6 Incredible Waterfront Manufactured Homes in Florida You Must See

Whether you prefer a quiet lifestyle or being near the action, living on the water in a warm climate is an exciting prospect for any home buyer. There’s nothing like waking up on a gorgeous day face-to-face with shoreside views. If you’re searching for a way to relax and enjoy the sunshine in a place of your own without paying top dollar, it’s hard to beat a waterfront manufactured home in Florida.

There’s a lot to love about the idea, so we wanted to share some of the more appealing options available today. Take a look at these six impressive waterfront homes.

#1 — 327 3rd Street Drive W 41, Palmetto, FL

2 Bed, 2 Bath
1,200 Sq Ft.

Aerial view of waterfront manufactured home for sale in Palmetto, FL — Aerial view of the waterfront manufactured home in Palmetto, FL

Sitting in an excellent location inside Pegal Point Estates, this gorgeous waterfront manufactured home includes a large boat slip, covered porch, and a one-of-a-kind view of the Manatee Bay. In addition to the incredible scenery, the Palmetto home is conveniently located near a variety of restaurants, shopping centers, and downtown happenings within Bradenton’s gorgeous entertainment district.

Waterfront mobile home in Florida dock view — A dockside view overlooking the Manatee Bay in the late evening

Currently up for sale or available as a seasonal rental, the home is well-suited for shoppers looking to relax and enjoy Florida’s great weather right on the water.

View more details about this home →

#2 — 200 S Banana River Dr Lot F-19, Merritt Island, FL

3 Bed, 3 Bath
1,456 Sq Ft.

Waterfront manufactured home in Merritt Island, FL deck view — A beautiful deck view of the Banana River from a roomy waterfront manufactured home in Merritt Island, FL

Located right on the shore of the Banana River in Merritt Island is this attractive, spacious double wide manufactured home. The waterfront property has a remarkable view of the sunset and sits alongside a pier that many residents visit to take in the scenery.

Side view of Florida waterfront mobile home

Situated in River Palms Mobile Home Park, a 55+ community, this 2019 home has a slew of unique features including a concrete parking pad, solar lighted walkway, double-pane high impact windows, a state of the art kitchen, and more.

View more details about this home →

#3 — 39 South Harbor Drive, Vero Beach, FL

2 Bed, 2 Bath
1,920 Sq Ft.

Close up street view of the Vero Beach waterfront home in Fairlane Harbor community

Another beautiful waterfront home is this fabulous, well-maintained dwelling located in the Fairlane Harbor community in Vero Beach, FL. Sitting nicely above the canal, this home has both spectacular views and convenient access to the water for boating fun.

The spacious deck and lower platform closer to the water gives plenty of seating room to accommodate guests. When it comes to gardening, birdwatching, or lounging outdoors in the sun, it’s tough to beat a location like this. For more photos and information, visit the link below.

View more details about this home →

#4 — 101 11th Street, Ocean Lot #0042, Marathon, FL

2 Bed, 1.5 Baths
960 Sq Ft.

Oceanside view from the balcony of a manufactured home in Marathon, FL

The most luxurious waterfront manufactured home out of the six here is this brand new 2 bedroom overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Boot Key Harbor.

Interior shot of the home’s spacious main floor

The low maintenance coastal cottage beach home includes a variety of storm safety features and modern appliances including impact windows/doors, Bahama shutters, James Hardie siding, upgraded stainless steel Whirlpool appliances, quartz countertops, and more.

View more details about this home →

#5 — 18675 U.S Hwy 19 N., Clearwater, FL

2 Bed, 2 Bath
1,568 Sq Ft.

Nicely located just minutes from the world-famous Clearwater Beach is this lovely waterfront home sporting great scenery, a dock, and a boat lift.

The open deck offers plenty of lounging space for relaxing in the shade or under the sun.

A scenic, pathway view toward the shore in Bay Aristocrat Village

Residing inside one of Pinellas County’s top-tier waterfront communities, Bay Aristocrat Village offers plenty of ways to enjoy the warm Florida lifestyle. Some amenities include heated pools, jacuzzies, fishing piers, and a variety of social activities on a regular basis.

View more details about this home →

#6 — 117 Harbor Pointe, Port Orange, FL

2 Bed, 2 Bath
1,092 Sq Ft.

Stunning deck side view of the Halifax River in Port Orange, FL

Last but not least is this nice gem located in the 55+ community of Seabird Island. The shaded porch and extended deck of the waterfront home sitting directly on top of the Halifax River.

As a well-maintained property with several new upgrades, this is another strong option for seniors and retirees to enjoy relaxation in the sun.

View more details about this home →

Want to See More?

Explore our full selection of manufactured homes in Florida and browse additional waterfront, resort-style properties available on the market today.

First Time Selling a Mobile Home? Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes

People come from different paths in life. While most of us have similar needs and goals, our resources and personal preferences vary to a great extent. As such, some of us rent a place, some take loans in order to be able to afford a house, and others buy a mobile home.

In life, however, all things come and go. If you’re a manufactured homeowner and you’re reading this article, chances are you want to sell it – rather sooner than later. Still, despite the many advantages of owning and living in a mobile home, you may have some issues with finding a buyer for it. If you want the sales process to go smoothly, you need to adopt the right approach from the beginning. That’s why we prepared a list of frequent mistakes made by first-time mobile home sellers. If you want to find out more, keep on reading!

Mistake #1: Little to No Advertising

The most common aspect overlooked by people who want to sell their mobile home is advertising. The entire sales process can be a bit problematic – you probably won’t find many people or parties who openly say “we buy mobile homes” or “we need a mobile home ASAP,” unless you’re very lucky. Buyers with cash are an equally rare occurrence. Don’t get discouraged, though! With the right tool, we guarantee that you can find qualified buyers for your mobile home.

