As we look ahead to the new year, many prospective home buyers are wondering if the real estate market will improve. While mortgage rates have slightly lowered, home prices are still expected to increase, leaving many home shoppers continuing to struggle to afford a home.

The cost of site-built homes in California remains high, and in some cases, continues to hit new records, with a statewide average sale price of $771,057 to Zillow. According to CAR (California Association of Realtors), the median was even higher, hitting $888,740. Compare these prices to the average cost of a manufactured home in California, which is only around $162,000 for a prefabricated 1,800 square foot home.

Although additional amenities and upgrades in the home, as well as location, transportation, installation, and a land lease can make manufactured housing prices vary, it continues to be a much more affordable option and better investment for many home shoppers. First-time homebuyers, retirees living on a fixed income, or anyone on a budget should consider the advantages of manufactured housing.

Manufactured homes are also a great option for those looking to downsize. As the Baby Boomer generation reaches retirement, many are looking to downsize to smaller, single-level, and more manageable homes. Manufactured homes also provide a low-maintenance lifestyle, which is ideal for active young professionals or retirees who want to travel and spend time on hobbies and interests rather than taking care of their homes and large yards.

Built to HUD code, today’s manufactured homes also offer many of the same designer features and on-trend floor plans as site-built homes. No longer the mobile homes of decades past, these homes feature high-quality construction, along with the amenities such as farmhouse sinks, stone countertops, barn doors, open floor plans with plenty of windows to let in natural light, and more. Many homes even offer the option of porches and attached garages.

“Today’s manufactured homes are beautiful, well-built houses that many people are surprised at how spacious and modern they are,” said Shane Joffe, sales and marketing manager at HomeQuest. “We’re always excited to help homebuyers discover that these homes are just as beautiful and livable as site-built homes, but at a fraction of the cost. It’s a great entry into the housing market for many people, and it’s time to let go of the outdated stigma around manufactured homes.”

Reach out to us here at HomeQuest to learn more about purchasing a manufactured home, ADU, or Tiny Home. Please contact us at info@homequestsales.com or visit homequestsales.com.