Most aspiring homeowners understand that purchasing a site-built home can be expensive in the current real estate market. Therefore, it is no surprise that modern home buyers continue seeking affordable options -including RVs, smaller homes, and mobile homes. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that around 17 million people in the United States alone live in mobile homes or manufactured homes.

If buying a readymade home is an overwhelming choice for you, opt for mobile home living as the best alternative out there. As mobile homes tend to be highly customizable as well as cost-effective, they serve as a great choice for individuals and families of all sizes and lifestyle expectations. Let us help you find out all about manufactured home living -including its pros, cons, and what to expect.

What are Mobile Homes?

Mobile homes are also known as pre-fabricated homes or manufactured homes. These are home dwellings that are constructed prior in factory settings or warehouses. Later on, different components of the entire house are transported to the desired destination for installation. In the USA, manufactured homes are regulated by the Federal Government since the time of 1976 by the HUD or Department of Housing & Urban Development.

The respective HUD code specifies minimum standards for the overall construction as well as design of manufactured homes. It spans specific aspects -including fire safety, transportation, durability of materials, strength of the house, size restrictions, and energy efficiency. All pre-fabricated homes that are constructed since the time of 15th June, 1976, are expected to abide by the respective HUD code.

Myths About Living in a Mobile Home

Even after the presence of a number of mobile homes across the nation, there is a wide range of misconceptions that surround the notion of mobile home living. If you wish to own your dream house the affordable way, manufactured homes have several benefits to offer. Here are some of the common myths about manufactured home living that you should know about:

  • Mobile homes get damaged easily
  • Mobile homes tend to be substandard
  • All of them look the same
  • Manufactured homes do not have class
  • These are prone to tornadoes
  • Manufactured homes are vulnerable to fire
  • Mobile homes do not appreciate in the overall value
  • Mobile homes are not energy-efficient

Pros of Living in a Mobile Home

When you invest in budget mobile homes, you can expect a myriad of benefits to enhance your lifestyle. Here are some:

  • Less Expensive: The overall cost of a manufactured home will vary depending on where you wish to reside. As far as the market of mobile homes in the United States is concerned, you will find that the average price of a mobile home just out of the factory floor is around $50,000*. Most families out there can look forward to saving around 30-50 percent on the total costs of home upon choosing mobile home living.
  • Great Amenities with Customization: With mobility, you can leverage the benefit of added flexibility of living in a pre-fabricated house. It is possible to upgrade as well as customize mobile homes as your needs and preferences will change with time. To top it all, a mobile home can also be moved from one place to another.

Additionally, a mobile home offers access to a wide range of high-end amenities to improve your lifestyle. For instance, most manufactured homes can be upgraded to accommodate a wide range of amenities -including pets, off-street parking, a separate laundry room, on-site maintenance, community recreation facilities, and so more.

  • Small Down Payment: The good news is that you do not need access to a massive down payment amount while buying a mobile home. You are only expected to possess around 3.5 percent of the total purchase price in the form of down payment -if you are applying for the FHA, HHL, or VA loan. The overall down payment amount for a manufactured home will depend on the total cost of the mobile home.

Cons of Living in a Mobile Home

While there is a long list of benefits of mobile home living, some demerits to look out for are:

  • Depreciation: Mobile homes are mostly produced in bulk in factories or warehouses. Moreover, they might have a shorter lifespan than pre-built homes. Therefore, these homes might depreciate more rapidly.
  • Limited Resale Value: Due to the respective depreciation and the notion attached to manufactured homes, it is not an easy feat to resell these homes.
  • Site Limitations: In most cases, pre-fabricated homes are situated across dedicated mobile home parks. Therefore, you are expected to pay the rent to the respective park owner along with the mortgage payment. In a mobile home park, your home is also subject to specific rules & regulations -including limitations on pets, visitors, and noise levels.

What to Expect When Living in a Mobile Home?

If this is your first time dealing with the concept of mobile home living, here are some things you should know about:

  • Insurance: If you think of buying a mobile home, you need to get insurance on the items towards covering the costs of potential damage -including natural disasters and property damage. For a mobile home, insurance can cost you around $300* to $500* -varying on the basis of coverage offered, the location, and the cost of the house.
  • Buying or Renting a Mobile Home: You can think of buying or renting a mobile home. As you rent a pre-fabricated home, you do not have to pay a significant amount upfront or even towards repairs. However, the rent will not go towards owning the home. On the other hand, buying a manufactured home is regarded as the best option if you are able to afford it.

Conclusion

There are several pros and cons of mobile home living. Understand each one of them carefully before making a final decision. Living in a manufactured home can have its benefits. However, there are some drawbacks to its as well. Analyze all your options effectively and decide properly based on your specific preferences and lifestyle choices.