Louisiana Woman’s Manufactured Home Endures Hurricane Laura

manufactured home endures hurricane laura downed tree — Susan Rice's 2007 Deer Valley Home in Lake Charles, La., stands with a few disrupted roof shingles and a bit of torn skirting after Hurricane Laura.

Susan Rice returned from her daughter’s home in Baton Rouge, a mind-numbing two-hour car ride through the devastation left behind by Hurricane Laura. She drove with “a pit in the stomach” feeling she likely lost her home — Again.

“I was on I-10, and the minute you get off you start seeing all of the destruction,” Rice said. “ You get a pit in the stomach. The mom and pop little businesses, that’s their income. Now they have none.

“I was broken-hearted to know that so many people were going to lose their homes,” she said. “I prayed over my house all night long. That’s probably what saved it, the Lord heard my prayers.”

Hurricane Laura made landfall overnight on Aug. 27, ripping through East Texas and western to central Louisiana with winds as high as 150 miles per hour. The storm was the strongest to hit the area in about a century, and was one of the strongest ever storms to make U.S. landfall, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm killed at least 16 people, most of them in Louisiana, officials said.

Upon leaving Louisiana, Hurricane Laura moved across Arkansas, downgraded to a tropical depression headed toward the lower Ohio Valley.

One Manufactured Home in Moss Bluff

“When I left my house before the storm, I felt like I was going to lose my home again,” Rice said. “That’s devastating, it just crushes you. You know you may come back to nothing.”

In September of 2005, Rice’s former home on that same spot along Ryans Road in an area known as Moss Bluff was destroyed by Hurricane Rita. The home she bought in 2007 to replace her “very old” site-built home was a new three-bedroom, two-bath manufactured home from Deer Valley.

“I upgraded on the cabinets and the siding, which is Hardie Plank. It’s very, very sturdy,” Rice said. “Knowing that it is built to withstand a category 3, that did give me just a bit of hope. And it went through a category 4, so it’s certainly sturdy.

“I am blessed,” she said. “It really is a miracle.”

Devastation in Louisiana

Rice’s experience evacuating Lake Charles and returning to her home amid the destruction was documented briefly among the accounts of many other Louisianans in a New York Times story on Hurricane Laura.

She said her friend’s aunt lost her home in the storm, and so too did her grandaughter’s grandparents from the other side of the family. She said only one of the three routes into her neighborhood were passable when she returned.

“There are trees all over the road and fallen on people’s homes. It’s so sad. I’m so sad for the people who’ve lost their homes, and you’re also happy because you still have yours,” she said. “I had one little leak and my daughter is helping me out. She is sending a maintenance guy with a generator, and a roofer is coming to do an inspection next week. I really lucked out.”

If she ever had to buy a new home again, Rice said, she’d return to R&R Mobile Homes in DeRidder, La., and get another new Deer Valley.

Durable Homes from Deer Valley

Deer Valley builds manufactured and modular homes from its facility in Guin, Ala., and sells the homes through a 15-state retail network.

Deer Valley Homes General Manager Chet Murphree said he is pleased but not surprised the company’s homes, even ones as old as the Rice home, are able to stand up to the largest storms.

“I received another homeowner testimony of how his family’ home stood fast against Laura,” Murphree said. “We are known for the heaviest built standard manufactured homes In the southeast with fastening systems that exceed the stability of stick-built homes. The installation is paramount as well.

“The Rice home, I expect was set to Wind Zone 3 specifications that ensure they withstand continual high-speed winds,” he said. “I also agree with Mrs. Rice that our sovereign creator always has a hand. God Bless Mrs. Rice and her family.”

Mobile Home Colors: Tips for Selecting Interior and Exterior Paints

The color of your home plays a big role in setting the tone–inside and out. Choosing the right paint will help create a space that you enjoy living in. So, when selecting mobile home colors, it’s important to keep a few basic principles in mind.

If you’re considering painting your manufactured home, read these tips first. They’ll help you and your family find a color combination that you love and select high-quality paints that will keep a crisp look.

Before the Paint Store

Before you walk into the paint or hardware store, take some time to establish what you’re looking for. First, think about whether you want to paint the inside of your manufactured home, the outside or both. This will determine the type of paint you need to buy and how much.

Remember that there are many parts of your home that can be painted besides the walls. For exteriors, this might include your porch, front and back door, railings and shutters. For interiors, consider your baseboards, molding, doors, door jambs, window panes and ceilings.

Many paint companies now offer free online paint visualizer apps. These are great for getting an idea of how certain colors will look in your home, and they’ll allow you to go to the paint store with a better idea of what you want.

What Kind of Paint Do You Need?

You’ll also need to ensure that you’re buying the paint products you need for successful painting. First, check to see if your home manufacturer recommends any specific brands or types of paint. These will usually give you the best results.

Whether you’re painting the interior or exterior walls, you want paint and primer products that are designed for your wall materials. Vinyl siding, metal siding, and wood siding all require different types of exterior paint, and the vinyl-on-gypsum board that many manufactured homes use for interior walls requires high-quality paint products.

