Yesterday, we shared some tips on how to create mobile homes that look like houses. Today, we’re going to put the DIY projects aside and focus on buying a mobile home that looks like a stick built home. We’ll give you some places to look and more importantly, discuss what you should be looking for.
Let’s get started!
Where to look
Besides the traditional methods of searching with a realtor or looking in the newspaper, there is a world of options available to you via the Internet. Websites with real estate listings include Craigslist, Zillow, Ebay, and Trulia. For mobile homes specifically, try searching MHBO.com. Another great site is mhvillage.com. In fact, it’s the largest site for mobile home listings in the US.
What to look for
We’ve combed through the listings on mhvillage.com to bring you a few great examples of mobile homes that look like houses. Since they already have key features in place, you won’t need to make any renovations yourself! We’ll point out those features to you so you know what to keep an eye out for in your own search.
These examples are all located in Florida and can be purchased for less than $100,000. Affordability, design, and function – you really can have it all!
Sunroom
Image credit: mhvillage.com (Serial #TW26129359)
We love the sunroom they’ve built onto this mobile home. Not only does it add space, it increases the natural light into the home as well. Be sure take a look at the interior and see how the custom built-ins really make this mobile home feel more “traditional.” The listing can be found here.
Gables and a front porch with columns
Image credit: mhvillage.com (Serial #PH0915371AFL, PH0915371BFL)
This is probably one of our favorites. And yes, it’s still under $100,000. What makes this mobile home look like a house? For one, the added gables on the front take away from the “boxiness” that is commonly associated with manufactured houses.
Next, they’ve added a porch with steps up the front door. And they’ve intentionally given the columns a unique shape that detracts from the home’s naturally square angles. All this makes you think that the elevated entry was part of the design.
Just one more thing. Let’s not forget the garage! Many homeowners will add a carport out of necessity but building a complete garage is a great way to customize a mobile home.
Front porch with bay windows
Image credit: mhvillage.com
This customized mobile home also has a front porch, but you can see that the design is different. They’ve added round, slender columns instead of large, triangular ones. Additionally, their home has bay windows. This was probably a customization they ordered from the manufacturers, so don’t forget that’s always an option if you’re buying new! Take a look inside to see how vaulted windows increase natural light and change the feel of the home too.
Long veranda with carport
Image credit: mhvillage.com (Serial #13004288A)
We include this one to show you how simple updates can make mobile homes look like houses too. A new roof that extends over the carport and front veranda seems to welcome you into the home. It’s hard to say whether it was a manufacturer design or an after-factory customization, but the kitchen has a pass-through countertop. Scroll through the listing to see it for yourself. It’s a nice way to join the kitchen with the rest of the living space. Interior touches like this can also make a mobile home feel less manufactured and more personalized.
Texture and window elements
Image credit: mhvillage.com (Seller’s home ID #DER315)
Words like “whimsical,” “cottage,” and “quaint” spring to mind when we look at this listing. The painted shutters and customized wood siding (on the right corner of the house) make us forget that this is a manufactured home. The landscaping carries the theme of the house, making you wonder what the inside looks like. Interior renovations support the feeling that this a cute cottage and not a house off the assembly line. The kitchen has an island with bar stools and the TV is recessed into the wall. Small details like these really give this a feeling of “home.”
The search for mobile homes that look like houses is on!
We’ve barely scratched the surface of different mobile homes that look like houses. We just want to let you know that there are lots of choices out there. Just because a home is manufactured doesn’t mean you have to settle for something you don’t like. Start your own search and see what customizations you like best! For more about buying mobile homes and mobile homes that look like houses, take a look at some of these articles: