Should we run from this dealer?

[Sidnee]

As noted in another post, we went looking at a Patriot dealer yesterday. I love Patriots, and have heard good things about their quality, but we are not sure if we can afford one. We were quoted between $40-50 sq ft and since we want a good chunk of land we're not sure if it's in the budget (up to 130k with about 20-25 for land not included utilities). Anyway, they had a Badger home there they had purchased from a dealership going out of business that they said is $68k.

Some things about our visit didn't seem right. First off, the salesman kept singing the praises of Cres X flooring, even saying plywood wasn't worth the money and that stick home builders are using cres x. But, the modular they had on sight had plywood. He also said that plywood does crazy things when wet, but the side of one model home was exposed, it was plywood, and it was raining so I guess they're not too concerned about what it does.

Also, I asked what they warranty. He said Patriot warranties the home, and their contracters warranty their work. So, do they not have any service after the sale I am wondering?

He was quoting us $8000 for a poured concrete foundation on a 1800 sq ft home vs. a quick set foundation which is less. But he was really pushing his "dry basement" at a cost of about $22000! Is this correct? (We live in Southern MO).

Finally, the modular they had there was listed at $116k (1520 sq) on a foundation. But if we wanted to buy it and put it on a basement, they could drop it to $98k no foundation included. Does that sound right?

I'm thinking we should visit some other Patriot dealers. The salesman was acting like the Badger for $68k was a heckuva deal, but I'm not so sure.

Appreciate any help,
Sidnee

[jgn]

Patriot homes are made in Missouri so it would be easy and and a good idea to visit the plant and while you are at it look at Fuqua outside of Columbia. Cresdeck/Novadeck flooring is still particle board regardless of the name attached. In the short run they are probably fine but they do have problems with any moisture. It is worth the extra expense to go with plywood or osb but can only be done during the manufacturer of the home so he is trying to sell what he has. The price quoted for a poured foundation does not seem out of line and a basement is just a personal choice. If you do not feel comfortable with the dealer than look elsewhere because they are 1/2 of the home buying experience and can very easily be the worst part. I assume the salesman gets a spiff if he sells the lot home and that is why he is pushing it.

[Pendragon]

> We were quoted between $40-50 sq ft

$50 a sq ft sounds ok on a modular IF it means NO out of pocket expenses for you. IE includes foundation, utilities, septic, everything.

> First off, the salesman kept singing the praises of Cres X flooring
> even saying plywood wasn't worth the money and that stick home
> builders are using cres x.

Your salesman is either an idiot, or lying to you. DO NOT buy anything with particle board flooring! 3/4" OSB is good, plywood is better. A bonus if it's also T&G. No site built home or home builder I have ever seen or worked with has used particle board for ANYTHING, EVER.

> He said Patriot warranties the home, and their contracters warranty their work.

Unless you are hiring the contractors, warranty work should come through the dealership. He hired them, not you.

> So, do they not have any service after the sale I am wondering?

Sure sounds like it!

> "dry basement" at a cost of about $22000! Is this correct?

That's fine. If you want a basement, if not, why spend the extra $22k?

> The modular they had there was listed at $116k (1520 sq) on a foundation.

Sounds too high for 1520 sq ft, that's $76 a sq ft.

> But if we wanted to buy it and put it on a basement, they could
> drop it to $98k no foundation included. Does that sound right?

So it's $4k extra for a basement over a regular foundation?
If that's the case, it sounds like a deal to me.