While other companies chose to catch the industry-boom wave in the early 90’s, Solitaire Homes kept their focus close to home and within an area where they had seen success already. By the late 90’s they had 5 plants in operation. Thus, when the industry took a downturn, they were able to wait it out with little trouble. (Two plants were closed and they reeled in some of their larger models.) At last count they had 27 dealers in their network, many with their own homeowners insurance packages available (through a third party), and have created Solitaire Financial Services, offering in-house financing.
From their website: “In 1965, Jerry and Helen Elliott founded Solitaire on two primary, important principles: high quality construction and affordable pricing. These two principles remain the foundation on which Solitaire has built a proud tradition and strong reputation for producing homes of unrivaled value. We would like to open our doors and extend an invitation for you to tour the homes and the factories that make Solitaire an enduring industry leader. Please accept our invitation to closely examine the multitude of benefits we offer our homeowners. We are certain you will find our devotion to enduring quality and timeless value reflected in every aspect of our homes.”
Modular Home Book Resources Popular Buying Guides for Modular Homebuyers
When trying to select a modular home the first place to start is at the factory level. Knowing which factories deliver to your area is the first step in understanding your options. The second and most important step is determining how the factories compare to each other in the areas of: Quality Construction, Design/Style, Appraised Value and Price.
The manufactured housing industry has made some serious improvements in recent years regarding quality construction and residential appeal. With modern day technology and assembly line techniques, the industry is overcoming the misconception that manufactured homes are poorly built and don’t measure up to stick-built homes.
Knowing your financing options is the first step to securing a good deal. We have spoken with hundreds of modular home lenders and Mr. Eaton the author has gone through the process himself. Learn from his insight and you can avoid some common mistakes people make when financing their home.
On average 80% of homebuyers pay too much for their modular home. Not surprising with all the choices one must make from negotiating with your builder to purchasing property and site-improvements. This resource will reveal important negotiating secrets and dealer profit margins that will give you an edge when negotiating with your builder.
Most modular home builders have display models for potential home buyers to walk through. These models are professionally decorated to impress buyers with elaborate decorations, elegant furniture and dazzling floorplans. Aesthetics are important but would you purchase a modular home based on looks and compromise structural integrity? Don’t be fooled by appearances and miss what really matters; “Quality Construction.”
Factory Built Homes In the 1960s, the mobile home industry made an evolutionary split. One branch evolved into recreational vehicles RVs to the point where the house now tows the car. The other branch evolved into manufactured homes, 95 percent of which now become permanent dwellings once they are transported from the factory to the site. Factory built housing is also popular in many countries around the world.
Systems Built Construction Factories are located to make the most efficient use of transportation, materials and labor. Therefore, the houses can be built better and more efficiently and more economically. Also, there is less waste and none of the theft, vandalism and weather damage common with stick-built construction. After delivery to the site, all factory-built housing can be assembled, closed in and occupied in a matter of days or weeks.
Pennsylvania Modular Homes A manufactured home is built entirely in the factory under a federal building code administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD and is classified as a Manufactured Home. These homes are constructed to meet the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act, which has been in effect since June 15, 1976. The Federal standards regulate, manufactured housing design, construction, strength, durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and quality. The HUD Code also sets performance standards for the heating, plumbing, air conditioning, thermal and electrical systems.
