What to buy in FL?

[Stacy]

I'm stuck up here in MA waiting to move to FL next month and I'm getting antsy....we have not settled on stick-built or manufactured 100%, but we are leaning more towards a manufactured home since the community that we are going to be in is mostly manufactured, and we would rather put the money into acreage and get some major sq. footage for our dollar...we also feel that the community that we are looking at is going to pick up whatever Orlando can't handle right now and money is better spent on land...not to mention that we just don't want to bother having to fix anything since my husband works long hours and is hard to focus on honey-do projects during his time off.

My husband has been looking at a Palm Harbor home and to be quite honest the layout of the Casa Grande is perfect for us....but we are afraid ...ok I'm afraid to spend that kind of money on a manufactured home...even though people are asking for 90-100k for 15 year old manu. homes in the neighborhood that we are considering.

My mom is in a Homes of Merit and it's nice for the money she paid...but she seems a little dissappointed...she also bought a stick built for 8k back in the 70's and doesn't quite grasp today's prices either.

What are the top three manufacturers to consider in the central FL area?
Quality is most important...price is second.

Thanks in advance...my head is spinning and hubby is anxious to buy and I want to make sure we make the right decision.

[Grady Maxwell]

I am not an expert, in fact I just recently bought my first mobile home and it is at Winter Haven, FL. Land in Florida has been appreciating at an unbelievable rate but I chose to buy in a park for the following reasons: A swimming pool, clubhouse, yard maintenace, bank branch, movie theater, golf course, security, extremely friendly neighbors (a life style), etc. are all included in the monthly maintenance fee. Two things that make a home appreciate are location and land; therefore, based on economics a large parcel of land and a MH may be the way to go; however, as you know in some parts of the country site built homes have provided the best rate of return. I do not expect my mobile to appreciate in value; however, in this community they have been maintaining their value. I have a site built home on a golf course at Arkansas and it has appreciated, mobile homes do not do well in Arkansas. Bottom line, it all depends on what you want and if anyone knows exactly where and what to buy they are not telling. I wish you well.

[David Oxhandler]

Stacy -

Leaving your home of many years, moving to a new state and searching for a different life style is a huge move... But There is nothing to be scared about. It seems like you have done your homework. Palm Harbor and Homes of Merit both build top quality products and have good reputations for customer service and satisfaction. Either one of these builders is a smart choice.

The difference in price from the day when your Mom bought her home compared to today's prices is striking... But back in the 70s we were also paying about 70 cents for a gallon of gas. The price of everything has gone up and so has the price of pre-owned manufactured homes. You said that the price is "90-100k for 15 year old manu. homes in the neighborhood that we are considering". Keep in mind that those homes cost about half that when they were new. The value of homes at your desired location have done very well in keeping up with the upward spiral of prices. Stop worrying about depreciation and start selecting and enjoying your new manufactured home.

[Mac Caldwell]

Hello,

I am a factory representative with Champion Homes of Tennessee. We currently market our homes in parts of Florida. Homes of Merit is also a Champion company. I would be glad to give you some honest opinions on mobile homes and what to look for in construction, etc. Where to put your money, what options to get, how to look for what's standard and what isn't. The last thing you want to do is get your home and wished you had upgraded in areas you didn't know you could! Just email me if you're interested.

Thank you,
Mac Caldwell

[David Oxhandler]

Hello Mac -

Please share your experience with all of us and tell us what you recomend that MH buyers look for?

webmaster

[K]

Try Horton or Scott Built Homes
Palm Harbor Home are not good

Horton is a little beefy on the foot joists but Scott gives you more option standard that Horton and for $2700 you can beef up the Scott home.

Get the Zone 3 build option and right now Insurance is a problem no one is writing it for MH or houses period. I have been in Florida for 35 years andits gettting very expensive and I'm looking in other states for better deals. any way the heat is too hot here and the traffic sucks.

K.

[jen]

Hi, we moved here two years ago, bought a beautiful homes of merit, love them. Looking to move back north though, can't take the heat. I agree that Homes of Merit and Palm Harbors are the best. Will be selling my 2000+ sq ft 1997 Homes of Merit in Dunnellon, FL. - on 2 1/2 acres.

What is a better quality mobile home that can survive Vermont?

[Your Kidding Right?]

Horton over Palm Harbor? You must be on drugs. Palm Harbor builds with a 2x6 wall stud and 2x10 floor joists. Are you insane thinking that Hortons standard 2x6 floor joists are "beefy"?

I would hope that the future home buyers on this board would do their own research before listening to someone state a comment like this without having any sort of back up.

I am in central florida and very familiar with Palm Harbor as well as many other builders. If anyone would like black-and-white proof sources of the many builders, please feel free to email me.

[Kdavis]

My husband and I are considering purchasing in Lake City FL because his grandfather is giving us 3 acres of land. There are two dealers there, Royal homes that deal with Horton and ScotBilt, and Freedom Homes that sell Fleetwood. I am not sure if there is a Palm Harbour dealer close by.

This will be our first purchase and I am interested in what quality upgrades I should ask for. I want to get the best quality product for our money. I liked the Cape Cod 2 story of Horton homes, but I definitly do not want a poor product, and it seems a lot of people dop not have a lot of good things to say about Horton Homes.

[rmurray]

You can find Palm Harbor at ..

Ironwood Homes of Lake City LLC
4109 U.S. Hwy 90W
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 754-8844 - phone


Or..

Palm Harbor Village
5200 South Pine St.
Ocala, FL 34480
(800) 548-4649 - toll free
(352) 690-3040 - phone


You make folks think there are only 2 daelers in Lake City..When I was there there were 22 in or close to Lake City....I stil know a few folks in the area...

Lake City has the Largest Homes of Merit dealer on HWY 90....The Homes of Merit is built right there....Great house...great folks....

C & G MANUFACTURED HOMES
2680 West Highway 90
PO Box 2736
Lake City, FL 32056

Phone: 386-752-3743
Fax: 386-752-2853

Stop in and ask for Mike tell him Bob Murray sent you...Might get you a free cup of coffee...Ask them to give you a plant tour..They will arrange an appointment...

I do not know the folks at Freedom Homes...But I did know Eugene Royals...Owner of Royals Homes...He did many set ups for me 12 to 15 years ago...It is a rare owner who has acually handled the blocks and the truck..I sometimes wonder if the Eugene who posts in these boards often..is not really Mr. Royals..

You have many great delaers there..take your time..find a good product...And GO FOR IT..