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 True Value of Manufactured Homes: Unlocking the Value of Manufactured Home Living We’re here to delve into the value of manufactured homes by UMH Properties, Inc. As experts in owning and operating affordable housing communities, we aim to shed light on determining their worth. We’ll explore all aspects, from resale and market values […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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 a […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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
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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 conventional […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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