QUALITY

[BENJAMIN MURPHY]

WHO IS THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS IN TODAYS MARKET FOR A MANUFACTURED HOME? I'VE BEEN READING ALOT OF HORROR STORIES FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS ABOUT POOR WORKMANSHIP AND LACK OF SERVICE AFTER THE SALE. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH SOME INFO? THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JacobsLadderMfdServ]

Hello Ben

Welcome to one of the best forums on the web for mfd-mob hm info!

I have been working on these for over 30 yrs.

I can objectively equate the quality stories you're hearing to a Ford or Dodge,etc.


HUD states they must be built structurally/insulation/etc. certain requirements. The difference in price (new) is usually found in grade of: flooring,trim,cabinets,carpet,etc.

Yes in my experience of being factory-authorized for 8 diff.lines, they (the factory) has their oop-sies just like ANYthing manufactured.

What has put bread on my table the past several yrs. has been repos and secondaries (not new) homes, due to price and economy.

But still they are the best value around, compared to stick-homes (frame-built on site) and what dirt is going for nationwide.

I live in one, in fact after my house fire a few yrs.ago (NOT, NOT due to home wiring) I got this one as my replacement home.
......and......
Being a contractor for several repo companies, I am shopping for a bigger one, since I got married.

It's a buyer's market, sooooooo many GREAT homes for sale. Check out your local parks, many times older folks want to move to a warmer climate and have taken good-to-best care of their home.

Shop around, look at everything: again grades-types of carpet,trim,etc. and make sure the home has minimal (if any) issues: plumbing,roof,electrical,floors,etc.
Kick the tires, persay ......or the front deck LOL

So thanks for allowing me to gab, but hopefully shine some light on quality issues.

[M]

The places I've been the repos ( the late 90 models) cost as much as some NEW ones. I haven't found one under 40,000. Am I just cheap?? Or not looking in the right places? As for making sure the home has minimal issues...if it's on a lot with no power or water hooked up how do you know these things are ok?

[rmurray]

You make a good point here...there is now way to know everything about the used home on the lot...This would mean you are at the mercy of the dealer....

Lately there have been many used home dealers spring up...you will have to do your homework about the dealer....He/she will the one you depend on for info...if the home is sold as is..expect no help...If there is some shorterm warranty..be sure it is in writing..even then..check out the dealer reputation with the BBB, consumer agencies and previous customers..Observe his service department..does he have any folks on the payroll..or all contractors...you will get better service from a payrolled person...Better yet..deal with a used home dealer that has been in the business for a long while...Good Luck..

P.S....many times the dealer has huge profits in those figures...used home buyers should realize that the original quote is nothing more than a starting point for your negotiations..

[Kay Bauman]

We have been looking for a manufactured home the models we have looked at are Medallion, Friendship, Commander & Schult Would you please rate them according to quality and best buy. Also is there a model we should consider over these? Thank you for your help.

[Greg Young]

In response to payrolled vs. contracted service personnel:
We have both! It is the general impression from everyone I have talked to, from management to customers, that the contracted personnel do a much faster and better job than our salaried personnel. This may be an exception to the general rule, but, it seems that the contractors want to get and keep getting the jobs, whereas the salaried personnel are more concerned with thier hourly wage and quitting time. Our contractors sometimes work straight through for 12-24 hours in order to accomodate our customers. - Greg Young

[rmurray]

I understand what you are saying...but the used home dealer without a service crew..will be much more reluctant to send a contract service person..It will incur direct costs..when they are payrolled the attitude seems that they are already paid..why not make the cistomer happy..no extra cost to the dealer he is not already paying..