Manufactured homes have really found a niche in the Houston,Texas area and have started to become quite popular. They are a great option for individuals who need an affordable home quickly and don’t have time to shop the real estate market or build a traditional home. Of course, you may not know what a manufactured home is and need a little background before you can decide if this is the home for you.

What is the difference between Trailers/Mobile Homes and Manufactured Homes and Modular Homes?

Trailers/Mobile Homes are the terms applied to manufactured housing before the HUD code went into effect in June of 1976.  Trailers were mass produced without any specific standards or codes to follow.  Trailers/Mobile Homes had issues of being a potential fire hazard, tornado bait and were basicly unattractive, thus forcing down land value in some communities.

Manufactured Homes can be produced at a lower cost because of production lines and a lack of weather related delays.  The manufactured home factories buy materials in bulk and can pass the savings along to the customer.  Since 1976, HUD has required every manufactured home to comply with an extensive and strict set of standards.  HUD inspects and enforces these compliances.  Manufactured homes are constructed on a permanent steel chassis and delivered on their own set of wheels.  Once delivered the wheels and axels are removed.  Tie downs are driven at least 6 feet inthe ground and put in concrete.  Thus, making the home a permanant fixture if you have purchased your home and land together.

With many upgrades in the residential features such as GE appliances, smoke detectors, mini-blinds, drawer over door construction, garden tubs, vinyl covered sheetrock, Wilson Art brand laminate counter tops, Congoluem linoleum flooring, PEX plumbing, hardi panel fiber cement siding, a solid and continuous ridge beam, 2x4's in the walls and plywood floors. 

Modular Homes are also build in a factory, but in modules, and are transported to a home site on truck beds, and then joined together by contractors.  They are build to conform to all state and/or regional codes at their destination.  Local building inspectors check to insure structural requirements are met and the finished work is done correctly.  Modular homes are less expensive than site built homes, but with the same longevity.  Modular homes have brick, stucco, stone or veneer exeriors. 

Reasons to Buy One
Many individuals around the country are buying up manufactured homes. And there is good reason to. Just check out some of the many reasons to buy one and you just might be convinced to do the same.

• Many Options
  When it comes to manufactured homes there are many options. This makes it easy to find the home that will best fit you and your lifestyle. You can simply visit a manufactured retailer and tour the manufactured homes and find many different styles, designs, and layouts. Touring the homes in this manner allows you to choose the home you like the best and that best reflects your budget.

Financing
Manufactured homes may be financed by the retailer or through most lenders. There are some different requirements to apply for a home loan for a manufactured home than a single family home, but your lender can explain these to you. The point is there are plenty of financing options available to help you get in the home of your dreams.

• Moveable
  Another great aspect of manufactured homes, especially in the Houston,Texas area, is that they are moveable. If you decide you want to move to another town or your job transfers you then you can have your home moved to a new location. This definitely makes moving easy and you won’t need to find a new home, either.

Check Them Out
Even if you think you would never buy a “mobile” home, just go check them out. You will be amazed! These homes are very stylish and impeccably decorated.  These are not the mobile homes of old, they are a complete new breed, and you must check them out to see what you are missing!