A large number of prospective homeowners are interested in acquiring mobile or manufactured homes. Should these homeowners require financial assistance, they will need to take the assistance of approved lenders who make the money available from their own resources as FHA does not lend money for this purpose. Since these loans are not government funded, they are not low interest loans. The interest rate is fixed based on prevailing market rates. However, since the loan is privately funded, you can take this to mean that mobile home loans are also available to persons with poor credit, albeit at a higher interest rate to compensate for the greater risk involved. Regardless of the source of funding, lending institutions place certain conditions on the loan advanced for mobile homes. The home being financed has to be used as the principal residence by the person taking the loan. The maximum loan amount and tenure depend on the location and can vary with in designated high cost areas. Tenures vary between 15 to 25 years. Manufactured or mobile homes are usually sold through dealers or retailers. These dealers themselves can give you names of lenders who specialize in financing these types of homes. They will have the necessary certification to prove that the home in question complies with the construction and safety standards. They will also help you to complete the documentation required to complete your loan application. Essentially, the prospective homeowner needs to demonstrate that he has the financial stability to service the loan, he should be able to pay 5% down payment at the very least and have a suitable site - leased or owned where the home can be placed. The home itself must meet the required safety criteria and standards and carry a one year warranty. It must be erected on a site that meets the standards for sewage disposal and supply of water, electricity etc. The law also prohibits the use of the loan to purchase furniture etc. However, it can be used to finance anything that is built in to the house. This could include various appliances such as air conditioners and wall to wall carpeting. It is amply evident therefore that the mere fact that you have chosen a mobile home or a manufactured home is no excuse for a lender not to lend you money- so far as the home meets the required criteria in terms of site, manufacturing standards and owners contribution. In fact, the 'Fair Housing Act' gives you specific protection to ensure that you are not forced to accept higher interest rates etc simply because you are from a minority community etc. There just doesn't seem to be any reason to put off that home now! |
