Four Gorgeous Styles for Your Manufactured Home

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 cost of traditional, site-built houses. They are also more energy-efficient than some conventional homes, grow in value, and increase the price appreciation of your property. A manufactured home is built under pristine factory conditions and can be completely customized to your exact specifications.
 
While homeowners do have the option of creating their own design and floor plan, there are several styles of manufactured homes available:
 
1. Ranch Style
 
A ranch style manufactured home is one of the most common styles. It is popular throughout the country and is sometimes referred to as the rancher or the rambler. It is typically short in stature, has minimal decoration, and is built in an asymmetrical rectangle or “L” shape.
 
2. Colonial
 
The colonial manufactured home is a popular choice in the southern states. This timeless style features white columns and a front porch that often wraps around the entire home.
 
3. Cape Cod
 
This style originated in the Northeast and is usually available as one or two stories. These homes typically have shutter windows, dormers, and a sharply slanted shingle roof.
 
4. Chalet
 
The chalet style is inspired by the Swiss alpine homes and is arguably one of the most beautiful styles available. These homes are best suited for cold, snowy climates, as they have high, pointed roofs to prevent heavy snow from building up. They also feature huge windows that flood the house with light, providing exquisite views and helping to heat the house without cost.
 
These are only a few of the many styles of manufactured homes available. If you are interested in learning more, contact UMH Properties, Inc. and speak with a helpful representative today.

How Are Manufactured Homes Made?

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 Development, effectively shaping the manufactured home industry that we have today. Thanks to this HUD code, manufactured homes are built to meet or exceed a strict set of regulations that oversee nearly every aspect of home building. But how are manufactured homes actually built?

1. The Frame

Every manufactured home begins with a frame. Belly paper is first unrolled to the appropriate length and stapled to the wooden frame around the perimeter of the house. Pre-assembled sewage and water lines, as well as the ductwork for the AC/heat, are then dropped into their assigned places.

2. The Floors

Once the frame is completed, it is lifted entirely and placed onto axles. Liquid glue is spread over the floor joists and then nailed into place. This step is especially important because it will determine the straightness of the walls later on.

3. The Walls

Like the floor, the walls are positioned into pre-cut jigs and then nailed into place. Paneling is then laid over adhesive studs and stapled to the wall. Holes for the windows and electrical outlets are cut out at this time, and the whole structure is lifted with a hoist and put onto the previously assembled floor.

4. The Roof

A layer of insulation is then blown into the ceiling of the manufactured home. The roof is now ready to be papered with shingles or fitted with a metal or tin roof to your specifications. Once the roof is complete, the new home is ready to go!

If you are interested in learning more about the construction of manufactured homes, feel free to contact one of the associates at UMH Properties, Inc. today.

 

Why Choose A Manufactured Home?

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. However, due to the economy and its effect on the current housing market, homeownership has become an increasingly elusive reality for many families. Thankfully, there is a high-quality, affordable alternative: a manufactured home.

 

Manufactured homes have a number of advantages over a traditional site-built home. For example, a manufactured home has a far greater cost per square foot value than a traditionally built structure. These homes are built in a controlled factory environment and assembled according to a strict national building code – the only homes in America with that guarantee. In addition, their construction is never subject to weather conditions. This means that unlike traditional on-site homes, the building process will never be slowed or delayed due to storms or inclement weather.

 

Manufactured homes are also completely customizable for your unique needs. There are a variety of color selections for both the interior and the exterior that can match your preferences perfectly. These homes can be made completely handicap-accessible as well. Many brands offer assisted-living showers, all doors can be made wheelchair-accessible, and the entire floor plan can be designed to provide a better functioning living space.

 

Many manufactured home real estate companies offer land-leasing, provide competitive pricing, and have financing options and plans available. The communities they build provide quality housing and a friendly, upscale lifestyle to their residents. If you are interested in purchasing a manufactured home or would like to visit one of our beautiful home sites across the country, call UMH Properties, Inc. and speak with a representative today.

 

Eugene Landy, Founder of UMH, interviews with MHProNews’ Tony Kovach

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

The Manufactured Home and Land Lease Community Advantages

 

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 conventional home mortgages the last ten years was a direct result of government policies that encouraged the purchase of houses without regard to affordability. As rational standards are again applied to obtaining housing, manufactured home shipments will likely increase.

 

Manufactured home community owners who have embraced rentals are having no problem finding customers for those rental units. The lack of barriers to entry into rental homes encourage increased occupancy of rentals.

 

Rental units solve the down payment issue that so many working families otherwise cannot overcome. Imagine how difficult it is for a young family of four to save $6,000 on a family income of $50,000 to $70,000 per year. This challenge prevents countless young families from purchasing homes.

 

Down payment is just one hurdle to home ownership. The second hurdle is credit score. Many people have scarred credit as the result of making bad housing choices in the past.

