6 Contemporary Modular Home Designs That You Can’t Miss

You’ll find them all over many neighborhoods in America today. Homes that capture the look, feel, and structure of site-built homes, but created for a fraction of the cost using today’s most advanced building techniques. They’re called modular homes, and they’re an increasingly popular way to get an attractive and affordable home.

What’s more, modular homes are now available in an incredible variety of designs and styles. These six models are among the best you’ll find on the market today, and each has its own unique charm and philosophy expressed through an eye-catching design. (Need a quick refresher on modular homes? Read What is a Modular Home? for the basics you need to know.)

1. Genesis Homes Angelina

3 Bed
2 Bath
1,749 Square Feet
Available from: Genesis Homes

Angelina by Genesis Homes — Photo courtesy of Genesis Homes.

The Angelina is a modern take on the classic ranch home. A covered porch and distinctive gables give this modular home an exterior that stands out from the rest.

Angelina Genesis Homes. — Photo courtesy of Genesis Homes.

Inside, you’ll find timeless farmhouse accents like sliding barn doors. But you’ll also love the Angelina for its must-have modern conveniences like a walk-in shower and kitchen island.

2. Modular Homes of America Natchez

4 Bed
3 Bath
1,825 Square Feet
Available from: Modular Homes of America (TX)

Natchez by Modular Homes of America — Photo courtesy of Modular Homes of America.

Looking for a modular home with some Southern charm? The Natchez could be what sweetens your tea. With a full-sized porch and balcony, this home is perfect for enjoying some beautiful weather, and its four bedrooms and three baths provide abundant space inside.

With an island counter, abundant kitchen space and sunroom, the Natchez is an entertainer’s dream. And with numerous natural windows, you’ll never lack for a mood-boosting ray of sunlight.

3. Affinity Building Systems Kingfisher

3 Bed
2 Bath
2,124 Square Feet
Available from: Affinity Building Systems (FL)

Kingfisher by Affinity Building Systems — Photo courtesy of Affinity Building Systems.

Another classic Southern design, the Kingfisher creates a welcoming space that radiates charm. With three full-size porches, it’s the perfect design for letting the good times roll—whether that means a party with friends and family or a quiet afternoon with a book and a beverage.

The Kingfisher’s interiors are equally appealing. An island counter and eat-in kitchen flow into a roomy living room, while bathrooms and bedrooms are designed as a seamless blend of the vintage and the contemporary.

4. Rochester Hyde Park

4 Bed
2.5 Bath
2,497 Square Feet
Available from: Rochester Homes (IN)

Hyde Park by Rochester Homes — Photo courtesy of Rochester Homes.

Big, grand, and graceful, Hyde Park is a study in architectural beauty. A turret-like projection gives this home the feel of a Victorian, but it’s integrated into a design that feels current and clean.

The Hyde Park has a design that’s simultaneously spacious and intimate, with large, comfortable rooms and an airy open foyer. Each bedroom features a walk-in closet, and the master bed-bath suite includes an oversized soaker tub that you’ll love to relax in.

5. Pratt Homes Georgetown

3 Bed
2 Bath
1,900 Square Feet
Available from: Pratt Homes (TX)

Georgetown by Pratt Homes — Photo courtesy of Pratt Homes.

The Georgetown is as stately and dignified as they come. Just check out those columns flanking the entrance! At the same time, modern architectural twists give this home a vital and fresh visual appeal that makes it a great representative of the new generation of modular homes.

Inside, the Georgetown offers lovely elements like a three-seater breakfast bar, as well as extensive cabinet and counter space. It’s also replete with built-in elements such as an entertainment center and soaker tub.

6. Genesis Homes Sequoia

3 Bed
2 Bath
1,459 Square Feet
Available from: Genesis Homes

Sequoia by Genesis Homes — Photo courtesy of Genesis Homes.

With a name inspired by America’s mightiest tree, the Sequoia has a lot to live up to—and it does. This home is an “L ranch” with lots of space and an open plan design that calls to mind the greatness of America’s wide-open spaces.

The Sequoia’s kitchen features built-in Shaker cabinets and a huge island counter that provides counter space galore. The master bed-bath suite includes a walk-in shower and double sinks, and throughout the home, you’ll find rustic accents like sliding barn doors that make the Sequoia feel like home.

