Finding land for your modern manufactured home

What to consider when looking for land

Renting or buying a prepared lot or land

First, you’ll need to determine which home site option works best for your budget and financing, and whether your loan will cover the modern manufactured home only or both the land and home. If you are looking to rent a space in a community, that will narrow your search to modern manufactured home communities in your area that have available spots. Depending on the size and layout of your home, you’ll also need to ensure the space is big enough.

One advantage of renting land is that the community is already zoned for modern manufactured homes and typically includes utility hookups. A potential downside is that you usually don’t own the land, and space availability may be limited depending on the demand. However, some communities are resident-owned, which may offer the opportunity to purchase a land lot.

Another option is purchasing a move-in ready modern manufactured home that’s already built and placed on land. These homes may be available in both communities and private neighborhoods or in more rural areas, depending on where you live. This option can simplify the process since the home is already set up, which can help you move-in more quickly.

If you're interested in this option, you can check out our move-in ready homes that are available near you.

As a helpful reminder, when you’re factoring in the costs of finding and setting up your land, if you want to move into a community that offers on-site amenities or join a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, the rent for the space may be higher, or the HOA could have additional fees.

Purchasing land to place your new modern manufactured home on gives you more flexibility when it comes to location, but it can require more searching to find a property that fits your needs. If this is your situation, the factors below will be important to keep in mind.

Knowing if land will suit your modern manufactured home

When you’re buying any home, you’ll always hear that it’s all about location, location, location. And when you’re looking at land to put your modern manufactured home on, there are several questions to ask about that location.

First, decide if it works for your life and plans by asking questions like:

• How close do you want to be to work, schools, emergency services, and amenities?

• How is cell and internet service for the location? This can be important, especially for those who work or take classes remotely.

• How long do you plan to stay in the area?

• Is the land in an area that could potentially increase its value over time?

Having your modern manufactured home permanently attached to land can also help your home keep its value or even appreciate over time. This is especially true if your home is in a desirable or popular location. Whether you are looking for a spot with more privacy or want to be part of a neighborhood, find an area where you’ll want to stay and settle down for a while.

In addition, you’ll need to confirm that the land you’ve chosen can have a manufactured home placed on it. This includes answering questions like:

• Is the land the right size and shape for your home?

• Is the land zoned for residential use and manufactured homes?

• Is the land in a flood zone?

Before you buy land for your home, make sure to speak with your home consultant and have the site inspected. You don’t want to buy the land only to find out that your home cannot be placed on it.

Then, you’ll want to figure out what site preparation and land improvements will be needed. This can include answering questions like:

• Will there be obstacles on the route to deliver the manufactured home, like narrow roads or low hanging tree branches?

• Is the land accessible, or will you need to have a driveway built? And do you need an easement to connect your home to the road?

• Will the land need to be cleared of trees, vegetation, and debris?

• Have the soil conditions been tested or graded for drainage?

• Does the land already have access to utilities like water, electricity, gas, and sewage? If you are outside city limits, you will likely need a septic system and a well installed.

Any land improvements will add to the costs of your land and home purchase, so make sure to communicate with your lender and Clayton location beforehand as the details of your loan may need to be adjusted.

Legal items and documentation to consider

If you’ve confirmed that the land meets applicable state and local zoning laws and building regulations for the modern manufactured home you’ve chosen, there may still  be documents required. These often include fees that may or may not be part of your financing, depending on your loan. Some of these documents can include:

• A land survey to determine the property lines.

• A title search that ensures the property has no liens (legal claims) so that it can be sold.

• The deed or legal description of the property.

• A purchase agreement between the buyer and seller of the land outlining what’s being purchased and the cost.

• An easement, if needed, to build a driveway or access your property through someone else’s land. An easement provides legal permission from the other landowner for that use.

• Building permits may be required for laying the foundation, as well as additions like porches, garages, and utility installation.

• Flood insurance may be required if your home site is located in a flood plain. Depending on your lender, proof of homeowners insurance may also be required.

• Property taxes are typically required if you own land, with the amount based on your property’s assessed value and the local tax rate. Depending on your lender’s requirements, you may have a mortgage escrow account that covers these costs.

Not every home site is the same, so what’s required before you purchase land or place a modern manufactured home on it can vary depending on the specific situation and the loan type.

How to find land for your modern manufactured home

Now that you understand some of the key factors to consider when choosing land for your home, you may be wondering how to get started. This is where your home consultant’s expertise can help.

Your local Clayton location is just that: local. The team understands the area and often has connections to help identify available land in communities or on private land, as well as move-in ready homes. They’re also familiar with the local laws and requirements and can help guide you through the process, including any documentation or permits you may need.

We want you to feel confident about your new home purchase by making sure you have the information you need to make decisions. When you’re ready to take that next step, you can contact a Clayton location near you today. There, our consultants can help answer your questions about the home buying process, including whether homes with land packages — where the home is already built and placed on land — are available.