After Hurricane Andrew struck Florida in 1992, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) studied the performance and strength of various buildings and found that modular homes stood up to hurricane-force winds much better than standard site-built homes.

The secret to modular homes’ strength lies in the manufacturing process. To help the modules withstand the demands of the transportation process, modular homes are built with an average of 20 percent more materials than regular homes (and often at less cost!). These materials include bigger, stronger wall studs and floor joists, which means a sturdier frame overall.

The stricter inspection process behind each home also contributes to modular’s superior staying power. Not only is each module is inspected prior to leaving the factory, but the home is inspected again by independent local inspectors after it arrives and is placed on the foundation at its final destination.

The home buying process requires a lot of homework and is full of questions. That’s why we’ve created this recurring “Ask the Experts” feature here on the Excel Homes blog. It features real questions with simple answers from Excel modular home experts like Robin Gamby, VP of M&T Bank, Mortgage Division. M&T Bank is a leader in modular financing, having financed over $1 billion in modular construction loans. Click on the “Ask the Experts” link on the right to ask one of our listed experts a question of your own.

HOW IS SECURING A MORTGAGE FOR A MODULAR HOME DIFFERENT FROM A MORTGAGE FOR A TRADITIONAL SITE-BUILT HOME?

This is a common question, and rightfully so. The dream of owning a home often begins with a mortgage. The truth is, there are very few differences between a modular home and a regular site-built home and therefore very few differences in mortgage options. In fact, standard site-built homes and modular homes are the same in the eyes of the bank. These similarities include appraisals and insurance as well. This is in contrast to mobile homes, which require different financing.

In this multi-part entry, we’ll walk you through the modular home buying process from beginning to end. Like any major purchase, that process starts with research.

Most of us do at least a little homework (some more than others) before making any significant purchase. We research the best digital cameras, the most economical and safe cars, and which televisions deliver the most pixels for your buck. Buying a modular home should be no different.

Usually, the research process starts online. Thankfully, there are a multitude of websites out there that offer plenty of information about modular homes, including this blog! The following are also good resources (among the many others listed in the links section of this blog):

• Modular Today – We like this site for many reasons, but mainly because it’s simple, straightforward and easy to use. Don’t miss the section on “Modular Myths” or the “Modular Article Knowledge Base.”
• Home Buying Institute – This site bills itself as “the Internet’s largest library of home buying tips and advice.” Spend a few minutes on it and we think you might agree.

Throughout your research efforts, ask yourself which modular home options are right for you. Are you happy with a pre-designed model or do you have a lot of customization requests. Either is fine. Also think about your schedule. Do you need a home relatively soon or is time on your side?

It might also help to talk to a modular home builder in your area. Just like asking a car dealer about different vehicle options, you don’t have to agree to purchase your home from that builder (choosing the right builder for you comes later in the process), but the builder should be able to answer any questions you might have and point you in the right direction!

The next installment of The Modular Process: Pre-loan qualification.

Because we like to know what you think, whether it’s through your comments or “Ask the Experts” e-mails, each month on Modular Musings, we’ll feature a different poll in the right hand side bar. Our first poll is simple: Which benefit of modular homes do you find most appealing? There are, after all, many rewards to “going modular”– from quicker build times to stronger, more durable construction to greater customization of your home’s design.

Give it some thought and feel free to register your opinion with a vote on the right! Polling results will be updated after each vote throughout the month, so check back often to see if your opinion matches up with the rest of our readers.

It seems like everyone is blogging these days (either reading them or writing them), so it makes perfect sense, as Excel Homes continues to grow, that we’d start our own blog. Ever since I first joined Excel Homes as president in 2007, I’ve thought a blog would be a useful communications tool for Excel Homes and I’m happy to finally see it up and running.

Even though this blog is housed on the Excel website and written by members of the Excel team, it’s important to clarify that this isn’t a blog focused entirely on Excel Homes. Most of the entries will be about the modular home industry as a whole, but we’ll mix in some Excel-specific entries, including introductions to members of our internal team and periodic updates and news about Excel Homes and our products. We’ll even talk about things that aren’t directly related to modular homes, like landscaping features and mortgage options.

While much of what you will read here on Modular Musings is based on fact, we’ll also offer plenty of opinions. If you ever disagree with what we have to say (or even if you agree), feel free to leave a comment or two. This interaction with our readers is what we’re looking forward to most.

Whether you’re a home builder or a prospective home owner, we hope you enjoy our new web venture as much as we’ll enjoy writing it.

Steve Scharnhorst
President, Excel Homes