Question for Mr. Murray

[Les]

Mr. Murray I saw a post from you dated sometime last year that said you worked for a Horton Homes dealer. Do you still work there? The web address you gave for the dealership goes somewhere else now. I have been looking at the Horton website and I like what I see but I am trying to find more floorplans online and/or pictures to show my wife.

Thank you,
Les

[rmurray]

Actually I worked for a local independent..Melvin Williams Homes in Augusta...He was a Horton excluesive dealer for the last couple of years...Unfortunately Mr. Williams died and the company is no more...

I have moved on to Palm Harbor Homes...I decided they have been taking the highest quality buyers from the rest of the market for years..I like to sell the top quality homes..so Palm Harbor was for me..The only place I could direct you is the Horton web site...All floorplans are listed and they have extensive pictures there...They do build a very sound home..Have a limited warranty..and usually are sold by local independnet dealers..some good..some not so good..

Wish I could help you more..

[Les]

Mr. Murray thanks for the reply. Do you have any idea what the quality is like for the Palm Harbors built in Boaz, Al? I have heard that they are not as good as Palm Harbors built else where. I assume the ones you sell come from the plant in Georgia or do you get some from the Boaz plant? Also, does PH allow for much custimazation? Another question I have is who are the best made MH's in Alabama? Thanks for your help.

[Kevin C]

My wife and I looked at some Palm Harbor homes in Cullman, AL and were a little disappointed. Although they were quality homes, they seemed to not be as nice as the ones we looked at in Oklahoma.

Southern Energy homes are made and sold in Alabama. We looked at some at the dealership in Cullman. They were very nice but if we decide on one we will definately have some upgrades.

Patriot homes are also made in Alabama and there is a dealership in Gardendale if you live there. We will be looking at them when we visit in November.

Both Patriot and Southern Energy have dealers in other parts of the state. You can check out where they are located on their respective web sites.

Happy hunting.

Kevin

[Les]

Kevin, thanks for the reply. One weekend when the wife and I can farm out the kids to the Granparents we are going to go to Cullman, Boaz, and Albertville. All of which have multiple dealerships. I also want to drive over to Hacklesburg to check out Indies House. From what I have heard they will build just about any floorplan that will fit within the footprint of one of there homes. This really intrigues me since the wife wants certain things floorplan wise that may or may not be available from other manufacturers. The only thing that bothers me is I e-mailed their sales staff from their web site and have yet to receive a reply. What is the point of having an e-mail address if you don't check the account? Thanks again.

[rmurray]

Actually in the area you are in...PH offers homes from both GA and AL...just as we do in our area...

The LaGrange home...is a home designed to compete with the largest number of homes built in GA and AL..Its standard and optional equipment are similar or better than most product offered in the SE...They have some really great floor plans as well...A current special to give you an idea is the Graystone..28x80..nicely equiped selling for a sale price of $59,995...This home is available to all PH dealers in the area..In the most recent 1/4..this plant had 100% satisfied customers...Tough to do for any plant..

Boaz builds a home in a world by itself....VERY top of the line...taped and paint is standard...the best cabinets...hand laid ceramic tile in wet areas...3/4 inch plywood floors...The list is very long...From all I have seen in the industry in the SE...Its only rival might be the Bay Manor (top of the line Homes of Merit) with a taped and painted and ceramic option...In that case..with freight from FL..The Boaz PH is a better buy...

All PH offer a full factory 5 year program...and in most areas they are sold by factory owned stores...no middle man..factory set...no who's fault is the problem..if there is a problem..it is cared for..no arguement as to dealer and factory responsibility..Boaz product starts at about $50K...Value is what they sell...not the lowest price..

When shopping product..decide on the features that are important to you..Top quality construction...all the top features..biggest house..If you want all of the above..the price will reflect this no matter who builds the house...

For years..I said local independnet dealers were the best to buy from...BUT..the industry has changed in the last few years...many independents have closed up leaving customers hanging in every city in the country...There are many more on the edge today...You will have to judge dealers ability in your area...Many good meaning independents have folded...

Good luck in your quest..

[Les]

Thanks again for the information. One Saturday when I can get the kids farmed out to their Grandparents I want drive up to the Palm Harbor vvillage in Cullman. I've driven by it before and always thought that the idea of having all the homes setup like a small neighborhood was a good idea. It sure as heck looks better than the Fleetwood dealer I drive by everyday. The guy is actually selling used cars in front of the office. Or maybe he is trying to be like the Kia dealer (buy a new Fleetwood and he throws in a POS used car of his choice for free.) LOL.

I agree with you about the industry changing. Five years ago when we bought our Oakwood SW there was a MH dealership on just about every corner in every small town. Now its hard to even find out who is still around or who was bought out by whom.

Hopefully one of these days we'll be able to trade in our Oakwood and get a new home. So far I like what I've seen of the Palm Harbors. My psyho mother in law lived in a 1984 PH DW and it was probably on of the better looking (condition wise)older homes I've ever been in. I am intrigued about the Indies House because of the amount of customization they will let you do. I also like what I have seen about the Hortons (unfortunately there is no one in Alabama selling them anymore). I want to also research the Cavaliers some more as well they had one on the lot that from the inside looked just like a stick built.

Sorry to ramble on. Thanks again.