If you’re looking to move, then you’ve probably chosen what type of housing you’ll end up in. Will it be an apartment, a townhome? A stick-built residence, a condo? This decision usually comes down to what you can afford in your area. Apartment living is definitely the most well known affordable housing option, with over 50 million Americans renting apartments (nmhc.org). But there are more affordable, more spacious alternatives.
20 million Americans live in manufactured homes (US census), with more and more making the move each year. They’re in the minority compared to apartment dwellers, but we think they know something that other people don’t. If you’re on the market for a new place to live, and you’re considering renting an apartment, read on to understand why so many Americans are making the switch from apartments to manufactured homes.
When you pay rent to live in an apartment each month, you’re putting money towards something that you don’t own. Renting seems like the most affordable option at first, but how much of your money are you giving away? When you pay rent, you’ll never see that money again.
But did you know you could purchase a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom manufactured home for a similar cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment? Plus, you can build equity on those monthly payments, without the huge expenses associated with buying a stick-built home. When you buy a manufactured home in a land-lease community, you own the home you live in: which means if you ever want to sell it, you can see some money back from those payments you make every month.
Plus, buying or renting manufactured homes are often as affordable or more affordable than renting apartments in certain areas. So even if you’re not ready to buy a manufactured home, you can save money by renting a manufactured home in a land-lease community, instead of renting a unit in an apartment.
When your home is your own, you can do what you want with it! In most apartments, you’ll be limited when it comes to personalizing your space: no painting the walls or replacing the hardware. Dream on if you’re not crazy about the kitchen in your apartment, because those cabinets and countertops are there to stay.
When you buy a manufactured home, you’re free to customize the home’s interior however you’d like before you even move in. Many land-lease communities have lots available for brand new, made-to-order manufactured homes, which means you can design the home to look just how you want it to.
Speaking of freedom, remember the person who lived in the apartment next to you who always complained about noise? When you’re not sharing walls, you’re free to do what you want, when you want: crank up the volume on your TV, have guests over late, or even play your drum kit in the early hours before work… There’s no one on the other side of the wall to hear you.
Which brings us to: privacy. When your property is truly your own, that privacy goes both ways. Not only will your neighbors not have to hear what you’re up to, but also you won’t have to hear them. No more upstairs neighbor doing burpees and jumping jacks while you’re trying to relax.
Not to mention, at an apartment complex, outside amenities are shared fully amongst residents. If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony, chances are it’s immediately next to, above, or below someone else’s. When you own or rent a manufactured home in a land-lease community, you’ll have a lot all to yourself: so get outside and enjoy your yard without having to cross paths with the neighbors unless they’re invited.
If you’ve ever lived in an apartment or duplex without enough dedicated parking spaces, you’re probably all too familiar with how frustrating that can be. Let’s face it: street parking is never ideal. Your car is at risk of getting dinged up on the street, and there’s always a chance you’ll end up having to walk a block or two (or more) just to get to your home from your car.
At a land-lease community, you’ll have your own driveway, which means you’ll always have spots for you and your guests.
And all that extra space isn’t just for your car. In many cases, your options for manufactured housing will be more affordable and more spacious, especially in urban areas where apartments tend to be tinier and more expensive. Most new manufactured homes come with laundry rooms, walk-in closets, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and open floor plans that give you and your cohabitants space to breathe. Storage is no issue, with plenty of cabinet and closet space inside of the home. Plus, outside most homes come with storage sheds for your tools, bikes and lawn furniture.
Don’t need 3 bedrooms, or a home office? There are smaller manufactured homes available too, but seriously, consider the possibilities of an extra room. It’s a space where your dreams can live. Take up crafting in it. Lay down a mat and throw in some affordable exercise equipment for a home gym. Make it a game room for the kids so their toy mess no longer lives in the living room, or stock it with a bar and a mini fridge for the adults. The possibilities are endless.
“But what about my amenities?” You might say. Nicer apartment complexes sometimes come with fitness centers, recreation areas, a pool, on-site maintenance or clubhouses, and we can understand how those can be hard to give up. The good news is that many manufactured home land-lease communities have those amenities, too.
Like home manufacturer Clayton says in their video, with your “beautiful, affordable slice of the world to call your own,” you could truly have it made.
It’s time to ditch the shared walls for green grass and privacy. You can have the lifestyle and the home that you’ve dreamt of, without taking on the burden of an expensive land purchase.