MHVillage is America’s #1 choice for prefab home information, and our selection of manufactured home floor plans includes options from all of the top U.S. home manufacturers. Homebuyers will find everything they need to choose a beautiful and affordable home that’s just right.

What do Buyers Care Most About in a Manufactured Home?

What buyers want most in a manufactured home

Manufactured and mobile homes have become a very popular solution for new home buyers with the real estate markets of today – and why wouldn’t they. Modern manufactured homes are becoming increasingly luxurious while remaining very practical in terms of affordability.

A recent analysis found that mobile home searches surged by 50% in 23 states. Two things are for certain – the demand is growing for these homes and they aren’t just for seniors anymore.

They are being designed with a far wider market in mind as younger and younger buyers seek solutions to the affordable housing crisis.

This of course begs the question, aside from affordability, what is it that buyers want most in a manufactured home?

It’s what’s inside that counts

From a seller’s perspective, when it comes to understanding what people really look for in a manufactured home, it’s the interior that is going to require the most attention. A buyer needs to fall in love with the space they will be interacting with most, and that often means wowing them with a stunning kitchen and dining area.

Without overlooking the rest of the interior it’s well known that laminate wooden floor patterns and beautiful cabinets have the potential to really make a manufactured home interior pop, and woo potential buyers into pulling the trigger on your home.

Let’s get into the details of what has been attracting buyers to manufactured homes lately.

Kitchen considerations

Buyers of manufactured homes, without question, are looking for a fantastic kitchen. This is where the magic happens, so to speak. People spend a lot of time there, and when it comes to manufactured homes, it’s no different.

As such, more and more attention is being paid to the kitchen in the mobile home, and contemporary designs are what many home shoppers are looking for. Adding or upgrading to features such as stone countertops, beautiful wooden cabinets, and modern appliances is a great way to make a strong impression.

Manufactured homes are being created to provide a sense of luxury, and decadence along with functionality. With plenty of big cupboards offering all kinds of storage and extremely efficient floorplans, you can wow potential buyers by focusing on these lavish kitchen areas.

Keeping these spaces appealing while maximizing their practicality has been an ongoing trend in manufactured homes and is the best bet for buyer valuation. Manufactured home buyers want a beautiful space that they can really use.

Popular kitchen features

• Stone Countertops
• Wooden cabinetry
• Stainless appliances
• Recessed Lighting
• Island

Modern Mobile Homes bathroom — Photo captured at the 2020 Louisville Manufactured Housing Show.

Exceptional bathrooms with luxurious amenities

Lately, builders have been putting additional effort into creating mini-spas out of the bathrooms in manufactured homes. Think less about what comes to mind when you hear the phrase mobile home bathroom, and think more along the lines of a full-on spa design.

Some recent manufactured home designs have started incorporating his and hers bathroom sinks, standing showers, and bathtubs like the Avalanche Model from Champion Homes. The manufacturers have put an incredible amount of thought and attention to detail into making these bathrooms into bright, spacious places that one feels inclined to spend time in.

In order to appeal to home buyers, we are keeping with the same theme as the kitchens: attractive, and useful. It may seem obvious but overly flashy spaces aren’t going to attract many buyers if they aren’t functional as well.

Popular bathroom features

• His and her sinks
• Stone tiling
• Bright Spaces
• Beautiful faucets

3 bedroom mobile home farmhouse style bedroom

Bedroom havens

Builders and manufacturers have also been studying the buyer to find that the bedroom must provide a comfortable retreat. Modern mobile homes are required to meet all the needs of the buyer and that means providing a comfortable sleeping space with beautiful features.

Buyers want to know that they will have enough space for storing their clothes and that they can comfortably get dressed in the space. Even manufacturers of smaller mobile homes have been making sure they pack features into the bedroom.

Counterintuitive considerations for buyers of manufactured homes

Having covered the whole home and all of the amenities it offers, it becomes apparent why kitchens come in at the highest level of buyer consideration, and it makes sense. Kitchens are often the main space that provides that valuable first impression to the buyer and their family.

