top of page
  • Writer's pictureAlleine Solmirano

How to Choose the Right Size of Mobile Home for your Family

Updated: Mar 19

The heart is always at home. Your home is your sanctuary, your refuge from the chaos and chaotic world. To make an informed decision about which mobile home is best for you and your family, it’s essential to compare the sizes. Here are some tips on How to choose the right size of Mobile Home for your family.

Your home is where your children will start their lives. It’s also the place they will make the most of their transition into adulthood. Your home should be comfortable for everyone if you’re looking to have children. Finally, it is the perfect place to retire in dignity and peace.

Whatever your needs, there will be a home that suits you. Therefore, it is essential to understand all options and your needs.

Mobile homes are more easily accessible than ever. Mobile homes are available in many sizes and price points. This guide will help you understand the different types of mobile homes, and who would benefit from them. Don’t compromise when it comes to your family.



Mobile Home:

Technically speaking, manufactured housing is the right term for today’s mobile homes. This is because manufacturing standards for these homes were established in 1976. Since then, manufactured housing has been the official term. This was partially to eliminate the negative image that mobile homes have and distinguish them from real mobile home trailers and RVs.

As you can see, manufactured homes are made in a factory. They are assembled at the factory and then shipped to their final destination by a large truck.

Mobile homes offer many advantages. Mobile homes provide many financial benefits. They are cheaper than stick-built houses and are not subject to as heavy a tax. In addition, the HUD Code has made its safety standards comparable to those of stick-built homes.

These are often cheaper than renting an apartment in a condo or condo in a park with a lot of rent and a mortgage. Instead, you can buy a smaller home with all the amenities and is family-friendly for a low price.

TOP CONSIDERATIONS TO CHOOSE A HOME FOR YOUR FAMILY

Dimension

Mobile homes come in three sizes, which we’ll discuss below.

Single-wides

Double-wides

Triple-/Multiwide

Style or Set-up

This is another thing to consider. Depending on your needs, it is possible to choose a different style or set-up than the family next door. Living comfortably and in a welcoming home is possible, even though more complicated layouts and larger rooms can be more costly.

To illustrate the personal nature of it, consider the bedrooms that your children share. You can either have your children share a room, or they can sleep in their rooms, depending on how old they are. A couple getting married with a baby may only need one bathroom, but it is not necessary to have a teenager.

It’s not about the functionality of the kitchen or living room. The popularity of open-plan kitchens and dining areas has increased. These open-plan kitchens and dining rooms make the home feel larger and more open. Consider how many windows you have and the effect they have on your home. Consider spaces such as foyers and dedicated washing rooms.

SITE

It could be more important than layout and size. It doesn’t matter how big or small the house is, if it isn’t close to where you work, has no schools, or is in a poor neighborhood.

Mobile home parks are often the location of most mobile homes. You are moving into a park when you buy a mobile home. Each park has its ownership and membership structure. HOAs, 50+ communities, and co-ops all operate in different ways and have other responsibilities.

It is essential to find out about the amenities, fees, and levies associated with them, as well as any rules regarding what you are allowed or prohibited from doing to your house.

You should check the zoning regulations for the private property if you are looking at it. Some areas may not allow mobile homes, while others might have specific requirements. In addition, it may be difficult or expensive to connect utilities to the plot. However, mobile home parks can be a great option because they provide all the necessary amenities.

UTILITY AND CONVENIENCE

Mobile homes are becoming more popular and have evolved into a diverse and innovative industry. As a result, mobile homes are no longer the same, with their flat and boxy aesthetics.

Many unique manufactured homes are available with designer kitchens and bathrooms, jacuzzis, and patios or stoops. You can still get a high-end mobile home for less than a decent stick-built house.

Manufacturers specialize in hurricane-resistant homes, while others are more focused on designer kitchens. In addition, some manufacturers allow you to modify your layout before it is built, making the manufacturing process flexible.

FUND BACKING or OPTIONS

We would be negligent not to mention financing options. But, unfortunately, it’s not that easy when it comes down to mobile homes. This is due to manufactured housing growing faster than lenders adapt, the stigma around mobile homes, and their perception of being somewhere between private property and a house.

