Buying a Home Most manufactured homes are
sold through retail sales centers, many of which are independently owned and operated.
Others are owned and operated by a manufacturer. In some states, you may also buy from a
manufactured home community owner, developer, or if you're purchasing a previously owned
home, a real estate agent.
Shop around. Retailers offer a variety of products and
services. Many will help you choose your home and its features and, if you want, place a
custom order with the factory. Typically the retailer is also responsible for coordinating
the delivery and installation of your home. Ask what warranty coverage the retailer
provides on transportation and installation and get it in writing. The retailer may
arrange for financing and insurance. And, once you've moved in, the retailer is often the
contact for warranty service.
A good way to find a retailer is to ask existing
homeowners for recommendations. You can contact your state manufactured housing
association for the names and addresses of manufacturers and retailers in your area.
(Check the Yellow Page listings under manufactured or "mobile" homes.) As with
any major purchase, check out a potential retailer or manufacturer with your local Better
Business Bureau and state or local consumer protection agency. They'll tell you if they
have any unresolved consumer complaints on file.
The Manufacturer's Warranty
Warranty coverage varies among manufacturers.
Retailers must make copies of warranties offered on the homes they sell available for you
to review and read before you buy a home. Read them and compare coverage. The following
questions may help you in doing this.
- What coverage comes with the home? You may get warranties
from the home manufacturer, the retailer, the transporter, the installer, and the
appliance manufacturer.
- What components and what types of problems does each
warranty cover? What's not covered?
- Does the manufacturers written warranty cover
transportation and installation? If not, are they covered by other written warranties?
- How long do the warranties last?
- How do I get warranty service? Who will provide it? Where
will it be performed?
- Are extended warranties available from the manufacturer? If
so, what do they cover and cost?
Manufacturer warranties generally cover
substantial defects in the following areas:
- workmanship in the structure;
- factory-installed plumbing, heating, and electrical
systems; and
- factory-installed appliances, which may also be covered by
separate appliance manufacturer warranties.
Manufacturer warranties DO NOT cover:
- improper installation and maintenance;
- accidents;
- owner negligence;
- unauthorized repairs; or
- normal wear and aging.
Make sure the person who performs the installation follows
the manufacturer's installation instructions. Also ensure that the manufacturer's
maintenance and repair instructions (contained in the consumer/homeowner's manual) are
followed to keep your warranty in effect. While your retailer will perform most warranty
service, the manufacturer is responsible for making sure repairs are done and completed in
a timely manner.
Implied Warranties
In addition to written warranties, you may be
protected by certain "implied warranties." An implied warranty is an unspoken,
unwritten promise that a product is fit to be sold and used for its intended purpose. For
example, a manufactured home should be fit to be sold and lived in. Implied warranties
protect you even if no written warranty is offered by the manufacturer or retailer. Most
states allow sales that exclude implied warranties ("as is" sales). However,
some states do not allow sellers to exclude or limit implied warranties. Check with your
state or local consumer protection officials to learn more about implied warranty
protections. If you're buying a previously-owned home, ask if it's being sold with a
warranty or "as is" with no written or implied warranty.
The Retailer's Warranty
A retailer may offer a warranty on a home. Ask to see
the retailer's warranty in writing before buying a home. While retailer warranties vary,
they typically include:
- the terms of the warranty;
- what you must do to keep the warranty in effect;
- what you can reasonably expect from the retailer; and
- that the home has been installed according to manufacturer
installation instructions and local regulations.
Retailer warranties do not cover problems
that arise from:
- owner negligence;
- failure by the owner to provide notice for service; and
- unauthorized repairs.
Appliance Warranties
Your home appliances also have warranties. They may
come with the use and care manuals from the appliance manufacturer or be included in the
home manufacturer's warranty, as required in some states. You have the right to review
copies of all warranties before you buy a home. It's a good idea to do so, and to compare
coverage.
Carefully read your warranties. Note their length and
terms. In most cases, you'll get service from a local appliance service center. However,
if warranty service isn't available, contact your retailer for guidance.
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