Buying a manufactured home is faster and simpler than building a house, but there are a handful of steps that catch first-time buyers off guard. Here's the whole process, start to finish, so you know what's coming and what to line up at each stage.
Step 1 — Set your budget and get pre-qualified
Start with financing, not floor plans. A quick pre-qualification tells you your realistic price range and monthly payment, and it tells the dealer how to guide you. It also reveals which loan type fits your land situation, which shapes everything that follows.
Step 2 — Sort out your land
Decide where the home will go: land you own, family land, or a leased lot in a community. If you own land, confirm there are no deed restrictions, HOA rules, or zoning limits that prohibit manufactured homes — some subdivisions do. We can help you check placement requirements for your specific parcel.
Step 3 — Choose your home type and floor plan
Single-wide, double-wide, multi-section, modular, or park model — the right type depends on your budget, lot size, family size, and whether you want HUD-code or IRC-code (real-property) construction. Tour in-stock homes when you can; photos and video walkthroughs help, but standing inside seals it.
Step 4 — Order, customize, and sign
In-stock homes can move quickly; custom orders let you pick finishes, layouts, and upgrades but follow the manufacturer's build schedule. Your purchase agreement locks in price and specs.
Step 5 — Permits and site prep
Texas manufactured homes are regulated by the TDHCA, and your county handles placement permits. You'll need a Statement of Ownership, and the site needs to be prepped — cleared, leveled, and ready for the foundation and utility connections. A good dealer coordinates most of this for you.
Step 6 — Delivery, setup, and move-in
The home is transported to your site, set on its foundation, leveled, anchored, and (for multi-section homes) joined together. Then come skirting, utility hookups, and a final inspection. Once it passes, you've got the keys.
Because every home we sell stages from our Seguin lot, in-stock floor plans with a prepped site can often be delivered and set within the same week.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to buy a manufactured home in Texas?
An in-stock home on a prepped site can sometimes be delivered and set within a week of closing. Custom orders depend on the manufacturer's build schedule — typically several weeks to a few months. Permitting and site prep run in parallel.
Do I need to own land to buy a manufactured home?
No. You can place a home on land you own, on family land, or on a leased lot in a manufactured-home community. Your land situation does affect which loan type makes sense, so it's worth sorting out early.
Who handles the permits?
A full-service dealer typically coordinates TDHCA paperwork (like the Statement of Ownership), county placement permits, leveling, anchoring, and utility hookup as part of delivery — so you're not chasing it yourself.
Keep reading
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — permit, financing, and placement requirements vary by county and lender. Texas Housing Pro is operated by TTEM Investments LLC; sales and financing are processed through Texas Built Mobile Homes (TDHCA RBI #37146), Seguin, TX. We'll confirm the specifics for your situation.