From our restaurant portions to the cars that we drive, it seems like the United States was built on the mantra that bigger is better. Which is why it’s so surprising that something many refer to as “The Tiny House Movement” could sweep the nation by storm. And yet, Instagram feeds, internet blogs and even multiple dedicated time slots on HGTV have become inundated with the tiny house craze.
So what exactly is a tiny house, and why has it become so trendy?
A tiny house is precisely what it sounds like. Ranging from 60-500 square feet, a tiny house is built to be minimalist and down to the essentials. Most tiny house aficionados join the movement for environmental and financial reasons. But manufactured homes have been here all along as a practical & ecological solution to affordable housing.
Putting a price on it
Tiny homes were born from the DIY trend. For those who are willing to build it themselves, a tiny house can be quite affordable. But depending upon the appliances and fixtures, the average tiny house typically costs between $200 and $400 per square foot.
Compared to manufactured homes, that’s less bang for your buck. The average manufactured home in 2015 cost $100.65 per square foot, making it two to four times more cost effective than its trendy counterpart.
The legal woes of tiny houses
Building a tiny house is one thing. But once it’s built, where do you put it?
In many places, it’s hard to live in a tiny house legally. Building codes, local zoning laws and county ordinances all must factor into tiny house planning. Alternative forms of affordable housing tend to address this issue better than their tiny counterparts.
Manufactured home builders follow federal Housing and Urban Development codes, and many buyers have the luxury of placing their new home in a community that has already been zoned accordingly. That means not having to sort out your own plumbing, which is something I think most of us could do without!
Designing your own home
No doubt, much of the tiny house appeal comes from the aesthetic. They’re trendy, craftsman and can be designed just how you like it.
However, customizations in manufactured homes have blossomed in recent years. A far cry from the cookie-cutter pre-fabs of decades ago, most manufactured home builders offer a wide range of customizations. From cabinetry to floor plans to appliances, the growing options give buyers the opportunity to design the home of their dreams.
Manufactured Homes: Going Green
If energy efficiency is what you’re after, the average tiny home might win out. But for years manufactured homes have been designed with energy efficiency in mind. They are the original “green living” home, and are still far more efficient than your average stick-built home.
Many manufactured home builders are Energy Star Certified, which means their homes are designed to meet the EPA’s strict guidelines for energy efficiency. This includes standards for effective insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction ducts and appliances and heating/cooling systems that use less energy. So while the tiny house movement tightly couples with less consumption and the “off-grid” lifestyle, manufactured homes are designed to maximize efficiency without sacrificing comfort and amenities.
For the DIY bloggers & 20-somethings fleeing the corporate life, there are tiny homes. But for hard-working Americans looking for an affordable, attractive place to call home, manufactured housing is the solution.
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 […]
August 29, 2024
Why would you rent another apartment, when you could live in a brand new manufactured home? 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 […]
November 14, 2018
?Manufactured homes are the perfect solution to America’s affordable housing crisis. Here’s why. For years, America has been in an affordable housing crisis. With home prices rising, more Americans are either moving in with family members or trapped in an expensive renting cycle. Those who can afford to own their own home often settle for […]
July 25, 2018
Approximately 2-3 million households in the United States live in manufactured housing communities, according to the 2013 American Housing Survey. As the standards of manufactured housing have increased, so have the number of Americans considering manufactured housing as a high-quality, affordable option. The question is, who lives in the modern manufactured home community these […]
January 29, 2018
When you think of the Baseball Hall of Fame, great players like Hank Aaron and Joe DiMaggio jump to mind. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has honored hundreds of all-time musical greats like The Beatles, Aretha Franklin and David Bowie. But there’s another hall of fame you may not have heard of, […]
August 3, 2017
UMH Properties, Inc. – 50 Years in the Business Happy 50th Birthday to UMH Properties, Inc.! UMH Properties, Inc. is proud to announce its 50th year of business. What started as United Mobile Homes, Inc. in 1968, is now a publicly traded company known as UMH Properties, Inc. Operating in eight states throughout […]
July 10, 2017
Port Royal Village chosen as Land-Lease Community of the Year UMH Properties, Inc. is proud to announce the Port Royal Village community has been awarded the 2017 Land-Lease Community of the Year by the Manufactured Housing Institute. UMH Properties, Inc. CEO, Sam Landy, accepted the award at the 2017 National Congress & Expo in […]
June 6, 2017
The housing market hasn’t been kind to young, new-home buyers for more than a decade. At this point, housing is the largest part of family expenses, while health care costs continue to climb. Any money that’s saved on food, clothing, and transportation has been offset by both mortgage and rent. New homes aren’t being built […]
March 7, 2017
As the oil and natural gas industry continues to generate more jobs in areas that are within the Marcellus and Utica Shale basin, the need for affordable housing near extraction sites will grow. In many cases, depending upon the scope of the project, oil and gas workers will be on site for years at a […]
