Dealer Markup

[Judy Ray]

My husband and I are shopping for a small home to put on a piece of lakeside property. More like a cottage with an integrated porch, really, around 1300 square feet, but of the highest quality construction we can afford. It needs to be groundset, so that adds more cost. I had been told in the past that a top quality home with a lot of upgrades like fireplace, lap siding, crown moulding, Moen fixtures, designer kitchen, etc, could be had for under $50 per square foot including groundsetting, tax and freight. Problem is, I cannot find a dealer anywhere who will budge off his price of around $70/square foot. Are they just playing hardball with me and I need to play harder, or is it unrealistic to expect $50/sq. foot?

[rmurray]

If you have carefully shopped the market for what you want..You may have learned your expectations were a little low.....Good Luck

[Judy Ray]

Well, actually a friend at work just bought a really nice Fleetwood for $43, but his is much larger, like almost 3000 square feet. The prices I've seen on lot models are also in that range, from about 40 to 45(per square foot). It's just when I get down to ordering one with options, the price skyrockets up to 65 or 70. It sounds like a lot of smoke and mirrors to me. I'd give anything to get a peek at an invoice.

[Mac]

I think you just need to shop and compare. Every home, regardless of size, needs a furnace, plumbing, appliances, electrical, and a certain number of windows. Beyond that, price can be lower per foot as the unit gets larger. It seems to me that $50 is a bit low. Our place is about 1980 sf triple, with some options - skylight, wall of windows, deck - and we paid about $90K including slab foundation, concrete block skirting. That works out to about $45 a square foot - but that was 3 years ago. The base on that place was $70K, and I saw that model advertised for $95K now - so our 90 then would likely be 120 now - or about $60 a SF. Our place is sort of upper end, but not high-end.

[susan]

so ask for one,no one ever does but when you do tell them you want to see it now not later.you have to understand the dealer has to make money as well i would pay 5k over not a penny more tell them that maybe they will consider.

[Bill]

I was considering a modular home vs. MH. At the end of the day, is the extra cost for a modular worth it. From what I gather Silvercrest and Karsten seem very well built. However, I can not find any price listings for these companies. I am considering a 2500+ sq ft.


Question 1: Are modular homes from Altmont, et cetera "better" built than MH from Silvercrest or Karsten? I plan on a permanent foundation slab.
Question 2: Which company offers a better value dollar for dollar?
Question 3: Does anyone know of a dealer that actually give an invoice price? I like the idea of asking for it and then just paying a markup over it.
Last question: Who could recommend a reputable mortage broker for a land/house loan, that won't take clients to the cleaners? The house will be in the foothills east of Sacramento, CA.

Thanks folks.

[Bill]

I was considering a modular home vs. MH. At the end of the day, is the extra cost for a modular worth it. From what I gather Silvercrest and Karsten seem very well built. However, I can not find any price listings for these companies. I am considering a 2500+ sq ft.


Question 1: Are modular homes from Altmont, et cetera "better" built than MH from Silvercrest or Karsten? I plan on a permanent foundation slab.
Question 2: Which company offers a better value dollar for dollar?
Question 3: Does anyone know of a dealer that actually give an invoice price? I like the idea of asking for it and then just paying a markup over it.
Last question: Who could recommend a reputable mortage broker for a land/house loan, that won't take clients to the cleaners? The house will be in the foothills east of Sacramento, CA.

Thanks folks.