When you are considering a new home or cottage, you should be looking at all your options.. a local builder, a pre-existing home, but are you considering a modular home for one of your options?  If not, you are loosing out!

On my way home from work , I have been passing a site where they are doing new construction by a local builder.  I've seen the frame go up over the course of a few weeks, but since then, it has been at least 2 months since I've seen anything else done.  I have seen hail here in the past two months (yes, it is summer!) high winds, torrential downpours and every time I pass the site, I think why would anyone want the most important part of their home/building.. the structure.. be in these elements so long?  I can't imagine what that does in the long run to a home.  I've seen water damage before and it doesn't take much to ruin wood.  Modular homes are built indoors in a climate controlled facility.  You don't have to worry about the structure being ruined by Michigan weather. 
SCORE -
Modular - 1 Point / Site Built - O Points

I've also had conversations just recently with some customers that have told me their experiences just trying to start with a local builder.  They felt it was not an option just based on the initial conversations.  Modular home dealerships have someone available almost 8 hours a day to sit down with, discuss, ask questions and just be available for you.
Modular score - 2 Points / Site Built - 0 Points

So what would your average time be to build a home on site?  6 months, a year or longer?  Modular homes can be built in 4 to 6 weeks while your site is being worked on at the same time.  Why so fast?  Modular home manufacturers have everything they need to start building your home that day.  When you stop at Progressive Living North, you can have prices of hundreds of floorplans and options available to you at that moment. 
Modular score- 3 Points / Site Built - 0 Points

So then you wonder, what do some people see in a site-built home versus a modular?  The price of a modular per square foot is a lot less when compared feature to feature, modular homes are built quality to the same code as a site-built but built indoors and faster, modular homes offer ranch style, two story, chalet, cape cod and the option of customizing to what your looking for and we work with manufacturers that supply name brands like Trane, Moen, Shaw, Whirlpool and more!  So I ask again, why wouldn't you choose a modular home?
Modular score- 4 Points / Site Built - 0 Points

I had a customer once say "well modular homes aren't built as well" and when I asked what he was looking for in the home that a modular couldn't provide he stated "2x6 walls".  Well, I replied, that comes standard with any Century home!  What else I asked?  Surprisingly he couldn't think of anything else.  You know what the problem is?  Its the lack of knowledge people have of modular homes.  So learn up, because its going to be a modular home world out there!

MODULAR WINS EVERY TIME!

There isn't any question that the economy right now is not working well.  But does that mean you should hold off buying your new home?  Absolutely NOT!  This is the BEST time to buy a new home.  Here are a few reasons why:

If your looking for property to put your new home on, costs are going to be at bottom dollar and your investment will appreciate with recovering values.  Your new modular home will do the same as well.  They are appraised as a site-built home and appreciate in value.

If your in the new home market and considering purchasing within the next few years, why chance mortgage rates going higher as home values and purchase prices rise?  If your interested in saving money, now is the time.

Many customers believe they may not qualify for a mortgage.  You can't buy unless you try!  We have had several successful pre-qualifications for our customers through USDA Direct loans and what a great opportunity for a zero down loan.  We also work with financial institutions for manufactured home communities.  There are programs out there and we can assist you with our expertise!

Rental homes have been very popular and to some, maybe the only option.  But others that are renting are spending half their income on rent and utilities when they do have the option of buying.  You could be paying the same or less on a mortgage for a brand new home versus the average rental home costs in some cases.  Why not invest that money in a new home?

Don't let your doubt or fear ruin a great investment opportunity.  A new modular home gives you the opportunity to choose a home that works best for you.  It includes warranties on your appliances, shingles, siding and more, energy efficiency to save you money on utility costs, an upgraded lifestyle with affordability and peace of mind that someone is there to help you through.

I'm not here to "sell" you a house.  I'm here to help you through the entire new home process.  I don't work on commission because I love what I do and my customers can see that difference.  Hope to see you soon!

