Long before we bought our home Don and I decided on the size, price and type of manufactured home we wanted to live in. We also had a good idea of how much we could afford to pay. Since prices can vary from retailer to retailer and from manufacturer to manufacturer it started to get confusing. That’s why we kept a written log comparing the features and price of each home. In other words, we did our homework.
Both in Florida and California we visited retail sales centers, looking at model homes, comparing manufacturers, features and prices. I must admit we have an advantage over most first time buyers because many of our visits to manufactured home communities over the years were related to my work for Foremost Insurance. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend that every first time buyer take time to comparison shop for different manufacturers, brands and models.
In our case, it wasn’t necessary to select a manufacturer because all the homes in Sun Meadows, our chosen community, are built by Silvercrest Western Home Corporation. Silvercrest is an upscale manufacturer and priced higher than most manufactured homes. Although the average cost for a multi-section manufactured home is around $50,000, the base price for our new home is $130,900 Some of our friends think this price seems high, but considering the sky-rocketing prices of homes throughout the US and particularly in southern California– it’s a real bargain.
The home we bought has nearly 1500 square feet of living space with vaulted ceilings throughout. It’s open and spacious with a master bedroom, guest room, den, bonus room, formal dining room and two full baths. The large kitchen features a freestanding island with pots and pans drawers, a breakfast area and loads of cupboard space. The den includes a sliding glass door that leads out to covered patio and fenced yard while the bonus room provides access to a two-car garage.
Don is pleased with the quality construction and energy efficiency of our new manufactured home, while I am thrilled with the interior décor, special options and spacious floor plan. We both believe we have invested in a great housing choice - the benefits and affordability of a manufactured home combined with the advantages of site-built features like the foundation, 20 X 20 garage and 10 X 23 patio with half solid and half lattice patio cover.
Our home is being custom built from scratch and placed on the Sun Meadows lot we selected. It’s truly customized to meet our specifications. For example, some of our options include upgraded carpeting and padding, ceramic tile at entry and special wiring for computers, surround sound audio and ceiling fans.
Other options include preparation for a combination convection/microwave oven over the range, recessed “can” lights, extra grab bars in both baths, hook ups for laundry tub, washer and dryer in the garage. These options add to the base-price of our home, but are well worth the cost if compared with similar features in site-built homes.
To learn more about superior insurance for manufactured homes visit Foremost.com. If you are an AARP member go to AARPForemost.com.