Sometimes all you need to do is to help your luck a bit. First, ensure that your mobile home is well-maintained and looks nice. Come up with an attractive price, and we bet you’ll find people who would be interested in your offer. Then, let people know what you have for sale. You can put signs in your yard and windows to attract the attention of passers-by. Don’t forget about advertising online, on bulletin boards, and in your local newspapers. If you don’t get the word around, you won’t sell your mobile home as fast as you’d like.

Mistake #2: Assuming a Sale

A good rule of thumb is to remember that you don’t have a deal unless it’s officially closed. Some buyers can be tire-kickers: they give you the impression that they’re ready to finalize the purchase only to change their minds last minute, leaving you with the problem all over again.

If you want to sell your mobile home quickly, consider reasonable offers only, and never assume that you sold your property unless you receive cash or money transfer, hand over your keys, transfer the ownership, and pay all the necessary legal fees. Before that happens, keep advertising your home and be on the lookout for prospective buyers.

Mistake #3: Rushing With the Sale Process

Another mistake that people who want to sell a mobile home make every so often is to rush with the sale process. A mobile home is a significant purchase. Living in it is more than fun, but it’s not cheap, and you need to put time and effort into proper maintenance in order to keep it in pristine condition. Maybe you bought a mobile home on a whim, tempted by all the wonderful stories and pictures, fed up with paying rent yet wanting a place you can call your own? However, if reality failed to meet your expectations, don’t try to get rid of it as fast as possible.

The chances are that sooner or later, you will find a buyer. However, don’t settle for less than your property is worth. You may be in a hurry to sell it and get some money for it, but waiting for a reasonable offer is always better than selling something quickly. More often than not, you’ll end up regretting it.

Mistake # 4: Not Getting Liens Recorded

As we said before, finding a buyer willing to pay cash is possible, yet not very likely. Sometimes people can’t find buyers who are able to transfer the whole amount right away. In this case, the best solution is to agree on monthly payments and come up with a payment plan.

The following step would be to get a lien recorded. It’s your financial claim on a property – in this case, a mobile home. It’s going to bind the buyer to the property and release them when your sales deal gets closed. You’ll have to make a court filing in the county where your mobile home is located, which means that legal regulations may differ depending on the state. However, it’s your best bet to ensure the payments go as planned, and that the entire transaction will ultimately be successful.

Mistake #5: Failing to Ensure the Transfer of Ownership

As a property owner, you should be receiving tax information and corresponding mail. After you close your deal and successfully sell your mobile home, you should proceed with after-sales legal steps, including the transfer of ownership. If you fail to do so, you’ll still be responsible for the property that’s no longer yours, including taxes and any legal issues that concern it.

Both sellers and buyers may not be fully aware of the after-sale processes and legal regulations. Sometimes they may even consciously avoid them, for example, for fear of disclosing illegal residency, or because they want to avoid paying taxes and transfer fees to local authorities. However, as a seller, you should learn about the proceedings following the sale of your mobile home to avoid any legal trouble later on.

The Bottom Line

The entire process of selling a mobile home can be quite challenging. Don’t get discouraged, though! Now you know the most common mistakes made by people who want to sell a mobile home. It may be a bit challenging, but it’s not impossible. There are many people who would like to purchase one, just like there are companies and websites dedicated to buying and selling mobile homes.

Even though finding a buyer quickly won’t be an easy task, keep in mind that people choose to live in mobile homes due to their numerous benefits. They’re easier to set up and move than stick-built homes, not to mention they’re a great, cost-effective alternative option. Try to avoid the mistakes we discussed above, and you’ll likely sell your mobile home faster than you think. Good luck!

Duplex Mobile Homes: 6 Multi-family Home Models

A duplex is a home that’s divided into two separate units. Each has a separate entrance and functions much like an apartment, but with more living space and the architectural style of a single-family home.

Duplexes are often a popular option for homebuyers looking for a comfortable space at an affordable price. Many people buy a duplex, live in one unit and rent the other out for a reliable revenue stream. Others use the second unit as a “mother-in-law suite” for adult children or older relatives.

For those in need of an affordable, high-quality option with lots of space, duplex mobile homes are now widely available. Here are six of today’s top models to check out.

1. Simplex Homes Fairhaven III

Per Unit:
2 Bed, 2.5 Bath
1,375 sq. ft.

The classic Federal architecture style comes to life in the Simplex Homes Fairhaven III. This spectacular duplex includes both upper and lower porches for enjoying great weather, and each unit has two floors for a townhouse-like feel. It’s replete with numerous eye-catching architectural details such as decorative corbels and shake style siding that will transport you to another era of finely crafted homes. At the same time, it provides an elegant place to live that’s very much in the here and now of current design.

The Fairhaven’s interior plan is simple but appealing, with a long design that gives plenty of space in living areas and bedrooms alike. The upper floor provides easy access to the delights of the full-sized balcony.

2. Pleasant Valley Homes Jasmine

Per Unit:
2 Bed, 1.5 Bath
1,316 sq. ft.

The Pleasant Valley Homes Jasmine is a spacious and inviting design that provides plenty of breathing room with its widely spaced entrances. Mirrored inset gables add a touch of stateliness.

Inside, the Jasmine has a roomy floor plan with an incredible kitchen that features tons of counter space. Upstairs, you’ll find two bedrooms with generous closet space, plus a media room for enjoying movies, music, gaming and more.

3. Fuller Modular Homes Mystic

Per Unit:
2 Bed, 2 Bath
1,500-1,999 sq. ft.

Want to enjoy the perks of beachfront living in a stunning three-story duplex? The Fuller Modular Homes Mystic is for you. This home radiates breezy beauty and comes with a large garage and storage unit on the bottom level.

