3 Things to Do Before You Visit a Modular Home Retailer

Are you interested in buying a modular home? Smart thinking. Modular homes are high quality, durable homes built on faster timelines than site-built homes. They’re often available at more affordable price points than site-built homes, too, and you’ll love all the opportunities for customization that modular homes offer.

The process of buying a modular home is similar to purchasing a car — you’ll buy your home from a local, independent retailer rather than purchasing directly from the manufacturer. To help you get ready for your visit to a modular home retailer, we’re sharing our advice with help from Steele Broderick of Superior Homes, a modular and manufactured home retailer in Pennsylvania.

Whether you’re looking for a starter home with a small floorplan or a large home with room for lots of guests, we’re here to help you get the most out of your retailer visit and set you up for success.

1. Look Into Different Types of Modular Homes

Before you connect with a retailer, it’s a good idea to take a look at the different types of modular homes and which one would work best for you. Narrowing down your options before you arrive at the sales center can help streamline your visit and will guide you on which model homes to tour. There are three main categories of modular homes:

• Ranch (single-story) modular homes: One- and two-bedroom ranches are ideal as starter homes and for aging-in-place, and three- and four-bedroom ranches are a great fit for families of five to six people.
• Cape Cod modular homes (single- or one-and-a-half-story homes with steep, side-gabled roofs that often have an unfinished bonus area upstairs): They’re great for growing families who want the option to add additional bedrooms or a playroom in the future.
• Two-story modular homes: These homes are perfect for large families or anyone who loves to entertain and host guests.

READ MORE: What Should I Research Before Buying a Modular Home?

2. Explore Land Options for Your Modular Home

Some modular homebuyers already have land before they visit a retailer, while others like to connect with a retailer before they purchase property.

“There are people who come into our retail center who know exactly what they want, and they have a specific goal — they already have their land and know their budget,” said Broderick. “A lot of other people are new to the world of modular homes. They may not have land, and they want to understand modular homes a little more and walk through the model homes. Then, we would sit down to explain the homebuying process.”

If you don’t own land yet, we recommend taking an initial look into land options in your area before you go to a retailer. Doing a little bit of research on local land for sale will give you a sense of how it’ll fit into your budget.

It’s not required to own land before you visit a retailer, but purchasing property before you look at modular homes can help you get a sense of how it could affect the model you choose. A few ways land can factor into the process include:

• Size of your property and the home dimensions it can accommodate
• Utility hookup availability and placement
• Topography such as drainage, elevation, and soil conditions
• Road accessibility (Your land will need to have road access for the semi-truck and crane during delivery and installation.)

READ MORE: How Do I Find Land For a Modular Home?

3.  Talk with a Lender to Figure Out Your Modular Home Budget

The last step we recommend is connecting with a lender to determine your budget. They’ll work with you to figure out your “all-in” budget including the home, land, delivery, and installation.

“I would recommend talking to a lender prior to the visit, so you have more context on what you can afford,” said Broderick. “When clients come to our retail center to look at modular homes, we discuss what their budget is and show them what fits within that range.”

You don’t need to obtain prequalification from a lender before going to a retailer, but an initial conversation will help you determine your target monthly payment. Your payment will include several pieces including:

• Loan principal
• Interest
• Property taxes
• Homeowner’s insurance
• Private mortgage insurance (PMI) if your down payment is less than 20% of the loan’s value

A lender can also assist with estimating the interest rate you’ll pay based on your credit score. This will help you avoid any surprises when you’re ready to purchase your home!

Modular Homes Designed Especially For You

As you get ready to visit a modular home retailer, Champion Homes is here to help you throughout the journey with homebuying resources and personalized assistance. For more information about our modular homes, find the best Champion home for you, or contact a Champion retailer in your area. You can also contact our Homebuyer & Homeowner Assistance line Monday-Saturday 8am – 8pm EST at 877-201-3870, or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will reach out to you.

Note: Superior Homes is an independently owned and operated manufactured and modular home retailer located in Pennsylvania unaffiliated with Champion Homes. Superior Homes is a wholesale customer which retails homes built by Champion Homes’s Strattanville, PA, and Ephrata, PA, facilities to the public.