High-Quality Affordable Manufactured Homes For Sale in Land-Lease Communities

Manufactured Homes Are Changing the Way You Think About Affordable Housing

When you think about celebrity homes, what comes to mind? Probably a $10 million mansion with several pools, a movie theater, a sport court, and a huge kitchen, all set on many acres of property. The sheer size of most of these homes certainly catches the eye, but it’s not like anyone could actually afford to buy something like that.
 
However, when the rich and famous decide that they’d like to buy a manufactured home, people sit up and take notice.
 
For instance, iconic fashion designer Betsey Johnson recently made headlines when she decided to downsize from her 2,900 sq. ft. East Hampton pad and move into a Malibu manufactured home community. She’s not the only one—other residents in the community include Matthew McConaughey and Pamela Anderson. It boasts ocean views and secluded lots, and some homes are even decorated by big-name designers.
 
Stylish Manufactured Homes Communities Draw Residents
 
Here are just a few reasons why a growing number of people want to escape their bigger digs and move into a smaller, compact space that’s just as fabulous.
 
  • Prime Locations. Many manufactured home communities are near desirable areas, such as state and national parks, breathtaking mountain ranges, beautiful beaches, and popular cities that are best known for pricey housing. A manufactured home with in a sought-after location can put you close to your favorite places and can also be conveniently near where you work.   
  • An Affordable Housing Choice. Families, single parents, couples, or those who are enjoying retirement may be looking for a housing option that is much more affordable than what many cities are offering. With housing prices appreciating over the last three years at an average of 17% in many cities (and as high as 50% in places like San Francisco), manufactured homes are one of the few housing bargains available. 
  • Manufactured Home Features. These homes often include three bedrooms and may be as much as 1,500 sq. ft. large. With plenty of kitchen space, plus a master bedroom and master bath, they have just as many features as site-built homes. Some have hardwood floors, tile, cathedral ceilings, picture windows, laundry/mud rooms, and additional options. 
If you’re considering a change in your housing or your location, UMH invites you to tour a model home at a nearby manufactured home community to see the amenities included. UMH Properties owns 98 manufactured home communities throughout seven states in the United States. Call or contact us to learn more.

The Sought-After Features That Drive Manufactured Home Sales

Most home buyers are not only looking for the perfect house, but also for particular features that have become popular in the past decade. 
 
The National Association of Realtors ® reports that eat-in kitchens and ample storage areas are some of the top reasons why buyers choose particular homes. At the same time, many people, especially single homebuyers and those who are paying back student loans, are looking for affordable options near their places of work.   
 
Manufactured Home Amenities Attract Price-Conscious Homebuyers 
Manufactured homes are modern, spacious, and offer the features that today’s homebuyers are seeking, including:
 
  • Spacious Floor Plans for Families. The interiors of modern manufactured homes have floor plans similar to those in site-built homes. These homes have three bedrooms, two baths, and master bedroom and bath suites. They include a large, eat-kitchen with an island, plenty of counter space for small appliances, cabinet room for dishware, and even breakfast nooks. Brand-name appliances, another important factor in homebuyer decisions, are available too. 
  • Storage and Outdoor Areas. Manufactured homes have countertop and cabinet space in both the kitchen and bathrooms, plus plenty of closet space in the bedrooms. A storage shed is included on most properties, and homes have a deck where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Many manufactured home communities also have amenities such as club houses, playgrounds, swimming pools, and basketball courts.
  • Locations Where People Want to Live and Work. We’ve also noticed a shift in homebuyer preferences: instead of being forced to find a home that’s an hour away from the city area where they work, they prefer to be closer – closer to work, to dining and shopping, and to entertainment. Today’s homebuyers want less time commuting and more time enjoying leisure activities. 
Home buyer profiles have shifted in the past decade. This is where the manufactured home industry really shines. These three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes are as much as 60% less than comparable site-built homes, which gives people much more control over their housing dollars.
 
We invite you to tour a model home at a nearby manufactured home community to see the many features included. UMH Properties owns 98 manufactured home communities throughout seven states in the United States. Call or contact us to learn more.

Manufactured Homes Vs. Mobile Homes: What Are the Differences?

Although the terms “manufactured home” and “mobile home” are used interchangeably, they are completely different products. Mobile homes haven't been constructed since the mid-1970s, when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established stringent construction guidelines. In the place of mobile homes, the manufactured home industry took off and started to offer spacious homes with modern floorplans for today's families.
 
