Solitaire price negotiations

[Adrien]

I've pretty much decided to go with the Solitaire. It's not the best floor plan we've seen, and can't make some changes we'd like, but it's about the best built we've seen.

Does anyone has any experience in negotiating prices on a Solitaire? What is a reasonable % to expect to pay of the list price?

[rmurray]

My comments would go for any home on the market..not just Solitaire..

In most parts of the country, the manufactured home industry is very competitive and dealers do not mark homes up tens of thousands of dollars..

Manufactured Homes are NOT automobiles...there is No manufacture's list price..plus..dealers supply large portions of items that add to the overall price...unlike auto dealers who do little more than buy a car and sell it...not adding anything at all..

The best way to compare price is to spec out a home..then shop the exact home among a few reputable dealers in your area..making sure the dealer added items are exactly the same..such as the same seer rating of the a/c..the same underpinning...the same land prep items...everything the same..Most dealers will give you their best price as the first price...knowing you can shop and the business is very competitive..

Since dealer added items...set up in particular can make the best home a nightmare...or the cheapest home a comfort to own...dealer reputation and experience should factor in your calculations...the cheapest price might NOT be the best deal..

Good Luck

[Adrien]

Thank you for your input. I agree with all you have said. I was just curious if there is any "wiggle room" in the price of the homes. My first concern is quality, 2nd is features and fit, and then the bottom line. I am familiar with the product and the dealer. Now I just want the best price I can get on the product I've selected.

Thanks again for your insights.

[jgn]

If you want the best price be prepared to buy, credit good, financing approved and land picked out. I had a Solitaire dealer knock off a little over 10% on a $69K home without any problems. I liked the way they do business, give you the keys to look around, not try to sell you on their finance package, up front about pricing. The salesperson we talked to even said the total upgrade package was not a good deal and he would price out what we wanted. The only thing I didn't like about Solitaire was the limited changes you could make. We could get a sliding door in the back and a couple of other things but they were limited, which is probably the reason they can build a high quality home for the price they do.

[Adrien]

Thanks! Financing is a done deal. Land, well and septic is paid for, and my current home is also paid for. 80% equity in my current home will take care of the new one, plus a nice garage and shop. When my current home sells, the new one is free and clear, LOOK OUT RETIREMENT! Might even have enough left over to go to Vegas and double it.

I agree with the VERY limited changes, but they build a nice home. I have two daughters that each bought one, and it convinced me to at least consider a manufactured home. After a bit of research and looking, I was sold. Their big double wide is really nice.

Thanks again for the insight. The dealer here left me the impression there was some bargaining room. I was just curious as to how much.

[rmurray]

As always...negotiations is an act...you do have your ducks in a row...especailly if you are doing a mortgage on the old home and the deal will be cash to the dealer...

The trick here is act....not lie...act...be ready to put your pocket book on the table..make sure you give the impression that this home would be great...only you need a slightly better price...offer about 10% less...worse they can say is no...remember act...make them think you will leave...if they know this is the only home you will buy...and they are the only dealer you want to deal from...they probably will hold firm..

It would be nice to have a few thousand more for that Vegas trip...can I come with???

Have fun...BUY IT

[Adrien]

An "act", and an "art". True enough, I will be ready to sign if and when the price is right. I will also be willing to walk away. I try to never negotiate without an acceptable backup. I have intentionally refrained from contacting the deal with questions and requests for info. There will be time for that later. I will, however, take a plant tour of Solitaire, and Franklin modular(my other last serious contender). Solitaire is my preference, but I feel Franklin also has a quality product with their own advantages.

Your advise is sound, well taken, and appreciated. Let the games begin.............see you in Vegas! :~)

[Angie]

I was at a Solitaire dealer this past Friday (3/19) and was told that the new 2005 models will be coming out in April and that the prices on ALL of their homes will be going up (by at least $5000). Was also told that to lock-in the prices quoted we had to have the home delivered on OUR land within 30 days or they could not guarantee the prices we were quoted on 3/19. You may want to ask your Solitaire dealer about this. I found one at Solitaire I liked also, but it is a 2003 model and there are only 12 of them left. Well, because of our land not being cleared yet and some bridge work being done on the only way in to our property, there is NO way our land will be ready for a home in 30 days or less. I would definitely ask them when their 2005 models will be coming out and what price changes, if any, will go into effect. See what they tell YOU....hope this helps!!