Thinking about buying a manufactured home in 2026? The key to success is preparation and timing. At New Durham Estates, we’ve created this month-by-month guide that breaks down exactly what you need to know and do throughout the year to position yourself for a smooth purchase and successful move-in.
January: Get Your Finances in Order
Start the year by assessing your financial readiness. Check your credit score, review your budget to determine what you can afford, and begin saving for your down payment.
January Checklist:
- Pull your credit report and review it for errors
- Calculate your budget for monthly housing payments
- Open a dedicated down payment savings account
- Gather financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements)
February: Research Your Options
Become an informed buyer by learning about manufactured housing, financing options, and potential locations for your home. If you’re interested in learning more about New Durham Estates, we encourage you to contact us for more information.
February Checklist:
- Research manufactured home quality standards and construction
- Explore financing options (FHA, VA, conventional, and personal property loans)
- Visit manufactured home communities in your area
- Research land lease communities’ monthly fee and what is included (Water, wastewater, recycling, trash, etc).
- Create a budget of actual home ownership. (Include Home Mortgage, Monthly Land lease fee, water and wastewater utilities if not included, electric and gas utilities, homeowners insurance, recycling, garbage disposal, etc.)
March: Get Pre-Approved
Spring is when the market heats up. Get pre-approved for financing and start seriously exploring homes available in your price range. In many communities, prospective residents must be approved by the community before pursuing a home purchase or order.
March Checklist:
- Apply for pre-approval with multiple lenders
- Visit manufactured home retailers and tour models
- Create a list of must-have features vs. nice-to-haves
- Get preliminary pricing on your favorite floor plans
April: Secure Your Land or Homesite
Before you buy a home, you need to know where it’s going. This month is all about finalizing your location and understanding site requirements.
April Checklist:
- Choose between buying land and living in a community
- Make an offer on land or secure your community homesite
- Get site survey and soil tests (if buying land)
- Research local permitting requirements
May: Select and Customize Your Home
With financing and land secured, it’s time to choose your specific home and make it yours with customization options.
May Checklist:
- Choose your final floor plan
- Select customization options (flooring, cabinets, appliances, etc.)
- Review and negotiate your purchase agreement
- Sign the contract and submit the deposit
- Review Energy Savings Options: High efficiency gas furnace, insulation upgrades, LED lighting, smart thermostat, heat pump, Hybrid heat pump water heater, etc.
June: Prepare Your Site
While your home is being manufactured, get your site ready to receive it. This includes foundation work and utility connections. However, if you purchase a home in New Durham Estates, we complete many of the items below for you.
June Checklist:
- Apply for building permits
- Hire contractors for site preparation and foundation
- Clear and level the land
- Install the foundation system
July: Finalize Logistics
Your home should be nearing completion. Focus on insurance, final site preparations, and delivery scheduling.
July Checklist:
- Shop for and purchase homeowners’ insurance
- Confirm delivery date with retailer
- Schedule utility connections. At New Durham Estates, we do this for you.
- Verify the site is ready for delivery
August: Delivery and Installation
The big moment arrives! Your home is delivered and installed on your prepared site.
August Checklist:
- Be present for delivery and installation
- Monitor the installation process
- Note any issues for your punch list
September: Inspections
Before you can move in, your home must pass required inspections, and any installation issues need to be resolved.
September Checklist:
- Schedule and pass all required inspections
- Create a realistic punch list of items needing attention
- Verify all issues are resolved
- Conduct final walk-through with retailer
October: Close and Move In
The moment you’ve been working toward, closing on your home and moving in!
October Checklist:
- Attend closing and sign all documents
- Receive keys and warranty information
- Update your address with important contacts
- Move into your new home!
November-December: Settle In
You’re in! Now focus on establishing good maintenance habits and enjoying your new home.
November-December Checklist:
- Register appliances and activate warranties
- Create a maintenance schedule
- Winterize if needed
- Celebrate your first holidays at home!
Start Your Journey Today
Buying a manufactured home is one of the most affordable paths to homeownership, and with this month-by-month roadmap, you can approach 2026 with confidence. The key is starting early, even if you don’t plan to move in until fall. Beginning your preparation in January puts you in the strongest position to make 2026 your year of home ownership.
