The Manufactured Housing Forums

Does anyone out there know of any magazine that discusses in any level of detail, manufactured home living? I would like to see if there is any information out there that I can access while I am not online. I would like to see a magazine that discusses issues like the purchase and finance process, living in a community, and maintenance tips that would be unique to living in a Manufactured Home; as opposed to a site built one.

Hey John: If you get a reply on your message about publications, please pass it on to me. Thanks, Sarge

You are funny.... I thought this WAS a reply

Consumer Union did a report a few years back, and AARP did as well. I know of no maginzine dedicated to this purpose.

Hey John,

Good question, I am in the limbo process of looking into purchasing a MFH through Palm Harbor. I have lots of questions and concerns, even if they are top of the line homes. A sales rep can still screw you out of many things that they could have offered you. Please keep in touch with me with some info as you gather it. Or if anyone can tell me some important questions to ask about PH homes, It would be of great help. I want to stretch the Hacienda Home 16ft and they tell me that this home doesn't come with 2x8 floor joists. How is this possible, when all bathrooms,utility and kitchen have stone tile?? Help??

Traci

I don't know what region of the country you're from, but in our region, PH homes come from two different factories. Casa Grande, and Tempe. It wasn't until we visited our second (and last) PH dealer that they explained to us that the Tempe homes were of a higher quality all around than the Casa homes, and therefore a bit pricier. They explained the differences in construction and features. Once they pointed out the differences, we were able to spot a "Casa" model when we toured it, and were able to ask outright if it was a Casa or Tempe home. We ended up spending the extra money on a Tempe model. So, I don't know the answer to the floor joist question, but you might want to ask if they're offering you different levels of construction in the different models.
Another thing we found out in our shopping stage, is that some salespeople are simply more knowledgeable about the product than others. Is it possible your sales rep is mistaken?

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I would suggest several othe trade magazines as well. Most are free and they discuss all aspects of the industry. They can be accessed on line as well.
Manufactured Home Merchandiser (free), Modern Homes (free on line but if you are not a member of the industry it costs, look up Manufactured Housing Institute on line), and The Journal of Manufactured Housing (free). Automated Builder is also a good trade magazine but is not really directed to an individual who is not part of the industry but does have good information about the industry. Good Luck

Ok Where would I find some of the free publications? If the info is good, I would share it. I have signed up for the update email and it's okay, but I'd like something I can read when I am NOT online...

The MICHIGAN Association has a good magazine called Michigan HOME>>I think
you can subscribe here..http://www.michhome.org/magazine/contents.htm

Good Luck. The online version is great.....