Horton Homes

[L Jane]

We live in the State of Georgia and are currently residing in a 27+ year old doublewide mobile home. Needless to say it is in SERIOUS need of being replaced and we need to do so before this coming winter. We have looked at the Horton Homes models over the years and are somewhat impressed but would like to hear from others who have dealt with them. If there is anyone on this List who presently lives in (or has lived in) a Horton Home I would be very interested in hearing from you. These homes are made in Eatonton, Georgia. I believe that is the only factory they have. Thanks ahead of time!

[Terry]

Well, now that I've read your second posting, I'm truly amazed. You're right there in the town where the Horton Homes factory is - they must have a pretty big influence down there. Can't anybody at Horton bring pressure on those pompous, public-trough-feeding commissioners? If not, then I'll rethink my consideration of Horton when I finally DO buy my m-h.

[r murray]

I think you miss read her post...Manufactured Homes...especially Horton Homes are very welcome in Eatonton...
Horton is owned by 1 man...Dudley Horton...He lives in a Horton Home right in the middle of the best neighborhood in town..

By the way while you are there you can buy a Horton Horse Trailor, buy Horton Furniture, a Dodge Truck from Horton Dodge...The list goes on...Horton everything..

[L Jane]

Actually what started this whole mess was we spent a day north of Athens, Ga. looking at the new models of the various brands. We always return to the Horton lot because, as posted previously, we have always been somewhat impressed with the construction and the attitude of the salespeople. If we can see our way through it, we do have a particular floorplan, and specific upgrades, we are very interested in. However, I like to talk to people who already live in whatever brand we are interested in, before really making up my mind. We have communicated with a Horton sales lot in Athens and the gentleman with whom we have been talking has (as far as we are concerned) been most helpful. He has been looking into what can be done about getting the county to work with us. This is not just to benefit us, but anyone who presently owns their own property and wishes to put a manufactured home on it. Like I mentioned in my other post about the County, my intent in asking anything at all was to gather other people's opinions, not to bash the County. I appreciate any information that would help us make the best decision possible. Thank you everyone! L Jane

[Terry]

Hey, I don't mind driving 75 miles or so to Athens for a good Horton salesperson. Do you mind telling us what dealership you're referring to? I might go over there next weekend.

Thanks

[L Jane]

Sure, no problem. The dealership is Georgia Housing Center, Inc., address is 835 New Hull Rd. Phone number is (706) 546-7131. The salesman is Mr. Al Clements.

[Toby Hise]

During the past seventeen years, I have sold homes built by Horton, Fleetwood, Commodore, Nobility, Champion, Palm Harbor, Homes of Merit, Jacobsen, and some I can't remember, I am sure.

As for as construction of a home, Horton is very good. Not much on the ginger bread, but not totally lacking in eye appeal. It is apparent that you are leaning toward buying a Horton Home, and only need Horton homeowner confirmation to finalize you decision. Having homeowner input is good, however, there are other very important factors. So here are some other considerations.

1. Sales People-Does the sales person say "yes" to all your whims and desires concerning the home you are interested in. If your answer is yes, run as quickly as you can. No manufacture can be all things to all buyers. A good sales person will be upfront with you as to what the manufacture can and cannot do.
2. Does the Dealership employee service personnel? If not, be very careful.
3. Check the reputation of the delivery and set up company. A very good set up is the most important aspect of your home buying. A bad set up will cause you many problems and can interfere with factory warranty issues.
4. Have everything you are promised in writing. Not on a legal pad, notebook paper, post-it pad, paper towel, or brown paper bag. In writing, on a purchase agreement. If you are ordering your home from the factory, request to see the factory order confirmation before the home is built. This will insure that you are getting the options you are requesting and paying for. If you are refused, well, you know......run.
5. Buying in Georgia and want to know more....contact the Georgia State Fire Marshall. This is governing body that oversees mobile homes in Georgia. Ask which manufacture and/or dealer receives the most customer complaints.

How to get homeowner input. Simple ask the dealer for the names of the last ten buyers in alfabetical order and ten who bought a year ago. If the dealer pulls out the "testimonial book," ask for an equal number of names of buyers not included in the sales book. See how they react to your request.

By the way, as you shop around trying to get the best price, remember that price and cost are two very different things. The price you pay is not always what it can end up costing you.

I hope this will be of some help to you in becoming a happy manufactured homeowner.

TH

[L Jane]

Thank you for your time! You have just added a few more lines to my ever-growing list of things to do/watchout for, etc. We are also going to look into the Champion and Southern Living(?) homes. It's funny you mentioned how Horton homes are short on the gingerbread. If there is one thing that will get us to "run" from any particular home is how it is "dolled up". Personally, I hate it. What is so revealing though is to watch a couple or family when they go into one of these homes. I can see how an unscrupulous salesperson would have a heyday.

Your comments about what to require from a sales lot. Very good! I did not think about whether they have service personnel. To my knowledge I do not believe the dealership we have talked with has service personnel but I cannot say for sure since I have not asked. I shall. As far as agreeing to everything we would like to upgrade to, the answer to the vast majority of what we would like has been yes, but not all. These options were written on a purchase agreement. This particular dealership apparently does not employ, or subcontract, anyone to build garages. I have spoken to other dealerships who say they can do everything from getting all the permits to building the garage. I like your suggestion of contacting references. Especially appreciate your suggestion about the "testimonial book". LJW