Let’s face it, when it comes to buying a home, men and women are often on two different blueprint pages when it comes to features they want. Sure, some features are important no matter who you are, but what do men typically want when it comes to choosing and customizing their modular home?

According to a 2008 study by ZipReality, men and women don’t differ much on certain features, but some differences are worth pointing out:

• Men preferred a home office more than women did (40% to 33%)
• Men placed greater emphasis on recreational spaces, like a home theater (12% to 6%), exercise room (13% to 9%), a swimming pool (22% to 20%), and an outdoor entertainment area (57% to 55%).
• On a surprising aesthetic note, more men than women demanded a home with a view (32% to 27%).
• As expected, men need their garage more than women, with 74% of men saying they wouldn’t purchase a house without a garage, versus 71% of women who made the same claim.

We’ll cover what women want in a future Modular Musings blog entry. Until then, let’s try to find some common ground when it comes to deciding what to do with that new addition off the living room.

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.