Being in the business for over 10 years now I have come to realize there are 5 main areas to consider when buying a new modular or manufactured home, so let’s get right into them.

1. Find a reputable company that works with in- state manufactures- these builders know the climate/environment we live in and build to those specifications.  Manufacturers have to build to the IBC (International Building Code), but being built in Minnesota they may add other additional items to add to the efficiency and comfort.
2. Find a home design center with experience- not only with the sale of the modular or manufactured home, but with the over general contracting.  By not having to hire a private general contractor you can save thousands of dollars.  Also an inexperienced general contractor can give you major head aches if  poor sub-contractors are hired.
3. “Cheap becomes Expensive”- what I mean by this is when something is cheap it usually means cheap.  It cost money to use a quality product.  What this means for you though is a long lasting product that doesn’t require constant upkeep and eventually pre-mature replacement.  It is more cost effective to spend a little more up front when you are acquiring a home loan and not have these unexpected costs down the road (which you will most likely have to pay out of pocket).
4. Have an amount you would like to spend on your home project- this will help make your home/project search a lot easier.  When some one stops in to see me and has an approximate amount they want to spend on the project I am able to provide them with some project options immediately and exactly what they can do for options.  It saves a lot of time for everyone involved.
5. Don’t be afraid of opening up with your home design representative, the more you tell them the more they can help you.  A lot of information is the key to getting the home just the way you want it and that is the most important.

 I hope this will help with your dream home search and project.  Just remember this is a very important decision, so base them on this sound advice.

President Obama has recently signed an extension on the first time home buyers tax credit and also has added a credit for existing home owners to purchase.  This is great news for our economy.   In a nut shell here is the numbers and deadlines.

For a first time home buyer who have not owned a home in the last three years can receive  ten percent of the home sale price or $8,000, which ever is less.

Now if you are a current home owner who has owned a home for five consecutive years in the pervious eight you are eligible for tax credit of ten percent of the home sales price or $6,500, which ever is less.

You must close on your home or at least have a written binding contract to purchase a home by April, 30, 2010.  If you have the contract by this date you must have the home project closed by July 1, 2010.

 Finally, great news for all homeowners.  There are some other eligibility details  and I recommend you research it further.