Three Key Advantages of Buying a Manufactured Home vs. a Stick-Built Home
Manufactured Homes Are Cost-Effective, Energy Efficient, and Often Embedded in Community
When it comes to purchasing a home, prospective buyers often weigh the pros and cons of various types of housing. Manufactured homes, sometimes known as mobile homes, present a distinct set of advantages compared to traditional stick-built homes. While each option has its unique benefits, here are three key advantages of opting for a manufactured home.
1. COST EFFECTIVENESS
One of the most compelling reasons to consider a manufactured home is its cost-effectiveness. Manufactured homes typically come with a lower price tag compared to traditional stick-built homes. This affordability is largely due to the efficient construction process, which takes place in a factory setting. Because manufactured homes are built on assembly lines, with streamlined production techniques and bulk purchasing of materials, the overall cost is significantly reduced.
For many buyers, especially first-time homeowners or those looking to downsize, the lower price point of manufactured homes makes homeownership more accessible. Reduced costs don’t only apply to the purchase price; many manufactured homes are designed to be energy-efficient, potentially leading to lower utility bills in the long run.
If the manufactured home is already built by a company like Casa Park Homes and within a community like one of Monte Christo’s on the west coast, you may have built-in financing options through partner companies they work with, making the buying process a bit simpler. Additionally, these management companies often run special offers, like Monte Christo’s $5,000 buyer rebate on new manufactured homes.
2. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND MODERN FEATURES
Many modern manufactured homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring high-quality insulation, energy-efficient windows, and advanced HVAC systems. Additionally, they often include contemporary design elements and upgrades that might be more expensive or less commonly found in older stick-built homes.
Additionally, manufactured homes are built in a controlled factory environment (like Clayton Homes’ and Champion Homes’), so the construction process is less susceptible to weather delays and other external factors that can slow down the building of traditional stick-built homes. As a result, manufactured homes can often be completed in a fraction of the time it takes to build a conventional home.
If you are looking to move into a brand new home quickly, this expedited construction timeline translates into a quicker move-in date. For buyers eager to settle into their new home or those facing time constraints, the ability to move into a new manufactured home sooner can be a significant advantage. The efficiency of the factory assembly line and pre-built components mean that what would take months to achieve with traditional construction can be accomplished in a matter of weeks. There are also many already-built manufactured homes that are embedded in communities, which brings us to our next point.
3. EMBEDDED IN COMMUNITY
If you are looking for a quick close on a home or prefer to skip the construction process altogether, opt for a manufactured home in an established private community. Typically, a manufactured home is built within or moved to an established neighborhood of fellow MH dwellers. Well-maintained manufactured home communities can foster a sense of pride in ownership among the residents, making them a pleasant place to live for all. There are anywhere between 35,000–40,000 of these communities across the US both in rural and metropolitan areas.
Plus, many private manufactured home communities feature amenities such as pools, laundry rooms, tennis courts, community rooms, playgrounds and more. These amenities are typically provided and maintained by a management company who keep up the landscaping and maintenance of the community and can look after your home if you’re away. As a community member, you’ll likely pay a monthly space rent (much like an HOA) to support the maintenance and amenities of the community.
Ultimately, It’s a No-Brainer
Choosing between a manufactured home and a traditional stick-built home involves considering various factors, but the advantages of manufactured homes—cost-effectiveness, faster construction, and the support of an established community—make them an appealing option for many buyers. By offering significant savings, quicker move-in times, and a range of customization options, manufactured homes provide a practical alternative that can meet the diverse needs of today’s homebuyers.
Recommended Manufactured Home Communities on the West Coast
The Ultimate Pacific Coast Scenic Byway Road Trip by RV
This Drive Beckons for a Leisurely Pace and Long Stays at Coastal RV Parks
We think the best RV road trips are ones that you can take at a leisurely pace. And by leisurely, we mean long-term RV reservations – 1 month to several months – at scenic RV parks you can use as a jumping off point for further adventure, relaxation, and exploration. One of the top west coast RV road trips we recommend is the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.
The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway stretches border to border along Oregon’s breathtaking coast.
This stretch of highway in Oregon is open to the public, giving it the nickname “The People’s Coast.” This is a popular road trip route for ample reasons, especially if you take it at a laid-back pace in your RV. RVs afford you the ability to stay in short-term and long-term RV parks along the coast with no pressure on your itinerary, or, should we say, “What itinerary?”
Scenic Overlooks, Rocky Tide Pools, Sandy Beaches, Coastal Communities and More
From Astoria to Newport to Coos Bay to Brookings, you’ll discover a bounty of natural wonders and coastal communities brimming with character. Starting in Astoria in northern Oregon will ensure you and your RV are cruising on the coast-side of the road, affording you prime views.
Oregon’s Pacific coastline stretches for 363 miles, which makes drive time about 10-12 hours for the full route. But of course, we hope you’ll make many stops and stays along the way to fully immerse your senses in all the Pacific Coast has to offer. Who knows, maybe you’ll want to stay for the long haul?
Recommended RV Road Trip Itinerary for the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
Days 1-2: Astoria to Garibaldi (55.5 mi)
Kick off your RV road trip in Astoria where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific.
Consider extending your stay in Newport to spend an afternoon at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and take in the lighthouse and abundant natural beauty found in Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.
Harbor and Brookings (stay a while!) – Known for its temperate “banana belt” climate and largest stand of coastal redwoods in the state. These seaside towns are sure to charm!
Where to Stay (for more than a day or two) on Oregon’s Southwest Coast
For those of you looking to settle into a new place for the long haul, spending a month or more in a handful of these coastal towns to “test” them out affords you a good sense of what it would be like to live there. By spending more than a few nights in an RV park, you’ll get to know local places, people, climate, and more to see if it’s a good fit for you.