You’ll almost always want to buy primer along with your paint. Primer helps the paint stick to your walls, and you’ll want to put on at least one coat (usually two) before painting any wall.

When in doubt, work with the professionals at your paint or hardware store to find the best paint for your home’s needs.

Choosing Exterior Mobile Home Colors

The exterior of your manufactured home will determine the first impression it creates, so most people want something elegant and welcoming. Here are some key tips for choosing exterior colors:

Some people choose bright mobile home colors such as red or purple for their exterior paints to give their homes a distinctive and vibrant appearance. Note that if you live in a mobile home park, your community may restrict the allowed color for exterior paints.
Pure white isn’t usually a good choice for an exterior color, as it quickly becomes labor-intensive to maintain.
Cool colors such as off-white, beige and light blue can help keep your home cool in hot weather. These colors can also create a lovely look when combined with colorful landscaping.
Painting your door, shutters, or porch railing is a classic trick for adding just the right amount of pop. Adding a splash of color in one of these areas will provide contrast and visual interest without appearing overly bold or busy.

Choosing Interior Mobile Home Colors

Think first about whether you’d rather have a single consistent color scheme or paint different rooms in different colors. A single scheme doesn’t have to be boring. There’s all kinds of ways to add accents and offsets while keeping colors consistent. Painting rooms in different colors, however, can give your home a sense of vibrancy and excitement.
Cool colors such as white and sky blue can provide an easy way to make your space seem larger and airier. Warm colors such as brown and burnt orange, on the other hand, create an appealing coziness. Some people like to use both, although it can take some careful analysis to make sure that they don’t clash.
Think about the mental states that you associate with different colors. Soft, soothing colors such as blue are often found in bedrooms, while more energetic colors like orange are typically considered kitchen or living room colors.
If you have kids, consider asking them if they want to choose a color for their bedrooms. Choosing how to paint their room can help kids feel like they have a personal space that’s all their own.

Want to learn more about maintaining, customizing, and improving your manufactured home? You’ll find it all on the MHVillage blog, from the basics of curb appeal to our complete guide for mobile home decorating.

4 Bedroom Mobile Homes: Spacious and Affordable

When most people think of four-bedroom homes, adjectives like large, spacious, luxurious, and grand come to mind. Four-bedroom homes are often all of these things, but they’ve also traditionally been associated with another word: expensive. The typical price to build a new 2,000 square foot site-built home—a common size for a four-bedroom—ranges from $200,000 to $400,000 depending on location.

However, today’s four-bedroom manufactured homes are changing the game in more ways than one. With numerous affordable and full-featured four-bedroom manufactured homes available on the market, the dream of a four-bedroom home is now within reach for more buyers than ever before.

Looking for four-bedroom mobile homes in your area? Select ‘4 bedrooms’ on the dropdown menu when searching for mobile homes for sale on MHVillage.

In this article, we’ll look at five of the most popular four-bedroom manufactured homes available on MHVillage. These homes provide the living space and reliable build quality that families need at an affordable price.

1. Champion Homes Memphis TE3276T

2,281 Square Feet

Champion Homes is among today’s top builders of manufactured homes, and the Memphis is a perfect example of why. A modern combination of kitchen, dining, and living room areas provides a flowing family space that fosters togetherness, and tray ceilings give the space a roomy feel.

The Memphis’s living spaces are designed for graceful comfort, and the master suite includes a bathroom with soaker tub. Champion Homes even offers the option to add a fifth bedroom and third bathroom for families who need even more space.

2. Fortune Home Gold Star 2880 201

2,026 Square Feet

The classic ranch house never goes out of style, and the Fortune Homes Gold Star brings a spacious take to this perennially popular design. An ample living room leads into an eat-in kitchen, and pleasant architectural accents like columns provide visual flair.

The Gold Star’s kitchen includes an island countertop and beautiful natural finish cabinetry. Those who work from home will love the optional built-in desk in the kitchen.

3. Homes of Merit Willow Manor W0764B2-0

2,305 Square Feet

The Willow Manor radiates classic Southern charm, but combines its beloved traditional elements with an expansive and modern design. This home features a separate living room and family room with a built-in fireplace, and its eat-in kitchen is the stuff of dreams.

The feeling of comfort and luxury continues in the Willow Manor’s bedrooms and bathrooms, which feature gorgeous countertops and an oversized soaker tub. It’s the perfect home to bring Southern hospitality into the 21st century.

4. Champion Homes Commonwealth 211

2,305 Square Feet

In the Commonwealth 211, cozy and roomy feel right at home together. The kitchen and dining room flow right into the living area to create an enjoyable space that will be full of good smells around dinnertime. A classic farmhouse/barn decor style brings a touch of Americana to this open-plan design.

And if you want closet space, the Commonwealth will make you jump for joy. The master bedroom includes a truly impressive closet, with an optional built-in mirror and cubby.

