Need info - know nothing

[psw]

Hello,
We have had it with typical "suburban" living. Upscale neighborhood, outrageous monthly lease payment, and the house next door is inhabited by people from the depths of . . . well . . enough said.

We have never owned a home, have lived in apartments - not an option. Townhomes - no choices. Don't want to rent anymore. Don't want to buy conventional in the city. So, we have decided that we need a few acres away from the maddening crowd, and are going to take a look at manufactured houses.

What we have found here in our area is Palm Harbor - could anyone tell me what you know about this company?

Also, we just know nothing about this option at all. Is this is a wise purchase? Good chance for resale? Quality?

Really, any input would be appreciated as we are at our wit's end as to what to do.

Thanks much.

[LL]

hi
buy randy eaton's book, which is available in the bookstore listed on this site. it will tell you what to look for and what to avoid. good luck in your search.

[matt]

You know, I actually bought both of Randy Eaton's books. I highly recommend either book, since they do give a lot of information to look at and options and construction materials.

PSW - where are you from?

My wife and I are probably going to purchase a Palm Harbor home. From our research, you do get a lot with the Palm Harbor homes. They seem pretty well built.

[psw]

Thanks to you both for the replies.

Actually, we're going to look at Palm Harbors and acreage tomorrow and while we know this can't be a snap decision, we're trying to make a move very soon. Simply don't want to pay another month's rent here because of various situations and because the rent is so high - (figure it would be well spent on a move.)

Matt - we are in the DFW, TX area. How about you? Have you learned anything specific about PH?

Thanks -

[rmurray]

Welcome aboard...You are in one of the largest groups of folks buying manufactured homes in the country...

Experienced with the suburban "dream" of a small house on a postage stamp size peice of property...or better yet the "wonderful" patio homes with a full 8 inches from the neighbor...some even have sound insulation between them...

You have come to your senses...now found the real dream, a high quality, custom designed large home on a piece of property large enough to not to have to worry about the neighbors...a home that is more affordable than those in suburbia..Leaving you with extra money each month to save for your future...or spend anyway you want...

Good Luck...
Palm Harbor has many plants..they build most different quality ranges from good middle range homes to good high end homes...The trick is to be careful on the finance plan they try to sell...Current mortgage rates are about 5.75%....Closing costs should be no more than 4% of a large purchase...Do not finance 3 or 5 years of homeowners insurance for 30 years (very bad financial step)..shop the price of insurance like you would any item...Do Not load your mortgage up with extended home warranties, disability insurance or life insurance....All of these items are huge profit centers for PH and are available from other sources at much lower prices....All of these effect your return on investment when you resell...The balances are still in the loan...but there is no longer any value for the future buyer...
Wioth that in mind...Go for it..

[jgn]

PH builds a nice home and seem to have few complints but are on the higher end of MH. There are plants in Ft. Worth that builds the standard version and the Austin plant builds the top of the line. Murray hit it on the nail with PH trying to sell you all the services and you will pay top dollar for insurance, warranties, financing. When I was talking to them they offered be a buydown on interest rates, can't remember the exact figure but it was like $500 per half point, but they started out at higer than I could get conventional, not a smart move for me but good for them. You might want to look at Solitaire, Franklin, Fuqua, Kasrten as well. Solitaire builds a well built home for the money but allows few changes, Franklin builds a very well built home as does Fuqua. Restrictions are going to be your biggest problem in finding a place to live, hope you don't mind driving a bit.

[psw]

Thanks to you all for the input.
However, we visited a Palm Harbor lot yesterday and it was the crummiest, most unprofessional place. The salesman was a scumbag who acted like he was half asleep, running his hands over and over his face, the entire time, he either had his eyes closed or glared at us - just a jerk.

My husband told him that before we proceeded, we wanted to look at the specific model and that we were going to check with our bank for financing and our insurance company. Instantly, he got an even worse attitude. We had called ahead and told him specifically the exact (and only) model that we would consider AND my husband told him where we are on credit and specifics of what we're wanting. But, in the office he admitted that they didn't even have that model number on the lot, and he acted as though he knew nothing about our credit. The only thing he wanted to do was pull a credit report and figure a complete package for us. Kept saying that he could put everything together. He hated the fact that we were going to consult others. This all happened within less than 5 minutes and we walked out. Scum! Crummy office, lowlife salespeople. No wonder so many people get a bad image of MH.

Honestly, we are now so turned off by conventional housing in suburbia, crowded and over-priced apartments, and manufactured houses, that I'm not sure what the answer is. A nicely furnished cave, perhaps? Worked for the Flintstones. (lol)

Anyway, again thanks for the feedback.

[Stormy]

Our first visit to PH was terrible!!! I'll spare you the details, but it was enough to turn us off to PH.

We went to another PH, and it was the TOTAL opposite. We had a wonderful salesperson, who did not pressure us. We went telling him that we were JUST looking. He did no high pressure sales, showed us several homes in the price range we stated. He was knowledgeable about the construction and upgrades that are available.

I am in Texas also, in the San Antonio area. I'd encourage you to try another PH if there is one close to you.

[rmurray]

Please do not judge the whole industry on 1 poorly trained sales rep..Palm Harbor trains the salespersons in a canned approach to sales..that the newest ones take as gospel (because they are told this is the only way to sell at PH)...Of course each consumer has different needs and desires and must be taken into consideration...As the other post here proves...there are some more experienced sales persons at PH who know how to adjust the sales presentation to the situation at hand...

Have you tried to find the same PH at an independently owned dealership..The appraoch will be completely different...

[paul]

Try to find a Patriot Dealer...look at the Pinnacle Line and above..they have all the options the PH does and much cheaper! Drywall, flat ceilings, wood cabinets, etc.
Since they are sold by several different dealers, you can haggle better too!