Southern IN Modulars & Dealers

[Mike]

I just purchased 2 acres of land in the Marysville, Indiana area. I am interested in putting a 1400-2000 square foot 3BR/2BA modular on this land, preferably on a concrete slab or with a partial basement / storm cellar. I found a floorplan for the Fleetwood Meadowbrook Model 4563T series and like that style layout. However, I have read such negative things about Fleetwood on this and other Forums that perhaps I should consider other brands ??? Any advice on what brands are available in Indiana within about a 40 mile radius of Louisville, Kentucky and reputable dealers would be appreciated. I have a friend who purchased a Crystal Valley Homes model (made by Patriot) and is very impressed with it, but it is a top-of-the-line model with many options and modifications ($89,000). My friend looked at about 7 brands of homes and visited 3 factories, he swears Patriot is the best built. ??? I am looking at a budget of less than $60,000. I have heard that the dealers farther away from Louisville are cheaper.....already found a $5200 difference on the above mentioned Fleetwood between a dealer in Louisville and one in Madison, IN (Madison was the cheaper price, $46,600 versus $52,800). Lastly, does anyone know if you can get a residential sprinkler system put into a modular at the factory??? I'm 3 miles from a fire hydrant....plus I used to be a firefighter and have seen residential systems save houses....probably worth the $3500 or so cost especially in insurance savings but I've never heard of such a system in a manufactured home. Feel free to email me privately or respond here in this forum.....Thanks, Mike in Indiana

[rmurray]

If you are going to spend less than you friend...you will have to make some very basic decisions...Do you want to give up size, features or quality...All pricing is based on these three...

Fleetwood is a very large company...and builds different homes in each plant...some are the best in the industry...some are not...

You should decide which quality features you think you need, the size of your pocketbook and the size you should have to serve your needs...Then shop to find a home that fits your needs...

Today...interest is so low..most folks are able to opt for quality and not get out of budget...each $ 10,000 in price is only about $ 55/ mo...An extra $ 55/mo might well be worth the the money...

I would be very skeptical of wide price differences between dealers...Without complete details of the sale..you could well be comparing apples and oranges....