More Space, Varied Floorplans, Community Amenities 
There are many differences between these two types of homes, with the most popular listed here:
 
  • Space and Storage: Manufactured homes the space of a mobile home and many feature three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Highlights include large kitchens with abundant countertop and cabinet space, living rooms that comfortably seat everyone in the family, and master bedrooms with attached master baths. Outside, manufactured homes usually have storage sheds, decks, or patios. 
  • Amenities and Floorplans: Decades ago, mobile homes were designed with very few amenities and didn't have varied floorplans since they contained so little space. Manufactured homes, are now designed with the modern home owner in mind. The kitchens have space for an island or breakfast nook. Master bedrooms feature walk-in closets and master baths have room for a relaxing garden tub and shower, as well as plenty of counter and sink space. Also, wall-to-wall carpeting and/or laminate floors are the norm in manufactured homes. 
  • Community and Location: Many manufactured homes are located in beautifully landscaped communities and feature playgrounds, sport courts, clubhouses, and other amenities that cater to every age. The communities are often in suburban or rural areas, but are close to major cities and highways. Shopping, dining, entertainment, and activities are also nearby. 
 
Manufactured homes are built according to strict regional safety standards for durability, efficiency, and roof load requirements. These communities offer people the ability to own, rent, or lease a spacious home that is up to 60% less expensive than similar site-built homes located in the same area. 
 
The best way to see what a modern manufactured home looks like is to tour a model home at a community near you. UMH Properties owns 98 manufactured home communities throughout seven states in the United States. Call or contact us to learn more.

Affordable Starter Homes Become Scarce

Buying a starter home is a longstanding tradition for young people and their families. In the past 15 years, however, the prices of starter homes—and we’re talking about starter homes in mid-population cities—have soared to more than $150,000. In California, it’s even higher, with several cities in that state topping $350,000 or more for starter homes. After the housing crisis, investors snapped up foreclosed homes around the country and turned them into pricey rentals. Stricter financing rules meant that homeowners who wanted to buy larger homes couldn’t move out of their starter homes, and in turn, fewer inexpensive homes went on the market.
 
We’ve found that since first-time homebuyers are often younger, they may not be able to afford the kind of home they’d like to live in. So, they’re getting squeezed out of the housing market before they can even enter it. Some are having to put off their dream of home ownership for several more years, buy a smaller home, move to a more affordable home in a less desirable location, or continue to pay rent for an apartment.
 
Manufactured Homes Serve as a Perfect Starter Home
As gloomy as the housing market is right now, there are inexpensive, three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes available that are spacious and located in sought-after areas around the country. These manufactured home communities have amenities that you can’t get in many higher-priced, site-built starter homes:
  • Spacious Floor Plans. Homes have modern features, including kitchens with ample cabinet and countertop space, islands, and breakfast nooks. Master bedrooms, master bathrooms, and porches create bonus living space.
  • Community Amenities. These communities may have recreational amenities like outdoor pools, playgrounds, basketball courts, exercise rooms, and clubhouses that can be used by all residents of the community.
  • Desirable Locations. Manufactured home communities are often close to urban areas, making work commutes easy and ensuring that residents are near entertainment, dining, and shopping options. Some are in beautiful suburban areas near parks and recreational areas.  
Additionally, many manufactured home communities operate using the land-lease system, which means that residents buy their home but lease the land it’s sitting on. You’ll spend even less money on housing, and you can do what you’d like with your money since it isn’t tied up in your housing costs.
 
Many people prefer private, single-family homes to attached housing like apartments or condos. People who are looking for an affordable, spacious starter home in a great location have the option of living in a manufactured home community.
UMH Properties owns 98 manufactured home communities throughout seven states in the United States. These spacious, affordable homes include amenities that our residents love. Call or contact us to learn more.

Community Living Vs. Non-Communal Living: Which Should You Choose?

If you are considering a move, there’s more to think about than living in a beautiful home. You’ll also want to consider the area you’re moving to, the surroundings, and the people who will become your neighbors. Many homeowners believe that what’s around them (or, in some cases, NOT around them) is just as important as the comforts inside of their homes.
Community Living Is a Popular Choice
Living in a community offers many advantages for folks of all ages. Manufactured home communities, in particular, offer features that include:
  • Shared Amenities. Many manufactured home communities include extra conveniences for residents. They can enjoy sport courts, outdoor pools and sun decks, and even club houses that can be used for resident get-togethers or to host parties or special events. Non-communal living areas aren’t able to offer those kind of extras that allow residents to get to know each other.
  • Affordability. In a manufactured home community, homes are much more affordably priced than comparable site-built homes, sometimes selling for up to 60% less. While these homes are less expensive, they are large and modern, with three bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchens and bedrooms, and plenty of storage. You can choose to live in a beautiful home that fits your lifestyle and fits within your housing budget.
  • Land-Lease Opportunity. In a manufactured home community, land leases allow residents to lease the land that their home stands on for a much lower cost than purchasing the land. Now, your housing costs become even more affordable. Buying the land in a non-communal area means you’ll spend a much bigger chunk of your housing dollar.
  • Desirable Locations. Many suburban and rural manufactured home communities are located in areas that you want to live in, with dining, recreation, entertainment, shopping, and schools nearby. In some communities, you can even walk to work, school, or leisure activities. Stand-alone homes, on the other hand, can often be in more isolated areas.
If you’d like to enjoy the benefits of community living, UMH properties owns 98 manufactured home communities throughout seven states in the United States. These spacious, affordable homes include great locations and amenities that our residents use every day. Call or contact us to learn more.

