Custom built or buy at dealer

[Ruby Mullins]

we will be moving to Georgia soon the homes I have looked at are Southern Estates, Southern Energy and Sunshine homes and Palm Harbor we want a 32x80
can anyone help me as to the pros and cons of these home brands. Southern energy and Sunshine will have to be custom made. But i'm at the point I feel like just going to a dealer and buying one off the lot!!!!

[Rita]

Hi Ruby,

I don't live in your area, so can't advise you about those manufacturers. But I would advise you to get exactly what you want by ordering it. It will take a bit more care and thought on your part, but it'll be worth it! Good luck.

[rmurray]

I agree with the other poster...unless you find the perfect home..you should consider ordering your home...it will take longer..as much as 60 days longer..but it could be worth it..

PH and Southern are quite different products..In GA even the distribution system is much different...PH sells through factory owned stores..factory personnel will do the finish work in your home and then do a careful final walkthru with you..You will then get a 5 year "protection" plan from PH...

Southern product is sold by local independent dealers..they will have local contractors (usually the lowest bidder) set and finish your home...there probably will be no walk through...the theory is do not help them find the problems..maybe the buyer will accept them..The factory warranty is 1 year if the home is set properly..

Ask for reference from previous customers..That might help..

[chad]

if you are patient enough then i would strongly suggest to custom order, i was thinking of a off the lot home but i bit my tongue and waited for my custom home and i couldnt be happier, just remember this, this is a home you are buying, do you really want to settle for anything less than what you want?? there were a few things i didnt like about the off the lot home i was ready to buy so i waited and like i said IT WAS WORTH IT!!!!


good luck!!!

[Sheila Auvenshine]

we are in the business of setting up homes for dealerships (or used to be) a dealership bought us out and my husband is not a project manager for the dealership and oversee all set ups of manufactured homes and mods.

If you are getting a terrific deal on a lot model, get it but be sure that you don't close or pay all your money until after the home is set up. What most people don't realize is that all your marriage line trim and siding will be reused when they set it up on your lot. also if the carpet has been seamed on the lot, the seam will be more noticable the second time it is seamed. Also lot models are sometimes robbed of their parts so that other homes can be completed. This means that you will be waiting on your parts to come in to finish your house.

I recommend southern energy, we have set these before palm harbors seems to be a step below. Our favorite manufactured home is a Clayton because of the way they are put together. They are lagged in the roof and the end walls.

If you are considering a modular, crestline, mascot and carolina building solutions are our favorites (my son just finished his crestline)

[Donna P.]

Hello!
My hubby and I just left the dealer after signing a contract to purchase a lot model Southern Energy Home. And now here I am verifying in the 3 day right of recision time that we have done the right thing. Seeing your posts and especially this one made me feel better...I think. Let me redirect, I love the home, we got a very good price because we bought the one off the lot, saved $10,000.00 off original price. This was a great motivator. I upgraded most of that away though by choosing different appliances and a jetted tub and a few pieces of furniture I really liked. However, it is not the home of my dreams. I can order it like you say, but I will have to pay the higher price. So I have 3 days, what would YOU do? Save the $10,000.00? Build the dream? Email me at [email protected] with your votes. Thanks for listening!

Donnajo

[rmurray]

This one has got to be up to you...If there are things you hate about this house...it will not get better and you should order...if this is almost perfect..and nothing is totally unacceptable...Go For It..

By the way..unless the dealer put this "3 day period" in writing..there is no such thing...If you buy a product in a place of business..the government does not require a 3 day cooling off period...Only on in home sales does this apply..

I hope you are NOT going to finance any furniture for 30 years...not good financial business..

[jan]

sorry murray, your info is not correct. depends on where you live, etc. about the 3 day cooling period. you shouldn't give across the board info like that.