The Mystic’s interior reveals all of the essentials of contemporary living, including an island counter and walk-in closets. Living room, dining room and kitchen are seamlessly integrated on the open-plan main floor, while the upper floor features two bedrooms with abundant closet space and large windows.

4. Avalon Building Systems Hudson

Per Unit:
2 Bed, 1 Bath
1,130 sq. ft.

Named for one of America’s great rivers, the Avalon Building Systems Hudson is a beautiful duplex mobile home with a walk-out bay window that provides architectural character (not to mention plenty of light).

The Hudson is an ideal choice for homebuyers who need a spacious floor plan that fits on a small lot. Its classic two-flat design stacks two equally-sized units on top of each other, providing expansive living spaces with open floor plans that take up half the footprint of a comparably sized single-story mobile home.

5. Nationwide Homes Longwood Duplex

Per Unit:
2 Bed, 2 Bath
825 sq. ft.

The Nationwide Homes Longwood Duplex is the best of both worlds: the visual appeal of a single-family home, plus the cost-effectiveness of a duplex. A classic American ranch design, plus modern features like inset gables and architectural stone accents, create a duplex mobile home that stands out on the block.

Inside, two cozy mirrored units present themselves. Each features two bedrooms with double-door closets, two full bathrooms and a front-facing living room with natural light aplenty.

6. DB Homes Fitchburg Duplex

Per Unit:
2 Bed, 2 Bath
1,400 sq. ft.

The DB Homes Fitchburg is another stately beauty with stacked units for great space utilization. A shake shingle gable and brick foyer create appealing contrasts on the exterior, and standard colonial shutters provide a classic touch.

The Fitchburg is bursting with space inside, with a full-sized dining room and a luxurious master suite with a walk-in closet. The home’s high ceilings and recessed lighting give it a tastefully elegant vibe throughout.

Searching for an Affordable, Family-Sized Home?

We’ve seen some great multi-family homes, but how about some jumbo-sized single-family units? Those who need plenty of space will love our roundup of big mobile homes, as well as our guide to popular five-bedroom mobile homes.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Selling a Mobile Home in the Winter

If you need to sell your mobile home in the winter, should you prepare yourself for a painful financial hit? Or perhaps an extended stay on the market? Not at all!

Here are five reasons why selling a home in winter doesn’t deserve the chilly reception it gets.

Homes Sell … Even During the Worst Month to Sell a House

Amidst the negativity we hear about selling homes in the winter, it’s easy to overlook one important detail:

Homes DO sell in winter. A lot of homes.

Recent data tells us that approximately 1.76 million homes sold in January, and another 1.69 million in February. That’s nearly 3.5 million homes over two months — including the shortest month of the year!

October and December compete for the honor of being the worst month to sell a house. Even in each of those months, however, buyers recently picked up more than 2.2 million homes. That’s nothing to sneeze at and a clear sign that people buy homes year-round.

Affordability and Mobile Homes Go Hand-in-Hand

Homes sold in winter months can net a lower premium than those sold in warm-weather months. (The premium is the amount paid over the home’s estimated market value.)

But a crucial portion of the mobile home market is buyers looking for an affordable alternative to the expenses associated with buying traditionally built homes. They don’t enter the market ready to jump on high premiums in competitive markets. An attractive mobile home priced right will sell whatever the calendar reads.

Learn more about adding value and pricing your home

Being in the right market also can help. Average wage earners have the best shot at finding an affordable home in:

For mobile homes close to these areas, the combination of money-smart mobile home, quiet winter selling season, and affordable location may make for a scenario too good for buyers to pass up, AND a swift sale for sellers.

Buyers Are Motivated

The summer months merit their vaunted position in real estate circles for a few reasons:

Kids are between school years, making a summertime move the best time to change school districts without too much disruption.
Longer days and warmer weather encourage prospective home buyers to head out for tours and open houses.
Moving possessions such as large pieces of furniture is easier without issues of cold, snow (or cold rain), and ice to consider.

It’s the collective small inconveniences of a wintertime move that tell you home buyers are motivated.

They’re not dawdling, enjoying some sun as they drive from one listing to the next. They’re bundling up and clearing snow from their cars, if they live in many parts of the country. They are looking to buy and may be predisposed to closing a deal faster in the winter than they would be in the summer.

A winter move also can suggest a change in employment — either a new employer or a promotion that prompts a relocation — which underscores the desire of the prospective homebuyer to close a deal. They have a lot going on, resources, and no time to lose.

It’s Never Winter Online

… and a lot of people shop online!

The National Association of Realtors notes that in 1981, 22% of home buyers sought homes in newspaper ads, while 8% relied on friends as an information source.

By 2018, 44% of home buyers look for homes online first. And why not? In the comfort of your own home, you can find:

Detailed property information, including annual taxes
Photos and videos
Hundreds, if not thousands, of properties in your general search area

… and much more.

Because it never snows on the internet, shoppers can take their time and look at whatever property catches their eye. Ensure that your mobile home’s online presence stands out by:

Repairing broken or weathered elements
Shooting well-lit photos
Cleaning/depersonalizing and organized rooms
Including images of park amenities, if applicable

Don’t overlook these online-focused tips for selling your home in the winter. They can help get people to see your place in person — and our final point offers additional tips for making that tour a success!

Setting a Scene Couldn’t Be Easier

Imagine coming across an online listing for an affordable mobile home resplendent in holiday decorations, with thick blankets draped on a couch and steam rising from mugs of hot chocolate on the coffee table.

Who WOULDN’T want to visit that home?

Winter can be a beautiful time of year to dress your mobile home to impress. And not just in photos, but during showings, too.