 

Modular and Manufactured homes are definitely the best solution for affordable housing.  They are a fraction of the cost of a site-built home and they also come with warranties that you wouldn't be able get on a previously owned land home.  The choices you have on ordering a new modular home are endless.  Colors, styles, features, options and layouts to name a few.
I think what some consumers don't realize is the customizing that is offered now with that affordability.  I've had a few customers that had considered paying the price of a site-built home only because they didn't want "just a box home".  Well I dare you to think outside of the box!  Think about any home that you've seen and I bet you could dissect that home into sections the same way a modular home is.  Or take away that covered porch you see, attached garage, dormers or gables and what are you left with?  These are the items that make you think outside the box.  If your looking for more than straight lines, modular homes can offer that!
First take a look at our ranch style homes.  Consider adding a bumpout for the window or lineals around the windows instead of shutters.  You have selections of Pella windows that add beauty and character to the exterior as well as the interior such as the arch top, transom, angle bay, 3 window ledge bay, oval or even glass block.  Figure out what shape you want your home to be.  If you like an L shape, pick a floorplan that offers utility room access in the front and we can add that attached garage on once its delivered.  Want more character?  Option in a covered porch with additional gables and we can add fishscale siding or stone surrounds to the porch or exterior. 
Second, take a look at our triple section homes.  This adds another dimension or two on the front and offers height and more options for curb appeal.  Some floorplans offer the covered porch included with the home or we can customize on-site! 
Finally, check out the two story homes, chalet style homes and cape cods.  These are comprised of two to four sections and can include up to12/12 roof pitches and again you can include different window selections, dormers, gables, porches, decorative front doors and so much more!
So I dare you to think outside of the box (if you want) and stop in to see me and I'd be happy to make that dream home come true!

Please visit our customer photos to see some of these options!
 

I never thought I'd be blogging, but here I am ready to share with the world about my life in the modular home industry.  I have been working with Progressive Living North for 8 years and have enjoyed every minute.  Having lived most of my life in Chicago, I never dreamed of moving to Northern Michigan and selling modular homes.  To be honest, I didn't know anything about it.  Once my husband and I decided we wanted a change and enjoyed the thought of no traffic, leaving the windy city and road rage behind, we had something speak to us when we were in Ludington and Manistee and decided it was the area for us. 
We originally priced out a new home with a contractor and I believe the estimate at the time was over $200,000 for a small house and just the basics.  Considering we are budget minded people, we wanted to see what other options were out there.  It may have a little to do with being Dutch, but who doesn't want the best deal?  So one day my husband drove past Progressive Living North and decided to stop in and was amazed by the homes he saw.  So next time we were up, he literally made me stop in.  Now I have to also admit, I was one of those people that said "isn't that a trailer"?  Based on nothing but the word "trailer" that sounded bad to me, I was completely against it.  I very reluctantly went in.  I was probably pouting about it the whole way to the first model home, but upon entering, I thought great, I might have to admit that I was wrong.  I was stunned by the options and choices you had on each home, amazed at how well the model homes were furnished and how much square footage you could get.  Now I may not have admitted yet to my husband that I may have been wrong (could it even be possible?) but once we received the price on our favorite home, I couldn't help but tell him I was hooked.  I don't think I even slept the first night.. I mean the kitchen I wanted had over 30 cabinets and drawers!  I don't really love to cook, but just knowing I could have that much storage made me smile. 
I'm sure you can guess, that we did buy that 2,300 S.F. home I fell in love with and have had no regrets.  Progressive Living North took care of us every step and I remember even thinking at that time... wow, I would love to work here! The construction was just as good as a site-built home, if not better (I've heard the horror stories), and we were able to get the fireplace, skylights, jet tub and all the extras we hoped for.  Even with site construction, the property and the home costs, we still saved over $70,000 and that was still compared to a home that was over 1,000 square feet smaller!  So Dutch or not, who wouldn't want an extra $70,000 in the bank?  So my advice to our customers, before you write off modular homes because your thinking "isn't it a trailer?"  I can tell you first hand - It's not!  You want the facts? 
#1 - A site built home needs to be built to the state code.  Guess what?  So does a modular! 
#2 - If you like camping and need a trailer, this isn't the place to come.  But if your looking for a beautiful vacation home to enjoy Michigan and want to save money?  We CAN do that!

Progressive Living North - The People You Can Trust For Your Best Housing Value!