Imagine for a moment having more romantic dinners for two. Or picture owning that dream car (or boat, bike, four-wheeler, etc.). Maybe you would like to travel more, both near and far. Perhaps you want to enjoy a more secure retirement.
Many today yearn for less financial stress or to be able to do and give more help to others. For most people, their single biggest expense is their home payment. Well imagine life...without a house payment! The list of fun stuff above are just some of the many options that may come to your mind when considering how life could change for the better by owning a home without a mortgage - all made possible by owning a home 'free and clear.' This could be your reality and is possible without having to sacrifice home quality or lifestyle.
Many today own a house with sizeable equities. According to the Wisconsin Housing Alliance, 49% of all manufactured home owners first owned a 'conventional' site-built house! This means that thousands of conventional housing owners 'cashed in their chips' by selling their house and then buying a new, custom or pre-owned manufactured home. They looked for themselves, and realized this housing option made sense for them financially, emotionally and was a good fit for their lifestyles and dreams.
As we noted previously, a new Manufactured Home (MH) costs about one third less than a new 'starter' site built house, with an ever greater savings spread when compared to more upscale new construction. Pre-owned and remodeled MHs can save home buyers even more. When you 'do the math' you may discover you have enough savings or equity in your current house to purchase a good MH outright! This can open the door to enhanced living made possible by eliminating mortgage payments and can be done without sacrificing home quality.
The experience of Frank and Shirley Iczkowski is a case in point. After selling their two story site-built home, Frank and Shirley Iczkowski moved to the a nice manufactured home community about 15 years ago. "It isn't like it was years ago," Frank said "It isn't a 'trailer,' it's a home! If you look at what we have, you'll see that it is just like a stick built house." As you look around at their stone fireplace, the vaulted ceilings, tape and textured walls with nice crown molding, the island kitchen with an abundance of cabinets - yes, it is easy to see what Frank meant.
Shirley compares her experience in their 1700 square foot multi-section home with their previous house in Rothschild. "You don't have to run down to the basement, or up the stairs to do laundry or get something. Everything is at your fingertips." Frank chimed in, "We like it here. You sit in the back yard, and squirrels and rabbits dash across the lawn." Shirely added, "Birds are singing in the morning. Its close knit here, with neighbors who care about you. A few years ago, we suffered a personal loss, and it was amazing how supportive our neighbors were."
The money saved turned dreams into reality. Perfect? No. But a good life and a better lifestyle? Yes, for many this is a way that you can 'have your cake' and eat it too!
Many Manufactured Home Communities were developed decades ago, and have a mix of older and newer manufactured homes. While some may see this as negative, savvy buyers spot the potential for buying a pre-owned home and updating it economically.
Noted designer David Roedl did just that - purchased an older 'mobile home' - and the dramatic and eye-appealing home makeover he accomplished has drawn media attention from far beyond his once humble looking Wisconsin residence. Roedl can retire in style, because his housing cost is so low!
Owning a manufactured home can be an easy way to get more out of life. When you combine the added savings possible by having a more energy-efficient home with the lower maintenance costs true of today's MHs, the difference for your bottom line can be substantial. A little research and a first hand look may surprise you and could open the doors to a lifestyle you may be dreaming about.
L. A "Tony" Kovach started his career in Manufactured Homes in 1981. He has owned, operated, marketed and managed both retail and MHC based operations, including start ups, expansions and turnarounds. Kovach is the editor of http://www.MHMarketingSalesManagement.com - the premier source for Manufactured Home and Manufactured Housing news and industry trade journal articles. The ezine includes a photo gallery, news, feature articles such as this and more. Contact him via http://www.LATonyKovach.com