Kitchens are where people spend their most social time together in the home, eating drinking cooking, and living. The kitchen space is where the residents and their guests come together, so why shouldn’t it be a stunning space?

It is both interesting and slightly unexpected to note that buyers are most interested in the least intimate space which tells you that mobile home buyers, like most people are concerned about where they spend time with others.

Hopefully, armed with this useful information, the next time you are getting ready to list or stage your home – you will know exactly where to focus.

Happy selling.

How to Sell a Mobile Home in Pennsylvania

If you are planning to sell a mobile home in Pennsylvania, you are in luck. Pennsylvania is an excellent place to do so in today’s market. Thanks to the surrounding states, Ohio, New York, and West Virginia, you will have a considerable pool of interested buyers in search of a home just like the one you are listing. How come, you may wonder. The answer is simple: they can’t find the home for sale they like. Now, although it seems that many people are selling around you, they are probably not marketing their house in the right way. What they and you should do is take steps to maximize your home’s exposure.

For example, some people put a “for sale” sign on the front porch or in the window and call it a day. However, that will not work anymore. Especially now, when we are battling the pandemic, but even before the breakout, people have been looking for their new homes online. And so, if you want to sell something, you should also exploit all the wonders of the Internet.

Therefore, if you want to ensure your mobile home in Pennsylvania sells fast, keep on reading. We have some handy advice for you.

Who will sell your manufactured home?

The first decision you have to make when you know that you will be selling your mobile home is who will be selling it. There are several options at your disposal. You can:

Sell your mobile home with the help of a real estate agent
Resort to “for sale by owner” option
Sell directly to a mobile home dealer

Selling through an agent

Firstly, if your home is in a mobile home park in Pennsylvania, you should let your park manager know about your intention to sell. These communities often have a sales agent with whom you can work. They will help you prepare your home for showings, make it more attractive, get all the paperwork ready, and organize the showings.

However, if your mobile home is located on land that you own, you have other options. You can either sell your home yourself or hire a real estate agent of your choice. Should you opt to go with an agent, be advised to employ the one specializing in selling mobile homes. A real estate agent with such expertise will know how to sell your house most effectively.

Hiring a real estate agent to help you sell your mobile home will save you a lot of leg work.

For sale by owner (FSBO)

On the other hand, if you choose the for sale by owner route, you will save yourself a considerable amount of money that would otherwise go to the agent’s fees. Remember, though, that this will require much more legwork on your behalf. Therefore, consider these questions:

Do you have enough time to deal with all the necessary aspects of selling a house?
Do you have the necessary knowledge and experience with regard to selling a home?
Is it really the most profitable option to avoid an agent?

Finally, there may be the possibility of selling your home directly to a mobile home dealer. It is probably the fastest and most straightforward way to sell a mobile home. Nevertheless, there is a significant chance that a dealer will pay less for it than a private buyer.

Appraisal and inspection

It is absolutely essential to get your home appraised and inspected when you decide to sell it. MHVillage will make it easy for you with a free manufactured home value report for all homes listed on our site. Still, it’s highly advisable to get a professional appraisal. It will help you determine the accurate value of your home so you can set a reasonable price.

Also, it’s wise to get your house professionally inspected. If there are any significant issues with the house that require your attention, an inspection will reveal them. This is beneficial as potential buyers will have more confidence when deciding whether to invest in your home if they see that the house is in adequate condition.

Selling your mobile home as is or doing some repairs?

After the home inspection, you can decide which repairs will be worth handling. Extensive repairs can be costly and delay the sale of your mobile home by several months. Fixing the leaking roof, damaged walls, updating electrical installations and plumbing can lead to tens of thousands of dollars spent on repairs, only to wait for additional few months to locate the buyer ready to commit. Some mobile home dealers may be interested in buying your home as-is. Albeit for less money, but you will save yourself quite a lot of trouble.

On the other hand, if the big things in your home are fine, you can do some cost-effective repairs that may even increase your home’s value. Focus on your home’s aesthetic appeal. The simplest changes such as a fresh coat of paint and new doorknobs and faucets can make a world of difference. Moreover, invest some time and effort into staging your home in a way that will enable the buyer to imagine living there.

