Michigan Housing Solutions
A Better Path to a Home of Your Own
For Homebuyers
Buying or building a home can feel complicated—especially when you're considering manufactured or modular housing for the first time.
Gary helps Western Michigan homebuyers understand their options, select the right home, evaluate land and site requirements, and navigate the process from the first conversation through installation and closing.
Whether you already own property, are searching for land, or are simply wondering whether factory-built housing makes sense for you, we'll help you start with the right questions.
Quality, Value and More Choices Than You May Think
Manufactured Homes
Buying your first home can be challenging when existing-home prices, repairs, and limited inventory keep pushing attractive homes beyond your budget.
Factory-built housing can provide another path to homeownership.
CAVCO offers efficient floor plans designed to provide the space and features you need without paying for space you don't.
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Today's manufactured homes have come a long way from the "mobile homes" many people remember.
Built in a controlled factory environment to federal HUD construction and safety standards, today's manufactured homes offer a wide variety of sizes, floor plans, architectural styles, features, and finishes.
Depending on the home you select, options may include spacious kitchens, islands, open living areas, primary bedroom suites, walk-in closets, upgraded flooring and cabinetry, energy-efficient features, porches, garages, and much more.
Manufactured housing can be an excellent choice for buyers who want a new home at a price that may be more attainable than traditional site-built construction.
Gary can help you compare CAVCO models, floor plans and options and understand how the home itself fits into your overall project and budget.
Factory-Built Efficiency. Site-Built Standards.
Modular Homes
Modular homes are constructed in sections in a controlled factory environment and then transported to your property, where the sections are assembled on a permanent foundation.
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Unlike manufactured homes, modular homes are built to applicable state and local building codes—the same codes that apply to traditional site-built homes.
Once completed, a modular home can look virtually indistinguishable from a conventionally constructed home.
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For buyers who want the advantages of factory construction while building a permanent home on their property, modular construction may be an excellent alternative.
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Gary can help you determine whether manufactured or modular construction is the better choice for your property, budget and long-term plans.
Don't Just Shop for a Home. Plan the Entire Project.
Land/Home Packages
One of the biggest mistakes buyers can make is selecting a home without understanding what it will take to put that home on a particular piece of property.
The home is only one part of the total investment.
A complete land/home project may include:
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The home
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Land
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Site preparation and grading
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Foundation
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Driveway and access
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Well and septic or municipal connections
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Electrical and other utilities
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Permits
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Transportation and installation
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Steps, decks, porches or garages
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Final site work
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Gary helps buyers look at the whole project, not simply the advertised price of the home.
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If you don't already own land, Gary can also work with you and your Realtor to help identify properties that may be suitable for the type of home you're considering.
The objective is simple: understand the project before you commit to it.
Already Own Land? Let's Find Out What You Can Do With It.
Existing Property Evaluation
Owning property gives you a great starting point—but it doesn't automatically mean that every manufactured or modular home can be placed there.
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Before selecting a home, it's important to understand the property. Factors that may need to be considered include:
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Zoning and local requirements
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Lot size and setbacks
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Road and delivery access
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Topography and grading
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Soil conditions
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Well and septic requirements
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Water and sewer availability
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Electrical and utility access
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Foundation requirements
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Private deed or subdivision restrictions
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Gary can help you identify the questions that need to be answered and the professionals or local authorities who may need to be involved.
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The earlier these issues are identified, the easier it is to select a home and develop a realistic project budget.
Understand Your Options Before You Select Your Home
Financing
Financing a manufactured or modular home can be different from financing an existing house.
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The options available to you may depend on the type of home, whether you already own the land, how the home will be installed and titled, the total project cost, and your individual financial situation.
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That's why financing should be discussed early in the process—not after you've fallen in love with a particular home.
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Gary can help you understand the overall costs that should be considered and connect you with lenders familiar with manufactured and modular housing.
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The goal is to establish a realistic budget first, so you can confidently shop for the home and property that fit within it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a manufactured home and a modular home?
Both are primarily constructed in a factory.
Manufactured homes are built to federal HUD construction and safety standards. Modular homes are built to applicable state and local residential building codes and are assembled on a permanent foundation.
Gary can help you determine which type makes the most sense for your situation.
Are today's manufactured homes the same as mobile homes?
No. "Mobile home" generally refers to homes constructed before the federal HUD Code went into effect in 1976.
Modern manufactured homes are built to federal standards and can offer contemporary designs, spacious floor plans, energy-efficient features and many of the amenities buyers expect in a new home.
Is factory-built housing cheaper than a traditional site-built home?
It can be, but every project is different.
Factory construction can create efficiencies that may reduce construction costs. However, buyers need to consider the total project cost, including the home, property, foundation, site preparation, utilities, transportation, installation and other improvements.
That's why Gary encourages buyers to evaluate the entire project rather than simply comparing home prices.
Can I put a manufactured or modular home on any property?
No.
Local zoning, property restrictions, setbacks, utilities, soil conditions, septic requirements, access and other factors can determine what can be built on a particular property.
Always investigate these issues before purchasing land specifically for a factory-built home.
Can Gary help me find land?
Yes.
Gary can work with you and your Realtor to help identify the type of property needed for your project and evaluate whether a potential property appears suitable for the home you're considering.
What if I already have a Realtor?
Great.
Gary's objective is not to replace your Realtor. He works with Realtors as the factory-built housing specialist on the team.
Your Realtor can continue helping you with the real estate transaction while Gary provides expertise regarding the manufactured or modular home and related project considerations.
Can I customize my home?
Yes. The amount of customization depends on the manufacturer and model.
CAVCO offers numerous floor plans, features, finishes and options. Gary can help you understand what's standard, what's optional and which choices make sense for your needs and budget.
How long does the process take?
There isn't one answer.
Timing depends on the home selected, factory production schedule, property readiness, permitting, site preparation, utilities, foundation work, financing and installation.
Gary can help establish a realistic sequence and timeline once the home and property are identified.
Where do I start?
You don't need to start by choosing a floor plan.
Start with a conversation.
We'll talk about where you want to live, whether you already own land, the size and type of home you're considering, your approximate budget and what you want your new home to provide.
From there, we can determine the best next step.
Ready to Explore What's Possible?
You don't need to understand every detail of manufactured and modular housing before you begin.
That's Gary's job.
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Whether you're just starting to explore your options or already have land and are ready to select a home, Gary can help you understand the process and make informed decisions along the way.
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Gary helps the buyer figure out the entire path to homeownership.
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