5. Champion Homes American Freedom 3276R

2,312 Square Feet

The American Freedom lives up to its name with abundant space for work, play and life. The kitchen is one of the stars of the show here, with an island countertop, up-to-date appliances and a chic vibe.

The American Freedom’s four bedrooms are generously sized, and the master suite includes pleasing touches like a sliding barn door leading to the bathroom. The bathroom itself, meanwhile, features a freestanding tub and a luxurious walk-in shower.

6. Homes of Merit Pine Manor 0764D

2,305 Square Feet
Available in: Florida

This airy four-bedroom design from Homes of Merit is as cheerful as it is spacious. The Pine Manor’s modern eat-in kitchen includes aesthetic touches like shiplap wainscoting for a rustic look, and a tile backsplash and island countertop that make this a classy and beautiful kitchen.

The Pine Manor’s bathrooms and bedrooms also make everyday home spaces into places of serenity and comfort. The bathroom is particularly eye-catching, with its free-standing tub and built-in privacy water closet.

Find the Perfect 4 Bedroom Mobile Home

It’s never been easier to afford a four-bedroom home for your family. For more manufactured homes that are large and in charge, check out our guide to quadruple wide mobile homes. Or, to find your perfect four-bedroom manufactured home, view our mobile homes for sale or mobile home floor plans and sort by bedrooms.

FAQs: Solar Panels for Mobile Homes

solar panels for mobile homes and manufactured homes

An eco-friendly, energy-efficient home is an appealing option for many homeowners today. ENERGY STAR® Certified manufactured homes are one great option for a home that’s easier on the planet and saves money on utilities. But for those who want to take things a step further, solar panels can be a great investment for powering your manufactured home sustainably.

In this article, we’ll answer several frequently asked questions about solar panels for mobile homes. You’ll find key information here about the cost of solar panels, solar panel installation and much more.

Can you install rooftop solar panels on a manufactured home?

Not usually. PV panels are heavy and have specific structural requirements. In addition, rooftop solar panels for mobile homes may not be legal in every jurisdiction, and every mobile home park.

What kinds of solar panels are appropriate for a manufactured home?

Although standard rooftop PV panels usually can’t be installed on a manufactured home, a homeowner does have some options, such as:

In some cases, another structure such as a detached garage or enclosed patio may be suitable for a rooftop PV array. Always consult both the manufacturer of the structure and the PV manufacturer first to learn if your structure is a good choice for solar panel installation.
If the lot is sufficiently large, homeowners can purchase a ground-mounted photovoltaic system, in which the PV panels are mounted in the yard. (Note that you’ll need a substantial amount of space for this option, as even a relatively small system can occupy several hundred square feet.) For many manufactured homeowners, this is the easiest and most cost-effective solar panel option.
Solar roof shingles are miniature solar PV cells the size of a typical roof shingle, and they can be a great alternative to traditional roof-mounted PV panels. Solar shingles have recently become substantially more affordable (particularly with solar tax credits), and they could save some homeowners as much as 40 to 60 percent on their electric bills.
Solar-powered water heaters are another popular option that use stored energy from the sun’s heat to provide cost-effective hot water on demand.

For more information on selecting a solar system and whether solar is right for you, see the FTC’s guide to solar power for your home.

How much does it cost to outfit a manufactured home with solar panels?

The exact cost of installing solar panels on a manufactured home lot will vary widely according to the size and nature of the installation. Remember that solar capacity is a long-term investment, and larger solar panel arrays provide homeowners with the potential to capture greater savings when installed correctly.

You can calculate the cost of a mobile home solar panel system by using one of the many solar panel cost calculators available online (although you should treat the amount as an estimate until you get an actual quote). Solar panels for mobile homes must be installed by trained professionals, so remember that you’ll also need to pay installation costs.

Note that several tax credits are available for homeowners who install solar panels on their homes, so the final adjusted cost of these systems will almost always be lower. The main tax credit for solar panel owners is a federal credit called the investment tax credit for solar power, but your state government may also offer additional tax credits.

How does a solar-powered water heater work?

Some people reduce their heating bills by using solar-powered water heaters. A solar-powered water heater transfers the sun’s heat energy to a water heater tank, which provides an excellent medium for storing heat. Solar water heaters come in several varieties that can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 including installation, and they can be a good option for manufactured home owners who aren’t ready to invest in full-scale solar yet.

What is community solar?

Community solar power is an alternative way of powering your home through solar power without installing panels on your property. Investors build community solar panel farms on which homeowners can purchase access to a panel. A homeowner then receives a credit on their electric bill for the amount of power produced by the purchased panel, and the solar company bills the homeowner (ideally at a lower rate) for the portion generated by the solar panel. Community solar is an increasingly popular option for homeowners who don’t have the option of installing solar panels.

mobile home delivery process — Photo courtesy of UMH Properties.

Are there ways to decrease energy bills other than solar panels?

