Mobile Home

Definition

A mobile home is a residential structure that is built in a factory setting and transported to a specific location where it is semi-permanently attached. The term originally referred to units built prior to the upgraded industry standards introduced in the 1980s, after which these units became known as “manufactured homes.”

Mobile homes are constructed in compliance with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) building codes, ensuring standardization and quality. These homes provide an affordable housing solution as they typically cost less than traditional, site-built homes.

Examples

Affordable Housing Alternative: Maria and Tony decided to purchase a mobile home for their new house. It provided the family a budget-friendly solution without compromising on essential features and living space.
Mobile Home Park Living: John’s family rents a lot in a mobile home park, making use of shared amenities and reduced living costs, while enjoying the flexibility of owning their own home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What differentiates a mobile home from a manufactured home?

Mobile homes are generally considered to be those built before the updated HUD code standards were enacted in 1976. Manufactured homes refer to structures built afterward, according to those updated standards.

2. Are mobile homes a good investment?

While mobile homes depreciate like vehicles rather than appreciate like real estate, they remain a popular option for affordable housing. Long-term investment value can vary based on location, condition, and financing terms.

3. Can mobile homes be customized?

Yes, mobile homes offer numerous customization options. Modern manufacture allows for varied layouts, high-quality finishes, and advanced features, similar to site-built homes.

4. How are mobile homes financed?

Mobile home financing options include chattel mortgages for the home only and traditional mortgages if the home is placed on owned land. Financing terms may vary based on the lender and the age of the mobile home.

Manufactured Home: A home built in a factory meeting HUD standards established post-1976.
Modular Home: Similar to manufactured homes but typically assembled on-site from multiple factory-built sections.
Mobile Home Park: A designated residential area where mobile homes are placed, often rented to owners of mobile homes.
HUD Code: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s building code that regulates and ensures quality in manufactured housing.

Online Resources

References

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “HUD.gov - Mobile Homes.” Accessed May 2023. Link
Manufactured Housing Institute. “Understanding Manufactured Homes.” Accessed May 2023. Link

Suggested Books for Further Study

“The Home That Was Built In a Factory: The Story of the Manufactured Housing Industry” by David A. John
“Manufactured and Modular Housing: ‘Green’ Homes in America’s Future” by Randall S. Guice
“Becoming House: Kristeva and the Architectural Intersections of Identity” by Dorita Hannah

Real Estate Basics: Mobile Home Fundamentals Quiz

### What is a mobile home? - [x] A dwelling unit manufactured in a factory and designed to be transported to a site and semi-permanently attached. - [ ] A temporary shelter erected on a rented piece of land. - [ ] A traditional house built on-site with wooden and cement structures. - [ ] A type of vehicle used for camping and touring. > **Explanation:** A mobile home is a factory-built dwelling designed to be transported to a location and semi-permanently attached. ### What major change occurred in the mobile home industry in the 1980s? - [ ] The homes started to be built entirely on-site. - [x] Factory housing standards were elevated, and the product was called manufactured homes. - [ ] Mobile homes were phased out. - [ ] All mobile homes were mandated to have basements. > **Explanation:** In the 1980s, factory housing standards were upgraded, rebranding the product as manufactured homes. ### Who regulates the construction quality of mobile homes? - [ ] Local municipalities - [ ] State governments - [x] The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - [ ] Real Estate Agents > **Explanation:** The construction quality of mobile homes is regulated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). ### Where is a common place to install mobile homes? - [ ] On a commercial site - [x] In a mobile home park - [ ] On government land - [ ] Inside a factory > **Explanation:** A common place to install mobile homes is in a mobile home park, where homeowners rent lots. ### What kind of mortgage is typically used to finance a mobile home placed on rented land? - [ ] Conventional mortgage - [x] Chattel mortgage - [ ] Construction loan - [ ] Reverse mortgage > **Explanation:** A chattel mortgage is often used to finance mobile homes placed on rented land as it pertains only to the home itself and not the land. ### Can mobile homes be custom-designed according to personal preferences? - [x] Yes, mobile homes have customization options similar to site-built homes. - [ ] No, mobile homes come in only standard designs with fixed layouts. - [ ] Only minor adjustments in color and interior are allowed. - [ ] Custom designs are prohibited by HUD. > **Explanation:** Mobile homes can be customized with various layout options and features, similar to site-built homes. ### Do mobile homes appreciate in value over time? - [ ] Always - [ ] Rarely, only under unique circumstances - [x] Generally, no, they tend to depreciate. - [ ] They always depreciate by 50% each year. > **Explanation:** Mobile homes generally tend to depreciate rather than appreciate in value, similar to vehicles. ### What was a common name change for mobile homes built post-1976 due to improved standards? - [x] Manufactured homes - [ ] Modular homes - [ ] Prefabricated homes - [ ] Permanent homes > **Explanation:** After 1976, due to improved standards, mobile homes are commonly referred to as manufactured homes. ### What building code do mobile homes comply with in the United States? - [ ] International Residential Code (IRC) - [ ] American National Standards Institute (ANSI) - [ ] Local Building Ordinance - [x] HUD Code > **Explanation:** Mobile homes comply with the HUD Code, a set of building standards regulated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. ### Which method is commonly used for long-term placement of mobile homes? - [ ] Placed on a vehicle for mobility. - [ ] Installed as a temporary setup. - [x] Semi-permanently attached on a prepared site. - [ ] Built on-site from scratch by contractors. > **Explanation:** For long-term placement, mobile homes are typically semi-permanently attached on a prepared site.