REQUEST FOR YOUR EXPERTISE

[Tonya Fields]

Hi im looking for some good advise. Im new to this whole Manufactured home thing. But im interested in purshacing one. Im looking for from step one on how to locate and find the land first of all and what type of land should i put it on. Sould it be connections already for the utilities? I quess what on my part has to be done before they can send my home? I know i dont want to live in a munufactured home park. I just don't fully understand what all is involved befor the house can be set.
I live in Victorville California i was looking into purchaseing with Quality Wholesale Homes with isnt very far from where i live. Also how do you know witch homes to choose from as far as high quality would that be the most expensive ones they have listed or not.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

[rmurray]

There are 3 great sources of info to help you with this process....

1)...Best place to start...the Book Store on this site...there are a few good books that deal with all of these questions..and much more..they even deal with the questions that you do not yet know to ask..the cost of these books are very small in relation to your purchase..Some of the books are available as a download..so they can be had very quickly..

2)..The dealer you are talking too should be able to guide you all of the way..They should have a good knowledge of the area..regualtions..and costs...but..you need other sources to be sure the dealer is steering you in the right direction...

3)...These forums...they are a wealth of help..folks here are knowledgeable and helpful...ask..ask..ask..they only dumb question..is the question you do not ask...There are many good posts archived here from the past...browse through...or better yet experiment with the search function provided by the forum developer...

I will answer 1 of your questions....high price does NOT necessarily mean high quality...high quality will not be the cheapest home...if you buy one of the books available here..you will see quality is basically in construction features...this is how you judge qualilty...Of course...high quality homes do not guaranty a high quality set up..or dealer added services..You should investigate the dealer's reputation in the area...check with the BBB...ask for references...travel around the area and find newer homes and ask the folks about their experiences..

Buying a home is a big project...You have started on the route of a successful homeowner..by asking here...you have a little work to do..but it will be nice when done..GO FOR IT....

[Jerry]

I just put a bought 10 acres and put a manufactured home on it this year. The first thing to do after you find an area you would like to move to, is to make sure the property you are interested is zoned for the type home you want to put on it. Don't believe the seller or his agent, either look into this yourself or hire an agent to look after your interests. I had a realator of my own, and she was paid by the seller at closing just like the sellors realator. The utilities [septic, well, electric] are put in by your contractor. You can use the contractor that usually works with the home dealer, or you can search for a contractor that will work with the dealers setup crew. I used the dealers contractor, and had very little problem with him. You should ask your home dealer for references for them and also the contractor that works for them. Make sure you take some time looking at where you want to put the home on the property. Think driveway, water run off, neighbors homes, future garage placement, existing tree shading, etc. It's hard to move the home after they put it in! I live in northern Michigan, and my cost breakdowns where the following. I bought 10 wooded acres with a new 40 by 80 pole building and old 60's era trailer for $69K. The seller removed the old trailer at his cost. The home cost 50K, and it cost me 20K for a seven block crawl space, 185 foot 4 inch well, an 18" tree removal, and an 100amp underground feed from the 200amp panel in the barn, and all inspection fees, etc.. Since you are in Kali-fornia, your property costs will be alot higher. Good luck.

[Jerry]

Sorry, forgot, they put a 1200 gallon septic tank/field in, too.

[Jeff]

Tonya,
I live up the road from you in Lancaster and I am in the process of installing a Palm Harbor home in Rosamond.
As Mr. Murray posted, buy and read Randy Eaton's books. They are advertised on this web site.
Visit a lot of different dealers/different manufactures and ask a lot of questions and of course, read the posts on this web site.
Visit reality offices that have property for sale. Again, before you buy make sure it is zoned for a manufactured home. Get it in writing.
There are numerous posts on this web site that recommend how to have your house constructed.
I would like to give you my dealers name. He is an independent dealer out of L.A. and he has several clients out here in the high desert.
He deals with several manufactured home companies.
His name is Schlomo Zadok, aka "Sol".
His company name is Home Sweet Home 4U.
Phone number is 1-213-484-8234.
He will come to your home to talk to you and get a feel what you would like.
As Jerry noted in his post, there are alot of things that you have to consider when you buy land and a home.
The prices of property in So. Cal. are jumping like crazy, so be careful with what you go after.
Get what you want, not what some dealer wants to shove down your throat.
Get everything the dealer says/promises in writing.
If they won't write it down, Run Away.
For example, it's going to cost me about $185,000 for the house, well, septic, power, garage, foundation, permits, etc. I already owned the land. But you may have to include that cost.
It will be one of the most frustrating thing that you will ever do.
But the rewards are great.
Hang in there and good luck.
I'll get down from my soapbox now.
Jeff