylines approach to the industry. This is just my opinion and I would encourage you to shop both companies if you’re an entry-level to mid-range buyer. Skyline has a good reputation for servicing their customers but I feel they need to work harder in making their homes more residential looking. I would encourage anybody looking at a Skyline to up-grade to lap siding and a 4-12 roof pitch and eliminate some of the trim on the exteriors. Overall a good company with lot’s of potential with a solid financial background, which means they will be around for many years to come.

Sharon don't forget to buy my book which is available on the main page of this wonderful web site. Good Luck

Randy Eaton

[barb]

Visit a Skyline factory, if at all possible.
Or, alternativly, have someone crawl under it and inspect all floor joists.

[RD]

Randy,
Sharon also asked about Schultz, since I am looking at a Schultz I would like to know how they compare

Thanks Rick

[Bobby]

Look at the feed back at the BBB on all homes, Especially Skyline, But this info has a great deal to do with the set crew,

[Bobby]

All so take a look at the " Elation " by Schult Mfg. homes, This was our choice after looking at the Quality, And the Price of all most every Mfg. home on the market, So far we love our new home 28x70 and it has about ever option you may ever need then some,

[Randy Eaton]

Schult has a very good reputation in the industry for building a quality home and servicing their customers. Schult also manufacturers, Marlette homes which are marketed to the north west regions. I have some friend that lives in a Marlette home and they added about $6,500 in up-grades to get what they wanted. Their home has ½” sheet rock through out, solid oak cabinets that really look nice, 2x8 floors and 2x6 exterior walls. They spent about $40 per square foot. They did not get a 4-12 roof pitch but they did get a covered porch, which looks nice. Schult/Marlette homes fall into the, “Average Construction Category.” Schult is going after the entry-level to mid-range buyers and I feel they do a good job and don’t rush their home through the factory. I would recommend a Schult/Marlette home but you will have to add about $3,500 to $5,000 in up-grades to be in the quality category. A Schult/Marlette home costs between $35 to $45 per square foot. Marlette was purchased by Oakwood homes a few years ago and many felt their quality would suffer because of it. I haven’t seen this yet and feel they are producing a good product for the money. Marlette was considered 10 years ago to be the best of the best but over the years they have slipped somewhat but still a quality company. Schult/Marlette have some very attractive floor plans with covered porches and garage ready applications. I would recommend looking at this company if you’re an entry-level to mid-range buyer. Hope this helps have a wonderful Holidays.

Randy Eaton
www.buymfghome.com

[luke]

i have a 1972 marlette(12x52) i am located in greenville nc. i have yet to see another marlette model in this area. could someone please tell me where if at all were marlette homes manufactured in this part of the country. or was my home an "implant" from someplace else.

[HOWARD ROGERS]

RANDY,
THERE ARE A FEW RESOLUTIONS THAT ARE IN ORDER BEFORE YOU PURCHASE A SCHULTZ HOME. THEIR WARANTEYS DO NOT COVER WINDOWS AND THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE TWO OUT OF THREE SKYLIGHTS THAT HAVE CRACKS IN THEM EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE NOT EVEN TWO YEARS OLD. A REPRESENATIVE KEEPS DANCING AROUND IN STEAD OD BRINGING ABOUT THE RESOLUTION WE NEED. SOMEONE NEEDS TO CONTACT SCHULTZ AND TELL THEM TO GET ON THE BALL.