Do you know Texas isn’t only one of the most affordable places to live in the US, but also the state that houses the largest number of manufactured homes? Texas has over 760,000 manufactured homes that accommodate up to 7.4% of the state’s population, equivalent to 1.9 million people. One such great place in Texas is the New Braunfels. With many active listings for mobile homes, the city is affordable, has a welcoming community, and has a lot of picturesque landscapes that keep you feeling alive and energetic.
If you want to explore the German Culture in Texas, New Braunfels is just the right place for you. You can search for the best-manufactured home dealers, check out their latest selection of mobile homes, compare price points, and invest in a property that works for you and your family. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the benefits of transitioning to a mobile home.
Benefits of Investing in Mobile Homes in New Braunfels
Affordability and Cost Savings
Building a home from the ground up is considerably expensive compared to manufactured homes. The main reason is that these homes are factory-built and mass-produced. And the difference in pricing isn’t small. In fact, if a site-built home costs around $107 per square foot, the manufactured home costs $49 for the same area. There are a few other factors that make these homes cheaper than their traditional counterparts.
- Cheaper Construction: Mass-produced mobile homes are affordable because the materials used in their construction are affordable and are designed for an efficient lifestyle. That said, these materials meet all safety standards of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHC).
- Save on Land Cost: Unlike traditional homes, mobile homes are positioned in mobile home communities or parks that are designed specifically for these houses. They consume a small piece of leased land, which makes them an affordable choice for investors and aspiring homeowners.
- Lower Utility Bills: It isn’t just the lower upfront cost that looks attractive to mobile homebuyers, but the lower utility prices can save you significantly in the long run. Manufactured homes feature energy-efficient technology and are smaller than traditional housing options. This results in low energy consumption and a lower utility cost.
The lower per unit cost from mass production makes these homes cheaper for those planning to live in these properties, as well as, for the economy.
Modern Amenities and Design
Inspired by the Texas German culture, New Braunfels has diverse housing options that cater to people following different lifestyles. From single-family homes to apartments, and from villas to gated communities, the city has it all. The city also offers mobile home communities for residents who want to downsize their houses without giving up on the comfort and amenities.
If you are worried you’d have to compromise on the layout and the architectural style, know that mobile homes are equipped with modern amenities. Contemporary-style manufactured homes offer options like modular kitchens, an exterior space, and fascinating interiors. Manufacturers allow you to upgrade these homes with stainless steel appliances, energy-efficient features, and different interior finishes to make them suit your style and preference.
Flexibility in Location
Apart from being an affordable housing option, mobile homes offer flexibility in terms of location. Mobile homes can be transported to the land of your choice. You can even relocate in the future if you change your job or need a new surrounding. It’s a great choice for people who can’t live in the same neighborhood for a long time. In addition to the transportability, manufactured homes can be placed on rental lots.
These are for homeowners who don’t want to live in mobile home communities. Many landowners are willing to offer rental space to mobile homeowners on a contractual basis. Moreover, mobile home parks and communities are located in different parts of New Braunfels, offering you the convenience of choosing a place within the city or in suburban and rural areas (whatever suits your lifestyle).
Community Living Benefits
People living in mobile home communities tend to develop great social and networking skills, as they get to live in an environment with supportive neighbors. Fortunately, New Braunfels offers a community of welcoming people, especially in mobile home parks. Plus, you get to share amenities with your community members.
These modern amenities might include swimming pools, fitness centers, clubhouses, parks, walking trails, and more. These amenities allow residents to build connections with their community members. Besides, socializing is quite fun when you share the same resources. You can participate in social events and use recreational spaces in your area to unwind after work.
Customization Options
Whether you are buying your first mobile home or investing in a place for post-retirement, mobile homes are flexible enough to be customized just the way you like. Choose a floor plan of your choice and design the interiors that suit your style. For the countertops and cabinetry, you can choose the material that fits your budget and requirements.
For instance, you can upgrade to a granite countertop and a chrome finish for fixtures. Although the exterior design is often predetermined, many manufacturers allow options for customization, such as choosing colors, entrance designs, and adding a small deck. Some mobile homeowners invest in energy-efficient systems, such as high-quality insulation and smart appliances to save on their utility bills.
You can also invest in smart home technology that helps you control the lighting system, windows, and security appliances remotely.
Ease of Maintenance
All manufactured homes must meet the HUD code before they are available for sale in the market. Although the materials used in the construction of these pre-fabricated homes are often cheaper than those used in traditional site-built houses, the foundation of these homes and the overall construction meet all safety regulations. This also ensures that the construction material will last long and require fewer repairs.
These homes are made of materials that can resist weather damage, pests, and other issues. Besides, manufactured homes are smaller and have simpler structures as compared to traditional homes. This simplifies the maintenance tasks. Since you live in community parks, some part of the maintenance is handled by the park. This includes the maintenance of all shared amenities, such as the swimming pool, gym, and walking trails.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Most electrical appliances and the structure of the manufactured home are designed keeping sustainability in mind. Homeowners can opt for further upgrades, like installing photovoltaic systems, i.e. solar panels on the rooftop of the building to capture adequate sunlight and convert it into electricity. This doesn’t only reduce your carbon footprint but saves you considerably on your utility bills. Usually, renewable sources of energy are sufficient to power your home. Plus, manufactured homes are designed according to the HUD code. So, the doors and windows are properly sealed, allowing no air leakage.
Upgraded insulation materials that maintain the interior and exterior room temperature are another way to make your mobile homes energy-efficient. Lastly, you can invest in energy-efficient appliances, which are designed to consume less electricity yet offer all the benefits of standard appliances.
Ownership Opportunities
Mobile homes offer you different ownership options, giving you an opportunity to choose what suits your budget and lifestyle. We’ve mentioned a few popular choices that work for mobile homeowners.
Home Ownership: In home ownership, the buyer owns the home, but not the land where it’s placed. Simply put, it’s like renting a small space where you can place your manufactured home and pay the rent for the land to the community. This arrangement works for homeowners who plan on relocating in the future. You can transport your home to a new place and end the contract with the landlord whenever you like.
Land and Home Ownership: Another option is the ownership of land and home. If you already own a piece of land, you can have your manufactured home settled there. It’s perfect for those who don’t want to be part of the mobile home community or pay rent every month. You also get better flexibility in terms of customizing the space outside your home.
Cooperative ownership is another option for buyers interested in cooperatively owning land with the community within the mobile home park. Once you get the ownership, you can manage park operations.
Multiple Financing Options
Mobile homeowners can secure chattel loans, which are specifically designed for these homes, or choose regular home loans or FHA loans. There are multiple financing options available for the home and the land.
Bottom Line
Investing in a mobile home, whether it’s for investment purposes or residential needs, can be a great decision. These homes follow the HUD code and are equipped with all the amenities that a traditional home offers. The energy-efficient appliances with high-quality insulation make these homes a sustainable choice for homeowners. The biggest perk of a mobile home is its transportability. If you are bored of the location, you can move your home to a new place and explore new surroundings.