[quote=AN]For those MH experts out there, I have a question for you guys/gals. Because I don’t know MH that well, maybe you guys can enlighten me. What’s so special about MH that makes it so expensive? In my eyes, it might even be more expensive than LJ. Here are two examples, one in MH and one in LJ.
BG is right about custom vs. tract homes. In general, a custom home will hold it’s value/appreciate more than a tract home, all else being equal.
The difference between the MH home and the LJ home you’ve linked above is that there are a number of people who seek out older, “historical” custom homes. Just anecdotal, but a lot of these people tend to be DINKS and/or people with a lot of money who like to buy something architecturally unique and aesthetically pleasing.
While newer homes might need less maintenance, work better for families, and be in “better” school districts (the reasons why most people seek out the newer tract homes), there is nothing unique or beautiful about them, IMHO. You get a lot of young families in tract homes, and these buyers tend to be the weakest buyers, so they are more prone to financial distress, IMHO.
FWIW, I’m a sucker for older, custom homes, so have to admit my bias. 😉 Seriously, since we’re looking for a custom home ourselves, I can assure you that the competition is fierce, and lots of these buyers have tons of cash.