Marketing your mobile home

Once you have decided to sell a mobile home in Pennsylvania and how you will sell it, you must focus on proper marketing. An agent will do most of the work if you have hired one, but if you haven’t, here is what you must do:

how to market your Pennsylvania manufactured home — Walnut Grove Manufactured Home Community in Gettysburg, PA

Include as much information as possible. It will attract more buyers.
Work on the curb appeal. First impressions are crucial and can make or break your sale.
Hire a professional photographer. Even if you have hired an agent, you will need some fantastic photos to sell your home fast. A professional photographer will know how to deal with areas of your home that don’t photograph well.
Add incentives. Create an excellent offer. For example, leave the furniture if it’s in good condition. Offer some credit if certain things need replacing.

Hiring a professional photographer is a smart idea if you want to sell a mobile home in Pennsylvania fast.

Important note: If you offer $1000 credit because the floors are in bad shape, remember to include that in your price. You don’t want to end up losing money. Selling a mobile home means that you will have to move to another one, and you need to have your relocation needs completely covered. This whole process will require detailed planning and budgeting, so make sure you consider everything.

Pennsylvania mobile home paperwork

This is the list of paperwork necessary if you are selling your Pennsylvania mobile home yourself:

Title(s)
Clear tax certification from the county
Bill of sale

Although only the buyer must be present at DOT to transfer title when you sell a mobile home in Pennsylvania, it’s advisable that both the buyer and the seller be there should any unexpected issuer arise. That way, the entire procedure can be expedited. Also, make sure you bring pre-signed documents. A notary is not needed.

Let’s Get Your Home Sold

Selling any manufactured home in Pennsylvania is both a simple and rewarding journey when you use MHVillage. Our mobile home listing process makes it easy and affordable to get your home on the market quickly.

For more in-depth selling tips and advice, take a look at our new comprehensive guide on how to sell a mobile home.

This Is Everything You Should Know Before Buying a Park Model Home

If you have been looking at park model homes as an affordable housing option, you’ll want to know everything there is to know about them before you make a decision. There’s a lot of information about them online, but none that allows you to zoom in and out in order to form a full perspective of where park model homes stand literally and figuratively.

For those people who don’t like being tied down while still enjoying the benefits of conventional homes, park model RVs offer the perfect compromise. Even for those who buy these little “homes” as an investment, it can make a lot of sense given their rising popularity. But first, here is the practical scoop on park model homes.

If you’re just getting in on the conversation, we have already covered what park model homes are in detail elsewhere on our blog. They have become highly popular in the recent past not just because of their affordability, but because of the kind of lifestyle they represent.

park model home interior — Interior view of a modern park model home

Park Model Homes: Value Proposition

From a financial point of view, park model homes are the perfect investment. They are turnkey solutions to affordable living and usually come fully furnished and fitted with air conditioning, plumbing, lighting, and entertainment. Given their comparably low sticker prices and lower recurrent expenses, they are perfect for retired seniors and couples just starting life.

As far as holding their value, park model homes are excellent investments. They are built to last 30-50 years or more with minimal maintenance, and their rising popularity means that their rental and resale value is still very high.

There are some other costs that you probably won’t hear about, but for the most part these should not be a problem.

Property taxes, which can be about $300 a year if you own the RV
Depending on where you park, parking/camping costs work out to about $5-$8 a night
Utilities are metered as with a conventional house and will have to be negotiated with the different companies

Whether you’re planning to buy a park model home to live in, rent out, or use for part of the year, the only real considerations to ensure it retains its value is to avoid any home with metal siding like conventional RVs, those parked in unattractive communities, and any that require considerable repairs or customization.

The Legal Side of Park Model Homes

Legally, park model homes are more like RVs built to the standards of manufactured homes. They are subject to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other residential building codes and safety regulations, but they can also be moved from place to place.

Some legal considerations associated with park model homes include:

1. Parking

Currently, the best place to park your park model RV is in an RV park or campground. You can also park it on private property owned or rented by you, provided that you check in with local zoning regulations to ensure that you can park there.

In practice, many urban communities still frown upon manufactured homes such as park models, so it’s best to stick to the current communities around park models and RVs. Plus, that’s the best place to get that sense of community and free lifestyle you’re probably looking for.

