Norris Homes????

[Will Ferrell]

Hi everyone. My Fiance and I are getting ready to move back into the country, and about to purchase our first home. We have been looking at Norris built double-wides, mainly because they are the only manufacturer's that we can find who offer wood siding. My questions are:

How is the quality of Norris Homes?

Are there any other manufacturers who offer wood/log siding?

Are there any websites to view double-wides?

Thanks in advance, and I hope someone can help. The particular one we are looking at is a 28x44 (I think) and it is $49,000. Is this a good price? Thanks!

Will

[Clarence Yeary]

Hi Will,

I might be able to help you here since I live only 40 miles from the Norris plant and have friends that work for Norris. Norris & Ruthledge is the upper quality line for Clayton Homes. However, I have noticed that Norris is not the quality home it was a few years ago. Like many other manufactures they too have cut corners to save money. They are good quality but is not as "flashy" as they use to be. I was told one of the biggest selling points to a Norris is you can order it with so many opions including cedar & log siding. You can also get them with higher roof pitches and metal roofs! The price is fair but if you are going to finance this home I would make sure there are no additional charges. Make sure the price is delivered & set up with a heat pump. The average mobile home lot can make an additional $4500 at closing if you're not careful. Read each form before you sign it and don't be affraid to ask questions! Good luck on your home!

Clarence Yeary - Kentucky

[Will Ferrell]

Clarence, thanks for your quick reply. Where exactly is the Norris Plant? The one we were looking at has the metal roof, but does not have drywall on the interior so we will have to custom order one. Does Norris have a website? And where do you live in KY? I am in Lexington at the moment.

Thanks again Clarence,

Will

[Clarence Yeary]

Hi Will,

I live in Middlesboro. I have an uncle that lives in Lexington just off Broadway! The Norris plant is in Bean Station, Tn. about 45 minutes from me (approximately three hours from you). No, Norris does not have a website. Your home sounds like a good price if it has a metal roof with cedar siding. A couple things you might want to keep in mind (at least I do) before you custom order your home:

1) If they priced you the home on the lot at $49k, expect to ADD an additional $3,000k on that price due to the price of lumber. If you are going to upgrade to drywalls add even more. If you're not carefull you will have 55k in this home plus 6% Ky sales tax which will put you in the neighborhood of $58,300!! If I were you I would keep this home at the top of the list but continue to look. Why? Because the 2005's are in stock and there are better deals on the 2004 models now!! Is this home a 2004? If so, remember if you custom order this home when it arrives next month it will still be a 2004 which means it is technically a year old!! I hate to say this but mobile homes are like cars and they depreciate alot over the first three years!!!

2) I'm told by several people that more care and attention goes into a show model home (on the lot). When you order one they seem to be more careless since they got your money! Personally speaking, I wouldn't order a home unless I was pushed into it by the boss (the women of the house...smiles). In other words, they keep a closer eye on a home being build that is going to a lot as a show house.

Keep me posted!
Clarence Yeary - Ky