Setting up a Mobile Home

[Stacy]

We are looking at buying a mobile home, and don't know where to start. We will be putting the MH on land that my family owns. I know we will need to start with a septic system, electricity, gas and clearing the land. What else should I know starting off... Also, what is a good starter manufacturer? We will be living in this MH for about 4-5 years, and will then build a home on the same piece of property. We are needing something that is reliable, with some "extras", but still cheap to start off a married life.

Thanks!!!

[Mac]

IF you are truly going to build later, the best deal would be to find a repo and not set it on a permanent foundation - instead, block it and skirt it. That way, it can be moved later. You would want to learn about MH construction and what to look for (there is a book on this site and there are other MH repair websites). The cost to move the home may be $2500-3500, so factor that in as well.
What my wife and I found, though, was that a new MH was the best value for us. We had a '77 Fleetwood, third-hand, on a beautiful piece of land. We looked at log shells, custom homes, cookie-cutter homes, etc. until deciding on a higher-end triplewide on a concrete slab. So far, everything has been excellent.

[rmurray]

You should be looking at used or repossessed single sections if you can....It is very hard to resell used double sections that need to be moved..Most of your potential future buyers will not have the cash to move a double..

If you need to finance...you might want to get your credit arrangements made before you invest too much in the ground...Actually getting financed to put a home on 3rd parties land is very hard and requires very good credit...

[Dan O]

A couple of things first, find out what the local town will allow you to do. They may not allow a singlewide or they might have requirements for the foundation.
When you know what you must do then find out what you have as a budget for the entire project.
The foudation, well, septic and other "imporvements" on the lot will have fixed costs so what ever is left, after the improvements is what you can spend on the house.
If you are planning on building a home down the line, you would want to put a septic system in that will handle the next home on the same lot.
Also keep in mind, you may end up living in the "temporary" home longer than you think, most people do .
What is the old saying, "Want to make God laugh, tell him your plans"
good luck

[Stacy]

Thanks for all of the great information... Please keep them coming! What manufacturers should we be looking at? Or where should we start looking?

[Billy cotten]

where do you begin on an inground set ?do you excavate and put in the block band first or what?also what is the best way to get the doublewide on the block band?what tools do i need to make this happen?thanks billy