Home Buying Guide
Factory-Built Homes: Myth vs. Reality
Approximately one of every ten new homes sold in Arizona is factory-built and it’s no wonder! Today’s factory-built homes offer the foremost in quality, livability, and affordability. If you’ve been thinking about a factory-built home, you’ve probably also run across a few myths and misconceptions. We want to give you the facts so you can judge for yourself the tangible benefits and amazing value of today’s factory-built homes.
MYTH: Factory-built homes are not well-made.
FACT: This is a misconception people often have when they think about “mobile” homes in contrast to traditional “brick and mortar” homes. The truth is that all manufactured and modular homes are built to codes that require the highest and most rigorous standards in every aspect of construction. They are built using the same construction materials as site-built homes, so there is no difference in material quality. In addition, manufactured homes must pass a rigorous inspection process during construction by third-party inspectors, unlike traditional homes. Modular homes are built to the same codes and standards as site-built homes, but in a controlled, efficient environment with highly skilled construction teams.
MYTH: Factory-built homes are not safe.
FACT: This myth surrounding the quality of construction of factory-built homes lends itself to the further misconception that factory-built homes are not as safe as traditional homes. This simply isn’t the case. Factory-built homes in Arizona are designed and built to withstand the most severe weather. The building materials used for today’s manufactured homes are the same as those used in site-built homes and are engineered to the standards of the national and regional codes for their area. This means that in areas prone to high winds and hurricanes, manufactured homes are comparable to site-built homes in terms of safety. Since 1976, all manufactured homes must meet the HUD performance code with respect to all aspects of the home, including heating and air conditioning, fire safety, plumbing, electrical systems, structural design, construction, energy efficiency and in the transportation from factory to site. One of the largest insurers of factory-built homes in America has concluded that the chance of fire in a site-built home is twice that of today’s factory-built home. Thanks to stringent building codes, safety standards, and Arizona’s comprehensive installation requirements, an Arizona factory-built home may be the safest home you can buy.
MYTH: Factory-built homes are difficult to finance and insure.
FACT: The financing and insuring process of a factory-built home is actually very similar to those of traditional homes. Buyers of modern factory-built homes may choose from a wide array of financing options. Financing a factory-built home is no more difficult than any other home. Retailers are knowledgeable about home financing and may provide you a list of lending institutions – large national lenders as well as local companies – that can assist you in obtaining financing for your home. Of course, you are free to shop independently for your financing as well.
Personal property financing (home only) is readily available. Conventional, VA, FHA and other financing programs, with terms up to 30 years, are available when a home is financed as real property. Should you choose to acquire land in conjunction with the home, you can finance the home and land together. Lenders are active in financing factory-built homes because studies prove that these homes appreciate in value just like any other comparable homes. Likewise, insuring your home is easy and readily available from a host of recognized insurance companies.
MYTH: Factory-built homes are not attractive and don’t fit in with most neighborhoods.
FACT: See for yourself the appeal and comfort you expect in a high-quality home. You may be surprised at the variety of customizable features. There’s a spacious, stylish and beautiful factory-built home for every taste, lifestyle and budget. Choose from a wide variety of architectural styles and floor plans, all designed for Arizona living. Most Arizona manufacturers will alter the floor plan of your choice, and your exterior can be customized too, with garage and screen porch placement unique to you. Amenities such as fireplaces, cathedral ceilings, skylights, bay windows, whirlpool tubs and outdoor decks can be easily engineered into your home. This flexibility in customization allows you to suit your needs while also blending seamlessly into almost any neighborhood. Whatever you want in your new home, you can have it!