Yes! First, as previously mentioned, many outstanding ENERGY STAR® Certified manufactured homes are available that are specially designed to provide energy efficiency. In addition, homeowners can improve their manufactured home’s energy efficiency by applying some simple tips from the experts at MHVillage. Whether it’s solar power or energy efficiency hacks, there’s almost always a way to reduce your manufactured home’s carbon footprint and save money at the same time.

Buying a Single Wide Mobile Home

Purchasing a new home is an important milestone in anyone’s life. During these times, we understand that now more than ever, your budget matters. If you have always aspired to own your own home and would like to do so without breaking the bank, buying a single wide mobile home may be a fitting solution.

Single wide mobile homes are strong, cost-effective options that can fast track your path to homeownership. If you are looking to explore this particular type of housing as a first-time buyer, you likely have a few questions.

To get you started with some initial research, here is a brief overview of all things single wide homes.

Single Wide Basics

Today’s single wide homes are 12 to 18 feet long, 50 to 80 feet wide, and offer around 720 to 1,400 square feet of living space. These residences are generally known for their compactness, but in reality, they are often larger than most apartments.

Today’s single wides are made with such care and expertise that it has become increasingly difficult to tell the difference between a modern single wide and a smaller traditional-style home. These small but spacious dwellings have contemporary features, energy-efficient fixtures/appliances, and overall new flow and design. Moreover, these particular types of mobile homes are easy to customize or upgrade.

When considering transportation and other particulars, it’s beneficial to understand all that goes into shipping a brand new single wide mobile home from the factory to your intended homesite or lot in mobile home community. With single sections, delivery and installation are basically seamless. Due to there size, fewer resources are required to get your new home up and running. Similarly, setup typically requires less manpower and materials than other larger options will (double, triple wides).

Why Buy a Single Wide?

So, we’ve touched on a few benefits, but there are several other advantages to highlight:

Cost

For starters, one of the clear advantages of that single wides have over other types of housing is they are the less expensive option. When compared to double wide homes or multi-section homes, many buyers prefer single wides because of their affordable pricing. Even an affordable luxury townhouse, apartment, or condo is likely to cost you more than a single wide. If you are looking to cut back on your overall monthly expenses, these homes are an excellent choice.

Space

Perhaps the most compelling advantage that single wides offer is space. More specifically, the amount of space that they provide for the cost. A 1200 square foot single wide offers about as much room as a traditional, 2 bed, 2 bath home. Many homeowners who live in single-section homes often pleasantly surprised by how much extra room they have. The additional space offers flexibility with how you decorate your home interior and store your belongings.

When you consider the price per square footage, single wides are a strong option for getting the most value for your money.

Variety

Single wides come in a large variety of layouts and floor plans. While they don’t offer quite as robust of a selection as double wides, there are plenty of options available for buyers of all types. As mentioned earlier, modern single wides are easily customizable and can accommodate many modifications, upgrades, or additions after the purchase.

Privacy

In addition to cost and space, single wides also offer privacy. One of the biggest reasons why many renters leave the apartment lifestyle is the desire to have their very own space. When you own a single wide you can enjoy freedom away from sharing walls with neighbors and living in close quarters.

Finding the Perfect Single Wide

Today, tracking down the single wide of your dreams is easy. More and more buyers are finding their best options online, which makes home shopping simple and convenient. On MHVillage, you can find thousands of single wide mobile homes for sale, with a search-friendly database that allows you to filter home listings by location, size, price, specific features, and much more.

You can also find great single wide homes by searching through our extensive selection of mobile home parks. You can get all the info on several mobile homes at once, contact a representative, ask questions, and take in-depth virtual tours.

With that said, while you are browsing online for your future home, there are a few things you should consider:

Determine if a new or used single wide is best for your needs. If you’re looking to buy new, you’ll want to browse our selection of single wide mobile home floor plans to determine what type of layout is best suited for your lifestyle.
Go into the buying process with a solid understanding of your financial situation and what you’re able to afford.
Be sure to do your due diligence when browsing homes. You may find several options enticing early on, but it’s important to spend time comparing different options in order to find the right single wide home that checks all of your boxes.

Lastly, make sure to understand what type of mobile home financing options are available to you ahead of time.

Financing a Single Wide Mobile Home

You have a handful of options when it comes to financing mobile homes.

Common mobile home financing includes personal loans, traditional mortgages (FHA, Conventional), chattel mortgages, or government loans (VA or USDA Rural Development loans).

If you are buying a single wide through a mobile home community or dealer, it’s common for them to recommend options as well.

As is the case with financing any home, there are minimum mortgage requirements for each loan program. Thus, it is vital that you determine which loan scenario works best for you. For example, many of the above-mentioned loan types have minimum credit conditions, down payments, and land requirements. There are also specifications to consider with each mobile or manufactured home loan, such as the size of your home, whether it needs a permanent foundation, etc.

The breadth of options you will have access to for your future single wide home ultimately comes down to your financial situation and what loans you can qualify for.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, buying a single wide mobile home is a big decision, especially if this is your first time purchasing a home. Currently, there is a wealth of affordable housing options across the country, and financing is, for the most part, readily available. As a result, there is no time like the present to begin your search.

