What's the Difference?

 

In Valdez you will hear the term 'stick built' vs.Modular or a Manufactured Home? What's the Difference, Anyway?

 

First... this is what one owner of a very nice modular shared April, 2003:  

I was speaking with a resident of Valdez - She and her husband were selling their home 

& already had an offer accepted on one of the Zero lot lines 

(like a duplex - only you own 1/2 of it)

I was surprised, 

because the one level modular they owned had 1440 sq feet & a double garage & a nice little yard.

 

Why are you wanting to sell?
 
She said they weren't home much; wouldn't have to take care of the yard;
 
that the roof had to be shoveled with the modulars.   

(Usually 1-2 times a year depending on the snowfall... & it can be hired for about $150-$200/time)

 
and that in 10 years, the modular would be 40 years old, 

but the newer place would only be 12 years old.

 
What are your thoughts?

 

Now... What is the Difference between.... ?

Is it Possible to Save Money and not Sacrifice Quality when Buying a Modular or a Manufactured Home? What's the Difference, Anyway?   Many people, including some real estate people, think that modular, mobile and manufactured homes are terms which can be used interchangeably. This is not the case. 

The simplest definition of mobile/manufactured home is that if it every had wheels, it are one. Check zoning as well as financing differences between these & "stick-built homes," since it could make a difference in your choices.  A modular home is similar in that it was built inside a factory, not on site, as "stick-built" homes area...but it is dissimilar in that it NEVER had wheels.  It may have been barged, but upon arrival, is picked up by a crane and trucked to its site. Again, a mobile/manufactured home rolls on its own wheels. 

For more information, see this article by builders: http://www.thebldr.com/Whatis.htm  There are differences also as to the codes they were built by.  A manufactured home is of good quality built to HUD specifications.  See the new law passed December, 2000 & related information: http://www.mfghome.org/press_releases/122800.html  

To be eligible for long term house financing with a reasonable down payment, building codes for the area the unit is going to be located  must be followed, and the unit must be placed on a permanent foundation.   Usually modulars can qualify as a house (not a mobile) for purposes of zoning (How is the land zoned?) and for purposes of financing.

Valdez Home For SaleThis is one of 100 modulars presently in Valdez thanks to Alyeska's initially bringing them to town by the mid 1970s. Most have been relocated to lots and sell for a average of $180,000  + or -.

 

 

 

    

"Old-fashioned helpfulness with Integrity & Ethics"
M. Diann Hursh, Broker
Diann Hursh : Real Estate Broker
Hursh & Assoc., Realtors
P.O. Box 233
Valdez, Alaska 99686

(907) 835-5333


realhelp@alaska.com


   

 

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