Your Dream Home Awaits: A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Manufactured Home in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota
Are you dreaming of owning a beautiful, affordable home in the picturesque landscapes of the Upper Midwest? Whether you're a young family seeking your first home, a growing family needing more space, or empty nesters ready to downsize, a manufactured home might be the perfect solution. At Liechty Homes, we've been helping families across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota find their dream homes for nearly 70 years. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from choosing the right home to financing your purchase.
Choosing the Right Home
Electric brick faced fire place Schult Legend Series
Manufactured homes offer incredible variety and flexibility, allowing you to personalize your living space to match your lifestyle.
Types of Manufactured Homes
It's important to understand the different types of manufactured homes available. Singlewide homes are built as a single unit and are typically the most affordable option, ideal for individuals, couples, or small families. Doublewides offer more space and flexibility. Built in two sections and joined on-site, they're perfect for growing families or those who want extra room. Modular homes, while also factory-built, are assembled on a permanent foundation, often a basement or crawlspace. This allows for greater customization and integration with the surrounding landscape.
Floor Plans
At Liechty Homes, we offer a diverse range of floor plans to suit every need and preference. The Schult Legend Series is a popular choice, known for its open-concept living spaces, spacious kitchens, and luxurious master suites. This series is perfect for those who love to entertain or simply enjoy a spacious, free-flowing layout. The BonnaVilla Premier Limited Series is another favorite, offering a split-bedroom design for added privacy, a cozy fireplace, and ample storage space. This is ideal for families or couples seeking a comfortable and functional home. And for those who appreciate natural light and expansive views, the Schult Tempo Series is designed with large windows and open layouts to create a bright and airy living space.
Schult Homes Singlewide
Customization Options
One of the greatest benefits of choosing a manufactured home is the ability to personalize it to your taste. At Liechty Homes, you can customize your home with a variety of options. Siding and roofing choices let you complement your home's surroundings and express your style. Flooring options range from cozy carpets to elegant hardwood, durable laminate, and classic tile, allowing you to create the perfect atmosphere in every room. Kitchen customization includes a wide range of cabinet styles and countertop materials to match your aesthetic preferences. And to complete your dream kitchen, you can select from a variety of energy-efficient appliances.
Finding the Perfect Location
Choosing the right location for your manufactured home is a key step in buying a manufactured homes. If you do not already have land available to place your home on, or looking to purchase property to place your home. It is important to check the zoning of either the property you own or looking to own. Check with your local zoning office either for city or county before you start the home buying process. Liechty Homes can help you with this step in the process if you are unsure of your land zoning or if your city zoning laws will accept a manufactured home.
Land Ownership vs. Community Living
You'll have an important decision to make: owning the land your home sits on or opting for community living. Owning land provides greater freedom and control, allowing you to customize your property to your liking. However, it also comes with responsibilities like property taxes and maintenance. Manufactured home communities offer a sense of belonging, shared amenities, and often lower monthly costs. However, they may have rules and restrictions that you'll need to consider.
Site Preparation
Your future house site needs to be clear from obstructions and other obstacles
Before your new home can be delivered, your site needs to be properly prepared. This may involve ensuring your chosen location complies with local zoning regulations for manufactured homes. You'll also need to arrange for the connection of utilities like water, sewer, electricity, and gas. Choosing the right foundation is another key step. Options include a pier and beam foundation, a crawlspace, or a full basement, each with its own advantages and considerations.
Financing Your Manufactured Home
Financing a manufactured home is similar to financing a traditional home, but there are a few key differences to be aware of.
Financing Option:
If you're purchasing land and a home together, a construction loan can cover both. Once the home is complete, you'll typically refinance into a traditional mortgage. Traditional mortgages are also available for manufactured homes, especially if you own the land. If you're placing your home on leased land in a community, you may need a home-only loan.
Working With Lenders:
When seeking financing, it's important to work with your home sale company to find a lender, or ask for a recommendation of a local lender who will work with you. More often than not, your home builder will have a lender they prefer to work with who understands the manufactured home buying and construction process.
Liechty Homes’ Can Help You Find A Lender:
Liechty Homes has established relationships with preferred lenders across the Upper Midwest who specialize in manufactured home financing. Our team can connect you with these lenders to help you secure the best possible loan terms.
The Liechty Homes Difference
Choosing Liechty Homes means more than just buying a house; it means gaining a partner dedicated to your satisfaction.
Customer Service
Our experienced team is committed to providing exceptional customer service throughout your home-buying journey. We'll guide you through every step of the process, answering your questions and addressing your concerns with personalized attention.
Quality Construction
eBuilt quality construction from Clayton Homes
We partner with industry-leading manufacturers like Schult Homes and BonnaVilla Homes, known for their commitment to quality construction and innovative designs. You can trust that your Liechty Home is built to last.
Local Expertise
With deep roots in the Upper Midwest, we understand the unique needs and preferences of homeowners in this region. We can help you find the perfect home to match your lifestyle and the climate.
Conclusion
Buying a manufactured home is an exciting step towards achieving your dream of homeownership. With this guide, you're well-equipped to navigate the process and make informed decisions.
Ready to start your journey? Contact Liechty Homes today! Our team is eager to help you find the perfect manufactured home in the Upper Midwest.
Frequently Asked Questions: Manufactured Home Buying Guide
Q: What is the very first step in the Liechty Homes buying guide for North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota?
A: The first and most critical step is determining your budget and securing pre-approval for financing. This involves calculating the combined cost of the manufactured or modular home and the land (or site preparation costs). Liechty Homes helps you connect with local lenders who specialize in Land-Home Packages to ensure you know your buying power before you fall in love with a floor plan.
Q: How do zoning laws in ND, SD, and MN affect where I can place my manufactured home?
A: Zoning laws dictate where residential structures are permitted and which type of home (manufactured or modular) is allowed. In all three states, placement depends on the local county or city ordinances, which specify requirements like setbacks, permanent foundations, and specific architectural standards. Liechty Homes assists customers in checking local zoning for their chosen private land or community to confirm compliance.
Q: What foundation options does Liechty Homes offer, and how does the choice affect my financing?
A: Liechty Homes offers several foundation options, including pier and beam, crawlspace, or full basement. Choosing a permanent foundation (like a basement or full crawlspace) is essential if you want your home to be classified as "real property." This classification is typically required by lenders to qualify for long-term traditional financing options like FHA, VA, and Conventional mortgages.
Q: What is the process for permitting and installation of a manufactured home on private land in the Midwest?
A: The process starts with a site evaluation to assess utility needs and ground readiness. Liechty Homes then assists in applying for the necessary local building permits and adhering to state-specific requirements (such as North Dakota's licensed installer rules). Once permits are secured, the home is delivered and expertly installed on the foundation according to federal HUD Code or state Modular Code standards, followed by final local inspections.
Q: Does Liechty Homes offer financing for the home and land together (Land-Home Package)?
A: Yes, Liechty Homes strongly recommends pursuing a Land-Home Package or single-close loan, especially for customers in North Dakota, South Dakota, or Minnesota buying new land. We partner with preferred local financial institutions that offer construction-to-permanent loans, which finance the land, the home, and the site improvements all under one loan, simplifying your overall mortgage process.
