What Do I Expect When I Visit a Modular Home Retailer?

What Do I Expect When I Visit a Modular Home Retailer?

Whether you’re new to the world of modular homes or you know exactly what you’re looking for, visiting an independent modular home retailer will be an important part of the homebuying process. Modular home retailers will guide, inform, and ultimately help you purchase your home.

To help you get ready for your visit, we put together a rundown of what to expect with advice from Steele Broderick of Superior Homes, a modular and manufactured home retailer in Pennsylvania.

Homeward Bound: Your Personal Guide to Purchasing a Modular Home

First thing’s first: what are the benefits of visiting a modular home retailer? Independent retailers are important because you’ll ultimately purchase your home from a retailer, rather than purchasing directly from the manufacturer. They’re your individual guide throughout the process of buying a modular home.

It’s a great idea to visit a retailer early on in your decision-making process to streamline your experience. The advantages of visiting a modular home retailer also include the opportunity to:

• Walk through model homes and get an idea of what styles and features you’re looking for.
• Learn about modular homes from an expert source.
• Go over your budget and find out which homes are the right fit.
• Discuss which homes will work well with your property if you already own land. (Learn more about how to find land for a modular home.)
• Find out what customization options are available for your future home.
• Have peace of mind working with a single contact throughout the purchase and installation process rather than working separately with a general contractor, sub-contractors, and more.

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

Test Drive: Tour Modular Home Display Models

Seeing is believing, and touring modular homes in person gives you the chance to see the high-quality construction and beautiful designs that modular homes offer. From  spacious living rooms and walk-in pantries to chef’s kitchens and spa-like bathrooms, modular homes have the modern, in-demand features that homebuyers are looking for.

Most retailers will have modular homes on display, and some even have up to a dozen available for you to tour! We recommend touring at least two model homes during your visit to get a sense of what you’re looking for. It can also be helpful to tour different types of homes like ranch, two-story, and Cape Cod to pick out the style you want.

When it comes to design, you’ll benefit from touring homes with different aesthetics like modern farmhouse, traditional, and more. Stay open throughout the process because you might walk in wanting one thing, and after you tour a few display models, realize you like another style even more.

If you like brochures, you’re in luck: it’s common for people to leave with several (or more!) home brochures after their tours. The pamphlets will have floor plans, pricing information, and details like optional features and add-ons.

READ MORE: Can I Customize a Modular Home?

Shop Talk: Learn About the Modular Homebuying Process

After you tour display models, the retailer will discuss the steps of the homebuying process. They’ll be able to answer your questions and walk you through the key aspects of purchasing a home.

"After touring our display homes, we will input the client's favorite features into their home design of choice. Our goal is to provide in-depth suggestions and transparency to ensure the client can make informed decisions through the home building process,” said Broderick.

Although the exact process will differ with each retailer, in general, the typical steps to purchasing a modular home are:

1. Work with a retailer to choose the specific home you want based on your home tours, land requirements, and any online research you’ve done.

2. Obtain financing through a lender.

3. Select personalization options for the home like cabinet colors, countertops, flooring, and more. At this point, the retailer will place the official home order.

4. Have the home delivered and installed. (The retailer will usually take care of organizing and scheduling this for you using their own crew or a third party.)

5. Move into your beautiful new home!

READ MORE: How Does the Modular Home Installation Process Work?

Welcome Home: Purchase Your Modular Home from a Retailer

When you’re ready to purchase a home, the retailer will walk you through every step of the way. Some people like to return to the retailer to officially purchase their home in person, while others prefer to go for an initial visit to tour models, and then complete the purchase over email. From ordering the home to signing the contracts, you can expect a retailer to work closely with you to help ensure you’re getting a house you’ll love.

Make Your Modular Home a Champion Home

Looking for more information on modular homes built by Champion? 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.