No doubt, it is a dream for many to have a place they can call home, but due to financial constraints, not many people are able to do that. If you don’t want the lead time or price point of a standard house, consider exploring the option of manufactured homes, which are budget-friendly alternatives that have taken the market by storm. Not only will you have almost unlimited choices when it comes to customization, but they boast a quicker lead time and the overall price will definitely be easier on your pocket.
In this guide, you can expect to be guided through the fundamental steps of purchasing a Manufactured home in San Antonio to help make it a seamless experience for you.
What is a Manufactured Home?
A Manufactured home, also called a Modular home, is prefabricated, which is manufactured by companies in large factories and then transported to the locations where they are set on a supporting frame, aka chassis. Unlike a traditional home that is built onsite from the ground up, they are installed as a single unit on the site after transportation.
Key Steps to Learn Before Buying a Manufacture Home
Covered below are the main steps that every owner should consider before they buy a manufactured house.
1. Familiarize Yourself with Rules and Regulations
First and foremost, you need to learn all, or at least the major regulations surrounding manufactured houses. These laws are administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and are a part of the Texas Manufactured Housing Standards Act. Even in those regulations, you will encounter two sets of rules:
• Rules for before you have moved into your manufactured home
•Rules for after you have moved into your manufactured home
•Rules for after you have moved into your manufactured home
The purpose of enforcing these rules is to ensure all the houses are manufactured as per the standards set by the state of Texas and are compliant with parameters like installation, quality of build, and licensing.
2. Accessing Your Financial Situation
Before setting out to buy a manufactured home, it is vital to evaluate one’s personal financial standings and proceed accordingly. At present, the average cost for a used manufactured home in San Antonio can range anywhere from $48,221.00 to $86,10.00 (source) with new homes going higher depending on size, quality, and location. So make sure you have all your financial documents, credit reports, and income statements to get a clear picture of your financial capacity. This will help you establish a realistic price range for your manufactured home purchase.
3. Deciding on the Manufacturer
When opting for a manufacturer, there are certain parameters you need to evaluate so you know what you are getting and what you’re getting yourself into. You will find different manufacturers offer different types of layouts, styles, customer service, prices, quality, and most importantly, warranty + customer service. It is advised to talk to a local Realtor who will make the choice easier for you as it is easy to get lost with so many manufacturers to go around.
4. Financing Your Manufactured Home
Once you have settled on the manufacturer, now is the time to determine how you would be financing your manufactured home. The first obvious option is to pay up-front, which may not be feasible for everyone, which leaves us with the option of taking a loan. If you’re buying the land along with the house, you are much more likely to land a loan. However, renting a lot is a completely different story that might need you to continue your search for a loan. You can always opt for chattel loans, but they have a higher interest rate, which may not be feasible for every buyer. But on the plus side, you need to pay a smaller down payment.
5. Think About the Installation Considerations
As you are out looking for your manufactured house of dreams, it’s crucial to prioritize installation considerations that align with your needs and preferences. If the builder also serves as the general contractor, it’s essential to understand the services they provide and those you need to source independently. Clarify whether the installation package encompasses appliances such as air conditioning, and inquire about additional features that might be included.
Additionally, inquire about the property’s location in relation to flood zones and assess whether any preventive measures or considerations are in place. By focusing on the said installation parameters, you can make informed decisions that improve the longevity and functionality of your manufactured house.
Make sure that the manufacturers and installation team are both certified and qualified at what they are doing; otherwise, you might end up facing the elements of San Antonio weather more closely than you anticipated.
Real estate agents act as your trusted advisors, navigating the complexities of sourcing and negotiating contracts. They leverage their extensive network and market expertise to identify suitable properties that align with your needs and preferences. They then guide you through the negotiation process, ensuring you receive the best possible price and terms while protecting your interests. From crafting compelling offers to handling counteroffers and managing closing details, their expertise can save you time, effort, and potentially significant financial costs. With a real estate agent by your side, you can navigate the competitive market with confidence, securing a favorable contract for your dream home.
Conclusion
Though there is more to discuss, these are perhaps the most important steps that you need to consider when buying a manufactured house in San Antonio. You can consider me your go-to local San Antonio Realtor pertaining to Manufactured homes. Whether you need to buy a new one or purchase an existing one, I can help you get one that perfectly meets your requirements. Let the experts (that’s me!) do it for you!
