Homeownership is still a big driving force for many Americans. Many from Gen Z believe it’s the linchpin to building wealth. But only 18% of Americans think it’s a good idea to buy a home now. The other 82% believe it’s foolish to attempt that now. Plus, many also believe that being a homeowner is a goal they won’t be able to achieve anytime soon.

It’s not surprising that many people believe that. The average price tag for a new construction was already at $500,000 in 2022. The sale price might have gone down by almost $13,000 this year. But it’s still an elusive dream for many.

It might not be so out of reach if one opts for a different kind of housing. Manufactured homes are more affordable. They can also be as beautiful as an on-site home. The challenge is convincing people to give these structures another look. One reason for this is the confusion between manufactured home vs mobile home. This post seeks to clarify that issue.

Manufactured Home vs Mobile Home: Is There a Difference?

Mobile homes and manufactured homes are all prefabricated structures. They’re built in a factory and then taken to the site for installation. The Department of Housing and Urban Development oversees these two types of structures.

Is there a difference between the two? Not so much, actually. A manufactured home shares several traits with a mobile home. They’re both manufactured in a factory. They’re then taken to where the owner wants them situated. They’re then taken to where the owner wants them situated and then placed on a metal frame or chassis.

The date of manufacture is the only thing that sets the two apart. The HUD declared that a factory-built home made before June 15, 1976, is a mobile home. Those built afterward are then called manufactured homes.

There’s no denying that many people imagine a camper or trailer when they think of a mobile home. It’s because earlier mobile homes did look like campers. An early mobile home had an exposed trailer coupler. It also came with wheels to make it easier to move. The house was then constructed on steel I-beams. These ran from one end to the other. The structure could be set up on metal stands, or wooden or concrete blocks. They were even built on a concrete foundation.

Why was it designed this way? One reason was the lack of oversight. There were no hard and fast regulations when it came to building standards before 1976. There was also an astounding demand for these homes. The end of World War II saw people clamoring for affordable and moveable housing. Mobile homes were the perfect solution.

Why Opt for Manufactured Homes?

A manufactured home is an often overlooked path to homeownership. It’s high time that more would-be homeowners take a closer look at this housing.

• It’s easier on the wallet. Manufactured homes are more affordable when compared to conventional homes. One single-wide design costs around $82,000. A double-wide modular home has a price tag of $160,000 while a multi-wide structure only comes in at $250,000. That’s about half the price of a new site-built house.
• It changes with your lifestyle. One of the best things about manufactured homes is its versatility. You have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to design. You can start out with a small house. You can then add to it and expand your living space to fit your living situation. For instance, you’ll need a more extensive area once you have your own family.
• It’s energy-efficient. Many people are often surprised to discover that manufactured homes are energy efficient. It’s a rule imposed by the HUD. It ensures that this type of structure reaches a specific level of energy efficiency. A modular home has good insulation and energy-efficient windows. It also has energy and water-saving features.
• It’s a good investment. Manufactured homes can also help you generate wealth. These homes have the same long-term value as site-built housing.

Find the Perfect Manufactured Home

Finding the right manufactured home for you is easy with Live Mobile Now. Our company is among the top listing service firms in Florida. Nothing can beat us when it comes to well-maintained and beautiful modular homes. Look through our extensive catalog for mobile homes for sale. We also offer mobile homes for rent. Need help? You can rely on your trustworthy agents and brokers. They’re ready to help anytime. Call us at +1-877-221-4040 or message us here.