1st time buyer questions

[Tom]

I've read one book so far and plan on reading a couple more, but I wanted to get opinions from this site about the different manufactures.
I'm looking for a double-wide, approx. 1100-1200 sq.ft. to go in the desert in southern California. I own the land and will be paying cash for the home, $50k-$60k range.
I've been to a couple of dealers and don't feel that I'm getting honest answers. I don't think I can afford a Silvercrest and may feel that they are over rated. What about Hallmark? Palm Harbor?
Need Help Soon
Thanks
Tom

[Scott]

I would look Karsten or Fuqua if available in your area. Silvercrest is not overrated at all but they are expensive as is anything you buy that is going to be top quality. You can probably get Palm Harbor or Hallmark or numerous others at a lower up front cost but they will be lacking in quality compared to the higher end builders and that can add up to much more money in the long run. You need to sit down and make a list of things that are important on one side and things not so important on the other and find the builder that has the most matches on the important side of the list. This will give you answer you are looking for . Good luck.

[don]

Since when is Palm Harbor not a upper-end home?

[Scott]

It depends which Palm Harbor you are talking about. They have from very low end to moderately high end. Compared to the others listed, they would not be considered near as "high end", but once again it all depends on which line of PH's one is looking at. I am also referring to the part of the country this gentleman lives in. To guage the quality of any builder, you must first consider the area of the country. In Boaz, PH is high end, but in Burleson, PH is low end and so on and so forth.

[Terry]

Tom, Hello, I've been in the manufactured home business for over 30 years and my family owned a number of dealers in the midwest, southwest and , northwest. We sold many different models by different manufactures and some of the comapnies are still around. The one I would highly recommend to you since you mentioned is HallMark homes in San Bernadino, California. The company is owned by a family and they take their time building these fine quality homes. They put many upgrades as standard into their homes that are considered options in other homes. Their prices are very competative. Make sure you compare the homes and shop wisely since all homes aren't built the same. good luck.

[Tom]

I appreciate the feedback I've received. But I have another question. I've been to several dealers and feel that government secrets are easier to get than price info and option lists. Also, when I ask about the details of construction or if it's possible to contact past customers about thier opinions, they dodge the question. As far as construction detail I'm being told what I want to hear even though through research I find out the answer is false. I'm interested in the wall construction and would like 2X6 exterior and 2X4 interior.
I've been told Silvercrest has a one year warranty, but at the factory they say 10 years.
I know. I need to do my homework. That's why I'm asking here.

[jgn]

There are dealers that are upfront about pricing but that seems to be the exception rather than the rule. Pick out a home you like and ask them for an option list, go over it and have them give you a quote. The problem with most homes is there are so many options that without specifics it is very difficult to give a price but if you see the options list than you can narrow it down. If dealer will not do that than walk and find one that will.
Some manufacturers web sites are very specific about construction and some are not. Any decent dealer will know the construction of the homes they sell and should be able to answer any question you have, again if the won't than walk. and look for another dealer.
There are not a lot of homes that offer 2x4 interior walls but there are some. The difference in the warranty seems to be the cosmetic items carry a one year and the structure a ten year. Most manufacturers offer a 2x6 exterior but it is an upgrade. I sat down with a PH dealer and went through everything line by line until I had what I wanted but I am still looking and have yet to decide.
This is a long term investment and you should feel that all of your questions are answered and you feel comfortable with the dealer because he is just as important as the mfr and make sure everything is in writing.

[rmurray]

You are well on the way to doing things right...Education of yourself is important..You are also learning that some manufactured home sales folks are not well trained....as silly as it seems there are many sales persons in the industry who have never been inside a manufacturing facility...

One of the best ways to be sure you get the right info about the home you are going to buy is to visit the factory...Decide on 3 or 4 manufacturers you think might interest you and make trips to the plants...See how the homes are built...see how much attention to detail is given...see inside the wall...roof and floors..This could be worth blowing a week of vacation time for...

Keep up the good work..and you will be a very happy consumer..

[Jamalkowski]

My husband and I are seriously considering making the purchase of a
PINEGROVE Model 1932 at Gypsum Mills Estates in Victor New York.
We are having difficulty getting some questions answered by the sales team
UNLESS we put our house on the real estate market first.
Difficult to move forward with out knowing what we are stepping into....
Delighted to find this website to those of you who may be able to give some guidance on quality issues to look for, where to go for financing for the best
interest rate on 15 years, options to add, etc. Any info you could offer would be very much appreciated to the "new bees" in this area!
Help, between the taxes raising here daily and the interest rates going higher we
need to move quickly....but cautiously and confidently.
Help....
Diane In New York

[Tanya]

We are currently doing a land-home package with a Palm Harbor dealership in Chino Valley, AZ. I've posted before about how wonderful they are, professional, upfront, caring and considerate. You will get any prices you want in writing, with no resistance what-so-ever. Perhaps they will deal with Southern California? We live in Las Vegas and they are doing a wonderful job for us. Give them a call: 1-888-636-1007. I am not spamming, I don't work for them, just a happy customer!
Tanya