If you are thinking about purchasing a new home for your family and wondering what to expect during the process then look no further. We did the research for you so you can have a clear idea of what will happen when you go shopping for a manufactured home.
1. Identification
There are some things you should bring to your appointment with a housing consultant. Having a form of I.D., pay stubs, tax returns and current W2's can make the process much easier, especially if you are planning on looking at home financing options.
2. The financial part
Knowledge is power. A good professional housing consultant should provide you with a free mortgage analysis, calculating your exact credit score. With this information you will know what financing options are available to you so you are able to get the most bang for your buck. Keep in mind that most of the free credit reports and credit apps are good for an idea of your score, they are often off by about fifty points, which could make a huge difference for your family!
3. Footwear
When you go to look at mobile homes there are often 10+ different models on site. To know which one is perfect for you there may be some walking! Your perfect house could be the first or it could be the tenth! Touring homes is a good time to ditch the stilettos for the tennis shoes!
4. Budget
Having an idea of what you are comfortable paying before you start the process keeps you from signing on for something that strains your budget. If you know how much you are willing to spend each month on your home then you helps your salesperson find the perfect fit for your family. Your housing consultant should go through a budget analysis with you, to get the best plan of action in place for your family.
5. Got land?
If you are planning to place the home on family owned land knowing whose name the land is official in is important. Bringing the land deed with you can help your housing consultant determine the best home size for the area. If you do not have land the company will be able to assist you in finding land. If you have an idea of where you would like to live this will help them narrow down your options for the best fit. Check out local schools, stores and traffic to determine the best place to put your family.
6. Know your employment
Banks want to see stability in your income, so having a clear knowledge of your work history over the past two years will help your housing consultant get you the best possible deal if you are planning to finance your new home.
7. Plan ahead..
Choosing your new home could happen in a matter of minutes, but it could also take time. Be prepared for this so you don't feel rushed while making such an important decision. Set aside an afternoon so you have the time to look at all your options. Most mobile home dealerships should be able to schedule an appointment ahead of time, which would keep you from being at risk of sitting in the lobby!
8. Dream a little!
Spend some time imagining your dream house. What color is the exterior? How many bedrooms do you want? How many bathrooms do you need? Knowing the answers to these questions can help your housing consultant find your perfect floor plan faster. Remember, they spend a LOT of time in those houses! With design centers in the store you can browse through different colors and additions to make your mobile home perfectly tailored to your family's needs.
9. Check please!
If you are planning to finance your home, keep in mind that banks need paper trails. Meaning any earnest money deposits must be made by check or debit card. Being prepared for this can help make sure you don't miss out on any first time customer deals or promotions going on that day.
10. A family affair
Bringing in all the deciding factors takes away the need for making multiple trips. Don't be afraid to bring little ones, many dealerships have play areas and should be child friendly!
Now go forth and shop! Keeping these 10 points in mind will help you be more informed for the process, make the most educated decisions, and get your family into the best home at the best price. If you are ready to get started, click the following link to book an appointment!
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