MHVillage has the largest selection of manufactured and mobile homes for sale in the nation. Just visit our advanced search page to start browsing our selection of home listings. And for more buying tips, be sure to check our new mobile home buyers guide.

How to Sell a Mobile Home in Texas

Mobile Home Living — Photo courtesy of Sun Communities.

The Texas housing market is red-hot and shows no signs of slowing down. In an active market with high home prices, many buyers will be looking for a great home at a more affordable price, which is great news for anyone selling a mobile home in Texas.

To get the best price for your manufactured home, it’s important to have the right tools and knowledge at your disposal. In this quick guide, we’ll talk about the basics of how to sell a mobile home in Texas and how MHVillage’s tools for mobile home sellers can help make your sale a success.

Who’s Selling Your Home?

The first decision that most manufactured home sellers in Texas must make is whether to sell their home themselves (known as “for sale by owner,” or FSBO) or sell it through a mobile home real estate agent.

If you live in a manufactured home community, the community’s sales department will almost always handle the sale for you. If that’s the case, you’ll work with park sales representatives to make sure your home is ready to sell, coordinate showing times and find potential buyers.

Sellers who don’t live in a manufactured home community must decide whether to sell by owner or use a Texas real estate agent. A real estate agent will charge commission, but will do the work of connecting with buyers, showing the home and creating marketing materials.

Selling FSBO, meanwhile, can be a big potential cost-saver since you’ll be skipping commission fees for an agent, but the process involves more legwork for the seller. Make sure to avoid the many common for sale by owner mistakes such as negotiating too hard and going in without an inspection.

Appraisal and Inspection

A professional manufactured home appraisal and inspection are key steps in the process of selling a manufactured home. Anyone interested in selling a manufactured home in Texas should strongly consider having an appraisal and inspection.

Professional appraisers are trained to evaluate the key factors that determine a home’s value, including model, age and condition. Professional inspectors, meanwhile, give buyers confidence and help spot critical repairs that the seller may need to address.

A great first step is finding the book value of your manufactured home. That’s why MHVillage offers a free Datacomp book value for every manufactured home listed on our site. However, to truly ensure that your manufactured home is ready to sell and to establish a firm value, it’s a good idea to have a professional appraisal and inspection.

Marketing Your Mobile Home

Finding the right buyer for your manufactured home in Texas is easier when you advertise your home and know how to present it attractively–whether that’s through curb appeal or savvy marketing.

Curb appeal is a big part of successfully presenting your home and, fortunately, there are some easy techniques to boost manufactured home curb appeal. A new coat of paint can go a long way, as can replacing your manufactured home’s siding and doing some basic yard work.

MHVillage also gives manufactured home sellers a listing that’s packed with opportunities for marketing. See our guides to taking pictures of your manufactured home and writing a better home description for tips on practices that can help optimize your listing.

Texas Mobile Home Paperwork

In Texas, transactions involving manufactured homes are regulated and recorded by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). The TDHCA sets standards for the sale and installation of manufactured homes.

The most important document for selling a mobile home in Texas is called the Statement of Ownership and Location, or SOL. These documents record all of the following:

Sale, transfer and current ownership of a manufactured home
Whether a home is titled as personal or real property
The home’s physical location
Outstanding liens

A revised SOL must be submitted to the TDHCA at least 60 days before the sale date. The full SOL can be tricky to fill out, so make sure to read the TDHCA’s SOL application instructions.

The seller must also provide the buyer with a written warranty and disclosure statement that describes the home’s physical condition and certifies its habitability. Other documents may also be required, so check with your local government to learn the specific requirements for your municipality.

If you’re wondering how to sell a mobile home in Texas, MHVillage provides the easiest and fastest way to do it, thanks to our easy-to-use interface and user base of over 25 million unique visitors annually. For more tips on how to sell a mobile home in Texas, be sure to look at our Mobile Home Seller’s Guide. It’s packed with useful resources for home sellers.

Do You Pay Sales Tax on a Mobile Home Purchase?

In most states and cities, sales tax is a fact of life. On almost every purchase from a restaurant meal to a new car, you’ll pay a sales tax that funds critical government infrastructure and services.

So, do you pay sales tax on a mobile home purchase? The answer varies widely according to which state you live in. In most U.S. states, the answer is yes—sales and use tax does apply to mobile home purchases.

However, that’s not the full story. It’s important to understand that there are numerous complexities at the state level that can affect the amount of mobile home sales tax you pay. In this guide, we’ll briefly examine what they are.

Sales and Use Tax on Mobile Homes

Most U.S. states levy a sales or use tax that applies to manufactured home sales. However, mobile home sales tax rates vary widely, both between individual states and depending on the legal titling status of the manufactured home.

First, let’s establish the difference between sales tax and use tax:

Sales Tax: Collected by the seller at the point of sale
Use Tax: Collected by the government directly from the end user

A manufactured home dealer will typically collect sales tax at the time of the transaction. In some states, dealers aren’t allowed to collect sales tax directly, so they’ll include the tax in the price of the home instead.

