New manufactured homes are available in an amazing variety of styles, sizes and floor plans. It's really no surprise that manufactured homes they are an affordable housing choice for almost 20 million Americans. If you are seriously considering buying a new manufactured home, here are a few smart tips to help you make this important personal and financial commitment.

Determine What You Want

Create a list of what you want before you begin shopping for a home. What size, price and type of home do you want? Where do you want the home to be located? What features are absolutely necessary? What extra features would be nice to have, but not essential?

• Size, price and type: The most common and economical choice is a single section home of approximately 1,000 square feet. Average costs for a single section home range between $24,000-$35,000 on average. Double section homes are larger at around 1,600 square feet and sell from $40,000 to 60,000 on average. These prices can vary depending on a number of factors, including what part of the country you're in.
• Home location: There are several choices of locations for your home. You can place your new manufactured home in a Rental community , on private land or in a planned subdivision. See " Selecting the Right Location " for more.
• Features: Interiors can include a large living room, fully equipped kitchen, dining room, one to three bathrooms, family room and utility area. Exterior designs can be standard or customized to your specifications.
• Extras: You may want to consider additional features such as built-in surround sound systems,appliance upgrades, custom cabinets, walk-in closets, bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces and hip roofs. Since most manufacturers use CAD (computer-assisted design), you have some flexibility in choosing floor plans and decor.
• Variety and flexibility: Some manufacturers have many floor plans to choose from. Select one with a lot of variety. You may be able to move an interior non-load bearing wall a few inches, but major changes most likely can't be accommodated in the factory assembly line construction.

Shopping Around

After deciding on where you'd like to live and on an idea of how much you can afford, it's time to go house shopping. You can start your search here or by visiting a manufactured home retail sales center . Some manufactured home sales centers are independently owned, while others are owned and operated by a manufacturer.

• If visit a retail sales centers, make sure you visit several and spend time looking at homes, comparing models and prices. To make your comparisons easier, keep a written "scorecard" listing the features of each home.
• Talk with each retailer you visit and ask questions about the home's floor plan, style, features, construction, delivery, installation and warranty coverage.
• It's important to choose your retailer carefully. Ask for names and addresses of former customers to contact regarding their homes and after-sale service.
• Check with your local Better Business Bureau, or state and local consumer protection agencies to find out if the manufactured home retailer has any unresolved consumer complaints on file.

Home Construction

Today's manufactured homes are required to meet the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD) Code for design, construction, strength, durability, transportability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. In addition to receiving this guarantee, you should look for the following exterior and interior features to increase the value, durability and quality of your home.

• Choose a shingled roof over a metal roof. Make sure it hangs over the edge of the home and is properly ventilated. This may cost a little more, but is worth the investment.
• Look for a home with vinyl siding because metal or hardboard siding tends to have more water problems than vinyl. Also, make sure the home has 8 feet exterior walls and 7-1/2 feet interior walls to provide higher ceilings and standard-height doorways (although many new homes now have 8' interior wall heights and cathedral ceilings).
• Double-hung and sliding windows are two common types of windows offered in manufactured homes. If possible, select insulated windows with vinyl frames to prevent air and water leaks.
• Be sure the home's cooling/heating system is appropriate for the climate in your area. Homes in cold climates should have air outlets placed low around the edges of rooms, while hot climate homes should have air outlets in the ceiling.
• Upgrade to plumbing fixtures made of heavy reinforced plastic or porcelain covered steel. It's a good idea to ask for a shutoff valve at each kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixture.
• Ask about wall stud thickness and floor joist thickness. Typically 2x4 wall studs and 2x6 floor joists. But homes are regularly built with 2x6 studs and up to 2x12 joists. Thicker framing material means more room for insulation.
• Before you buy: Find a manufacturer you like, and if possible, take a plant tour to see how the homes are built. You'll get a fresh perspective and appreciation for how your home will be built.

Get It In Writing

There are several documents to look over carefully before you buy your new manufactured home. Ask for a copy of all documents you will be asked to sign. Read them at your own pace, ahead of time, so that you will understand the questions you will be asked, the things you need to know and the decisions you will need to make.

• Review the purchase agreement, financing terms and extra costs with caution. Before you sign an agreement of sale, you might consider asking an attorney to look it over and tell you if it protects your interests.
• Be sure to get a written receipt for any deposit you make.
• The manufacturer of your new home will usually provide a written warranty to guarantee the quality and workmanship of your home for a specified time. Look for a manufacturer that offers a long-term warranty without a lot of exclusions.
• You may also get warranties from the retailer, the transporter, the installer and the appliance manufacturer. Ask for copies of the warranties to review before you buy the home and check them for items that are - and aren't - covered.
• If your home will be located in a manufactured home community, ask for written documents, such as rental agreements, maintenance agreements, rules, regulations and restrictions before signing a lease.
• Copies of zoning laws, restrictive covenants, water, utilities and sewerage requirements should be obtained before placing a manufactured home on private property.

Getting The Best Price

Buying a manufactured home makes good financial sense. They are less expensive than site-built homes and require a lower down payment. But a manufactured home, like any other home, is a long-term commitment with contracts that can require payments for 30 years. That's why it is important to avoid a "spur of the moment" buying decision and to resist a sales technique that urges you to sign a contract in a matter of hours or days.

• Getting the best price will take some legwork and some homework. Start by asking for a firm price from several retailers or manufacturers. Prices on the same home can vary widely.
• Check prices on retailer and manufacturer Web sites. Go to the library and check appraisal guides for a similar make and model from the previous year.
• Comparison shop for different brands and models. Get a firm price for each home you are considering. Never put money down without a firm price.
• Look at the big picture and buy the home based on its actual price, not the monthly payment.
• Buy the home that fits your budget and keep the term of the loan to the shortest reasonable time period.
• If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for offers of no money down, low interest rates and free options.
• Don't accept financing terms or conditions that can be changed in the future, and be prepared to stop the transaction if you don't fully understand it.