1st MH-nervous buyer

[CrystaS]

Hi!
I've been lurking about here for awhile and finally have the nerve to ask questions.
This may sound odd but I'm getting worried because our home purchase seems too easy. We have the land already, but its completely wooded so the company we're getting the home from is clearing it, adding all the utilities, the driveway, etc.
We are buying a 2000 sq ft 4 bdrm 2 bath DW Cavalier Englewood (they have 2 types and we are buying the upgraded one). The final price including all the land improvements, closing, atty, everything is right at 90K. Is that normal for Georgia or is it too high?
This is our first house and I'm just nervous probably but if the price is really out of line, I would like to know. My husband says he's happy with it but you know how wives can be
Thank you!

[Scott]

The price could be ok it is hard to answer that without knowing what the price of the home itself is. If you don't have that information, you need to find out. Some dealers will try to confuse consumers by lumping everything together in one price.

[James]

Doesn't sound too off to me. When you factor in all the work that is being done.
Land Clearing, Septic system install. Are you having a well dug or are you going to be hooked to a community well or city water???
Does that include footers, runners or a slab and how about skirting?
I know this is alot for a first time Manufactured Home buyer but these are all something you are going to have to deal with.
Alot of people have a stigma with living in a MH for some reason but today's MH's are built better than alot of stickbuilts they just have different concerns to look out for.
The Cavalier Home looks like a nice one although I know nothing about them.
I'm sure you've done your homework. You said your buying the upgraded model but do you know exactly what is upgraded?
Look at the Main Construction of the Home FIRST not the little frilly things like dishwasher or crown molding stuff but the Main Construction such as Flooring Material ie. Plywood if possible and Floor Joists size and spacing.as well as outside wall height and size and spacing of wood. 16 On Center is real nice with 2x6. Also roof truss size and spacing.
After all that is said and done then check out the frilly stuff.
For $90K I would think that you will have a really nice place that you can enjoy for a long time.
Good luck and be safe

[CrystaS]

I really appreciate the responses.
It's on a county water system, a permanent foundation and the skirting is that wall type not the vinyl.
The big part on the upgraded model was greatly improved insulation and the 2*6 on 16 in centers that you mentioned. Plywood floors were not offered which was one thing that concerned me, but every other part of the construction meets the standards I have seen recommended here and elsewhere.
I'm glad noone has said 'You idiot thats way too high" LOL That makes me feel better about this. Though if anyone is thinking it please feel free to post- I would rather know now than later.

[Karen P]

Doesn't sound bad to me. A year ago we bought land and put it in the middle of the woods. With clearing the woods, putting in a driveway, septic, water well, buried electric lines, gas line, phone line, pad and any miscellaneous the $90K sounds good to me. I would definitely ask for a breakdown in costs. It is not unreasonable to have an itemize statement of what EACH element costs. Our home cost $57K, septic 3K, water well 3K, etc. If they refuse to give this to you, then I would begin to worry.

[Karen P]

I meant to say we put the home in the middle of the woods (not bought land and put it in the middle of the woods) Sorry

[rmurray]

2000 sq. foot models of quality with these features can be this high...Have you shopped other top of the line homes as well...Some are standard with plywood floors..taped and painted through..seamless close ups...5 year warranties..all in the $75 to 80K range..plus the local finish items..Palm Harbor is one heavily represented in your area...so is Mascot and Southern Energy..both with 1 yr warranties..There probably are plenty more..