×

Select the page you would like to view.

FIND A HOME
PREQUALIFY
HOMEBUYER'S GUIDE
FAQ
CONTACT

Step 3: Placing Your Home

So Where Do You Want To Live?

Finding a location for your new home is often the most fun and exciting part of homeownership–and also the most tricky. The right piece of land in the right area can truly turn your new manufactured home into your dream home!

Choosing land for your new home in a less-than-ideal location can provide on-going headaches and frustrating issues for months and years to come–so choose wisely!

When deciding where to locate your new home, you have two primary options: placing your home on land you own or intend to purchase, or leasing property on a private lot within a community or park.

Buying Land

Owning the property underneath your home is attractive to many. Owning the land certainly makes it easier to qualify for conventional financing. Additionally, the land and home combination may appreciate in value faster than owning a home alone.

Leasing Property

Leasing a site can be a less expensive option. Typically, it is also a less complicated process than buying the land outright. However, it is important to keep in mind that you own the home and not the land.

Finding Land

Finding the perfect piece of land for you can often be difficult. The good news is that we have real experience helping homebuyers with this challenge. We can usually refer you to a real estate agent who is well versed in residential and rural land availability throughout our delivery radius.

As mentioned on our pre-purchase planning page, thinking through what you really want in your home site is crucial. You can limit your search and shorten the time you spend looking for land by knowing exactly what you need and want from the start.

Are you prepared to develop land?
Are you looking for a home site where minimal preparation will be needed?
What neighborhood amenities are important to you?
Are you interested in a planned community?

Be prepared to look at a lot of properties. Buying or leasing land is a big commitment, so take your time and look for the property that really meets your needs.

Developing Your Own Land

To ensure the timeliness of the home delivery process, utility hook up, and any site improvements, it is important to take some precautions to ensure long-term home site usability and durability for your new home:

  • Zoning – Are there any regulations that would prevent placing the home on your land? A title search will probably reveal any such restrictions.
  • Access – Is there adequate access to the site for delivery of your home? Large trucks and heavy-duty machines are necessary right up to the set spot.
  • Utilities – Is there access to utilities such as electricity, gas or alternate fuel, water, sewer or septic tank?
  • Permits – What is required in your area? More than one permit may be required for site improvement and the installation of your home.

Regional Homes of Gulfport will provide you with all the information necessary regarding placing one of our homes in your specific area of choice.

Buying Land In A Subdivision

An increasingly popular option is purchasing a lot for your new home in a planned subdivision. These are typically attractive, well-thought-out communities. One big advantage it can offer is that much of the preparation work (including streets, lights, landscaping and utilities) has already been completed.

As with undeveloped land, consider these practical factors:

  • Are there covenants and/or homeowners' associations?
  • Ask the residents – What are their experiences with the community management?
  • Amenities – What is available in the community?

If purchasing land is not right for you, learn more about leasing property below.

Leasing Land

Leasing can be a good option because the costs of the property are usually much lower than buying land outright. With that said, leasing may have costs over and above your rent. Ask questions and be sure to know what you’re committing to.

Make sure you understand and can live with the terms of your lease. As with purchasing land, there are a number of issues to consider:

  • Lease – Is there a written contract? What are the terms?
  • Relocation – Are there provisions in the lease to protect you if the property owner sells? Will the owner help with moving expenses?
  • Rules – If the property is in a community, what are the rules and regulations that tenants must abide by?
  • Fees – Who pays for installation costs and maintenance? What are the costs for utility connections?
  • Amenities – Are there golf courses, tennis courts, club houses, or other amenities that match your lifestyle?

Home and Land Combined

Simultaneously buying land along with a Regional Homes of Gulfport manufactured, modular or mobile home is the most common way to begin home ownership. This method is called a “land/home” transaction.

This method offers you some substantial advantages:

  • Conventional financing – When real property is involved (land), a better mortgage rate may be arranged with a conventional mortgage.
  • Equity growth – A home on the property you own can appreciate just as a site-built home does.
  • Flexibility – You’re free to choose the land you want and position your home topographically to your best advantage.
  • Land/home buyers can use conventional home mortgages to finance their new home purchase. As a result, they can often save thousands of dollars compared to chattel loans.

    Conventional loans do require more documentation and a more detailed application process, but the money that you might save with the lower interest rates available may be worth it to you.

    Our affordable financing and home site planning expert is happy to help sort through the details and options of all this with you.

    Planned Communities

    Want to live close to beaches? Want to play golf every day?

    Planned communities might be just what you’re looking for. These developments feature manufactured homes and often other amenities like clubhouses, planned activities and swimming pools. You purchase the home and lease the land. This allows you to stretch your budgets because you are not buying the property.

    Many planned communities cater to seniors and restrict the number of young people. Other communities are open to families. Most have a homeowners’ association and detailed rules that owners must follow.

    If you’re interested in a planned community, consider:

    • Lifestyle – Does the community cater to your tastes and interests? Do you want to live in a senior-only environment? A ‘Families Only’ community?
    • Lease – What are the terms?
    • Rules – What are the rules and regulations and how are they enforced?
    • Dues – What are the ongoing homeowner dues?
    • Fees – Who pays for installation costs and maintenance? What are the costs for utility connections?
    • If you’ve found a community you like, be sure to talk to the people that live there. How do they like the community? How are conflicts resolved? Do the owners take care of the property?

      All the above is a lot to think about, isn’t it? Never fear, or be overwhelmed. We are here to help you!