Homebuyers who purchase a manufactured home from a private seller or from another state will often have to pay a use tax to their state or county government after the purchase is completed. You’ll need to contact state or county revenue authorities to determine the correct amount of tax to pay and where to send it.

Personal Property vs. Real Property

Sales and use tax usually only apply to manufactured homes that are titled and sold as personal property. Whether used or new, a manufactured home titled as personal property will be subject to the mobile home sales tax laws of the state. Typically, you’ll pay the statewide sales tax rate plus the local sales tax rate on a mobile home transaction, much as you would when buying any other type of personal property.

If you’re buying a pre-existing manufactured home that is attached to a permanent foundation, your home is considered real estate rather than personal property. Your state may or may not require sales tax on real estate sales. However, many states do levy a real estate transfer tax on real estate transactions and/or a capital gains tax if you sell your home at a profit. You can check the list of real estate transfer tax states to find out if your state has a transfer tax and calculate your capital gains tax using one of the many calculators available online.

Which States Charge Sales Tax on Mobile Homes?

Before you begin the process of buying a manufactured home, you’ll want to be aware of whether you’ll have to pay sales tax and the amount of tax you’ll owe. Usually, the easiest way to find this out is to contact the seller you’re working with or to find it on your state government’s website.

These five states charge no state-level sales tax on purchases of any kind:

Alaska
Delaware
Montana
New Hampshire
Oregon

If you don’t live in one of the above states and your manufactured home is titled as personal property, you’ll need to research mobile home sales tax in your state. Keep in mind that, whichever state you live in, your city or county may require additional mobile home sales tax on top of what you owe the state. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on mobile home sales tax, consult your mobile home dealer or a real estate attorney.

Here are some facts about what you’ll pay for mobile home sales tax in some of the states with the largest numbers of manufactured homes:

Alabama: 4 percent state sales tax, plus local taxes
Arizona: 5.6 percent state sales tax, plus local taxes
California: 7.25 percent state sales tax, plus local taxes
Florida: 6 percent sales tax, plus local taxes
Louisiana: 4.45 percent sales tax, plus local taxes
Michigan: 6 percent sales tax, no local taxes
Texas: 3.25 percent mobile home-specific sales tax

For more tax guidance for manufactured homeowners, see our guide to mobile home property taxes. And to learn about the other requirements for closing on a manufactured home sale, read our guide to closing on a mobile home.

Budget-Friendly Mobile Home Additions

One of the great things about manufactured and mobile homes is that they are relatively easy to expand. But, by no means can we regard these expansions as cheap. Some home expansions can easily cost a fortune, even though you are dealing with a manufactured home. Luckily, there are certain budget-friendly ways to expand with mobile home additions. Today, we will explore what they are and how to implement them properly.

Understanding Mobile Home Additions

Adding on to a manufactured or mobile home is much cheaper than doing so for a traditional site-built home. However, that doesn’t mean that it comes cheap. Any home expansion is bound to be costly, especially if you want it properly handled. And, depending on how much you want to expand, it can end up costing you a fair bit. So, in order to make your mobile home additions budget-friendly, you need to research and organize it properly. Only then will these cost-effective ways actually be fruitful.

How to Expand a Mobile Home – The Approach

In order to cost-effectively expand a manufactured home, there are a couple of important steps that you need to take. Remember, there is no golden solution here that is going to cut the cost of expansion if half. Instead, there are seemingly small issues that, if tackled properly, pile up into a decent amount of savings. So, do yourself a favor and follow each of these steps with due care if you want to stay within your desired budget.

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

Finding a cost-effective contractor

The first thing to do is to find a cost-effective contractor. The important thing to note here is that there is a difference between a cost-effective contractor and a cheap one. A cost-effective contractor will find a way to properly expand your manufactured home at a reduced cost. On the other hand, a cheap contractor will only try to make their services as cheap as possible. Therefore, they will be more than happy to forgo the quality of materials and the quality of work necessary for a decent home expansion. So, if you want to expand your home properly, find a cost-effective contractor.

A capable contractor will help you find ways to build additions for a manufactured home while staying in budget. We suggest that you start looking for your contractor online. Ideally, you want to find someone who has ample experience with manufactured homes.

The more experience they have, the better they will be able to give you sound advice on how to save money. Plus, because of their experience, they will be able to find a way to safely expand your home in a cost-effective manner. Also, do not neglect to check online reviews and to make sure that your contractor has the necessary permits.

Using inexpensive materials

Once you’ve made sure that you have a cost-efficient contractor helping you out, your ways of reducing other costs boil down to the materials that you’ll use. It is important to note that the cost-effectiveness of materials is a tricky subject. While some may seem like a small investment, they don’t provide much durability and you might have to replace them soon. Meanwhile, some materials that require a larger investment can prove to be much more durable. Therefore, in the long run, they will turn out to be the budget-friendly option. Alongside that, you need to consider the area that you are in and the regular weather conditions.