Here’s how:

Ensure cleanliness by laying out clean doormats and removing any mud or snow tracked in by family members (especially the furry, four-legged kind!).
Organize cleaning supplies just out of sight to make quick clean-ups easy.
Clear snow entirely from all walkways and parking areas, as well as from any outdoors features of note.
Ensure the home is bright. Don’t just blast every room with light; take advantage of any holiday decorations to lend the space some artful lighting.
Create an aroma that guests will remember. There’s never a better time to make a fresh batch of cookies!

While many people rely on the internet, some still go about house hunting the old-fashioned way: driving by homes or through neighborhoods. Make sure you set a scene that’ll make an impression!

The Most Important Winter Selling Number

Taking the right steps can help you make sure that there’s no single worst month to sell a house. After all, the only number that matters when you sell a home in the winter is “1.” Why that number? Because you only need one buyer!
Follow the suggestions presented here, and you may be well on your way to scoring that sale! MHVillage can help.

The Best Mobile Home Flooring Options Today

There is an urban myth in the mobile home flooring world that you can’t put tiling floors into a mobile home because it can’t handle the weight. However, now that we live in the 2020s, it is safe to say that we have left these kinds of myths behind us. Materials and installation processes have changed dramatically in the last few decades. For your convenience, we have made this short guide to inform you about mobile home flooring options for homeowners.

Hopefully, this article will clear away all the misinformation and misunderstanding you may have about the type of flooring that is adequate for placing into your new mobile home.

The truth about mobile home flooring options

Many professionals and homeowners alike would agree that flooring is the foundation of good design. Apart from this purely aesthetic factor, it is also true that it is the quickest way to transform your home’s interior.

Of course, that is not to say that it is cheapest or easiest to fix, but if you invest in good quality flooring appropriate for the given room, you can be sure that you will not have to change it for years to come. This is good news for the mobile home industry as well, because now that some materials have significantly improved, there are also various mobile home flooring options for homeowners.

So, yes, you can put tiles into a mobile home, but there are some things about other materials that you should know before rushing into buying the first thing you see at the hardware store.

Avoid square shapes

The first thing to keep in mind is that it is highly unlikely that your mobile home is perfectly square, which means that you will not be able to use perfectly square walls for your mobile home. The house will likely have to be re-leveled every couple of years, or at the very least, checked to see if it is not too unleveled.

Be aware that your flooring will only settle in the first or second year after you install it. If it does not bind well during that time, it will put stress on the mobile home’s entire structure.

Subflooring

It is essential to pay attention to the subflooring as much as to the type of flooring. Older mobile homes used to have sponge-like subflooring, which would quickly give way to water and eventually ruin the whole structure. So, if you want to put tiles in your bathroom, you have to have the right subflooring to support the tiles. Now that we have addressed this, let us dive into the best mobile home flooring options for homeowners.

Tiles are easy to maintain and can be very appealing

If you prefer tiles, you can definitely use them in your mobile home. You can place them just about anywhere in the house if you want, but it is better if you do not have the tiles crossing the marriage line without adequate subflooring. So, you should put them anywhere where tiles usually ‘belong’ in a typical home – kitchen, bathroom, or perhaps at the entry if you have a spacious mobile home.

mobile home flooring tiles — Tiles can be both durable and easy on the eyes. If you do not mind the cold, tiles are a solid flooring material for your mobile home.

However, you have to be careful when installing them because if your subflooring is subpar, you will probably do more harm than good by placing tiles. The installation is time-consuming and tricky, but the end result is more than worth it because you will have a clean, beautiful room that is easy to maintain. Be sure to avoid any potential damage to the tiles when you are in the process of moving in new furniture into the mobile home, especially if the tiles are fragile or expensive.

Pro tip: We advise that you avoid stone tiles because they can be quite heavy.

Affiliate Link Below – MHVillage receives a small commission from the seller for purchases made through this link

You can use laminate in your mobile home

If you are familiar with laminate, you probably know it as an affordable flooring option of modest quality. However, just like tiles, laminate has developed over the years. The perhaps drab colors that you typically associate with laminate have remained at a safe distance – in old, funky RVs from the 80s.

Today, you have many colors and designs to choose from. This material is an excellent alternative to other, more pricey options when you are on a budget. Laminate is also convenient because it is extremely easy to clean – just one wipe and your kitchen or bathroom are squeaky clean. However, make sure to buy a thicker laminate because you do not want it to rip easily, which may happen if it is too thin.

Laminate mobile home flooring — Laminate can resemble wood quite well, and it is easy to install on your own.

Carpet as a mobile home flooring option

Naturally, carpet is your trusty friend when it comes to mobile home flooring. Although carpets are convenient and can be used to create a cozy interior, there is more to know about carpets than just which color to choose. So, it does matter what type of carpet you select – quality and durability are important factors that will influence your experience.

DIY carpet installations can get out of hand, so it might be a better choice to hire a professional to install it. Luckily, many carpet salons offer free professional installation if you buy the material at their store.

Carpet in mobile homes — Placing carpet into your mobile home can provide that nice and cozy, homely vibe.

Wood as a mobile home flooring option

Wood is actually a great flooring option for your mobile home. It is easy to clean, it is very appealing to the eye, it comes in countless colors and types of wood, and it is relatively easy to upkeep. However, wood comes at a price. Do not expect to find wood cheaper than $10 per square foot.

More Interior Design Tips for Your Manufactured Home

Looking for new ways to touch up / dress up the interior of your mobile home? Be sure to check out our guide to mobile home decorating or read through our quick piece for replacing wall panels in a manufactured home.

2-Story Manufactured Homes You Must See

Two-story homes have many advantages. Some folks love the great views, while others appreciate having different spaces for bedrooms and living areas. Still others prefer the smaller footprint of a two-story home and how it provides more space on a smaller lot size.

