When it comes to mobile, manufactured, and modular homes, many people cannot articulate the differences between them. Most would assume they are all the same, and while similar, each style of home is unique in its own way. Let’s explore the differences between these factory-built homes and how mortgage lenders view them when financing is required.
Mobile Homes
Mobile homes gained popularity in the early to mid-1900s as a practical option for people who needed to relocate for work while still providing a home for their families. Originally mobile homes resembled trailers or campers, complete with wheels and exposed tongues for towing.
The National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Act of 1974 and the HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards released in 1976 set in place rules for mobile home production that required massive changes in building practices which all but killed the mobile home business as it was known up to that point.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes are predominantly built in a factory setting and once complete, the various parts are transported by truck to the home site for final assembly. Manufactured homes are sold in 3 sizes: Single, double, and triple-wide. Following the Housing Act of 1980, the terminology for all types of movable and / or factory-built dwellings changed to “manufactured homes” in federal law and literature.
While most manufactured homes remain stationary where assembled, it is possible to relocate them if they are constructed on a pier and beam foundation which makes them easier to load and move with minimal stress to the structure.
Modular Homes
Modular homes are built in large, prefabricated sections in a factory, then transported and pieced together at the home site. While similar to manufactured homes in quality and build process, modular homes are engineered to adhere to state and local building codes. Modular homes are typically anchored to a foundation like a traditional stick-built home and come at a higher price due to added considerations for building code compliance.
Mortgage Lending
For most banks mobile and manufactured homes are perceived as personal property rather than real estate. Even with the manufacturing standards and HUD codes established in 1976, financing options are limited. In addition to construction quality, resale value, and whether the home is on personally owned or rented/leased land are considered as factors that dictate financing. If the land is owned by the owner of the mobile/manufactured home, the bank may also want to know if the property is anchored to a foundation. For mobile and manufactured homes, government-backed loan options like FHA, USDA, and VA are available.
Although modular homes are considered manufactured, they’re constructed to a higher standard set by state and local building code guidelines. The modular home and the land it’s built on and anchored to are sold together like traditional stick-built homes which makes them the most viable financing option for a more diverse group of lenders. While traditional government-backed lending options are available, modular homes have the added potential to qualify for Non-QM (Non-Qualified) loans.
DSCRLender.com does not provide lending services for mobile or manufactured homes at this time. Financing is available for qualified modular homes. To learn more apply online or call
Article Source: Mortgage Insider