What to look for in a home?

[Bryan]

Hi all,
I'm going to talk to a Palm Harbor dealer Sat....I'm really in the early stages of looking at homes, although I'm fairly certain Palm Harbor is the manufacturer I want to go with.

My questions are these,I know that differant buyers have differant taste in homes, even as far as construction, I want a well built home, but I dont want to pay an arm and a leg, I've heard that PH has well built homes, but I was wondering what upgrades (construction wise) would you guys feel is absouluty essential?

What is the "best" heat source available....a heat pump? I'm looking at about a 2000 sq ft home, I want to make sure the unit the dealer installs is big enough for the home...any suggestion?

What would you guys consider the top 5 questions to ask the dealer?

I hear that PH has exceptional service after the sale, and that the install/set-up are very professional, and do a great job, I would love to hear from anyone that has had an experiance with them...thanks alot.

[John Collins]

I need to do a little more research on manufactured homes. I think what they go by on construction quality is the number for the wind zone they are manufactured for. Also a lot of companies offer floor plans in both double-wide and modular specs. I think an on frame modular will run in the neighborhood of $20,000 more than a double-wide.

[rmurray]

Palm Harbor might be a good place to check out..remember Palm Harbor...as all manufacturers build different home in different plants...Some are the best..some are not...

In our area..the very high quality PH is more expensive than other great homes...You should shop around and be sure..There will be others in the market that are as good or better...

The "best" heat source is location dependent and depends on your desires...Gas is the least expensive in the way of energy use...then electric heat pumps....then electric heat...If you are in the South where heat is not a big items..Any will do..other climate zones can be different...Sizing will depend on the insulation you buy and your location..For the most efficient home...get an actual certified Energy Star home..see www.energystar.gov ..This web site will also discuss other alternate a/c and heating methods you might not be familier with such as geothermo...

From what I haer..PH as most manufacturers are pretty good on service....They DO NOT warranty cosmectic items...Read the warranty well and be sure you do the required walk through in detail...The only cosmetics they will fix are those you list then...

[rmurray]

For many manufacturers..the on frame modular is the same price as their regular high quality manufactured home...

The wind zone designation is not a indicator of quality..If so all good homes would be wind zone 3...They are not...You might consider Randy Eatons book on How to Buy a Manufactured Home..sold here in the bookstore..From what I have heard..The book covers the quality features available pretty well...

Good Luck

[Brenda]

I guess it would depend where you live. I live in ND where it is extremely cold, so the first thing I would be concerned with is windows, insulation and flooring. If you live in the south, these probably would not be of as much concern.
I purchased a model home to save money which was a huge mistake. I don't suggest that.
I would also suggest that if you are going to purchase a manufactured home, make sure you have land for it so you can put it on a permanent foundation. Releveling can run you from $300-500 a year. If you don't relevel, you run into doors not shutting or constantly swinging open, drafts, cracks in the ceilings, etc.
If you are first time homebuyer, do you research first! Don't jump into it.
Last but not least, if you are planning on putting it in a park, instead of on your own land, be aware that you will be getting a conventional loan with an interest rate of 9-10%. Stick built homes have an interest rate of 5-7% right now.
Good luck.

[DMMD]

Brenda, curious, What problems did you have with the lot model? We are considering buying a lot model and would love some insight!! Thanks in advance for any help!