You probably didn’t know this, but roughly 22 million Americans live in manufactured homes. Of these, close to 90% report that they are satisfied with their homes. As an affordable option for new homeowners, it’s not surprising that manufactured homes have grown in popularity over the years. Owners also enjoy a range of additional benefits like energy efficiency and faster move-in times.
But if you’ve been involved in a manufactured home installation before, you know one thing for sure: clients have a lot of questions! From financing and setup to long-term maintenance, there’s a lot you should know as an installer. So, here are the common questions to expect.
1. “Is a Manufactured Home the Same as a Mobile Home?”
Anyone who’s taken a high-quality manufactured home installer course from a top provider like RocketCert and gained enough experience understands why this is an important question. Mobile homes and manufactured homes are closely related. In truth, you can think of the term manufactured homes as a modern term for what we previously knew as mobile homes.
The answer to this question, nonetheless, is No. While mobile and manufactured homes have many similarities, the latter are built to strict HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) standards. These standards, established in 1976, require such houses to meet modern energy, safety, and construction codes. In short, manufactured homes are safer, more durable, and more comfortable.
2. “How Long Does Installation Take?”
Clients will always expect a timeline, and most are usually surprised by how fast the installation process moves once permits are cleared. Depending on the site prep, home size, and foundation type, many manufactured homes are usually ready for occupation in a few days or weeks.
It’s, however, important to offer realistic deadline expectations. Please note that delays may occur during local inspections or utility hookups. As such, setting expectations right from the start helps avoid frustration later.
3. “Can I Finance My Home Like a Traditional House?”
As an insurance agent, you must also be ready for multiple financing questions. For this one, the answer is “It depends.” On what? You might wonder. Well, manufactured homes installed on permanent foundations and titled as real property usually qualify for conventional or FHA loans.
Homes not placed on permanent foundations, on the other hand, are only eligible for chattel loans, which are usually associated with higher interest rates. You may think to yourself, as an installer, “I’m not a lender, so that’s not any of my business.” Still being familiar with these basics makes it easier to guide clients in the right direction.
4. “Will My Home Last as Long as a Traditional Home?”
It’s also not uncommon for manufactured home buyers to wonder how durable their homes will be compared to traditional ones. That’s in consideration that many buyers still consider manufactured homes as flimsy, when in reality, the models we have today are built to last decades. Still, they must be properly taken care of to reach their maximum longevity.
Whenever a client asks you how long they should expect their home to last, you should consider citing examples. For instance, according to HUD, manufactured homes built after 1976 are designed to withstand severe weather conditions and meet strict building standards. So, when maintained properly, they should last as long as site-built homes.
5. “What About Resale Value?”
Also, be ready for homeowners who want to know whether their investment will hold value over time. Let them know that the resale value performance differs, depending on a range of factors such as location, upkeep, and the condition of the home. If you think about it, these are the same factors that affect the resale value of traditional homes.
A well-maintained manufactured home on a permanent foundation in a desirable area will almost always grow in value. Many clients will feel reassured when you mention that proper installation and upkeep will make a difference in long-term equity.
Create the Right Foundation to Excel in Your Career
Though not a life-and-death matter, knowing the questions that manufactured home buyers ask now and then can enhance your performance as an installer. Remember, your clients rely on you to find the right answers to these questions as they make one of the biggest investments of their lives.
So, learn as much as you can by investing in a top-tier manufactured home installation course from RocketCert and other reputable institutions. This will boost the confidence you need to help families start their next chapter on solid ground.