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Many hopeful homeowners may get confused by the terms modular and manufactured when it comes to property types. And while modular and manufactured homes tend to get used interchangeably, they are actually very different. Technically, both types of homes could be considered manufactured, since they are both built in a factory or manufacturing facility, but when it comes to manufactured and modular homes, its important to know the difference, especially when talking about financing.

Manufactured Homes

Constructed completely offsite and transported to their location, manufactured homes are also often called mobile homes or trailers. While they can come in a handful of different sizes, the most common are single- or double-wide. They can be located in a trailer community or on owned land, but manufactured homes are not on permanent foundations.

Lower in price, manufactured homes typically do not appreciate in value at the same rate as other types of homes. Because of this, it can be very challenging to find a mortgage lender who will finance the purchase of a manufactured home.

Modular Homes

Also called prefab homes, modular homes can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, styles and price ranges. Unlike manufactured homes, modular homes have comparable pricing to traditional site-built homes, and are similar in appearance, too. Sometimes modular homes can look exactly like site-built homes, due to the advances in modular construction and the wide variety of building styles that are available today.

Although modular homes can look just like traditional single-family homes, they are actually built in segments and then put together at the home site. Unlike manufactured homes, modular homes are constructed on a permanent foundation and are considered permanent structures.

Modular homes can be very cost effective and construction on them can be very efficient. Modular homes have to adhere to all state and federal building codes and must have the same kind of inspections as a regular site-built home. By contrast, manufactured homes only have to adhere to the standards set forth by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which tends to have more lenient rules and regulations.

Finding affordable financing for a modular home purchase or refinance isnt nearly as difficult as it is for manufactured housing, so if you need a mortgage, a modular property is the way to go.

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Here are four of todays most exciting wellness features that are finding their way into high-end homes.

Cryotherapy Chamber
This treatment, which entails exposing yourself to temperatures as low as -250 F for a few minutes can relieve muscle and joint pain, rejuvenate skin and boost energy levels.

Himalayan Salt Room
Breathing salty air is said to help improve the immune system and relieve symptoms of certain respiratory conditions, like asthma and allergies.

Sensory Deprivation Chamber
While floating in total darkness for a few minutes many people experience a state similar to deep meditation that delivers relaxation and clarity.

Infrared Sauna
Using infrared lights, the body is directly heated, but the air is not, which some find to be a more pleasant experience.

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Before you sign on the dotted line, take the following factors into consideration when purchasing homeowners insurance in order to make sure youre getting the best rate and proper coverage:

Things to ask:

How far away is the property from a fire department? Is it a professional or a volunteer-based establishment? Home insurance is bound to be less expensive for homes that are close to professional stations.
Are the plumbing and/or electrical systems outdated or unsafe? Insurance companies will charge more if your home is prone to damages.
Is the home located by a coast rather than inland? Consider if theres exposure to hurricane winds that could jack up insurance rates.
What about windstorms?
Would you need flood insurance? Many homes may need flood insurance, yet its not covered by general insurance programs. Instead, you would need to get insured directly by the federal government.

Things to do:

Get the home inspected before buying. A professional can tell you whether or not your new home comes with any serious risk factors.
Ask the seller for a copy of the homes claims history. This document will give you access to the number and type of insurance and claims filed by the owner, including reports on water damage, fire, and crime.
Have an agent find out exactly how much it will cost to insure your home, including earthquake and flood insurance, if necessary.

Things to know:

A well-built, well-maintained home that can fend off natural disasters will always cost less to insure.
Home insurance is meant to cover sudden and accidental disasters only.
The regular maintenance of the home is the owners responsibility. Insurance companies do not cover mold, small leaks or the repercussions of using low-quality tools or materials.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

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So you’ve decided to make the big move, and now it’s time to put everything in boxes. First you think big-picture (furniture), and then you think small-picture and realize you own much more than you ever imaged. Packing can be a daunting task, but with some extra legwork at the beginning, your unpacking can become a walk in the park.

Labeling Hacks
The worst thing about packing is that once all the boxes are in the truck, there’s no remembering what went where. There are several techniques you can put in place, like numbering your boxes to make sure none go missing, indicating which room the boxes are supposed to go to, or color-coding them to indicate their contents”anything that helps you identify the contents and the destination of your boxes is a go.

Practicality
Make sure that every box is packed as efficiently as possible. For example, plates are better off stacked vertically, and make sure heavy objects like books are packed in something with handles. As for all your baskets and suitcases? Put them all to good use by turning them into more packing boxes. Label cords, or take pictures of the cord setup to make sure you remember what goes where. Pack highly fragile or valuable items to take with you, and make sure to have a bag prepared with all of the things you will need upon arrival. (Don’t leave your shampoo in one of the countless moving boxes!)

Movers vs. Friends
While it is a great money-saver to have your friends help you pack up everything, if you have many valuables, it might be a better option to go ahead and pay the movers. A lot of moving companies are liable for anything that is broken or damaged, so you’ll be able to get reimbursed if anything gets damaged. And while your friends may commit to helping you, emergencies or other eventualities may result in a moving day no-show. A moving company will always have back-up, even if your originally scheduled movers call in sick.

Get in the Right Mentality
Moving has everything to do with being in the right mindset. To achieve that, you first have to make sure you get a good night’s rest. Once you’re well rested, make the commitment to move everything out in one day. Know that loading the truck will take longer than you anticipated, and that things will not pan out exactly as you planned them. Instead, be ready to think creatively as situations arise. Find comfort in the thought that once this day is over, you will be moved into your new house!

Published with permission from RISMedia.