Roofing is especially important to consider as a small difference in price can be a large difference in durability.

Some Budget-Friendly Mobile Home Additions

Now that you know the basic principles of expanding a manufactured home, you should have little trouble with coming up with creative ways to do so with your own. One thing we would recommend is that you carefully consider how much room you need, as every extra square foot is going to cost you. A good idea is to first declutter your home and see whether expanding it is actually necessary. But, if it is, here are some budget-friendly ways to tackle it.

Roof over

Let’s say that you need to renovate or repair the roof of your mobile home in the near future. Of course, you can simply call up a roofing company and have professionals deal with it. On the other hand, you can use this opportunity to expand your home. The factor that is going to save you money here is that you can extend your new roof over the expanded property. Just find a contractor that can deal with both roofing and home expansion, and you are bound to be pleasantly surprised by the result.

Frontporch

If you want to build additions for our mobile home in order to get a bit more living space, we suggest that you consider installing a front porch. Out of all the home expansions, this the most cost-effective one since it doesn’t require wall installation. A front porch can be a great place to lounge, organize BBQs, and increase your time spent outdoors. So, if you live in a warm climate, definitely consider adding a front porch.

Storage shed

The most common reason why people feel cluttered in their homes is due to having too many items. Most of them don’t even realize that their homes are filled with clutter, and simply believe that adding more space is the necessary step. Well, while adding more living space to your home would help, it isn’t the most cost-effective option. Instead, we suggest that you add a storage shed. There are sites like bluebellmovingandstorage.com where you can learn how to use your storage space in the best way. This home expansion is a cost-effective way to make your living quarters much more pleasant.

A storage shed can be all you need to make your home feel more spacious.

The final tip about saving money with mobile home additions

The final thing we would like to mention about budget-friendly homes is that being energy-efficient can save you a fortune. By this, we primarily mean that you need to install top-notch insulation. Most people don’t bother with this and end up wasting a large amount of energy when heating/cooling their homes. Trust us when we tell you that having a properly insulated home is a must, especially if you are considering your home budget.

Article written by Sophia Perry

Great Mobile Home Furniture for a Lovely Interior

Buying a Mobile Home vs Renting Apartment Quality of Life

Amazing furniture and decor options exist for every size of manufactured home. For owners of compact manufactured homes, it’s particularly important to pick the mobile home furniture that allows you to maximize your space and create a great interior flow for your home.

Here, we’ll discuss some rules of thumb for choosing mobile home furniture that’s both economical and elegant. In addition, you’ll find some recommendations for mobile home furniture pieces that will look great in a wide variety of manufactured home floor plans.

1. Know your home’s dimensions and examine furniture sizes carefully.

Before you start shopping for furniture, find the dimensions of your mobile home floor plan, either by using a measuring tape or by checking the documentation that came with your home. Remember that walking space between two pieces of furniture should generally be at least 18 inches, and measure your ceiling height as well to ensure that you don’t bring home something that’s too tall.

Use your knowledge of your mobile home’s size and dimensions to narrow down your furniture choices. For example, sofas under seven feet wide, such as the Delacora Newton Hill leather sofa, are great for small spaces. Alternatively, you can go with a loveseat like the Real Flame Baltic loveseat, or an accent chair, such as the Uttermost wide fabric accent chair, to provide plenty of seating.

2. Use multi-purpose pieces when you can.

In small spaces, homeowners will want to maximize the utility of every appliance and piece of furniture. A combination of multi-purpose pieces is a popular way to achieve this.

Combination washer-dryers, like the Whirlpool stacked washer dryer combo, are a great example of efficient design that provides the benefits of two appliances with the footprint of one. Home organizers, such as the James Allan hall tree, are another versatile solution that can provide many useful functions at once.

If storage space is a concern, consider furniture with built-in storage. Consider a storage bench as a place for storing books, games, records, or other media that also provides a convenient place to sit.

3. Think about the shape of your furniture.

Furniture shape is a factor that many buyers don’t think about until they’ve gotten their furniture delivered, but in small spaces, it can be incredibly important.

For example, the best tables for manufactured homes are often round because this shape creates a smoother flow between pieces of furniture. If you need a larger, rectangular table, such as the Bellevue Helotes dining table, that could also be a great choice for your dining room. Round coffee tables like the Uttermost Converge modern coffee table can provide an outstanding living room centerpiece, too.

Home accent pieces can be used to complement or contrast with the existing shapes and colors in a room. An angular piece, like the Ren Wil Lee vase, is great for offsetting a room with lots of round furniture.

4. Don’t neglect the power of lighting.

Lighting can be your secret weapon in framing your other furniture—and your entire home—with a pleasant ambiance.

Recessed lighting is a particularly popular option for the subtlety that it allows and for its negligible space footprint. Smart home lighting control systems, such as the Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting in-wall dimmer kit, are great for those who want the latest tech, and many homeowners love their ability to control an entire home’s worth of lights with a few taps of a smartphone app.

