The Manufactured Housing Forums

Hello, I live in Fredericksburg, Va. I am looking at buying a new MH. I have looked at Clayton so far and loved some of their models but I want to make a wise purchase so I am researching. Does anyone know where in this general area (50 miles north of Richmond) I can purchase a repossessed MH....I am looking for a large doublewide. I want a fairly new home. Also, how hard is it to get financing for a previously owned MH? I need a land/home loan. I am a first time home buyer and my credit is so-so.
Another question.....When I go to my local MH dealers to look at the model homes, they obviously have a limited amount of homes on display. Do I have to go to the factory to look at all of the other models? Where is there a Clayton Homes factory in Virginia? Can I buy directly from the factory? If I were to purchase a doublewide from a factory 100 miles away, would that be too far to transport to my area? (as far as not harming the structural integrity) I want to be able to see a wider variety of floor plans. I also want to try to bargain to get the best price. I am planning on reading Randy Eaton's book very soon. I am considering going directly to the factory and maybe getting a deal on a discontinued floor plan or something like that....I am very new at this, so basically I am just in the information gathering stage.Thanks in advance for any advice.

A couple of points...

You asked " Also, how hard is it to get financing for a previously owned MH? I need a land/home loan. I am a first time home buyer and my credit is so-so."....
There are many mortgage plans out there...but...the plan that can finace first time buyers without much credit backround is the FHA...They do NOT finace used homes that the dealer sells....They DO finace used homes already set on property and meeting the FHA set up guidelines...Of course..all this depends on what you mean by "so-so"

You asked..."Do I have to go to the factory to look at all of the other models?"
Most factories have NO homes in inventory...A few plants have a few models...Most plants will give a plant tour when you are with a dealer...

Then you asked.."Can I buy directly from the factory?"....

NO...some factroies have their own lots...Clayton included as well as Palm Harbor, Champion and Fleetwood...From my experience in most cases...the corporate stores are actually higher priced than the locally owned independent dealers...but you should shop both...

It is not unusual for homes to be transported for over 500 miles from the plant...there should be no damage if the driver does not run into something..You will not be able to find old models at a factory...Factories do not build homes that are not sold to a dealer...but...you might well find older inventory at a dealer that he is willing to sell at a discount...

You are on the right track...read the book..decide what is best for you..come here often and ask all the questions you have...Good Luck