For many years, it wasn’t possible to buy a manufactured home with two stories. But as the popularity of modular homes has soared in the 21st century, two-story manufactured homes have become a common sight.

Come along with us for a tour of some of today’s best two-story manufactured homes. These gorgeous modular homes are built to elevate your lifestyle and provide a delightful place to live, work, and play.

1. Simplex Homes Jefferson

Jefferson homes — Photo courtesy of Simplex Homes.

The Simplex Homes Jefferson celebrates American architectural traditions with a revival of the classic colonial-style design. At 1,650 square feet, the Jefferson is spacious enough for most families, and its numerous windows create bright and even lighting throughout the house.

The Jefferson’s floor plan is simple but effective. It eschews the open-plan layout of many of today’s homes in favor of a classic two-story design that provides separation between living and bedroom areas. A spacious kitchen is ideal for cooking family meals, and a formal dining room is great for enjoying them.

2. Westchester Custom Colonial I

2 story — Photo courtesy of Westchester Modular Homes Inc.

A more grand and vibrant take on the classic colonial, the Westchester Custom Colonial I is a luxurious two-story manufactured home that includes a bevy of options for customizations. Homebuyers can create the house of their dreams by adding a Victorian turret, Jacuzzi tub, two-story foyer and more.

The Custom Colonial I has space galore, making it perfect for large and multigenerational families. A computer room and bonus room provide lots of space for hobbies and working from home, while a grand staircase foyer gives the home the elegant feel that a Victorian colonial should have.

3. Home Store Oyster Cove

A classic design with the flavor of New England coastal architecture, the Home Store Oyster Cove looks good just about anywhere. It’s a large and impressive home with 2,692 square feet of space, a recessed porch and a sun deck above for soaking up rays.

You’ll never lack for entertaining space in the Oyster Cove, which features a living room, family room and an upstairs sitting room with access to the deck. Three full bathrooms are present and accounted for, including a master bath with a corner tub and separate shower.

4. Impresa Modular Holgate

The beach and the mountains come together in the beautiful Impresa Modular Holgate. This two-story, 2,074 square foot modular home combines the popular coastal stilt house style with the impressive facades of mountain-style chalet architecture for a home that’s truly distinctive. The Holgate features both a full-size downstairs deck and an optional upstairs princess balcony that make it easy to catch a sea breeze whenever you feel the need.

The Holgate’s floor plan includes three generously sized bedrooms, three and a half baths and all the closet space your heart could desire. The kitchen is equipped with abundant counter space, including an island counter, and an upstairs flex room gives you extra space with access to the princess balcony. It’s a perfect vacation home that works equally well as a primary residence.

5. Rochester Homes Lake Terrace

The Lake Terrace is an unmistakably modern creation, with a variety of styles in play that integrate smoothly into a single structure. A prominent garage provides a place of pride for vehicles, while a recessed porch offers extra privacy and Cape Cod-style triple dormers increase available space in the finished attic. (This technically makes it a so-called “2.5 story” house.)

The building’s floor plan includes an open structure on the lower floor, with a living room and dining room that flow together into a modern kitchen. On the upper floor, you’ll find a balcony overlooking the foyer, plus three large bedrooms. A walk-in closet, spa-style shower with bench, and soaker tub complete the luxury of the master bathroom suite.

Want more great options for large manufactured homes?

Check out these big mobile homes or read our guide to five-bedroom manufactured homes to see more of what you’re looking for. To learn about the key factors to look for when buying a manufactured home, make sure to visit our Mobile Home Buyer’s Guide.

The Basics of Mobile Home Insurance Costs & Coverage

Mobile home insurance costs and coverage — Write a list of all valuable possessions, and document where they're covered in each of your policies.

Insurance is a must-have for protecting against many of life’s unexpected circumstances. People buy auto insurance to protect their vehicles, health insurance to protect their bodies and minds, and business insurance to protect their businesses. Getting mobile home insurance is just as important, as it protects your investment in a safe and livable manufactured home.

In this guide, we’ll talk about the basics of mobile home insurance that you need to know. From coverage to cost to options, here are the essential facts—plus an easy way to get a better rate on your mobile home insurance policy.

What Does Mobile Home Insurance Cover?

Mobile and manufactured homes often fall into the same spectrum of personal property as boats and RVs. This creates an incongruity between the way that site-built homes and manufactured homes are insured. Mobile homes are evaluated differently from site-built homes. Land ownership typically is separate from the actual home.

There are a number of advantages to buying and insuring a mobile home. However, depending on where and how your home is situated, you’ll need to consider varying forms of coverage.

A typical mobile home insurance policy will cover all of the following:

Physical Damage: Covers home repairs if your manufactured home is damaged by physical events such as natural disasters, fire, vandalism, wild animals or burst pipes.
Personal Property: Covers the cost of replacing your personal property (such as appliances, furniture, electronics, clothes and tools) if it’s stolen or damaged.
Liability: Covers your liabilities if someone sues you after being injured on your property, or if something on your property causes damage to someone else’s (such as a tree falling on another home in your mobile home community).
Loss of Use: Covers your extra temporary living expenses (such as fuel and hotel stays) if your manufactured home suffers an event that makes it uninhabitable.

Should any of these events occur, the policyholder can file a claim with their insurance company and receive funds that will help them recover. Some mobile home insurance policies may provide additional coverage options, such as coverage for moving your mobile home.

If you rent your mobile home, consider a mobile home renters insurance policy. This will help protect your possessions in the event that they’re damaged by fire, floods or other circumstances, and it will cover loss of use expenses in the event that your home becomes uninhabitable (such as a fire).