They are technically not real estate because they have a chassis and axle and can be moved. However, if the home has been removed from its foundation and is attached to a permanent foundation permanently, then you can own the land. The property has also been reregistered with the local authorities as real estate. You can then apply for the same financing options that you would for a stick-built house.

There is still hope even if the home does not meet these requirements. Mobile homes have a few financing options that are specifically tailored for them:

FHA BACKED LOAN

FHA (Federal Housing Administration) promises to pay your debt if you cannot make your monthly payments. Still, you will need to find a lender willing to lend. Many lenders will grant you FHA financing. However, you must comply with certain conditions, and they will only cover a specific amount.

VA BACKED LOAN

It works the same as an FHA-backed loan, except it is sponsored by the Department of Home Affairs instead of the FHA. In addition, you will need to submit a certificate of service from the military and fulfill their requirements about how long you have served. Each has its limitations and conditions.

CHATTEL MORTGAGE

This should not be your last resort. Chattel loans work in the same way as private mortgages. Chattel loans are similar to personal property mortgages, with higher rates and shorter terms. They are, however, the most accessible if you own a mobile home.

A majority of loans require that you pay a down payment of at least 5% of the home’s value. The terms are typically between 15 and 30 years. Interest rates range from 3-10%, but this depends on many factors like your credit score and risk profile.



DIFFERENT MOBILE HOME SIZES AND TYPES

Mobile homes can be divided into three main categories, as we’ve already mentioned. Apart from the differences in dimensions and size, there are other essential considerations that each home type must consider.

SINGLE -WIDES

The minor type of mobile home is single-wide. Although they are too small to accommodate entire families, single-wides are still an option for those with limited budgets. The units are assembled in one unit, then shipped to the desired location. Finally, they are positioned.

Single-wides measure 18 feet in width and 90 feet in length. The average square footage is 600-1300. This is almost half the size of an American family home.

Single wides usually have one or two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a small living space. Some homes combine the living room and kitchen. There is not much variation in this space as you would expect.

Potential buyers might be turned off by the stereotypical “mobile home” appearance of single-wides. They are often shorter and thinner than stick-built homes, and they tend to be boxy. Because of their nature, they can be challenging to finance. Chattel mortgages are your only option.

DOUBLEWIDES

The most popular and most commonly used type of mobile home is the double-wide. They offer more flexibility in terms of size, layouts, or room allotment than single wides. Site-built homes look very similar to them as they are both shorter and broader than the long single-wide.

Manufacturers construct double-wides in two pieces. The two pieces are then taken separately to the site and then combined to make a double-wide home. Double-wide homes are 20 feet in width and 90 feet in length. Double-wides typically have between 2000-2500 square feet of living space.

A typical double-wide home has three bedrooms, 2/3 bathrooms, and a combination of 2/3 of these: a kitchen and dining room, living and dining rooms, and a washing room. These homes are suitable for most families and can easily house four people for many years. A larger model can easily accommodate up to five family members.

A double-wide usually costs around $80,000 new, and $20,000 to $50,000 used depending on age, condition, and location. This is a lot of bangs. Double-wides are also easier to finance than single wides.

TRIPLE WIDES OR MULTI WIDES

We are now at the top. The sky is the limit for triple-wides, technically. Although they are not as common as double-wides, they are becoming more popular as manufacturing techniques improve and people seek affordable alternatives to traditional housing. In addition, double-wides look more like real homes than single wides.

They are shipped exactly like double-wides, depending on how large they are. Each piece is individually constructed and sent to the location before being assembled on-site. The triple-wides can reach 50 feet in length, and the width depends on the model and size. They can cover up to 4500 square feet. This is quite a large area.

These manufactured homes are more expensive and can be purchased for between $100,000 and $250,000. This is already within the range of real estate. Even “designer” models can be bought for a lot more.

These homes usually have 3-5 bedrooms and 3-4 bathrooms. There are also a variety of other rooms, such as a living room, kitchen, laundry room, dining room, and foyer. With all this space, you can accommodate your entire family, grandma, and even some guests.

TIME TO CHOOSE YOUR MOBILE HOME SIZE!

We hope you found this article helpful in understanding the various sizes of mobile homes. We hope that you are now one step closer in your quest to purchase the home of dreams. You will be spending most of your time there for the next few years, so it is essential to take your time and ensure that you select the right home for your family. A comfortable and accommodating home is possible!

10 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page