Turn your tax refund into a smooth move

Drops of sweat form at the temples. Pulses skip a beat. As April 15th nears, many taxpayers are scrambling to file their federal state and tax returns. But if you’re one of the nearly 80% of Americans who will receive a refund of hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars, you’re doing a happy dance.

Now, the question is, what’s the best way to spend it? You might be tempted to splurge on a vacation. Congratulations, you deserve it! Others will buy a new car or SUV, which can be a necessity. But if you’re honest with yourself, you’ll admit that neither one of those expenditures is a wise investment. So, what is?

Why not improve your lifestyle while making a smart financial decision? If you’re already a homeowner, consider the long-awaited kitchen or bathroom remodel. People buying a house look first at kitchens and baths, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. So while these rooms can be the most costly to redo, they’re more likely to pay off in higher resale value.

Live better, sooner

Another common-sense idea for spending tax refunds is placing a down payment on a new home. For apartment dwellers, home ownership could be a dream come true. Manufactured home communities offer ownership starting well below most stick-built homes.

Companies like UMH Properties, Inc. help their customers find the homes and features that fit their budgets. Some of their communities offer three-bedroom, two-bathroom manufactured homes for a cost similar to a one-bedroom apartment. And now may be the best time to buy. Interest rates are near all-time lows, but appear to be inching higher.

At UMH Properties, Inc., prices vary depending on size as well as customizable features and finishes. Home prices also vary by location, but all models and price points include backyards that encourage outdoor activities. Residents are welcome to pursue their interests, leisure activities and DIY projects. Many UMH communities feature shared amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and playgrounds within steps of individual homes. And all UMH sites provide on-site management and around-the-clock maintenance services.An investment of this year’s refund in a new home can reap even more benefits down the road in the form of tax deductions. The Mortgage Interest Deduction alone led to $68.5 billion in mortgage interest deductions (MID) in just 2012, according to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). That saved American homeowners an average of about $1,900 each.

So before you hit the “Buy” button on that set of custom aluminum wheels or 85-inch smart TV, consider the alternatives. UMH Properties, Inc. has been building high-quality, affordable lifestyle communities since 1968. Visit UMH.com to find the perfect UMH community near you. Or call 800-504-0670 for more information.

As Housing Prices Increase Again, Affordable Homes Still Available Near Cities

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 be: What’s going to happen with the current housing market?

Right now, in cities across America, the middle class is quickly being priced out of homes. A recent article in Yahoo! Finance reports that “from 2010 to 2013, home prices were 56 percent higher than construction costs, an increase from the 1990s when home prices were 33 percent higher than construction costs . . . .” Unfortunately, cities on both the East and West coasts are seeing average home prices close to, or even topping, one million dollars—far out of the reach of most city dwellers.

City planning commissions are also choosing not to build high-density (and more affordable) construction by choosing not to change zoning laws that would allow it. Decisions like these are preventing middle- and low-income groups from owning a home.

Middle- and Low-Income Lending Problems

Since the housing crisis started in 2008, and lending regulations were tightened, middle- and low-income would-be homeowners found that they could no longer use private lenders to obtain a mortgage. Instead, in many cases, they were forced to rent homes at a much higher rental cost than would have had just five years ago. Instead of becoming homeowners, many had to continue to rent. Then, as rents increased around the country, people were being priced out of certain cities where just 10 years before, they could have easily met their mortgage payments.

