Many people may not be aware of the difference between mobile homes and manufactured homes when it comes to housing options. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are several key differences between them.

This blog post will take a closer look at these differences and explore the pros and cons of each type of home.

What’s A Mobile Home?

A mobile home, also known as a trailer home or a “single-wide,” is a type of housing built on a chassis and transported to its final location on wheels. These homes are often considered less permanent than other types of homes. They are typically less than 20 feet wide and can be moved from one location to another.

Mobile homes are typically built to meet specific standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

They were first introduced in the 1930s as a way to provide affordable housing, and they continue to be popular today as an option for people who want to own a home but don’t want to spend a lot of money on it.

What’s A Manufactured Home?

A manufactured home is a prefabricated home built in a factory and then transported to a permanent location on a flatbed truck. These homes are also built to meet specific standards set by HUD and are considered more permanent than mobile homes.

They are typically wider than mobile homes (usually at least 20 feet wide) and are built to the same standards as site-built homes. They are also called “double-wides” or “multi-section” homes.

Manufactured homes are typically placed on a permanent foundation and are anchored to the ground. Once they are in place, they can’t be moved. They are also typically connected to public utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage.

Horizontal image of a house trailer, or mobile home, being transported down a divided highway on a flatbed truck. A pilot vehicle is visible behind the flatbed to warn approaching vehicles of the dangerous width of the load.

Subtle Yet Important Differences:

Built Quality

Mobile homes are typically built on a chassis and are designed to be transported to a different location. This means they are not anchored to the ground and may not be connected to public utilities. They are built using a lightweight frame and are not as sturdy as manufactured homes. They are also not as energy efficient since they’re not built to the same standards as site-built homes.

On the other hand, manufactured homes are built in a factory and designed to be placed on a permanent foundation. This means they are anchored to the ground and typically connected to public utilities. They’re built to the same standards as site-built homes and are much more energy efficient. They are also more durable and can last for many years.

Financing

Another key difference between mobile homes and manufactured homes is how they are financed. Mobile homes are typically financed through personal or chattel loans, which are made for personal property such as a car or a mobile home.

On the other hand, manufactured homes are typically financed through traditional mortgages, which are loans made for real property such as a house.

Cost

In terms of cost, mobile homes are typically less expensive than manufactured homes. This is because mobile homes are built on a smaller scale and are not required to meet the same building standards as manufactured homes.

However, mobile homes may also be considered less valuable than manufactured homes, making it more difficult to sell or refinance them. They also tend to depreciate in value over time.

Manufactured homes appreciate in value over time and are considered a better investment.

Portability

Since they are built on a chassis and designed to be transported to different locations, mobile homes can be moved to different areas or even different states. This can be especially beneficial for people who need to move frequently for work or other reasons. Additionally, mobile homes may be a good option for people who want to live in rural areas where traditional housing options are unavailable.

Manufactured homes have the advantage of being more permanent. As they are built to meet specific building standards and anchored to the ground, manufactured homes are typically considered more stable and secure than mobile homes. These homes may be a good option for people who want to live in a specific area or community and are looking for a more permanent housing solution.

Resale Value

In terms of resale value, manufactured homes typically hold their value better than mobile homes. Mobile homes have lower resale values because they are considered less desirable by buyers as they’re quite replaceable.

Manufactured homes may be a better option for people looking to sell their homes in the future, as they may be considered more valuable than their current market price.

Zoning And Placement

Regarding zoning and placement, mobile homes are typically placed in mobile home parks, while manufactured homes can be placed on private land. Mobile homes are also subject to stricter zoning laws and regulations than manufactured homes.

In A Nutshell

Mobile homes and manufactured homes are both housings that offer affordable options for home ownership. However, the two have important differences, including the way they are constructed, financed and valued.

Understanding these differences is important before deciding which type of housing is right for you.