To start designing your picture-perfect dream home, visit UMHSalesCenter.com, and find a land-lease community near you with UMH’s community finder. It’s time to create a home to call your own: one with more space, more privacy, and more amenities than the apartment options you’ve been considering.
Discover the Top Benefits of Living in a Manufactured Home We’ve discovered the hidden gem of affordable homeownership with Carlisle-manufactured homes by UMH Properties, Inc. These homes offer a unique living experience that combines quality, comfort, and community. We can create a personalized and secure living environment with high quality features, superior construction standards, and […]
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As the United States shakes off the last vestiges of a recession that has affected every area of the country, and the Federal Reserve has hiked its key interest rate for the first time in many years, everyone is watching to see what’s going to happen with the job market. A more pertinent question would […]
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After the financial crisis of 2008, mortgage lending rules were adjusted in a way that made it difficult to save enough for a down payment for a house. Prospective homeowners now need larger down payments and higher credit scores in order to close a mortgage loan. However, it may take years to save up enough […]
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UMH Properties Looking to Acquire Manufactured Home Retail Dealership UMH Properties, Inc. is seeking an existing manufactured home retail dealerships within two hours of one of our communities. We would like to purchase dealerships as well as retain all current employees. About UMH Properties, Inc. – UMH Properties, Inc., (UMH) is a real estate […]
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Nestled in the heart of the resplendent New Jersey town of Millville, Fairview Manor, a premier UMH Properties, Inc. community, has been selected as the 2014 Best Manufactured Housing Community by The Daily Journal. UMH Properties prides itself in progressing and cultivating high-quality manufactured home communities, and it is truly an honor and a privilege […]
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In the past, a lot of people thought of manufactured homes as the awkward stepchild of other houses. They couldn’t be more wrong. After doing some research, it’s easy to see manufactured houses are some of the most affordable homes on the market. These houses are built in climate-controlled environments, usually in fewer than two […]
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While manufactured houses make great, affordable homes, they sometimes have space challenges, especially when it comes to the needs of a kid’s bedroom. Here are some ideas to make your kid’s bedroom fun and usable at the same time. Utilize color blocking to mark off different areas. For example, the closet could be a […]
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Imagine you've been looking for a simple but noticeable way to make your manufactured home stand out from the rest, but you’re having a hard time coming up with just the right touch. Shutters are a simple and relatively cheap way to get just what you're looking for, and they have the extra advantage of […]
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So, you think your manufactured home is in need of a breath of fresh air? We've all been there, but the process of making the change can seem daunting. You don't have to go all out and make your space unrecognizable. In fact, if you're on a budget and concerned about sticking to it, you'd […]
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At some point, everyone gets sick of their living spaces, be it a manufactured home or a massive mansion on a hill. However, when you're living in a small space, it can seem like there isn't much you can do to breathe new life into your home. With a little creativity and elbow grease, however, […]
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Decorating a manufactured home is a unique but fun challenge. Just like in any other small home or apartment, residents want to maximize space without limiting style or their own personal flair. Thankfully, top decorators and home designers have developed foolproof methods of opening up even the most cramped space without sacrificing an inch of […]
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The holidays are here and in full swing! One of the favorite pastimes during this time of year is decorating. If you live in a manufactured home, there are a few tips you can follow to make the most of your decorating efforts. These are some our favorites: 1. Don't go too big with your […]
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There’s no doubt you have a laundry list of preparations to complete if you’re awaiting the arrival of a new baby in your life. Among the most important of those preparations is childproofing your manufactured home. While it may not seem like it at first glance, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of everyday dangers […]
February 13, 2015
If you live in a manufactured home located in a high-risk area for hurricane impact, you should always be proactive in the prevention of water damage from hurricanes. Here are five ways to help protect your home. 1. Seal gaps. Windows and doors should be completely sealed. Replace damaged caulking. Inspect areas around […]
February 5, 2015
An old stereotype holds that manufactured homes are more vulnerable to storm and disaster damage than traditionally built homes. It’s possible that this idea comes from Hollywood or local news footage of tornadoes ripping through trailer parks, leaving piles of rubble in their wake. It's time this myth was debunked. First off, a manufactured home […]
February 2, 2015
