Kit Home Blues

[mutigerfan]

Guys I totally understand the defination of MH.
In 14 years I have appraised +50 of them.

What I am saying is that Kit Homes are MH, not according to me, but according to the Appraisal Institutes defination and according to the McKissock class textbooks I have in my hand.

What I am supposed to say when (if) that is brought up in court?

I am appraising this Kit as a traditionaly built home - but what is my defense for doing such, besides that local influences, customs and what is precived from the market?

I could get grilled either way - that is my point.

 

[CANative]

The argument over "what is a manufactured home" is too esoteric to be understood by the trier of fact. Not their job and it would probably confuse, bore and annoy them. You don't want to get involved in an egg headed argument with the opposing side.

"The improvements consist of a 1600 sf single family residential structure. Originally constructed from a kit marketed and sold by Wick Homes. A "Kit Home" is a structure that contains prefabricated components and is put together by a contractor. Once construction is finished the structure takes on the characteristics of similar site-built homes of it's class."

Or words to that effect. Choose your words carefully for litigation. Don't say things off the top of your head that can be argued. If you're wrong on something it's difficult to regain credibility on all of the other issues.

 

[mutigerfan]

Got it. Speak softly and carry a big stick. Thanks - CANative.

 

[Rich Heyn]

According to the Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal by the Appraisal Institute, a pre-cut home (along with mobile, manufactured and panelized) are considered manufactured homes.

Now you see my issue.
I have proof its a stick-built home on one hand and I have documentation its classified as a manufactured home.

What say you?

I hate to say it, but the Dictionary of Real Estate has a mistake regarding manufactured housing. The got the definition correct (at least in the 4th edition, don't have my 5th handy) But the box below the definition titled "Types of Manufactured Homes" is incorrect.

 

[Mr Rex]

They are mixing/intermingling elements of "factory built" with manufactured. A kit home is not manufactured, it is a form of "stick building" aka "site built".

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

Rich Heyn is the instructor for the Appraisal Institute's factory built housing seminars, so his word carries a lot of weight. Check the FAQs in this section of AppraisersForum. Find the links to the organizations for manufactured and modular housing, also links to Fannie, Freddie and FHA. All those links support what most of the appraisers in this thread are saying. Have copies of the definitions of the various types of factory built housing in your work file. There is lots of supporting data for the facts that we have been stating.