should it costs $120,000?

[Katrina]

I'm in the market to replace our existing 1968 mobile home. I've started visiting local dealerships here on the central coast in Califronia, because I thought that purchasing it locally might be better in case of problems but for the size (24 x 60) that we want to put on our site we've been told it will cost us anywhere from 100,000 to 140,000 (with installation) for the options we want. These prices are for Champion, Palm Harbor and slightly less for Fleetwood (which we did not like becasue the models seemed cheap looking). It's going into a park and the dealerships couldn't tell us how much the site prep will cost just that they could do it or we could hire someone else. I've been thinking about heading over to Bakersfield or going with someone out of state who delivers to California. I'm just not sure what the best course of action is. I did purchase John Grissim's book and that's why I'm concerned that this is way too much for what we want. What should something like this cost? We were hoping to spend about 40,000-50,000 for the actual home. It this possible? Any suggestions are appreciated, also has anyone ever heard of or dealt with Factory Expo in Arizona. They're suppose to be able to deliver to my area.

[David Oxhandler]

I would have some concern about a retailer who couldn't tell you what installation costs will run. You need to have the full picture to make a good decision. Transport, Set Up, permits and other local fees, along with hook up to existing utilities, here in Florida can often exceed ten thousand dollars. Considering your in California I would guess that the price would be even higher. What about a driveway? Skirting? Will the park require that you install any additions or out buildings along with the home?
In your target price range you should consider a pre-owned home. You can find homes that were well taken care of, perhaps even in the community you want to be in. You might be surprised what you can do with a low price plus new carpet and a fresh paint job... and you get to avoid the entire installation process. Ask the park manager about the availability of resale's.

[Rschmitt]

$100,000 to $120,000 is reasonable for Central California. Dealer should list all your costs. You will have removal of the old home, lot prep which is required in CA (6" compacted baserock sloped to drain), delivery, set-up, eathquake tiedown system, stairs, skirting, possibly carport and/or cabana for storage. All utilities must be within 4' of home so occasionally utilities have to be moved. Also permit/ inspection fees. Typically this all runs from $20,000 to $40,000 depending on job and what materials you choose. Email me if you want more info.

[Concern for you]

Anytime the seller takes no responsibility in the buyer (FOB) beware.

I believe CA has laws protecting CA res. against accepting such ill known liability--but if not, beware for yourself (FOB saves $ only on the short run).

[Katrina]

Thanks for the information. We had been told by our park manager about site prep and permit costs. I was hoping to put a larger home on but in my range the cheapest price we could find for the home by itself (not including installation) was almost $60,000 (for a singlewide 14 x 56). I'm going to keep looking though. When I had looked up price ranges for a mid size (doublewide) home, I thought I'd found $30,000 - $75,000 for the home (not including installation). I talked to the dealers again and the park package (installation and site prep) is $40,000 plus the cost of the the home which I mentioned before is anywhere from the low of $58,000 to a high of $140,000. Still seems awefully high but if it's normal for California I guess there's not much I can do about it.

[Robert]

I work for Fleetwood, and I noticed that you said that some of them looked cheap. May I make a suggestion? You might want to check out a couple of dealers, for this reason. Every different sales center orders their own inventory, and like people everywhere, their personal likes and dislikes enter into the decisions that they make.

For example, I work in Houston. We have seven sales centers, and every manager orders his homes differently than the others. My boss really likes the sharper, bigger fancier, more valuable homes. Some others order what they think will sell, which is smaller, cheaper, etc.

Both Palm Harbor and Champion make a nice house, also.

[Gil Davis]

We are dealers in Northern California. We just installed a home on private property for $96000, including home setup, etc.

[Iulian Radu]

How about the Canadian producers?
Just take a look on
http://www.maisonenkit.com/iulianradu_ang
and feel free to ask for more information (click on "Contact us").
It's about a Canadian company located in Quebec, Canada with 15 years experience on the international market.

Who knows? It might be a better deal...

Regards,

Iulian Radu
Montreal

[robin torres]

Hi:
I just read that you set-up a home in northern california. I am in the process of purchasing a manufactured home within the next 3 months. I also live in northern california (brentwood, contra costa county) could you please give me your name and phone number if you do work in my area. Also, because you set-up these homes often could you please give me your opion on what manufactured home is build the best, I have an existing mobile home now and will be replacing it with a new one. After reading about all the different manufacturers I got overwhelmed. I would appreciate any help you could give me.
Thanks,
Robin
my e-mail address is [email protected]

[Eric]

Hi,

I work for a dealer as well and we represent many different manufacturers, most of them rated 'Top Pick' by Randall Eatons Comparison Guide. I would stick with the Top Pick models, and there are 22 of those to pick from. We represent four of those top 22 high quality home manufacturers.

Our dealership and in house contractor provides a three page itemized printout of each specific cost related to a home setup. I would avoid a dealer who promises everything verbally but puts very little in writing and avoids specific costs for each item.

Our dealership also provides customers with the options prices that the factory supplies us with. You will not find that very often...

The same home, with the same number of square feet can range from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on what is in it. A deluxe luxury home is much more per square foot than an economy, starter version of the same size home.

It also helps to get competitive bids from contractors on installation and setup, but not everyone has the time or energy for this....

If I can be of further service, feel free to call or email.

Sincerely,

Eric Straatsma BA MS
Residential and Commercial Bldg. Consultant
Manufactured Home Center
4101 Mother Lode Drive
Shingle Springs, CA 95682
Toll Free Phone: 1-888-676-8105
Local Phone: 676-8100
Fax: 530-676-8326
email: [email protected]


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