From the Blog

Everything you Should Know About Living in a Mobile Home

While thinking about buying a new home, whether it’s your first one or if you’re just looking for a change, you should keep your options open. Believe it or not, buying a new home these days can be just as cost-effective as renting an apartment when you take mobile and manufactured homes into consideration.

Mobile homes are not what they used to be; there are many changes and amenities that you might not even know about yet.

In fact, what most people think of to be “mobile homes” are actually manufactured homes.

Manufactured homes are much different from mobile homes. They’re permanent, fixed structures on foundations that provide all the same benefits you’d enjoy with a stick-built home, but at a price that’s on-par with or better than renting an apartment.

We’ll give you a rundown of everything you should know about living in a manufactured home, because living comfortably and on a budget has never been more achievable.

Great Quality of Living at a Lower Price

According to the U.S Census Bureau, manufactured homes are bought at an average price of $98.1K, as of March 2021. This is an incredible amount of savings in comparison to new stick-built homes, averaging $336,900, almost 3.5 times more than a manufactured home.

This means that on average, you will be getting a lot more space for your money when you purchase a manufactured home.

If you think about it, you could likely find an apartment or condo at about the same price, but with a lot less space and no ability to make it your own.

Manufactured homes give you an amazing price point, but with the independence to re-decorate, paint your walls, make renovations, and truly make the space yours.

This is part of what makes manufactured homes so attractive. They’re highly affordable options for those who are looking to save money on their first home, or for those wanting to optimize their purchasing power when they move.

Time Efficiency

Mobile and manufactured homes are built using systematic, step-by-step processes that create production cost savings, unlike stick-built homes.

Instead of building your home on-site like with stick-built options, manufactured homes are pre-built and then transported to your site to be fixed into position and customized. This is extremely beneficial because it saves you not only money but also valuable time.

The length of time between purchasing your manufactured home and seeing it finished on your site is only a few weeks to a few months.

Stick-built homes, on the other hand, can take many months or even years to be fully completed.

With a manufactured home, you’ll be able to move in and start building your new life quickly, easily, and with less money spent.

Sense of Community

Whether you are a young family, a recently retired senior, or anything in between, a sense of belonging is always rewarding when you’re looking for a home.

Due to how manufactured home neighborhoods are laid out, they offer an amazing sense of community. This is one of their most powerful benefits.

Manufactured home neighborhoods are very walkable and accessible communities, and contain amenities that help bring everyone together. You’ll know the people living around you, bringing you a shared sense of safety, friendship, and fulfillment.

Many of these communities also offer amenities like pools, social clubs, sports courts, community buildings, and other spaces that foster a welcoming and social environment.

Don’t worry, you’ll still get plenty of privacy in your own home. Unlike an apartment or condo, you won’t have to share walls or have upstairs or downstairs neighbors. Plus, you’ll have your own driveway and yard space, with the ability to paint your walls or make changes however and whenever you want to.

You’ll be close enough to build relationships and a community with your neighbors, but with the peace of mind that comes from needed privacy and independence.

Flexibility

Manufactured homes give you the unique ability to be flexible with your property.

When you buy a stick-built home, you are committing to that house for years, even decades. That can be intimidating, especially for families that aren’t sure if they’re going to stay in the same location for long periods of time due to work or family.

Oftentimes, families and recent retirees want the flexibility of knowing that they will be able to upgrade from their home and sell it when the time is right for them. As we mentioned earlier, stick-built homes are expensive, making that even harder.

Not with manufactured homes.

When you buy a manufactured home, you get the chance to own and customize the home of your dreams on a timeline and budget that actually works for you.

Manufactured homes give you the flexibility to move when it makes sense for your family, without the financial burden of needing to sell your current property ASAP to make ends meet.

Warranty Perks

For the most part, finding warranties for stick-built homes can be a hassle.

However, manufactured homes usually offer you year-long, and sometimes extended warranties when you buy. These warranties can include windows, doors, siding, faucets, appliances, you name it.

Thanks to these great, flexible warranties, you get easy access to anything you could need. You won’t have to worry about calling contractors individually to find out if your warranty takes care of something, allowing you to save valuable time and money if repairs are needed.

Not only do warranties help you feel secure and give you better access to repair services, but they can also help you sell your home. Manufactured home warranties help potential homeowners make the decision to buy, as they provide them with a safety net for their first year.

Aspire Communities Offers Manufactured Homes With All These Benefits and More

We are proud to be one of Western Michigan’s largest providers of manufactured housing communities, committed to improving our residents’ quality of life.

We offer manufactured homes that allow you to reap the benefits of financial savings, time efficiency, community belonging, and more.

You’ll be able to get a home at the price of an apartment, but with the liberating feeling of independence that comes with ownership.

At Aspire Communities, our mission is to create beautiful manufactured homes that you and your family are proud to call home.

When you choose to live with us, you choose to live in a community mindful of your needs, that’s eager to provide you with the companionship and respect you deserve.

Feel empowered to take control of your life in a home and community that supports you. Join the 2,000+ happy residents currently living in Aspire Communities’ welcoming neighborhoods.

If you’re still wondering if a manufactured home is a good option for you, make sure to read our blog post about how owning one can potentially be a great investment for you and your family.