This is one of the most asked questions in our industry. So here comes a little history lesson. The Department of Motor Vehicles use to be the state agency that licensed and regulated this industry. When the DMV was in charge of these homes, the term they used was “Mobile Homes”. In 1981, the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) took over this industry. Subsequently, the HCD changed the term to “Manufactured Homes”. So to re-cap.. if the home was made in 1980 or before, it is a mobile home. If it was made in 1981 or later, it is a manufactured home.
The difference between Manufactured and Modular home has to do primarily with what local or federal code it is built to. All manufactured homes are built to a governmental HUD code while modular homes are built to a local or state IRC code (use to be UBC). Typically, manufactured homes are place in parks or communities. Both manufactured and modular can be set on private land. The main advantage to setting a manufactured home on private land is that it is typically the most affordable option. The main advantage to modular is that in the eyes of most lenders, there are no distinctions between modular and “stick built” homes. What this means to you is that there will be more lending options available. Modular homes will also typically appreciate at the same rate as regular Real Estate while costing far less to build.
For more details or information, we invite you to call us directly at 619-449-3800 and set up a no obligation, no cost appointment with one of our Home Specialists to see which housing option is best for you.
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