pricing

[Cristina]

I live in Southern California. My fiance would like to have a MH built in Riverside county. We've only been to one dealership so far. The dealer is telling us that for about a 1200 sq ft Palm Harbor home, the price will be approx 65000 and the construction is going to run us another 65000. I almost had a heart attack since he said that wouldn't even include the price of land which he is sure that we can't get for less than 30000. I've been looking around for land and there is land for 20 and a little lower. I've been unable to get estimated costs on the internet for the actual homes themselves. I was told Palm Harbor runs a little bit more money but the dealer said that was untrue. He also said that Champion homes (which I think are pretty nice) are lower end home and to get any construction upgrade package would make it just as expensive as a Palm Harbor. His dealership sells both but he has some sort of contract with Palm Harbor - they only have Palm Harbor models to view on their lot. But what really gets me is the construction. They showed me an example of a man that payed 79000 for his construction. 27000 for city fees but what is the rest? Can anyone tell me if this is typical. It just seems like a lot of money. Building a MH was supposed to be cheaper than buying a site built home! We do plan to visit more dealers but can anyone give me cost estimates b/c I feel like I am completely int he dark! Thanks so much.

[jgn]

Must be a California thing. We looked at a 1900+sf PH and it was around $65K basic and with upgrades another 10K that was delivered and setup. While that is never all that needs to be done 65k for construction is awfully high even on the left coast. When you say construction, what are they talking about, is that just lot prep or what are you getting for the 65000 construction and how could he guestimate that unless he knows what the lot looks like. Find a lot you like that will accept a MH and than shop for another dealer. Seems like he likes to ballpark on the extreme side.

[Cristina]

He said construction includes the leveling and land prep, foundation, garage, utilities being brought to property from the street, fees/permits. He said the price of the homes includes the delivery and set up.

[Art Rigsby]

I am in Northern California and the construction cost for my home was $46,000 and that appears to include all the items you mentioned. One thing that can impact the cost is the amount of lot prep that has to be done. Hilside construction and tree removel can raise the price but your cost seem a little on the high side.

In my area there are a lot of companies not associated with a dealer that will provide construction bids. Might want to check the yellow pages for same and get a bid.

Art

[rmurray]

Geez....Here in GA "leveling and land prep, foundation, garage, utilities being brought to property from the street, fees/permits" would be no more than 15K (10K for the garage)...and this size PH would be about 43K...no more...

My advice...move out of CA..

[JohnnyJ]

At those prices, why live there? I think GA and AL must have a similar base
for construction. I have been quoted anywhere from 12K to 20K here in
Alabama. Also noticed the price of the PH's seemed a lot higher out there
as well. I know for a fact I can get a 2000 sf stick built house framed up
for about 12K.

My guess is that the cost of goods and services must be augmented by
the higher salaries in the area.

[Art Rigsby]

We get the money back thru appreciation. Better to live in California and make money off any MH than in other states where you lose money if it is not on private property.


Art

[Dan F]

Shop around even in CA you shouldn't pay that price. If you have to drive a little and save money. I guarantee in Nevada they will be less expensive for the same exact model. for 65,000 you should get at least 1600 sqare ft. adn quality construction. Just do your home work and buy Randy's book.

[marika]

Do your homework with Palm Harbor Homes. They will nickel and dime you to death. Good homes, bad service.

[KATHY]

Hi Christina,
You must be talking about Horizon Homes in Hemet. I also live in Riverside, CA and happen to know just about everything there is to know about MH and Land packages.

We decided to put a mh on our land in Riverside (gavilin hills) and know that we will profit incredibly. If you are replacing a house, you save a lot, buy in the county, it is cheaper too.

We went to buy a Palm Harbor after looking at Goldenwest (they are in BK right now), Fleetwood, Cavco, Champion, etc., etc. If you must have one built in Riverside County, Skyline is the only one I would recommend. Silvercrest is a six month wait, but you can tour their factory on Saturday Mornings. (found that out at Ma Williams). Skyline will set up a tour for you and a great salesperson is the lady at M & W right around the corner from them. The best deals are the lots that are near the manufacuring plant and an authorized distributor or their homes.

The best price on a Palm Harbor will be at the factory owned distributor in Pahrump, NV. Talk to Roger Simon.

I know this, because I cant' afford Horizon Homes markups, even though Mike Elliot is a great guy. I was sent to Bullhead City, but they charge you for CA sales tax (illegal) and I have filed a lawsuit against them. I really want a Palm Harbor, you will find their construction the most appropriate for our area. They have six inch exterior walls and will be insulated to the point that you will barely have to turn your A/C on. Skyline will give you a lot of the upgrades that PH will, they even share one really nice floorplan, like the one they have at Advance Sales across from Horizon (Rocky too, was a neat guy, but once again, we couldn't afford the markups with all the quality that we are trying to buy).

Good luck in your search, don't be shy and don't be in a hurry. We still don't have our home, but I know that 83,000 for a fully loaded Palm Harbor (Papago) is worth the wait.(at least in California)