First Home Purchase

[Carla]

I have been looking at manufactured housing for about the past 5 years. At one point my husband and I had a Redman home picked out and ready to order, but our marriage ended and so did the home plans. I am a single mother of 2 boys and was in a car accident that caused some minor disabilities, so I will need a home with low maintence, therefore, I am looking for a good quality home. I live in Northern Idaho, between Lewiston, Idaho and Spokane, WA. and have found a lot here at the edge of town with a beautiful view and just need to find the perfect home. I am in a situation where I will be able to pay cash, and I am wondering how big of a bargaining tool cash can be when buying a manufactured home? Is there a "ballpark price" that can be offered below the dealer's asking price? Does cash talk? Also, I have looked at Marlette and am sold on the quality and the price, but want to shop around before I actually buy. What other brands should I look at? I have read the postings and am glad I did because I was just at an Oakwood Dealer two days ago and they are already calling me. I have decided in just minutes after reading here that I will not buy Oakwood. I need a dealer with a good service history. Can you recommend any in my area? I have heard that our local Fleetwood dealer does not have a good reputation, therefore I will not shop there, but since you recommend Fleetwood, are there any other dealers in my area? What should I look for as far as quality construction goes? Is it a good idea to purchase the home with appliances or purchase them separately? Gas or electric? What size water heater? Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated! I have also read here in the postings that Marlette was purchased by Oakwood. Should I be concerned about this? I just want to be happy with my new home. Thanks

[Sandy]

This is just some FYI stuff. We just purchased a Golden West home. They are also a part of the Oakwood subsidiary but we were assured that the quality and service were top notch. So far that has been true, so just because Marlette is part of Oakwood doesn't mean it will be a problem. As far as price is concerned, we were told that our home has a base price and that we could go from there. There was not a lot of bargaining on the base price but we did get options at cost.

[Terry]

Carla, Since you mentioned Marlette homes, you are making the right decision. Marlette has been around for over 50 years. They started building homes from Marlette, Michigan and expanded into Pennsylvania and into Great Bend, Kansas and into Hermston, Oregon. All their factories build quality manufactured homes and never used cheap building materials. Believe it or not Marlette started changing the industry's image from the 1950's by building their trailer's more like a site built appearance by using shingle roof and lap siding. This is when other companies started doing that also. The Oregon plant builds the best homes in the Northwest region. Yes, Marlette homes was bought out by Oakwood, but Oakwood doesn't interfear with their building technique or marketing their homes. Marlette still operates the same way as it did since it started in Oregon. They still have the best service on their homes. So don't beaftaid of it. Marlette still stands behind their homes. Another company you could check out and is very good and solid just like the Marlette homes is the HomeBuilders Northwest in Salem, Oregon and they use the James Hardi Panel and is one of the best in the Northwest United States. Good luck and you are making the right decision.

[tammy day]

we are trying to get a mobile home in temple texas we see the sings for 0 down on home and land packages does any one know were a good place to go. need one soon will do what i can. were just you regular people just trying to make it

[Sally]

Some of you seem to know about the manufactured homes in Oregon. Can someone compare a Fleetwood vs Palm Harbor vs Marlette vs Golden West vs Homebuilders NW? They all say they are the best - but I would like to know who I can rely on for as sturdy of a home with the best service. I am sure there are some pros and cons with each, but which would be the most reliable?? Thanks so much - this is such an important decision - and I only have one shot at making the best choice I can.

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Sally,

Contact me at [email protected] and I'll speak with you about the differences.

Randy Eaton