Best Mobile Home Dealers

Factory Expo Home Centers' delivery capabilities are impressive

The average mobile home costs $131,800 as of July 2022, though this will vary depending on the mobile home chosen. Mobile home dealers help you shop among manufacturers, styles, and sizes to find the perfect mobile home for your needs.

The benefit of working with a mobile home dealer is that they can sell various manufacturers’ lines. They do not need to force you into a particular brand, but rather can listen to your wants and needs, review your financial picture, and find a few options from different manufacturers that could be a good fit for you. The best dealers can also help you find land, navigate the permitting process, arrange financing, and coordinate delivery and site setup. 

We reviewed over 30 mobile home dealers to find the most knowledgeable and helpful in specific niches within the industry. Read on to see which dealer may be the best fit for you.

Best Mobile Home Dealers of 2024

Best Overall : Factory Expo Home Centers


Factory Expo Home Centers

 Factory Expo Home Centers

Why We Chose It

Customers who want a recognized name in mobile and manufactured homes with a large selection can find a solid choice in our best overall winner, Factory Expo Home Centers.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Sales centers located nationwide, many on site at factories

  • Delivery to 46 states

  • Customers can tour furnished models

Cons
  • Online explanations of permitting and site work services could be improved

  • Customers have to work with the company's brands

Overview

Thanks to its nationwide service and large assortment of manufacturers to choose from, Factory Expo Home Centers is our best overall choice.

Factory Expo Home Centers is America's largest mobile home and manufactured home center. It was founded in 1999 in Phoenix, Arizona, and has always been independently owned. The company partners with experienced and trusted name-brand manufacturers for its single- and double-wide mobile homes, including Cavco Homes, Champion Homes, Chariot Eagle Homes, Clayton Homes, Fairmont Homes, Fleetwood Homes, Legacy Housing, Palm Harbor Homes, and Skyline Homes.

Factory Expo Home Centers delivers nationally with the exception of Alaska, West Virginia, Maine, and Hawaii. There are 18 factory locations with sales centers and 11 outlet centers throughout the country where customers can talk to salespeople directly and tour model homes. Customers can also see homes being built, which is unusual for many dealers. The process also allows customers to be involved in the building and customizing of their own home. On top of traditional financing, customers can pay by credit card and arrange for mobile home insurance online or in person.

With many floor plans, and home sizes ranging from 373 to 3,001 square feet, Factory Expo Home Centers is bound to appeal to many home-buyers. Clearance and in-stock homes are ready for immediate delivery. Prices start at $33,900 but larger homes can approach and even well exceed $100,000. Customers with credit scores above 580 could qualify for financing, with more financing options and better terms available for people with scores in the high 600s and 700s. Homes come with a 12-month warranty.

Best for First-Time Home Buyers : Home Nation


Home Nation

 Home Nation

Why We Chose It

Home Nation’s 170 floorplans, factory-direct pricing, and multiple financing options make it the best for first-time homebuyers.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Prices lower than other dealers

  • More than 170 floorplans

  • Range of financing packages available

Cons
  • Customers must choose foundations

  • Credit scores influence financing options

Overview

First-time homebuyers will be in good hands with Home Nation, thanks to its extensive customer service throughout the home-buying process, many floorplan options, and multiple financing programs.

Home Nation, founded in 2008, is based in the Midwest and delivers single-wide, double-wide, park model homes, and modular homes to 17 states in the Midwest, West, and South. It also coordinates delivery and setup on your land. The founder immigrated from Australia in 1984 and formed his company after he learned the carpentry and construction business. The knowledge the founder gained, and his ability to determine quality, led him to open Home Nation.

All of Home Nation's prices are publicly displayed and it offers cash discounts. Non-discounted prices range from $55,440 to $164,248. Customers can get pre-approved, select a home online, and get an estimate of all project costs before agreeing to a contract.

The company can also advise customers on lot selection if they don't have land and offers installation packages where Home Nation can take on more coordination for a fee. Mobile homes come with a one-year warranty from Home Nation, but customers can buy a seven-year warranty for an upcharge. Built-to-order homes take between 28 and 120 days to produce and deliver.

Best for Energy Efficiency : Clayton Homes


Clayton Homes

 Clayton Homes

Why We Chose It

Homebuyers wanting superior structure quality along with energy efficiency should look no further than Clayton Homes to fit their needs. This company is widely known for its green initiatives, making it our best choice for energy-efficient mobile homes.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Built in America from design to construction

  • Steel I-beams for stronger home structure

  • Flexible water lines to better withstand cold climates

Cons
  • Customers can't visit a Clayton factory directly

  • Energy-efficient homes tend to be more expensive

Overview

Clayton’s long history as a manufacturer has given it ample time to perfect its process in making the most energy-efficient mobile homes. 