2. HUD Approval

Park model RVs are designed for part-time, recreational use. Thus, they are not regulated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This also means that you cannot legally live in a park model home full-time, and most RV parks also have rules against this.

3. Moving Park Model Homes

One of the most convenient things about park model homes is that you can move them at will if you’re ready to relocate. It does involve a bit more work compared to conventional RVs, and here are some considerations to keep in mind:

Check out local state laws about moving park model homes
During the actual move, you will need to get oversize load licensing for the highways
You need to get clearance from the park management before moving. This clearance shows that all parking fees and local taxes are paid prior to moving
For permanent moves, e.g, selling your park home RV, most parks reserve the first right of purchase
Park model homes are very heavy, so they require powerful vehicles to move
Some homes lack holding tanks as RVs usually do, so you need to prepare it for moving and disconnect the home from the utilities.

For professional assistance with the moving process, visit our mobile home movers page to find a suitable company that can help.

What Else You Should Know About Buying a Park Model Home

When it comes to the actual buying process of a park model home, things are also a bit different. The first thing you need to know is that park model RVs are not financed like conventional housing.

That means you can’t take out a mortgage on a park model RV precisely because it is considered a recreational vehicle. However, there are many lenders offering attractive financing options through personal loans or property loans.

How Much Do Park Models Cost?

For the most part, buying a park model home is an affordable investment. They range in price from $30,000 to over $80,000 depending on the size, custom options present, location, and year of manufacture.

Some of the features that tend to drive up the price of a park model home include upgraded kitchen appliances, bathrooms, air conditioning, and more. Most manufacturers offer a wide range of options to choose from if you’re willing to do some exploration.

Explore Park Model Homes

Park model homes offer the ultimate versatility between a proper homestead lifestyle and one on the road. As recreational vehicles, they give you the opportunity to take convenience and comfort with you wherever you go, whether that’s a new state or up in the mountains for the summer.

If you’re looking to buy or rent a park model home, the best thing you can do is explore a wide range of options that are available to you. At MHVillage, we bring the largest selection of mobile and manufactured homes across the US.

How to Find Park Models on MHVillage

To find listings in your area, head over to MHVillage and search your city.
Once you are on the search results page, open the home filter menu by clicking “Filter” as shown below.
Lastly, select “Park Models” from the list of options and you’re good to go!

Take a look at some of our top trending homes today:

2021 Farmhouse Style Park Model

Farmhouse style park model in Ten Mile, TN

For Sale: $90,900

202 Lakeview Dr, Ten Mile, TN 37880

Brand new park model with a fantastic wrap-around porch. Excellent for full-time living or as a weekend getaway.

Brand New Park Model in Naples, FL

For Sale: $129,900

3100 North Road #302, Naples, FL 34104

Check out the newest park model in Northtide Naples. This lovely addition is currently wrapping up construction and will be available very soon. Learn more below.

7 Amenities that Mobile Home Community Residents Love

mobile home park amenities — Camelot Lakes Village in Sarasota, FL

Mobile home parks, often referred to as manufactured home communities, are slowly gaining popularity in the modern world. Over the years, communities have done a great job of accommodating different lifestyles for a larger variety of resident types. Whether it’s retirees, families, or single-persons, they are well-suited for the needs and preferences of many people.

Oftentimes, moving to a mobile home community is a decision that people make because of the amenities. When choosing between an apartment, house, or community, many residents weigh the value of the grounds, facilities, services, and even event gatherings against a more solo way of life.

Community life has a lot to offer, but what exactly do residents find most appealing about living in them?

In this post, we will take a comprehensive look at the amenities offered by mobile home parks.

1. Comfort & Security

Mobile home parks offer residents a comfortable, secure living environment by providing a gated community. As part of their comprehensive amenity plan, manufactured home communities include security gates. Residents can move about their business without having to worry about modern-day crimes such as theft.

However, understand that gated features can add a few thousand dollars to the cost of your home. The good news is that you get to have a safe environment to conduct your day-to-day activities. You also get to add a sense of luxury to your life.