Winter weather can be severe and frightening at times. If you have a manufactured home, you’ll want to take a few steps to protect your roof in advance. Here are five ways to help prevent roof damage from heavy snow. 1. Use a roof rake. Find these tools at your local hardware store, and use […]
January 29, 2015
New homeowners ask the same question: How do I customize my new manufactured home to feel like me? In many ways, a new house can feel like a blank canvas, ready to absorb your personality and become a statement of who you are. This can be exciting, but it can also be intimidating. If you’re […]
January 27, 2015
It is not unusual for new home shoppers to go straight to the nearest builder and check out the models. However, these folks are really missing out on some terrific options. Manufactured homes have made great strides in the last 30 years, and it is now possible to get affordable and high-quality deals. What […]
January 20, 2015
A manufactured home can present an interesting challenge when it comes to obtaining financing. You see, financing is often based on a number of factors and certain requirements. People searching for loans may all have different situations, and you must decide which loans offer the best deal for your circumstances. Let’s examine the requirements for […]
January 16, 2015
When you purchase a home from a builder, you can easily stop by and watch the construction of your new home. However, a manufactured home is constructed at the factory, and you won't be able to watch the building progress. This guide explains the typical building process and timelines to expect from the factory. […]
January 13, 2015
Hurricanes and tornadoes can deliver pretty high wind speeds. They are often erratic in nature, and wind speeds can increase in just an instant. Storms of this magnitude often make homeowners question whether their home could survive. Some homeowners with site-built homes may believe they are not as vulnerable as folks that live in […]
January 5, 2015
Why would millions of people purchase a manufactured home if they didn't expect it to retain some value? These homes are very affordable, well constructed, and in high demand. Lets see how appreciation factors, regulations, and construction qualities could affect home appreciation values. Home Appreciation Market factors determine whether a home will appreciate […]
January 2, 2015
Americans purchase thousands of manufactured homes each year. These homes are assembled in a factory and then placed on the homeowner’s leased or owned property. Purchasing a “manufactured” home is far more affordable than a traditional site-built house, making homeownership more realistic for many middle and lower-income families. If you are in the market for […]
December 29, 2014
Economic times are tough, and many families all across America are making the decision to purchase manufactured homes. These high-quality, fully customizable houses are factory built according to a strict code and can be tailored to your exact specifications. No matter what your family's unique needs may be, a manufactured home is the smart, affordable […]
December 26, 2014
There are many different types and styles of manufactured homes available. Learn more about the options and decide which might be right for your family. Manufactured homes allow millions of American families to experience the pride of homeownership each year. These quality homes are built in one-fifth the time and often at half the […]
December 22, 2014
Manufactured homes are built according to a strict set of building guidelines. Learn more about how these residences are actually constructed. Since the 1960s, manufactured homes have risen in popularity both as vacation homes and permanent residences. In 1978, the national building code, nicknamed HUD, was established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban […]
December 19, 2014
A manufactured home can be the perfect solution to your housing needs. Find out the advantages of this structure versus a traditional on-site home. Homeownership is part of the great American dream. Nearly every family dreams of owning their own home and building a place to grow old, raise a family, and eventually retire. […]
December 17, 2014
Chairman and Founder of UMH Properties, Inc., Eugene Landy, is featured in an interview with MHProNews' Tony Kovach. They discuss the progress of UMH Properties, Inc. and the manufactured housing market. Click this link to watch this interview on MHProNews: http://www.mhmarketingsalesmanagement.com/home/featured-articles/june-2014/138-general-manufactured-housing-industry-topics/7676-inside-manufactured-housing-a-video-with-eugene-landy-chairman-and-founder-of-umh-properties-manufactured-home-communities-investing-and-industry-outlook
June 2, 2014
Regardless of price point, factory-built homes are the cost effective way to create quality housing. Based on factory built housing's indisputable cost advantage, factory built homes should increase market share compared to other forms of housing. The increase in manufactured home shipments occurred every decade but the last one. The billions lost in […]
March 3, 2014
The profile of the average manufactured homeowner has certainly shifted. Chances are, prospected home buyers will have more in common with residents inhabiting manufactured homes than not. Below we have gathered a list of people that fit the description of your new neighbors. Without further adieu, let's introduce them. The Downsizers The Downsizers have been […]
April 29, 2013
Find out why manufactured homes are the hottest trend in housing: AFFORDABILITY Manufactured home prices are a big draw for families searching for a peaceful, affordable place to live. On average, a double-wide manufactured home in Pennsylvania will cost around $62,000. The average price of a similar size site-built home is not even comparable to […]
April 25, 2013