Comparison Shopping

[Sandi]

How do we do comparison shopping for new Single Wide MHs'? We can;t seem to find enough sites with plans, prices, etc.. Also, does anyone know how often the factories come out with new plans?
Also, does anybody know where we can find a total front kitchen plan? For instance, we've been searching for a plan which sets the kitchen along the entire front (14' or 16' long kitchen) so that we are then able to use our huge dinner/crafts table between the kitchen and LR. We would also like to walk briskly and straight down a long straight hallway rather than in "V"s and "W"s that many plans offer with or without a front kitchen.
Oh! and Also.... do integrated porches have a long life compared to the aluminum siding of the home itself. What problems can be expected? (rotted wood? Drainage?).

Apologetically ending longer than expected post, yet hoping you'll feel free to add tips I forgot to ask for...
Sandi

[Sandi]

Does anyone know if John Grissims' e-books are updated every year? If so, is the update for free online as long as have purchased an earlier copy? Does the info pertain to the brands or is it more general in specifics? If it contais brands, does it compare every brand or just a few? Skyline? Marlette? Fuqua? Fleetwood? Champion? Silvercrest?
Also, how bad are the Low End models? How long do most of those hold up? Is a Low End worth upgrading cosmetically over the years or is something 'always' going wrong with them draining the funds for cosmetics? Just how Low is a Low End? How high is a High Ennd? Are there any in betweeners models/brands? If so, are they structurally sound and just need cosmetic upgrade as we go along?
Are single-wides easier to set up overall? (I would imagine, but I don't know, hence the question).
Do Dealers still do trade-ins'? Does it have to be the same brand? If not, how do we get rid of the old to replace with the new? Do scrap heaps junkies pay us or do we pay them? doesn't sound feasible to pay them to make money).
Sandi

[rmurray]

John is a reasonable guy...email him directly with your question [email protected]

I will try to answer some of your questions...John rates the top 25 manufacturers by size...for each he gives a brief description of the company and their homes....Of course you know this from the copy of his book you have read....Some manufacturers have as many as 40 plants..each building up to 3 models..each with different standard features and different construction specs....Thus 1 factory can have as many as 120 different brands..With 25 manufacturers listed it would be impossible to quantify all 2000 or so models available in the US.....To point out how confusing this can be Marlette you mentioned is now owned by Clayton Homes and Silvercrest is owned by Champion Homes...This shows you just how important the rest of the book can be..knowing the specs you think important then find one in your area that offers them.....

Some low end homes can be very basic...But I would insist on at least something other than press board floors....Press board is standard in most of the lowest priced homes...Low end homes will require more upgrading and maintenance over time..they will have higher energy costs as well..Dealer that trade will trade any model...BUT it is always far more financially beneficial to sell your home to the general public..Remember it is a home and might well take a year to find the right buyer...

Remember when buying the home the dealer is more important than which home you buy..John's book has a section on finding a good dealer...Read this section carefully...
The lowest end double sections can be had for less than $30 per square foot...In some areas thew very highest end homes can run $60 per square foot...Of course most homes are somewhere in between...All home will serve well with regular maintenance...I am in the process of trading a 1952 model high end home now....Looks as good as new...Maybe better...

Single section homes are much cheaper to set and cheaper to move...

Trade In's are still done....but remember that most folks finance for 30 years today..which means it take many many years to get the balance low enough to cover the moving cost...It is very hard to trade in the first 20 years with a 30 year note...

[rmurray]

The most important part of your shopping is picking the right dealer..The dealer is often more important than which home...John has a section on how to find the right dealer..read it carefully....

Go For IT

[David Oxhandler]

John Grissim is a journalist, author and recent convert to manufactured housing. During a career spanning more than 30 years, he has authored eight books and contributed to many periodicals in the U.S. and overseas, including Rolling Stone, Discovery, Sports Afield, Surfer, Playboy and Smithsonian. He lives, in a multi-section manufactured home, with his family on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula John's book (The Complete Buyers Guide to Manufactured Homes and Land) is now available at the Manufactured Housing Book Store in both the original hardbound print edition and the popular E-Book Edition. This great resource has taught thousands of MH Shoppers just how the manufactured home industry operates. It will show you how to find a dealer worthy of your trust and how to make the right home selection. At only $19.95 I wouldn’t expect a lifetime subscription... BUT Grissim's Guide is the best buy on earth for MH Shoppers. You can be reading or even printing your copy in a matter of just a few minuets. DOWNLOAD the E-BOOK Edition NOW!

[Sandi]

You've been very helpful and more than kind and patient.

Appreciativly yours,
Sandi

[Sandi]

Dealers. .... You know, that reminds me... in the old days everyone pretty much got to order what and how they wanted. Now it seems like it's a "Take it or leave it" world?
How about Factory Expo places... like AZchamp? Anyone have any troubles with them? They deliver to our state... but is it anywhere in our state or is it to just a certain town on a certain leap year?

[Steven Lefler]

Sharon,

I might be able to help you with Fleetwood models. Please bear in mind; Manufacturers sell to Delaers who sell to the public. You must comparison shop with each Delaer in your neighborhood. Please e mail with your questions.

[rmurray]

Welcome to this discussion board...Your retail experience can help many here..please stop back often and comment...The webmaster has a deal to supply you with prospects in your area..e-mail him for details....

[John Grissim]

Sandi,
John Grissim here. I'll try to answer your questions:
Does anyone know if John Grissims' e-books are updated every year? If
so,is the update for free online as long as have purchased an earlier copy?

Both the print version and its e-book edition are periodically updated. The second edition of the book is slated for revision in the Spring of 2006. It will be available on this site. Sorry, no free copy of either version of the second edition will be available.

Does the info pertain to the brands or is it more general in specifics?
Ifit contais brands, does it compare every brand or just a few? Skyline?
Marlette? Fuqua? Fleetwood? Champion? Silvercrest?

The Buyer's Guide is more general regarding brands, describing the Top 25 builders moreso than their many brands.

But here's news of interest: Before the end of 2005, my second book on manufactured housing will be published -- The Grissim Ratings Guide to Manufactured Homes. It is an authoritative at-a-glance consumer and industry guide to every MH builder in the U.S., including descriptions of their principal series and brands, and a construction rating for every company. This is unquestionably the most comprehensive, thorough and detailed assessment of the MH industry ever done. It will be available on this site.

As for your remaining questions, you can trust Murray for reliable and currrent answers to your questions. He is extremely knowledgeable and responsible in sharing his wisdom.

Best,
John