Lamps are another home essential. Floor lamps with small footprints, such as the Jonathan Y Lighting April single floor lamp, are particularly popular for manufactured homes, and attractive ceiling lighting, such as the Visual Comfort Beckham chandelier, can give your home a modern ambiance with little footprint.

5. Buy in sets.

Buying furniture sets helps give your manufactured home decor a cohesive and structured look. Dining room sets are especially popular for the attractive centerpiece that they provide. Some prefer a traditional wood dining set, like what’s shown in the image below, that gives the home a more rustic look.

Others like the always-stylish mid-century modern look such as you’ll find in the James Allan Aurora five-piece dining set. Many homeowners also like living room furniture sets for their harmonized look, which can make a space feel more restful and secure. For example, an end table set, such as the Carham Birkett Nesting Table Set, is a perfect subtle touch that can tie a space together.

Furnishing a manufactured home is a journey that never quite ends. Most people swap out various items throughout their time living in a home. Just start with some elegant essentials and build-out and you’ll have a fully-furnished home before you know it!

Cute and Cozy One Bedroom Mobile Homes

Are you tired of apartment living and want a place with a yard and more room? Do you want to live in a cozy and appealing space that’s also cost-effective? Are you a single person or a couple without kids?

If any of these questions sound like you, a one-bedroom mobile home might be just what you need. These one-bedroom mobile homes (including park model RVs) are comfortable, attractive, and reasonably priced. Check out what they have to offer.

1. Champion Homes Innovation 1646A

The Champion Homes Innovation 1646A is a beautiful home that manages to introduce an airy feeling into a compact 608 square feet. French doors and large transom windows light up the living room splendidly, and vaulted ceilings give the room more breathing space.

The 1207’s kitchen is undeniably charming, and the living area features a small built-in corner desk for light work from home sessions. It even provides an easy space to set up your own miniature breakfast bar.

2. Athens Park Model RV APH 536

Looking for a lot of luxury in a small package? The Athens Park Model RV APH 536 could make your dreams come true. The 536 features a spacious L-shaped kitchen with an inviting breakfast bar, plus a tile backsplash and premium appliances.

Cozy bedrooms in the 536 invite you to tuck right in, and the bedroom design also includes a built-in dresser with optional sliding barn door covers. In the bathroom, you’ll find double sinks and a walk-in shower—the kind of spacious luxuries that give you the best of both worlds.

3. Champion Homes Canyon Vista 106

The Champion Homes Canyon Vista 106 is a 412 square foot park model that feels like a larger home, with plenty of light and a welcoming ambiance. This model sports clever architectural touches everywhere, including built-in corner cabinets and shelving in the living room.

The Canyon Vista’s bedroom features even more built-in space, including wall sconces and a long shelf that’s perfect for favorite photos and knickknacks. The entire home is designed for maximum space efficiency and delightful moods in a cozy and hospitable space.

4. Homes of Merit RH1451Z

The small but mighty Homes of Merit RH1451Z has all of the advantages of a compact home and comes with some impressive perks. A large eat-in kitchen is combined with the living room to form a flowing and comfortable living space, and an optional built-in entertainment center and tray ceiling set the living room apart from the pack.

The bedroom is snug and well-lit, and wood laminate flooring provides a low-maintenance touch of elegance. Split AC units provide precise room-by-room temperature control and can even help homeowners save on their utility costs.

5. Athens Park Model RV 520MS

The Athens Park Model RV 520MS stands out in any environment with its thoroughly modern styling, wraparound porch, and sloped roof. Built-in recessed lighting in the porch ceiling provides the perfect ambiance after the sun goes down.

Inside, the kitchen is as contemporary as they come, with extensive built-in cabinets and an apron sink. The structure of the room provides a pleasant flow and easy access to all other areas of the home.

The 520MS features comfortable bedrooms that include a built-in dresser nook with sliding barn doors. Transom windows provide extra light and make the bedroom as bright and vibrant as it is intimate.

6. Atlantic Homes Athens Park Deluxe 604

Looking for a great compact living space that comes with cool architecture? You’re in luck! The Atlantic Homes Athens Park Deluxe 604 is all of this and more. The unique architectural profile is instantly appealing, and the covered porch and sliding door entry leave no doubt that this home is built for leisure.

This is a comfortable and modern home, well-equipped with everything you love about a house. Built-in cabinets, sleek and contemporary appliances and an apron sink make the kitchen and living area beautiful and enticing.

The 604 also includes all kinds of luxury features that earn it its “deluxe” moniker, such as an optional built-in wine refrigerator and sliding pocket doors for the bedroom and bathroom. Large windows provide an ideal spot for a small dining table, where you can enjoy a great view of your park model’s location.

Want to see more one bedroom mobile homes?

Make sure to check out our featured selection of small manufactured homes. They’re just as cute and come in a wide variety of styles. Or, if you prefer other styles of compact housing, we have a great buyers guide for park model homes.