Opportunities in the Current Housing Market

Even as certain areas of the country are pricing hopeful homeowners out of the market, affordable housing options near large and small city areas remain. Manufactured home communities are located in every state, and they offer:

  • Large, spacious homes. Many manufactured home communities offer three-bedroom and two-bathroom homes that are as large as 1,500 square feet. They feature beautifully designed kitchens with space for islands, breakfast bars or nooks, plus counter space and cabinetry. Master bedrooms open into master baths, and walk-in closets may be available too.
  • Great locations. If you’d like to live in a desirable area but you find that you’re being priced out of the traditional home market, a manufactured home community allows you to live where you desire. You can be close to cities, in a rural area, or right in the suburbs, and close to shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation.   
  • Personal service for owners and renters. With professional, 24-hours-a-day on-property management available, plus timely maintenance service, community residents always have someone to depend on. Many manufactured home communities also have playgrounds, basketball courts, outdoor pools, and clubhouses that residents are free to use year-round.

UMH properties owns 98 manufactured home communities in seven states throughout seven states in the United States. Our affordable homes allow you to live where you want. Call or contact us today to learn more about our modern, spacious homes.

Why Manufactured Homes Are So Popular with Homeowners Across the Country

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 money to buy a home. Manufactured homes offer an affordable solution.
 
Manufactured Homes Offer Location, Comfort, and Many Options
Manufactured homes are becoming increasingly attractive to potential homeowners because:
 
  • They’re located in established communities. Many manufactured homes communities include community centers, play areas, and pools. Most have private settings with plenty of shopping and dining options, too.    
  • They’re affordable. Manufactured homes are usually priced from the mid-$40,000s to low-$100,000s (plus taxes and fees), depending on the community and state they are in. When you consider the U.S. median home price this past summer exceeded $236,000, you can see what a sound investment a manufactured home is. 
  • They have many interior options. Definitely not one-size-fits-all, manufactured homes come in many different floor plans, including open concept plans, master bedroom suites and master baths, and upgraded kitchens that include islands, custom cabinetry, and plenty of counter space. You can design a manufactured home and include all of the upgrades and luxuries of a site built homes
  • They’re spacious. Some floor plans include living rooms that are 20’x13’, master bedrooms that are 15’ x 13’, and kitchen/dining room areas with space that is around 24’x13’. You can select a floor plan which meets your needs, homes are available ranging from one to four bedrooms. 
 
UMH Properties help you choose a location and style of home that will match your needs. We’re here to help you through the buying process, and once you’re in your home, our on-site manager can answer questions or address any concerns. Contact us today to learn more about our homes and communities.

UMH Looking to Acquire Manufactured Home Retail Dealership

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 investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates manufactured home communities in seven states throughout the northeast, including New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana and Michigan.

UMH has been in business since 1968, operating as a public company since 1985. We own a portfolio of 95 manufactured home communities, housing approximately 16,600 home sites. 

UMH has a subsidiary, UMH Sales and Finance, which sells manufactured homes into its communities as well as costumers own property.
 

We encourage you to visit our investors website ir.umh.com where you will find our most recent Annual Report, Letter to Shareholders, and SEC Filings. Our website also includes our Dividend Reinvestment Plan Description, Property Portfolio, and other key information that should be of interest to our shareholders and potential investors.

Increased Value-

We believe your dealership can earn more as part of the UMH Family. UMH Properties, Inc. will increase sales and profits by having high quality community lots available and strong marketing campaigns.

 If interested please contact Kristi McGovern at kmcgovern@umh.com.

 

UMH Seeking Experienced Sales Representative

Seeking Experienced Sales Representative

Saratoga, NY – Full Time

Belle Vernon, PA – Full Time

 

About UMH Properties, Inc. –

UMH Properties, Inc., (UMH) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates manufactured home communities in seven states throughout the northeast, including New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana and Michigan.

UMH has been in business since 1968, operating as a public company since 1985. We own a portfolio of 95 manufactured home communities, housing approximately 16,600 home sites. 

UMH has a subsidiary, UMH Sales and Finance, which sells manufactured homes into its communities as well as costumers own property.
 

We encourage you to visit our investors website ir.umh.com where you will find our most recent Annual Report, Letter to Shareholders, and SEC Filings. Our website also includes our Dividend Reinvestment Plan Description, Property Portfolio, and other key information that should be of interest to our shareholders and potential investors.

 

Position Available: Experienced Sales Representative

Job Description:

We have a 64 lot expansion at one of our beautiful communities. We are looking for a passionate knowledgeable sales person. Our ideal candidate is extremely organized, detail oriented and has 5 years of experience in the manufactured home industry.

–       Set up appointments to with leads to view homes 

–       Deal with getting costumers approved for financing

–       Land home deals

–       Stage sales homes

–       Make sure sales homes are always up to UMH standards

–       Order new homes to fill expansion

Location: Saratoga, NY & Belle Vernon, PA

Qualified applications, please email resume and cover letter to Kristi McGovern at kmcgovern@umh.com

Apply Now