Manufactured
Homes - Buying or Refinancing a Mobile Home
All people interested in getting a loan for a manufactured home
should know a few things. Manufactured homes are also known as
mobile homes, housing units built in factories rather than on-site,
generally carried by trucks or trailers over highways, directly
to the place where they will be occupied. Many people prefer this
type of home due to several factors including the place where they
want to live, budget and other factors. Because manufactured homes
are less expensive than on-site built homes, it is easier to buy
one. Doing a little research, you can find good. deals to apply for a manufactured home loan. However, before going
ahead determine how much can you afford, consider the monthly payment
and your current income, but also the kind of home you want to
buy and your credit history, which is important in order to get
your application approved. Manufactured homes are an option to
save money so make sure you are getting a good deal instead of
ending up paying much more than the cost of a tradition on-site
home.
Although manufactured home loans are associated with high-density
urban development or in rural areas, anyone, anywhere can get a
manufactured home, however, some lenders classify them as vehicles
due to the tendency of the housing market, depreciating over time.
Depreciation becomes a problem when you try to finance a manufactured
home through a bank, because they prefer a solid asset with possibilities
to recoup or sell if the borrower ends up defaulting on the loan.
Depending on the model of home chosen, depreciation may have a
lower impact.
Generally, double-wide manufactured homes value better and depreciate
less than single-wide models, which are the two major types of
homes available for purchasing, although some manufacturers have
triple-wide models. A single-wide manufactured home is 16 feet
or less in width, while double-side are sized 24 feet or more wide,
being sent to their site as two separated units.
Although banks do not seem to be interested in offering manufactured
home loans, a few of them may still consider it. However, you can
save money and time by going directly to lenders specialized in
manufactured homes credits. In fact, many manufactured home constructors
may recommend a lender or even have financial programs to make
it easier for you to apply for a loan.
Because manufactured loans are associated with real mobile homes
moving around, manufactured home lenders typically require that
the homes be permanently affixed to a foundation in order to grant
the loan. When you buy a manufactured home, constructors can also
recommend a location, such as rented lots, where the structure
should be left for its life, although homes retain the ability
to be moved.
As noted before, manufactured homes depreciate sooner and higher
than traditional homes, a decisive factor for lenders who usually
finance only homes built after 1984 or so, although they may consider
older models, not dated before 1976. In addition, lenders and borrowers
must consider zoning laws before applying to the place where the
homes will be installed.
Optionally, the borrower may opt for another type of manufactured
homes available in the market, known as modular homes. This kind
of model is built in pieces, sent on trucks to the property and
assembled by local contractors, which is almost impossible to distinguish
it from a stick-built home once the modular home is assembled.
Modular homes retain the advantages of a manufactured home, are
welcome in most neighborhoods, and both lenders and banks finance
them like any other traditional home.
Other information and useful resources:
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