Clayton began in 1956 with a mission to help more families realize the dream of buying a home. It offers traditional site-built homes, modular homes, manufactured homes, and tiny homes, but its offerings don't end there. Clayton has also built college dormitories, military barracks, and apartments. The company has evolved into owning its own dealerships throughout the country, giving it a factory-to-consumer channel.

Recognized in the industry with many home design awards from the Manufactured Housing Institute, Clayton has designs in a wide range of home sizes to choose from.

Clayton has implemented green practices and features that helped it earn a reputation for energy savings. It has an ISO 14001 certification for green building standards. Some of its partners in construction are industry leaders in their own right, such as Moen, Wilsonart, Frigidaire, and Hunter.

If you’re interested in buying a Clayton home, start at its Find a Retailer link and enter your zip code. From there, you’ll be directed to one or more Clayton retailers in your region. Call them to discuss your needs, design a customized home on your budget, or choose a display home for faster delivery and a lower price. 

You don’t have to finance directly through the dealer. You can shop for terms from third-party lenders who specialize in mobile home financing. Even if your credit score is in the 500s, you’ll have options. Clayton retailers provide a minimum warranty of 12 months.

Best for Modular Homes : Homes Direct


Homes Direct

 Homes Direct

Why We Chose It

Homes Direct has the best modular home sales process, cutting through the complexities and leading you by the hand as you work through permits, financing, and site preparation.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Fully finished and decorated models

  • 13 locations supplying homes

  • Plans can be customized

Cons
  • Only available in 5 states

  • Options and customizations can mean a long process

Overview

Staff expertise in time frames, factory options, and the delivery and setup process has created a turnkey sales experience, making Homes Direct our top choice for best modular home dealer.

As the largest dealer in the Western U.S. since 2004, Homes Direct has 13 locations across the West Coast and four factory-direct locations at Palm Harbor Homes in Oregon, Goldenwest Homes in California, Champion Homes in Arizona, and Karsten Homes in New Mexico.

In addition to those four manufacturers, Homes Direct works with Clayton West, Golden West Oregon, Durango, and Champion California. The company offers completely customized floor plans and two-story models. Availability is limited to five states: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington.

Buying a home from Homes Direct is a 6 to 15-month process. After buying land and choosing a home, customers will need to arrange for financing, permits, and site preparation before ordering a home. The final step is for the company to install the home.

Homes Direct requires a refundable deposit to lock in the price of a home. The money is placed in an escrow or trust account. Homes Direct will work with different lenders to find the right financing for the customer’s budget, credit score, down payment, foundation style, and required permits.

Modular homes tend to cost more and take longer to deliver and set up than manufactured homes because modular plans have to be approved by the state and an engineer. Manufactured homes do not require those additional approvals. The advantage of a modular home, however, is that they are appraised against site-built homes. This not only helps with obtaining a loan but also with resale value.

Best for Single-Wide : Mobile Homes Direct 4 Less


Mobile Homes Direct 4 Less

Mobile Homes Direct 4 Less

Why We Chose It

While it serves only buyers in the state of Texas, Mobile Homes Direct 4 Less still earned our nod for best dealer for single-wide homes because it sells long-trusted Clayton homes and will beat any competitor’s price by $400.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Products are high quality and made by a reputable manufacturer

  • Will beat advertised prices by $400

  • Plans can be customized

Cons
  • Pricing may be higher than on other brands

  • Customers can't see home construction

  • Serves only Texas

Overview

Mobile Homes Direct 4 Less has a lowest-price guarantee on its brand-name manufacturer product lines, making it our best dealer for single-wides.

Founded in 2014, Mobile Homes Direct 4 Less is run by John Systma and his Alamo Homes team in San Antonio and has become the highest-volume independent retailer in Texas. The company expanded in 2015 to provide its services to all of Texas through internet sales. It branded the web-based store as Mobile Homes Direct 4 Less.

While the company has other offerings that begin at $38,999 and can go up to $182,499, the single-wides are the most affordable. Mobile Homes Direct 4 Less has other brands in addition to Clayton. Floor plans include multiple bed and bath options in single- or double-wide layouts. The company promises to always be $400 less on Clayton single-wides and other brands than their competitors.