2. Recreational Facilities & Events

Mobile home parks are more than just a series of manufactured homes within the same location. Residents in these communities get together to build connections with a strong sense of friendship and camaraderie. You get to have friends who become family when living in these facilities.

mobile home park recreational facilities

If you are a retiree or single-person, you need to live in a community that allows you to mingle with the neighbors and make new friends. These mobile home parks include central places where residents can gather and enjoy one another’s company. Some of these facilities even include playgrounds and sports courts to help boost connections through activities.

3. Waterfront Views

Have you always wanted a waterfront view? Nothing beats watching the sun escape the ocean gold horizon. However, you will quickly learn that coastal living can be rather expensive. The good news is that manufactured home communities can offer you waterfront views to suit your budget.

In California luxury manufactured home facilities, you can get a waterfront view at just $2.5 million. There is no doubt that home parks are revolutionizing coastal living. At MHVillage, for example, you get a wide selection of manufactured home facilities to choose from at an affordable price. You will always get something that suits your needs.

4. Green Spaces

Mobile home parks include shared community parks and lots of green spaces. Residents can design their dream backyard oasis due to the oversized lots. It is almost impossible to create a garden in apartments and rental homes.

You also get to enjoy the landscaped common areas and parks. The lush landscapes of manufactured home facilities provide an escape to the everyday hassles of modern-day living. Residents can sit down and enjoy the breathtaking views of mountain tops, sunrise, and sunsets.

5. High-Quality Pools

Nothing is more relaxing than lounging poolside in comfortable deck chairs during a hot summer day. Mobile parks offer amazing community pools that are ideal for large families and get-together parties. Because these facilities accommodate many individuals, they integrate large, high-quality swimming pools.

With mobile parks, you don’t have to take your family to crowded public pools. Residents also avoid the hassle of maintaining a private backyard pool. Understand that the shared pools in manufactured home communities stay clean and hygienic, thanks to qualified staff. You get to enjoy pristine pools without the high installation and maintenance costs.

6. Availability of Critical Infrastructure

Manufactured home communities include all the essential infrastructure such as roads and utility connections. Residents don’t have to worry about simple things such as electric, water, gas, and sewer lines. Investors take care of all the maintenance costs of road and utility connections, thus giving the residents peace of mind.

In case of any problems with essential infrastructure, mobile home parks include a dedicated maintenance staff. Understand that all the staff members go through vetting to ensure residents get nothing but high-quality services. In most instances, the employees can help you with simple repairs in your home at an affordable fee. You will, therefore, get to save a lot of money and time without compromising on quality.

7. Pet-Friendly Living

An apartment complex or traditional city lot might not provide an ideal home for your pet. Many rental properties and apartments limit the number or types of pets that can live within the space. In some situations, you will have to pay steep fees for your beloved pets.

Mobile parks offer pet-friendly living environments through facilities such as dog parks. You also get plenty of space for walks around the neighborhood. Your pet will, therefore, get enough exercise to stay fit and healthy. Finally, you are never limited to the type and number of pets you can have within the facility.

Conclusion

Are you thinking about relocating to a manufactured home community? From the above article, you can see that these facilities include a lot of amenities and perks. You get to live a comfortable life with resort-style amenities at an affordable price.

MHVillage is an advertising and real estate listing service that exclusively focuses on mobile & manufactured homes. We will help you find the mobile park home of your dreams without having to break the bank. Ensure you contact us today to start enjoying all the benefits of a master-planned manufactured home community. You might not brush shoulders with a celebrity, but at least you will live in a thriving and vibrant community.

Look at These Lovely All Age Mobile Home Communities in Michigan

Michigan is one of the finest places in the country for family-friendly community life. Just about anywhere you look, there’s no shortage of exceptional all-age mobile home communities across the state.

If you’re on the hunt for an attractive place to settle down, here are six lovely options to consider.

1. Westridge Manor and Westbrook – Macomb, MI

Westridge Manor and Westbrook is an exceptional all-ages manufactured home community committed to creating a great living experience for its residents. With impressive facilities, well-kept grounds, and great amenities, Westridge offers a comfortable lifestyle year-round. It’s also centered in the heart of Macomb, just a short commute to a number of restaurants and shopping outlets.