 

But a person with bad credit who moves from a $300,000 house to an $80,000 house should have no problems making the payment if their monthly income is unchanged.

 

Current rules and regulations may prevent financing that buyer. Renting provides that person with a manufactured home they can easily afford while they repair their credit.

 

Our cost advantage as an industry over conventional housing is substantial. Apartment construction averages $200 per square foot, depending on the market. We can buy communities for $40,000 per site and add a $40,000 house creating almost 1,000 sq. ft. of brand new housing for $80 per sq. ft.

 

If an apartment owner needs rent of $14 per sq. ft. we can operate with rent of only $7 per sq. ft. That means where they charge $1,400 per month, while we can charge $700 per month. Clearly we benefit the customer and society. UMH's 92 percent – and steadily increasing – rental occupancy demonstrates that when the regulatory barriers and down payment barriers are removed the consumer accepts our product.

 

The customer appreciates and accepts our appealing home product based on their cost benefit analysis, the enhanced privacy and other factors.

 

The issue becomes what will bring more buyers back to factory built homes? One answer is a stronger economy. When wage earners feel more secure in their jobs, more will buy homes. When wage earners earn more money they will have the down payment for our homes. When demand increases prices for pre-owned manufactured homes, repossessed homes and new homes will all rise.

 

As occupancy in properties increases and waiting lists for residency return, don't be surprised when people who bought during the last ten years make money on their homes. That's the law of supply and demand. People talk, so word will get out that manufactured homes are a good investment. As prices of all housing rises, it will become more and more obvious how cost competitive factory built housing is. Sales will increase.

 

The Other Big MH Issue…

 

In order for UMH to minimize the time required to fill our 2,000 vacant sites, we would like to see an industry-wide marketing and public relations campaign. UMH believes all legislative problems affecting our industry are due in part to our industry not marketing the benefits of our industry.

 

How can anyone be against increasing the quality of housing for families with children, the elderly, those with mobility issues, and all people who need housing?

 

We as industry professionals know the benefits of our product, just as Steve Jobs knew the benefits of personal computing. We need to sell America on the benefits of factory built housing. Steve Jobs sold America on the benefits of Apple products by employing a major national advertising firm.

 

One of the people at that firm was Ken Segall. I am looking forward to introducing Ken Segall, author of Insanely Simple, and the person who put the “i” in iMac, at the MHI national convention.

 

Great products do sell themselves. I know that because of our success with rental homes.

 

But we still need to sell regulators, bankers, zoning officers, and people who otherwise will never see our product on the beauty and benefits of manufactured homes.

 

Yes it’s as simple as getting people to visit our product. But we need to know how to do that. Our mission is complicated by the fact that most of us have never seen a picture that really does the factory-built home justice. Our house is a home.

 

When the potential customer brings their family into our home, it becomes easier for them to visual as their home, and we end up with more leases and sales.

 

But we need to bring that customer from their current residence into our sales center for that to happen. I’m looking forward to the MHI Congress and Expo in Las Vegas in April, and hearing from Ken how we can simply create the best marketing.

 

 

by Sam Landy

 

 

Decorate Your Manufactured Home for the Fall

 

 

 

Summer just ended and Fall 2013 is finally here.  It is time to put away those bright umbrellas, colorful decorations and summery embellishments around your home.  Welcome the fall by decorating your mobile home for the season by adding small touches in every room.

 

Use contrasting colors to add more impact to your displays. Stick with cooler colors like blue and green to add a pop of color and compliment the fall shades of red, orange and yellow.

 

The beauty of fall is that it is a simpler season.  The simpler the décor, the better.  Add a small touch of fall to your room with a canvas table runner and a vase full of marigolds, sunflowers or chrysanthemums.

 

With Halloween around the corner, make sure you bring out those jack-o-lantern skills.  Personalize your pumpkins, and rather than carve out scary faces into them, go for a more refined look with curly, elegant handwriting and shapes.

 

Highlight the neutral colors in your mobile home with pops of red, yellow and orange. Add some deep red throws, throw pillows, frames and vases.

 

Decorate your home with nature.  Decorate glass containers with dried leaves, acorns and twigs.

 

Go ahead and update your artwork collection with a few seasonal prints.  Again, this is going with the mood and color of the season, adding gorgeous fall hues to your home.

 

Slowly transform your manufactured home from the bright summer vacation feel to a subtler, relaxed autumn atmosphere by adding simple touches here and there.  It doesn’t take much to get your home fall-ready; just add some red and orange hues, leaves and pumpkins and a cinnamon scented candle and you are in business.

UMH Presents: Ten Easy Ways to Transform your House into a Home.

Follow these ten simple steps that will be sure to add personality to your property.

In Living Color

The quickest way to shift the energy of a room is to paint the walls. Brighter colors promote vibrance while calmer colors give off a soothing effect.