How Much Does Mobile Home Insurance Cost?

The cost of mobile home insurance can vary widely. Typical policies can range all the way from $250 to $1,300 per year. The most important factors in determining cost are:

Coverage Limit: Your policy will have coverage limits that place a cap on how much the insurance company will pay for your claim. Policies with higher limits will have higher premiums. Before you buy a policy, make sure you calculate the approximate replacement value of your manufactured home and possessions to ensure that your coverage is sufficient.
Deductible: The deductible is how much you must pay out of pocket for covered expenses before your insurance will pay. Policies with a higher deductible will be less expensive, but may leave you less protected from financial hardship.
ZIP Code: Mobile home insurance premiums may be more or less costly depending on your geographic region.

The best way to get a more affordable rate on mobile home insurance is to compare various insurance providers and shop around for the lowest quote. To do that, you’ll need to understand your options for finding a mobile home insurance policy.

Where Can I Get a Mobile Home Insurance Policy?

Many large insurance companies offer mobile home insurance policies (although not all do). If you already have vehicle or business insurance, an easy first step is contacting your current insurer to see if they offer mobile home insurance policies. If they do, get a premium quote, but don’t let it discourage you from shopping around for a better rate.

In addition to cost, you should consider these factors when evaluating an insurance provider:

How user-friendly the insurer’s website and app are
Whether the insurer’s customer service is friendly and responsive
Whether the insurer offers any specialized coverage types that you need

Mobile Home Furnace Options and FAQs for Homeowners

If you have bought a mobile home and are looking for ways to refurbish it and make it as lovely and warm as possible, you have come to the right place. This mobile home furnace guide will cover the most frequent types of furnaces used explicitly for mobile homes. So, let’s jump right in!

How should I heat my mobile home?

This article will focus mainly on different types of furnaces and their advantages and disadvantages. However, if you have heard good things about other types of heating options for mobile homes, be sure to investigate alternative solutions that are available on the manufactured home refurbishment market.

Most mobile home owners opt for furnaces or heat pumps to provide a stable source of heat. Other popular choices are fireplaces and wood stoves.

Keeping your mobile home warm — A mobile house is a home only when it’s warm

When it comes to furnaces, the design can considerably vary. The primary difference is between types of internal combustion that generates heat in the furnace – so, we have up-flow, downflow, or sealed-combustion. However, the differences do not stop there. You can also choose between different energy sources, depending on your needs and your budget. In most cases, homeowners opt for electricity or gas to fuel their mobile home furnace.

mobile home fireplace — Be sure to find what the best furnace for your mobile home is – you wouldn’t want to rely on a fireplace or bonfires now, would you?

What is the difference between a mobile home furnace and a regular furnace?

Mobile home furnaces are usually smaller than regular ones since mobile homes rarely have attic space where the ducts that spread heat can be installed. Basically, the way they operate is the same, but the installation of a mobile home furnace differs from that of a regular furnace.

Can you put a regular house furnace in a mobile home?

Essentially, yes, because the difference between a mobile home furnace and a regular home furnace is slight.

However, note that heating and cooling systems in your mobile home have to be designed and rated according to specific safety standards. You will most frequently find a ‘HUD-Approved’ label on your furnace that guarantees that your heating system is ‘high static approved’, or otherwise an HVAC requirement that shows that the furnace you are using is mobile home approved. Of course, it is highly recommended that you purchase all of your appliances and gear from an authorized dealer.

How do mobile home furnaces work?

The distribution system is made up of the duct system and ventilation outlets. In general terms, the main trunk ducts inside the furnace take the heated air to your living space so that it can leave the so-called registers and spread the heat. Mobile home heating systems are most frequently made of sheet metal, and they are usually placed in the middle of the home.

If you cannot visualize this hot-mess of technical terms in your brain, just think of your heating system as a bloodstream. In this analogy, you have veins that branch out from the central artery (main trunk duct, in this case), which serve to spread blood (heat). Some people even liken the furnace to a giant toaster. Whichever analogy you prefer, all you need to know from this is that due to them being made out of sheet metal, mobile home furnaces require maintenance from an experienced handyman from time to time.

What types of furnaces are out there?

Now that you know the basics of how your new furnace should work, it is vital to compare furnaces in more detail. At first glance, it may seem as if it does not matter which one you purchase as long as they heat your home.

Types of mobile home furnaces — Although a furnace invokes imagery of cold winters and black coal flames, there are numerous types of furnaces to choose for your mobile home in this day and age.

However, it is not so straightforward since mobile homes are typically smaller and less robust than traditional homes in terms of materials and insulation. This is not to say that mobile homes are not phenomenal structures for the purposes for which they are intended. If you are seriously considering relocating to a mobile home, keep in mind that there are many perks to having a smaller house – among which are, of course, lower utility bills.

Natural gas furnaces

Natural gas furnaces use gas to produce heat. The burners in the combustion chamber are ignited by pilot lights, which in turn push heat into the heat exchanger. The heat is then forced into the ducts that edge the walls and then go out into the air.

These types of furnaces are extremely popular with mobile home owners because of their reliability and relative quietness when turned on.

Affiliate Link Below – MHVillage receives a small commission from the seller for purchases made through this link.

Oil furnaces

These types of furnaces burn derivatives of oil to produce heat. The fuel is ignited in a high-pressure combustion chamber, which turns the oil into a hot mist that heats the furnace ducts. These types of furnaces usually heat rooms through floor vents.

Oil-based heating systems usually cost from $1,000 to $3,000, but some homeowners dislike that you have to replenish your oil supplies frequently in order to keep it running. However, this characteristic is ideal if you do not intend to live in your mobile home year-round. Another benefit of purchasing an oil furnace is that they will probably outlast any winter that comes their way but are potentially expensive to upkeep.

