Modular Home Buying: The How’s and Whys

Modular Home Buying: The How’s and Whys

If you’ve been dreaming about a new home but the thought of traditional site-built construction makes your wallet wince, let me tell you about something that might just change everything: modular homes.

I know what you’re thinking. “Isn’t that the same as a mobile home?” Not quite, and that’s exactly what trips people up. Let me break it down for you in plain English.

What Makes a Modular Home Different?

Here’s the thing most people don’t realize: modular homes are built to the same Florida Building Code as any stick-built house in your neighborhood. Manufactured homes? They follow HUD standards, which is a completely different ball game. That distinction matters more than you might think, especially when it comes to zoning, insurance, and resale value down the road.

At Ocala Custom Homes, we’re Central Florida’s go-to spot for modular homes, and honestly, we’ve seen just about every question you could throw at us. So let’s tackle the big ones.

Two Ways to Build Your Modular Home

Think of it like choosing between two solid foundations for your future. You’ve got options:

Off-Frame Modular: Picture a traditional crawl space, but built with either masonry block or poured concrete, standing about three to four feet high. This is your stem wall foundation, the same kind you’d see under conventional homes. It’s rock-solid and treated exactly like any site-built home when it comes to zoning.

On-Frame Modular: This one stays on its frame, similar to how a manufactured home is set up. Here’s where it gets interesting—this route can save you some serious cash while still giving you that modular home quality.

Let’s Talk Money

Okay, I’m going to be straight with you because nobody likes financial surprises. Modular homes typically run about $30,000 to $50,000 more than manufactured homes. I know, I know—that sounds like a deal-breaker. But hang on, because here’s where it gets really interesting.

The actual cost difference depends on whether you go off-frame or on-frame. With an off-frame modular, you’re paying for that stem wall foundation, the crane to lift the home into place, and various other costs that come with that setup. The on-frame option? Much more budget-friendly, especially if you’re in a community that requires modular but allows that construction type.

The Modular Advantage (This Is the Good Part)

Here’s something most people have no idea about: you can actually get into a modular home for roughly the same monthly payment as a manufactured home. Sounds impossible, right? But it’s true, and here’s why it works:

You’ll typically snag a lower interest rate on a modular home. Your insurance costs drop. When you add it all up, even though the purchase price is higher, your monthly payment can end up in the same ballpark—or sometimes even lower—than what you’d pay for a manufactured home.

But wait, there’s more. (I promise I’m not trying to sound like an infomercial here—these benefits are just that good.)

Modular homes use about 10 to 15 percent more lumber than manufactured homes, which means you’re getting a stronger, sturdier structure. They appraise higher. They resell for more. You get tax advantages. And you’re spending significantly less than you would on a traditional site-built home while getting the same quality—or better.

It’s like finding out you can upgrade from economy to business class for just a few bucks more. Why wouldn’t you?

What You’ll Get at Ocala Custom Homes

We work with Jacobsen, and I’ve got to say, their quality just stands out. Whether you’re looking at a single-wide, double-wide, or even a triple-wide modular, we’ve got options that fit different budgets and needs. Come check out our Model and Design Center—seeing is believing.

And if you’re worried about zoning requirements or DCA specifications, don’t be. Our team knows this stuff inside and out. We’ll walk you through it without the jargon or runaround.

Financing That Actually Works for Real People

This is probably the part that stresses people out the most, so let me ease your mind. We’ve got financing options for VA, FHA, USDA, and conventional loans. Own your land? You might qualify for zero down. Yeah, you read that right—zero down payment.

Low credit score? Been turned down before? We work with all credit scores, and we’ve helped plenty of folks who thought they were out of options. We’ll even take trades or use your land’s equity for a down payment.

The bottom line is this: if you want it badly enough, there’s probably a way to make it happen.

Why People Choose Modular

When you really think about it, choosing a modular home just makes sense. You get the quality and value of a traditional home without the traditional price tag or the months and months of construction headaches. The building happens in a controlled factory environment, which means better quality control and no weather delays holding up your timeline.

Plus, we’ve got several models ready for immediate delivery right now. Not “we’ll start building in six months” immediate—actual immediate.