When in doubt, Throw it out

Don't let your possessions possess you. If you haven't used an item in six months to a year, it's time to part with it.

Get the Pictures

Showcase all the members of your household (even those that have since moved off to college) with personalized picture frames that display the individuality of each loved one.

Light a Candle.

Scented candles can set the mood for any occasion. Remember to always extinguish the flame before leaving the room. 

Make your scene green.

Plants provide healthy oxygen and are proven to raise the moods of those that keep them. You can find maintainable flora at your local home-improvement store.

Keep it warm and friendly.

Studies show that a warmer environment makes people more pleasant. Raising your thermostat will also save you additional money which is another reason to be happy.

Home cooked meals make common scents.

The aroma of a home cooked meal when you walk through the door is comforting and appetizing. Gather the entire family around the table for some good ole fashioned eats a few times a week.

Get into the holiday spirit.

Decorating your home during the holidays is a fantastic way to show off your household's festive side. It will bring your family closer together and make the season's more memorable.

Get-Togethers

Invite family and friends over for a night of fun, food, and games. Having company over can lift the spirits in your home and create a more vibrant atmosphere.

There goes the neighborhood.

Go outside and meet your neighbors. Scheduling play-dates with your children is a perfect way for you to engage with the people you share your community with.

Follow these tips to transform your ordinary house into a welcoming home.

Share your household tips with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Profiles of Manufactured Home Owners

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 married for over 40 years and put their three children through college. They are both retired and ready to spend their golden years in a quiet community. The upkeep of their current home has been a hassle and it's outgrown them. They have grown tired of the constant repairs and they're not as young as they used to be. Both of them no longer want to live in a home with stairs. She insists that they look into a household that's affordable and easy to maintain. They both enjoy staying active by taking peaceful walks through nature trails as well as participating in community events.

The Firstheimers
The Firstheimers are recently engaged and ready to embark on their lives together. They've been renting out an apartment for the past two years of their relationship and they're prepared to finally have a home to call their own. They are expecting their first child in three months and are looking for a place that's not too small, not too big, with a price that's just right. Community is extremely important to their family; so her and her husband decided to take a look at a UMH Village. The Firstheimer's are currently residing in a safe and secure community. Their neighbors even threw them a surprise baby shower at the community clubhouse.

The Highrisers
The Highrisers are former city-slickers that desperately need a change of pace. The hustle and bustle of the rat race no longer excites them. They're yearning for more of a relaxed and easy going lifestyle. Peace and quiet is of the utmost importance in their lives. A few of their family friends just recently moved into a UMH community and expressed to her how peaceful and quaint it is. He loves the affordability and she appreciates the ambience. They are now able to take a deep breath and truly enjoy their new lives.

The Downsizer, Firstheimer, and Highriser Families all have something in common – a need for change. These could be your neighbors so start a new beginning and create lasting memories at one of UMH's 68 communities today.

How to Create More Space for Your Place

 

Many homeowners face the challenge of decorating their abode to appear more spacious than it actually is. Luckily, there are multiple techniques to assist homeowners in achieving the interior design they prefer. Consider the following ideas:

 •From hoarder to order. The best way to create more space is by getting rid of unnecessary items that are no longer in use. Make neat piles of the belongings that you want to keep; donate or dispose of anything that has not been utilized for a year and is unlikely to be used again. Throwing away useless stuff will de-clutter an area, freeing up space, and making it possible to re-decorate.

 •Hide then Seek. When attempting to free up a tighter space, craftiness is mandatory. Finding places to store your rarely-used items is crucial. Neatly place them behind closed doors, under a bed, or even deep in the closet in an appropriate storage container. Organization is key and being able to find these items right away when you need them is the motive.

 •In Living Color. Color selection can go a long way toward giving a home a spacious look. Lighter colors tend to give a space an open and airy feeling. Keep a consistent trend throughout the space by matching curtains and upholstery to the ongoing theme of the home.

 •Light it Up. Lighting is essential for the ambience of any setting, and certainly contributes toward making a home feel more spacious. There are countless creative options that will be sure to brighten up any abode. Light fixtures with dimming options will generate an illusion of roominess.

 •Mirror Mirror on the Wall. Hanging a mirror on a long wall will create an illusion of added volume, thus making any space appear larger. Choosing mirrors that do not clash with a home's décor is pivotal. Following the concept of a car's side mirror, utilizing transparent materials will make objects look further away.

 •Go BIG or go Home. When selecting furniture for your home, choose large but proportioned couches, love seats, and wall units. Small pieces may appear to be scattered and promote  the unintended effect of making the home look small and empty. When using furniture covers, avoid loudprints and stick to solid colors or muted prints.

 

Follow these steps and enjoy your newfound space. For more information on manufactured homes please visit www.umh.com or call us at 1-800-504-0670.