Next Step

Buying land for a factory-built home is an exciting step toward homeownership. However, before purchasing property, it’s important to understand zoning. Zoning laws determine how land can be used and what types of homes can be placed on a property. These rules are set by local governments and can vary widely between cities, counties, and neighborhoods.

Zoning districts typically fall into several categories, including residential, commercial, agricultural, and mixed-use. Within residential zones, additional rules may affect whether factory-built homes are allowed and how they must be installed.

For many would-be homebuyers, saving for the down payment is the biggest hurdle. That’s where down payment assistance (DPA) can make a real difference. Across the country, thousands of programs offer grants, forgivable loans, or low-interest loans to help cover down payments and closing costs.

If you’re exploring your options, understanding how DPA works is a great place to start.

Our free DPA eBook breaks it down, including:
- How DPA programs work
- Who may qualify
- The different types of assistance available
- How to find programs in your area

Download the guide and take the next step toward homeownership: nextstepus.org/dpa-ebook

Thinking about buying a factory-built home? Make sure you understand your financing options. There are two main loan types:
✔ Mortgage (real property loan)
✔ Chattel (personal property loan)

Mortgage loans often mean:
• Lower interest rates
• Longer repayment terms
• Access to FHA, VA, USDA & other programs
• Potential eligibility for down payment assistance

Chattel loans may:
• Close faster
• Work well in land-lease communities
• Have fewer qualification requirements

But they can also come with higher interest rates and shorter terms. The right choice depends on your land situation, foundation type, and long-term goals.

Think financing a factory-built home is complicated? Think again. Today’s factory-built homes can qualify for conventional mortgages, FHA loans, VA and USDA financing — and even down payment assistance programs.

In this blog post, we break down:
✔️ Mortgage options
✔️ Personal property (chattel) loans
✔️ Down payment assistance
✔️ What lenders really look for

If financing has felt like the biggest barrier, this guide will help you move forward with confidence. Read more: https://ow.ly/GAKQ50Ykl7Y

Accessing down payment assistance (DPA) can help you make the jump from renting to owning — especially for first-time buyers exploring factory-built homes.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with three powerful tools. Whether you’re buying a site-built or factory-built home, these resources can help reduce upfront costs and move you closer to sustainable homeownership.

Down Payment Seeker: nextstepus.org/down-payment-seeker
Down Payment Assistance eBook: nextstepus.org/dpa-ebook
Down Payment Resource: downpaymentresource.com

MYTH: You can’t get a mortgage on a factory-built home.
FACT: Many factory-built homes qualify for the same mortgage options as site-built homes.

Today’s modern factory-built homes - when titled as real property and placed on a permanent foundation - can be financed with conventional loans, FHA, VA, and USDA mortgages. Programs like MH Advantage® and CHOICEHome® were specifically designed to expand access to competitive, 30-year fixed-rate financing for eligible factory-built homes.

As housing affordability remains a national challenge, understanding your financing options matters. Don’t let outdated assumptions stand in the way of sustainable homeownership. wealth-building opportunities.

As housing affordability remains a national challenge, understanding your financing options matters. Don’t let outdated assumptions stand in the way of homeownership.

👉 Want to learn more about mortgage options for factory-built homes? https://nextstepus.org/financing-factory-built-homes

Thinking about buying a factory-built home in 2026? Financing options have expanded, energy efficiency has improved, and buyer interest is growing, but misconceptions still linger. Our latest blog walks through what’s real, what’s changed, and what buyers should expect. Read More:

What to Expect When Buying a Factory-Built Home in 2026 - Next Step In 2026, factory-built homebuyers will find more financing options, modern features, and growing recognition for today’s factory-built homes.

The U.S. housing shortage isn’t just about supply - it’s about who we’re building for. With a shortfall of at least 2 million homes, the biggest gap is for middle-income households. Closing that gap means rethinking how we build, finance, and scale housing.

At Next Step, we prioritize homebuyer education because preparation and knowledge can change outcomes. Buying a home - especially a factory-built home - comes with unique decisions around financing, energy efficiency, and placement. Clear, unbiased education helps buyers avoid surprises, ask better questions, and move toward purchase with confidence.

When buyers are informed, the entire housing system works better.

🏘️ Factory-built homes are transforming vacant lots into thriving neighborhoods.

From Rancho Cucamonga, CA to Versailles, KY, Next Step Network and our partners are using factory-built homes to create affordable, energy-efficient infill housing that strengthens communities.

✅ Built to high-quality standards
✅ Completed faster and at lower cost
✅ Designed for long-term affordability and sustainability

See how factory-built homes are helping communities meet their housing needs: nextstepus.org

Join advocates, homeowners, developers, researchers, and policymakers at the I’m HOME Annual Conference in Atlanta, September 10 and 11! Participants will explore the latest in manufactured housing policy, finance, climate resilience, and community preservation; connect with cross-sector leaders; and leave with tools, insights, and partnerships to drive affordable housing solutions in their work.

Registration closes August 26: https://go.lincolninst.edu/l/153411/2025-05-08/prj2yx