Electric furnaces

Electric furnaces work through cold air suction, which is then pushed out through a heat exchanger. The electricity-run machinery inside the furnace heats the cold air, and a blower then pushes the hot air into ducts.

These furnaces are known for their efficiency – they operate at almost 100% efficiency. However, the operating costs make it overall more expensive than other types of furnaces (even though the furnace itself costs from $700 to $1,100), so mobile home owners who intend to move to a colder region are not advised to purchase this type of furnace.

Heat pumps

Depending on which part of your home you want to be heated, heat pumps push hot air from one room to the other. Heat pumps are considerably more expensive than other heating systems (more than $20,000), but they are also better at energy efficiency.

Yet, the most significant advantage of buying a heat pump is that it can both heat up and cool your mobile home. So, if you plan to live or spend a lot of your free time there, this type of mobile home furnace solves all of your temperature problems at once. Note that these systems may not be ideal for colder regions since they are designed to regulate the temperature in moderate climates.

More Tips for Keeping Your Manufactured Home Warm

Looking for additional ways to prep your mobile home for the cold weather? Read up on our tips for how to winterize your mobile home, and check out our useful guide to making sure your manufactured home is properly insulated.

Are Mobile Homes Safe?

For most homeowners, safety is priority number one when it comes to choosing a home. Your home is where you and your family will sleep and where you’ll store your most prized possessions, so it’s easy to understand why safety is a big concern for so many homeowners.

How Safe Are Manufactured and Mobile Homes?

This is a common question that many homebuyers ask. Fortunately, the news is good: Manufactured homes built after 1976 are required to follow a strict and federally enforced building standard that makes them extremely safe. In this article, we’ll talk about how the HUD code works and why it makes manufactured homes safe, as well as steps that manufactured homeowners can take to make their homes safer.

How the HUD Code Protects Manufactured Homeowners

The HUD Code (officially called the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards) is one of the biggest reasons why manufactured homes are so safe today. (“Mobile homes” is a term that actually refers to pre-HUD Code homes, and it’s an inaccurate term when used to refer to today’s manufactured housing.)

Before the introduction of the HUD Code in 1976, mobile homes were not required to be built to any specific set of standards or building codes. The HUD Code established strict standards for (among other factors) home size, fire resistance, energy efficiency, and the steel chassis on which all manufactured homes are built.

mobile home construction safety — The highly automated factory floor at Clayton Wakarusa

Any manufactured home that is built in accordance with HUD standards will have a red metal plaque–officially called the Certification Label but informally known as the HUD tag–affixed to its outer walls on the long side. Double wide and multi-section homes will have one HUD tag for each home section. The HUD tag certifies that the home has been designed and built in compliance with the HUD Code.

To this day, the HUD Code is still the only federally administered building code. This means that any manufactured home that is constructed in the U.S. since 1976 must follow the HUD Code, and that manufactured home buyers can be sure of what they’re getting when they purchase any HUD-compliant manufactured home.

One important way that the HUD Code protects manufactured home owners is through the wind zone system. The HUD Code includes regulations that divide the U.S. into zones based on expected maximum wind intensity, and any manufactured home sold in the U.S. must be rated for the wind zone where it will be installed. To learn about a home’s wind zone rating, you can find the manufactured home data plate installed in a cabinet or closet area.

Facts About Manufactured Home Safety

Here are a few more reasons why buying a manufactured home is a great choice for safety and security:

Manufactured homes are assembled in climate-controlled factories where they’re sheltered from the elements–unlike site-built homes, which may be exposed to potentially hazardous weather conditions during construction.
Each part of a manufactured home is precision-manufactured to meet highly standardized safety regulations.
Manufactured homes are just as resistant to fire as site-built homes are. In fact,
U.S. map of wind zones for mobile homes

according to a study by the National Fire Protection Association, manufactured homes have up to 44 percent fewer fires than site-built homes do.
Over time, wind safety standards have continually been upgraded, including after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. When hurricanes struck Florida in 2004, not one manufactured home built and installed after 1994 was destroyed by winds.

How to Make Your Manufactured Home the Safest It Can Be

Manufactured homes are built to high safety standards, but that doesn’t mean that homeowners can’t make their homes even safer. There are some relatively simple steps that homeowners can take for a more secure manufactured home, including:

Get a manufactured home inspection by a qualified professional before purchasing any
Fire safety for manufactured and mobile homes.

manufactured home.
Make sure your manufactured home is equipped with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them regularly and change the batteries if needed.
Keep at least two fire extinguishers in your manufactured home (one near the kitchen and one near the furnace).
Create an emergency plan with your family members for safely evacuating your manufactured home.
Always use a qualified professional manufactured home installer to install a new manufactured home.
Consider having your manufactured home attached to a permanent foundation such as a concrete slab foundation. A permanent foundation will offer your home additional protection against certain hazardous weather conditions such as high winds.

At MHVillage, we care about the safety and security of manufactured homes just as much as homebuyers do. For more information, check out our essential mobile home security checklist and our list of important things to look for when buying a used manufactured home.

6 Gorgeous Ranch Style Modular Homes

Ranch style modular home Prescott by Genesis Homes — Photo courtesy of Genesis Homes.

The versatility, elegance, and cost-effectiveness of ranch homes has made them one of America’s most popular home styles since the mid-20th century. The ranch home, defined by its single-story, long horizontal design, large windows, gentle roof pitch, and spacious interior, isn’t just iconic—it’s also still a uniquely efficient and appealing design with lots of great examples on the market today.

Ranch style modular homes have become particularly popular as homebuyers explore the many benefits of modular housing. These six ranch style modular homes are outstanding examples of the high-quality building and aesthetic excellence that buyers have come to associate with factory-built homes.

