Does Palm Harbor make an on frame modular?

[Kevin C]

When my son was buying his MH, it would not appraise for enough to cover the cost, so they "upgraded" to a modular home. I understand why; the apprasial process. He was told by the salesman that the only difference between the MH and modular was the serial number of the home even though he had to pay about $3,000.00 more for the modular. They delivered the home, removed the wheels, etc. and set it piers. It still has the frame. So my question is, does Palm Harbor make an on frame modular and if so, what is the difference between it and the MH?
Thanks in advance.

[rmurray]

Did your son buy an on-frame modular from Palm Harbor....You did not mention which state the modular would have too be built in...Most states do not allow on-frame modular homes..but in the state near me that do allow on frame mods Palm Harbor does offer the product... parts of South Carolina come to mind...I am in Georgia..where there are NO on frame modular homes and have not spent a lot of time studying them....Most lenders and appraisors appraise them as manufactured homes and use manufactured home comps....and manufactured home loan terms and rates..Your son's sales person should be able to explain exactly what his $3000 bought...

[Kevin C]

It was in Louisiana.

[rmurray]

PH is delivering many modular homes to Louisiana most are Discovery Custrom Homes which are mostly off frame models...Ask a local PH dealer is onframe mods are allowed or offered....

[WDonnelly]

My Name is Wayne Donnelly and I'm the Regional VP for PHH over the Gulf Coast area which includes LA. We do in fact offer on-frame modulars for sale to the public through our sales centers (Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Bossier City).

The BIG difference between on-frame mod and a standard manufactured home is the same as with any other Modular product. Mod is constructed in conformance with Industrial Residential Code (IRC) 2003 along with any local jurisdictional code requirements, and manufactured is constructed in conformance with Federal HUD code. That means the Modular will be built just like the site built homes in the area, the HUD code will not.

Lenders and appraisers will sometimes treat on-frame modular the same as they treat HUD code construction, however there are a few programs out there that will treat the On-frame mod as a site built for the purposes of project valuation. This is not reflective of the product, it is based on the investors program for which the customer qualifies as well as the retailers finance affiliation.

Palm Harbor is a leading manufacturer of both Modular and Manufactured homes and our housing consultants have the ability to discuss ind detail exactly what the differences are in construction, financing, appearance, options and pricing between HUD code and modular housing.

To find the nearest PHH Retail Factory Outlet, visit http://www.palmharbor.com and follow the links to the store of your choice.

If I can be of further assistance, you may call me directly at (903) 280-0000.

Thanks for the interest in our product and our industry.

Wayne Donnelly
Regional Vice-President
Palm Harbor Homes