Mar
03
2008
One of the problems with manufactured housing and its perceived reliability in the mind of the consmer to withstand different weather and terrain conditions has been the disconnect between how the code requires the home to be designed and engineered in the factory and how the home is installed in the field. In other words, there is a lack of continuity between what the manufacturer sends out the door and the dealer and installer delivers and sets up on the home site. While the HUD Code of 1976 established that manufactured homes had to be factory designed and engineered to federal law standards with specific electrical, heating, plumging and thermal standards as well as performance requirements for structural design, construction, fire resistance, energy efficiency and transportation from the factory to the site , the installation standards were left to the local and state jurisdictional authorities. Interestingly, in some states installation requirements are rigorous while others, lax to non-existent. Continue Reading »
Jan
08
2008
One of the most frustrating things for manufactured home owners in the last few years has been the changing emphasis on type of foundations on their understructures in order to qualify for loans. Frustrating because as of a few years ago this was not a requirement so many homeowners either bought a home or refinanced a home without the “foundation” restriction and now either they are selling or refinancing and they are finding a different lending environment. It catches many by surprise! Continue Reading »
Dec
12
2007
Many high quality manufactured home developments were first developed as rental or lease communities and later through the resident or homeowner association efforts or through owner determination, the development was converted to resident ownership. One of the most popular methods of park conversion was through a condominium plan. Continue Reading »
Dec
12
2007
Many mobile home parks and manufactured home communities began as rental parks where space rent was dictated by location, size, date of purchase and cost of living increases. It has become increasingly popular for residents to desire a greater control over their living situation and costs associated with their residences, thus converting the park to resident ownership has become a rising trend. Continue Reading »