1. Genesis Homes Prescott

3 Bed
2 Bath
1,527 Square Feet

Ranch style modular home - Prescott by Genesis — Photo courtesy of Genesis Homes.

The Prescott is a timeless ranch design with plenty of space, an attractive front gable roof and an attached garage. A covered front porch provides space for enjoying a nice day, and numerous windows offer ample natural light throughout.

Ranch style modular home floor plan — Photo courtesy of Genesis Homes.

The Prescott is available in both two- and three-bedroom designs. The two-bedroom Prescott (shown above) includes two full-sized master bed and bath suites, while the three-bedroom model offers a third room that makes this home a great choice for families or anyone who wants a little extra space for hosting guests.

2. Clayton Homes Bordeaux

3 Bed
2 Bath
2,000 Square Feet

Bordeaux by Clayton Homes — Photo courtesy of Clayton Homes.

The Bordeaux’s wood frame exterior will make you think you’ve been transported to the French countryside, but inside, this ranch is thoroughly modern. The exceptionally roomy and bright kitchen has an island counter that’s ideal for entertaining, and the dining room includes big windows that let in lots of light.

Ranch style modular home interior - Bordeaux by Clayton Homes — Photo courtesy of Clayton Homes.

In the living room, you’ll find more of the Bordeaux’s signature architectural charm, with wooden beam accents on the ceiling and a built-in entertainment center using a distinctive archway style. If you like the antique and rustic style but aren’t crazy about buying an old, high-maintenance site-built house, the Bordeaux can give you the best of both worlds.

3. Clayton Homes Anniversary

3 Bed
2 Bath
1,080 Square Feet

Anniversary by Clayton Homes — Photo courtesy of Clayton Homes.

This Clayton modular ranch home takes it back to basics and proves why the ranch is still king. The Anniversary is built for efficient elegance, with an open floor plan that creates roomier interiors and enough bedrooms and bathrooms for a growing family.

Inside, you’ll find a home full of elegant farmhouse-style touches, including a breakfast bar and available shiplap accents. If you’re looking for a home that’s equal parts practical and delightful, the Anniversary is for you.

4. Skyline Homes Arlington

3 Bed
2 Bath
1,664 Square Feet

Arlington by Skyline Champion — Photo courtesy of Skyline Champion.

The Arlington floor plan is a picture-perfect vision of the American ranch home, with its large windows and traditional exterior. Shingle siding accents create a pleasant offset that flanks the front door.

Inside, the Arlington is airy and elegant, with striking trim designs, tray ceilings and built-in cabinets. Arlington models also come with a variety of optional additions, including walk-in shower baths, extra cabinets and a laundry tub. A perfect place for those who want to have it all.

5. Genesis Homes Clearwater

3 Bed
2 Bath
1,546 Square Feet

Clearwater by Genesis Homes — Photo courtesy of Genesis Homes.

The Clearwater takes the ranch concept and flips it, creating a “long ranch” that’s perfect for home sites with a lot of depth. This elegant home comes with a covered front entryway and easily accommodates an attached two-car garage, and a covered back porch provides a great space for outdoor family fun.

The master bedroom and bath suite includes a jumbo closet and double sinks, and a spacious great room provides all the room you need for entertaining and family time. That’s one of the great things about a ranch—any way you flip it, the design is a winner.

6. Deer Valley Woodland Series Orchard House

4 Bed
3 Bath
2,580 Square Feet

Woodland Series Orchard House by Deer Valley — Photo courtesy of Deer Valley.

For those who need a little more from their modular ranch home, the Orchard House from Deer Valley Homebuilders is an ideal choice. This king-sized modular home sports four full-size bedrooms and three baths, plus a family room and study.

The elegance of the Orchard House is on full display in the kitchen, with an eye-catching tile backsplash, ornate reverse tray ceiling, and full-length island counter. Elsewhere in the house, the study/office is perfect for anyone who works at home and a rustic fireplace creates the perfect cozy atmosphere.

Advancements in technology have made modern manufactured homes better and more versatile than ever before. To check out more great options on the market now, head over to our manufactured home floor plans page for ranches and more, or take a look at some more of today’s best modular home designs.

#1 — 327 3rd Street Drive W 41, Palmetto, FL

#2 — 200 S Banana River Dr Lot F-19, Merritt Island, FL

#3 — 39 South Harbor Drive, Vero Beach, FL

#4 — 101 11th Street, Ocean Lot #0042, Marathon, FL

#5 — 18675 U.S Hwy 19 N., Clearwater, FL

#6 — 117 Harbor Pointe, Port Orange, FL

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The truth about mobile home flooring options

Avoid square shapes

Subflooring

Tiles are easy to maintain and can be very appealing

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Want more great options for large manufactured homes?

What Does Mobile Home Insurance Cover?

How Much Does Mobile Home Insurance Cost?

Where Can I Get a Mobile Home Insurance Policy?

How should I heat my mobile home?

What is the difference between a mobile home furnace and a regular furnace?

Can you put a regular house furnace in a mobile home?

How do mobile home furnaces work?

What types of furnaces are out there?

Natural gas furnaces

Oil furnaces

Electric furnaces

Heat pumps

More Tips for Keeping Your Manufactured Home Warm

How Safe Are Manufactured and Mobile Homes?

How the HUD Code Protects Manufactured Homeowners

Facts About Manufactured Home Safety

How to Make Your Manufactured Home the Safest It Can Be

1. Genesis Homes Prescott

2. Clayton Homes Bordeaux

3. Clayton Homes Anniversary

4. Skyline Homes Arlington

5. Genesis Homes Clearwater

6. Deer Valley Woodland Series Orchard House

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