Manufactured Home Thoughts...

[patsears]

Hello,

I am new to this board, although I spend alot of time on other MH boards and websites reading as much as I can about all aspects of the industry. I just got done reading on your First Time Buyers board about how people are being treated by MH companies while looking to purchase a new home.
I find it almost INCOMPREHENSIBLE that, during a time when you can pick up a re-poed late-model MH for 50 cents on the dollar (or less) from Conseco, MH companies still let their salespeople act as if a potential customer is nothing more than some white-trash fool who is lucky to be granted an "audience" with their Royal Highnesses, the Sales Staff. Do these people not watch the industry news and learn from the mistakes of others, like Oakwood?!? Do they really think they can get away with charging people $40k-$50k for a single-wide, wasting customer's time by giving them the run around on even basic info like price, construction features and warranty? Even used-car salesmen are more upfront than these charletons!
I subscribe to the industry publications and I see how the new manufactured homes are finally are starting to look like a quality, residential-looking product. A product I would not only like to be involved with on an investment level, but as a home-owner as well.
Then I hear crap like this. That said, I am half-serious in asking these next questions:

1) Since there seems to be such a lack of honest, upfront MH companies making sturdy, quality-built MH's that actually show and list construction materials and methods on their websites, for a total dollar price, (not that monthly payment b.s.), does anyone know what it would take to start a MH company of your own, that could actually emphasize quality traits?

2) Would registering in my state as a mobile home dealer enable me to bypass the retail sales b.s. and deal directly with the MH company of my choice?

Good luck to everyone-it's a jungle out there!

Pat Sears

[rmurray]

You asked.." Since there seems to be such a lack of honest, upfront MH companies making sturdy, quality-built Mg's that actually show and list construction materials and methods on their websites, for a total dollar price, (not that monthly payment b.s.), does anyone know what it would take to start a MH company of your own, that could actually emphasize quality traits?"

There are thousands of good dealers in the business...there are many good manufacturers as well....The problem manufacturers have on a web site is that they own many plants building many different homes...Most cannot list all specs because they differ from plant to plant and model to model..If you check out some smaller manufacturers with only 1 or 2 plants...They will list specs since this all they offer..examples.. www.HortonHomes.com ..There are others..

Pricing does not come from the manufacturer...It is developed by the dealer and is also hard to advertise on a national basis...Pricing models differ in different p[arts of the country...Delivery rules, permit fees, lot prep costs are different from county to county...Options from the factory vary a lot and locally added options vary a lot..such as the cost of a/c..steps..underpinning...A quality dealer will listen to your needs and quote an exact price..If they do not..you should find another..

You asked.."2) Would registering in my state as a mobile home dealer enable me to bypass the retail sales b.s. and deal directly with the MH company of my choice?"

The process to get a dealers license is different in every state...But most require back round checks, commercial locations to do business, an office, bonds...GA even requires you have a file cabinet and sign...The process can take 3 to 5 months...Then most manufacturers will already have franchise agreements in your area...meaning if they already have a dealer..they will not sell another...

Your best solution would be to go out and find a good dealer or 2 in your area...Work with them and get a home to fit your needs...

[Bill Fry]

LOL>.GA even requires you have a file cabinet and sign.

That seems to be a requirement most could meet (I hope?)

[rmurray]

Actually I always thought it was sorta stupid requirement...probably something from the old past...

Basically one cannot get a license without a commercial location..equiped with all that it takes to do business..