January 3, 2017
Like many people, the Millennial generation, those born between 1980 – 2000, list “owning a home” as one of their goals for the future. In past decade, however, housing prices have skyrocketed in many areas, and Millennials have a particularly hard time saving enough money to buy a home for many reasons: Many cities […]
November 2, 2016
According to a report that was recently released by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, there’s been more than a 30% increase in the number of households that are economically hampered by the amount they pay in rent. That’s likely because rent, which has been a stable option in the past for those […]
November 2, 2016
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 […]
October 6, 2016
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 […]
July 7, 2016
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 […]
May 24, 2016
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 […]
April 28, 2016
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 […]
March 21, 2016
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 […]
February 25, 2016
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 […]
February 25, 2016
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 […]
November 9, 2015
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 […]
October 7, 2015
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 […]
October 7, 2015
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 […]
August 4, 2015
Sam Landy is the CEO of UMH Properties, Inc., a Freehold, New Jersey based Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), for over two decades. Having fostered the company’s eminent success and rapid growth in the manufactured home market, Sam Landy takes great pride in working within his industry, as well as the prosperity of his firm. […]
July 6, 2015
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 […]
May 28, 2015
Decorating a new manufactured home can be an exhilarating experience. New furniture, new décor, new everything—and who doesn't like a fresh start? Of course, it's possible to get carried away. Since these are affordable homes, you may have a little extra money to spend on furniture. Resist the urge to splurge! Spend some time thinking […]
May 28, 2015
Green homes are all the buzz now, and rightfully so. As a society, we must learn to live in greater harmony with the environment. How we consume resources at home is a large part of our daily environmental impact. You may have already begun your effort to reduce your environmental impact by adding low-maintenance […]
May 26, 2015
When they see manufactured homes for sale, many people worry about whether or not they’ll be able to bring their own personalized zen into the home. Luckily, with a few tips, it’s pretty easy to pull off. Indoors Focus on bringing natural colors and textures inside. Bamboo shades, cork floors, wood frames, and seagrass accents […]
May 22, 2015
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 […]
May 20, 2015
Making the best use of closet space in manufactured homes is much easier and more affordable than you might think. Here are four simple ways to maximize your closet. 1) Hang more with rods and soda tabs Quadruple your space for hanging clothes by adding an extra row of clothing rods and then slipping soda […]
May 18, 2015
Whether on a Florida shoreline or in the middle of a Kansas cornfield, manufactured homes are the perfect candidates for cozy, beach-themed getaways—and you don't even have to get away to enjoy them. Here are five tips for creating your own tropical oasis. 1) Paint with Beachy Colors Painting with colors from light brown and […]
May 15, 2015
Your manufactured home is your castle, and you want it to stand out from all the others. But how? The options seem nearly endless. You might not have as much of a yard to work with as others do, but that does not mean you can't work to maximize your space and help it achieve […]
May 12, 2015
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 […]
May 8, 2015
At some point, everyone wants a change in their surroundings, regardless of the size of their dwelling. When you live in a manufactured home, it might initially seem like the process would be somewhat easier, especially if you have a smaller space to work with. However, there are some unique challenges when it comes to […]
May 7, 2015
When you own a manufactured home, you've got a unique set of challenges to consider. Being mindful of your space makes all the difference, so consider these points for the maintenance and continued welfare of your home. Keep the Outside Pristine It might seem like a huge hassle to regularly wash the outside of your […]
May 5, 2015
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 […]
May 4, 2015
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, […]
April 30, 2015
If you live in a manufactured home, odds are that you have wondered how you could better utilize your space. It might seem difficult to live small without overwhelming clutter, but you might be surprised to learn that there are several steps you can take to make your limited space really count. Shine a Little […]
April 30, 2015
All homes depreciate over time if not properly maintained, but with manufactured homes, the process can sometimes move more quickly. This depreciation is similar to the way that cars can quickly lose value over time. After you have your property appraised to determine its exact worth, you can get to work on these simple yet […]
April 24, 2015
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 […]
April 23, 2015
Most homeowners agree that any enhancement they can make to their property that will save them money in the long run is a good one! At the same time, most of us are looking for ways we can lessen our impact on the environment. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to your […]
February 18, 2015
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 […]
February 18, 2015
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