The sales process begins by calling the company to schedule a visit or by completing an online form. The company helps you with home selection, upgrade options, touring a model, and delivery coordination. It can also recommend lenders that will finance your purchase based on your credit score and down payment.

Best for Double-Wide : ModularHomes.com


ModularHomes.com

 ModularHomes.com

Why We Chose It

There’s no better place to start shopping for your double-wide home than ModularHomes.com. With a huge online catalog featuring over 150 manufacturers, many with 3D virtual tours, ModularHomes.com ships nationwide, making it our go-to for double-wide dealers.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Delivers to all states except Hawaii

  • Offering from over 150 manufacturers

  • Many home styles and floorplans to choose from

Cons
  • Average price is on the high end

  • Manufacturers can change products at any time

Overview

Thanks to its massive online catalog and nationwide shipping, the best deal in double-wides is ModularHomes.com, which connects buyers with showrooms across the U.S. from its headquarters in Irvine, California. 

Those looking for the larger area that a double-wide can provide (from 900 to more than 2,700 square feet) can begin their search with ModularHomes.com. Plan on the process taking from six to 16 weeks.

Customers can do a lot of research online. They can compare floor plans, take digital tours, and search for their favorite features. 

ModularHomes.com’s sales staff will help customers find the right loan with connections to lenders for modular, mobile, and manufactured home loans. The company also has refinancing options, so customers can modify their loans later. Warranties vary by manufacturer, but in most cases last for 12 months.

Final Verdict

Mobile home dealers can add a lot of value to home buyers. Some dealers from our list have integrated factory arrangements where customers can actually see a home being built in order to better understand the quality and craftsmanship. Others have robust online catalogs that bring multiple manufacturers’ lines together under one digital roof with brochure downloads and 3D tours.

Perhaps the most valuable service that separates the best mobile home dealers from the rest is the site preparation, permitting, mobile home insurance, and delivery project management tasks that the dealer’s staff does for you.

Factory Expo Homes combines it all with factory-direct pricing, factory tours, fully furnished model home tours, wide selection, lender resources, and a 12-month warranty.

Compare the Best Mobile Home Dealers

Mobile Home Dealer Why We Picked It Service Area
Factory Expo Home Centers Best Overall 46 states
Home Nation Best for First-Time Home Buyers 17 states
Clayton Homes Best for Energy Efficiency 43 states
Homes Direct Best for Modular Homes Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington
Mobile Homes Direct 4 Less Best for Single-Wide Texas
ModularHomes.com Best for Double-Wide 49 states

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Does a Mobile Home Dealer Do?

    Mobile home dealers represent one or more manufacturers to a regional or nationwide market. They often have at least one showroom for customers to tour, and some offer online 3D tours. Dealers help you discover what you want in a mobile home layout, size, and features. They also help you with your permit process and financing solutions. Finally, they work with you on scheduling your home’s delivery and setup on your land.

  • Can You Haggle With Mobile Home Dealers?

    You can haggle with mobile home dealers. They operate like an auto dealership does, where the mobile home dealer’s invoice price has a profit margin built in. There is room for the dealer to lower their price.

    Another way you’ll be able to negotiate with a dealer is by asking about their cash-buyer discounts, inventory close-outs, and other sales incentives. While these programs already have marked-down prices, you can try to push further to negotiate an even better deal.

  • What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Mobile Home?

    With some loan programs, you can qualify for a mobile home loan with a credit score in the 500s. Like other lending scenarios, the higher your credit score, the lower your rate, and the better your terms will be.

    If your score is in the 500s, you’ll want to be on the lookout for a lender that specializes in FHA, USDA, or VA loans. These programs make it easier for lenders to accept borrowers with lower credit scores because the government takes on most of the risk. There are lenders, like 21st Mortgage Corporation, who have no minimum credit scores. 21st Mortgage, for example, states that if your score is below 575, then the down payment must be at least 35%.

Methodology

After reviewing more than 30 mobile home dealers, we found our favorite six when it comes to hands-on help, reliability, and experience. We looked at how long the company has been around to gauge its expertise and reputation. We preferred to list nationwide dealers to make them accessible to more of our readers, but there are some that are regional players.

We liked dealers that had many options, especially multiple manufacturers’ lines. We feel they can be more objective when helping you choose the one that best meets your needs. When we reviewed financing solutions, we kept an eye on what role credit scores played and what fees were involved. Finally, we looked at the dealers' processes and warranties. We favored dealers with a transparent, streamlined process that turned what could be a complicated hassle into a stress-free purchase.

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Article Sources
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