In this educational webinar, the VP of Next Step Homes, Amy Barnard, breaks down what today’s factory-built homes really are (and what they are not), explains why off-site construction can lower costs and reduce waste, and walks through the biggest decision points that shape a project—home type (manufactured vs. modular), zoning, foundation, and financing. Viewers also get real-world examples of how factory-built homes are being used for urban infill, subdivisions, and replacement housing, plus an overview of key lending pathways, including chattel vs. mortgage financing and the role of MH Advantage and CHOICEHome.
What You’ll Learn
- The key differences between mobile homes (pre-1976) and today’s HUD Code manufactured homes (post-1976)—and why 1994 is also an important benchmark for energy code improvements
- How manufactured, modular, and ADUs compare across: code, foundations, appraisal comps, zoning acceptance, and financing
- What makes factory-built homes more affordable (speed, bulk purchasing, predictable pricing, reduced change orders)
- Why energy efficiency matters for affordability (“hidden mortgage” = monthly utilities), including ENERGY STAR® and DOE Efficient New Homes (formerly Zero Energy Ready) pathways
- Financing basics: land-home mortgages vs. chattel/personal property loans, plus common barriers (especially appraisal and lender familiarity)
- Practical use cases: infill lots, new subdivisions, and mixed-product communities
Who This Is For
- Homebuyers exploring affordable paths to homeownership
- Nonprofit and mission-driven developers
- Local officials and municipal staff (planning, zoning, permitting)
- Lenders, housing counselors, and real estate professionals
- Housing advocates and program administrators