The Ultimate Glossary of Terms About Mobile Homes, Pt. 2

Here is part two of our “Ultimate Glossary of Terms About Mobile Homes.”

If you read part one, you got a feel for terms like “HUD code,” “grading,” “skirting” and more. 

There is always more lingo you can be familiar with, so let’s get to defining some more terms related to mobile homes, so you can feel more comfortable and knowledgeable on your homebuying journey! 

1. Chattel Loan

A chattel mortgage is a term you probably haven’t heard until researching mobile homes. A Chattel mortgage is a loan for a mobile home or other movable personal property, such as machinery or a vehicle. The movable property, known as “chattel,” also serves as loan collateral.

2. Conventional Loan

A conventional mortgage is a loan that is not insured or guaranteed by the government and is made available by institutions such as banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, or online lenders.

3. Grading

Grading is the process of shaping the soil around the house and foundation to make it possible for water to drain appropriately.

4. Pier and Beam Foundation

A non-permanent foundation constructed of concrete blocks and wooden beams. Concrete blocks are stacked to form piers that are sunk into the ground and support wooden beams attached to the underside of the mobile home’s frame.

5. Mobile Home Tongue Hitch

The tongue, or hitch, is a term used for the device that is attached to the steel chassis at the front of the mobile home and is used to transport the home from one location to another.

6. Undercarriage

The undercarriage is the term given to the part of the mobile home at the bottom that protects the insulation and keeps moisture and pests out. Other components found beneath a manufactured home include the vapor barrier, mobile home belly, mobile home belly board, underbelly, bottom board, and others.

7. Mobile Home Siding

Siding is the material that protects the exterior of a home from the elements, pests, and heat loss. For mobile homes, vinyl is a popular material.

8. Flood Zone

A flood zone is a rating of the estimated flood risk to the home. This can vary depending on the region where the home is located.

9. Survey

A term not just specific to mobile homes, a survey is a drawing of your property that shows the location of the lot, the house, the boundary lines, and any existing structures.

10. Wind Zone

A wind zone is the rating of the amount of wind pressure that a manufactured home must be able to withstand. Like the flood zone, this can depend on the region where the home is located.

Wrapping Up

We hope this glossary has helped you become more familiar with some of the industry’s most commonly used mobile home terms. Understanding the verbiage allows you to make a smart home purchase that meets your specific needs and budget. Whenever you are ready to begin your journey, speak with a member at Braustin Homes! We look forward to hearing from you!