Which builder to choose?

[Cyndi]

We have been searching for a new MH for about a month now. Every time we find one we like we hear of another horror story about the builder. We are currently looking at Palm Harbor, Solitaire, Patriot, and Southern Energy. If anyone has any experience with these and/or advice, it would be greatly appreciated. We are located in TX and of course every dealer says they sell the best made.

[Joshua]

Yea, like everything is big in Texas.

Patriot and Palm Harbor would be my first picks, not to say the other two wouldn't do, just don't know about them.

If it's going on private land you might want to consider a Modular, for that I would pick the Energy Mate by Patriot ( the Quail Creek is their top line)

Another idea would be to call the factory directly.

[jgn]

Solitaire builds a nice home and a great value for the money but allows very few (like no) modifications and is very plain looking. Their construction is solid, the company is family held and they have a good reputation. Palm Harbor builds a nice home and can modify it to your taste (at a price). My choice would be PH because of the company owned lots and they have a good reputation for follow up. You live in a state with a lot of MH plants so you can tour them before you make a decision. I have looked at southern energy and wa snot impressed. Regardless of which way you go the dealer is as important as the manufacturer so choose with care on both sides.

[Roger Miller]

Does anyone know of a comparison list, which shows cost per square foot, R ratings for roofs, walls, etc.? We got one, but ofcourse, that particular dealer was listed as the best.

[Belinda]

We have been looking for a while to. We fell in love with the DeerValley home. They are awsome once you see this one you have a hard time looking at any others. These have 1/2 in finished sheet rock.

[Art]

Is Dutch a good mobile home ? What about Clayton mobile homes ?
Also...Is Champion a good make ?
It seems that people are selling mobile homes in my area for more than I can buy a new one. How much do these home depreciate per year ? Anyone know any of these answers ?
Thanks,
Art

[rmurray]

Art ans Cyndie..the best resource for the info you ask about is the bookstore on this web site...There are a few really good books available..Even as e books...download them today..read them tonight...All of these wqill save thier price in money and heartache thousznds of times over......Check out the bookstore before you waste a lot more time shopping..

[David Oxhandler]

Mr. Murray has the right idea...

Here are the three best selling e-books offered at the MH BOOK STORE. You owe it to yourself to know what your looking for before you start to shop. The Internet has made it so easy to be an educated consumer today. With the ability to download information instantly research has become something you can do without leaving home. The cost of tuition is low because E-books require no printing no paper and no delivery cost or time. Just point and click on the links below.
A Complete Buyers Guide to Manufactured Homes and Land - E-Book Edition Purchasing any new home is a complex process that presents a big challenge even to the smartest of home shoppers. Veteran author and journalist John Grissim learned this when he and his wife purchased their first manufactured home. His discoveries inspired him to research and write this comprehensive buyer's guide. John has become a well-respected new voice for the consumer. In an unusual move, the MHI invited John to present a workshop at its 2003 Expo in Las Vegas, called "Our industry through an outsider's eyes" in which he delivered a hard hitting, no-nonsense view. Written by a consumer for consumers, this no-nonsense, highly readable guide explains just how the manufactured home industry operates, exposes its secrets, and teaches you how to find a dealer worthy of your trust, how to make the right home selection, how to accurately determine the fair price of a home. Exhaustively researched, with extensive input from both industry insiders and consumer advocates, this guide contains much information that retailers, even the good guys, don't want you to know. DOWNLOAD NOW!
How To Buy A Manufactured Home And Save Thousands Of Dollars, E-Book Version This book, by Randy Eaton, will show you how to negotiate the best price possible by taking you through a step-by-step process that works every time. What about site preparation costs? This is another area where people spend thousands of dollars without even knowing it. By understanding this process with helpful illustrations and simple formulas you can avoid unnecessary site preparation costs. Get the facts before you buy and save time and money. Are you interested in quality construction? This book goes into detail about construction methods and how to avoid paying for a poorly built manufactured home. Randy Eaton now offers his best selling guide for the manufactured home buyer PLUS the Manufactured Home Comparison Guide, the only e-published comparison study of various brands of manufactured homes...together at a seriously discounted price.. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Modular Home Buyers Guide E Book Considering A Modular Home? Learn How to Save Thousands Before you Buy. Plus Receive the Author's Top Picks of Modular Home Builders in North America What are the advantages of choosing a modular home over a site-built home? Which modular home builders in the U.S. offer quality homes at reasonable prices? Do modular homes appreciate at the same rate as site-built homes? Can I negotiate a price? What is a fair profit? Questions like these and many others are being asked by thousands of homebuyers across North America each year. Get the facts about modular and panelized homes before you buy. Save time and money with confidence and peace of mind. DOWNLOAD NOW!

[Kay Mac]

We have also been looking - but I have read everyone of the books mentioned above and would suggest you do that before you buy. I would also suggest that you look at KARSTEN Homes. Terrific details and more modular looking and allows changes to meet with your needs. KARSTEN does not have a terrific web site but great floor plans and attention to details and lots of amenities.

[Rudy]

Not familiar with this. Is this a brand or a model? What state are you in?