Looking for a good dealer

[Rob]

Hello,

I was hoping to someone could point me to a good mh retailer in the Maryland, Delaware area..........Ive looked and looked but you would be surprised how many are not even listed with the BBB.............

Thanks for any suggestions!!
Rob

[Richard]

Dealers can make or break the MH dream. However, the first attention should be to determine a QUALITY manufacturer, and then a good dealer. Hopefully you have the comparison book which Randy Eaton has available. It is of utmost importance to understand the construction and workmanship of a MH BEFORE you buy. Something as simple as floor joists can tell you if the home has a significant foundation. 16" on center for these is not a fact. 3/8" drywall is another corner cutting which many MH Manu. use. The home LOOKS GOOD, but in reality, under all of the glitz, it is not a MH which will deliver the longevity for the consumer. Just because the unit is built under HUD Code, is not a guarentee of quality construction or materials OR workmanship. If the "used car salesman" can't tell you more about the MH than "it's built to HUD Code ' , then you may need to shop elsewhere. In Randy's book, there are about 40 companies listed, about 15 of those are "QUALITY", then we go to "ABOVE AVERAGE" , and then "AVERAGE". I bought my Skyline MH before there was a book of comparison and know how valuable this tool is in selecting a better built home. My experience and a fact of my purchase AND with talking to many dealers (today ), I've found many dealers who use to handle Skyline. The prices for the Skyline seem to be at an 'ABOVE AVERAGE', while the MH is indeed only 'AVERAGE' at best. My money was not well spent.
Find a good MH Manu., find a good dealer, updrade your sub-flooring to T & G Plywood ( if available ), OSB is a good material, and particle board 'by any name' is not the beat. Especially untreated particle board; THAT IS A NO, NO, ... Upgrade the walls to 1/2" drywall, if available. The brochure which I had for my Skyline MH said, site built quality drywall, however, the drywall is 3/8" with a sheet ( roll ) of paper placed over the drywall. I've never heard of 3/8" drywall, and never heard of covering drywall with paper ( except the joint material )..
So! READING is paramount.. Understanding what you read is PARAMOUNT.. When at the dealer, make sure EVERYTHING you want in the 'DEAL' is given to you 'IN WRITTING' by a company manager who has the authority to give you these 'promises'. IN WRITTING......
In Randy's book ( well worth the cost ) ( I bought one even though I've already made my mistake ), you will get the information you need to make an informed decision, you'll find MH Manu. web sites, and you will be set in motion for a pleasurable home buying experience....