Low Maintenance Housing for Buyers 55+
Manufactured and modular housing are attractive options for individuals at every age and stage of life. To those over the age of 55, they offer many distinct advantages, such as accessibility, cost savings, convenience, and community living options. “A common theme among people in this demographic is that they are looking for efficiency,” says Teagan Erie, Sales Associate at Liechty Homes Minot. “They’re often downsizing and their hope is to find a home that is easier to take care of.” For prospective homebuyers in the Minot, North Dakota, area the Liechty Homes sales staff is well-versed in helping their customers find a home that fits their current needs, while helping them keep an eye on how it can serve them well for years to come.
Customization and accessibility
One major advantage of choosing a manufactured home is the ability to customize your floor plan to your needs. Manufactured homes offer highly customizable one-level living options to home buyers, and one of the keys to making a home work for those over the age of 55 is to consider long-term accessibility needs.
“I had a customer that found a floor plan he liked and he chose to order it as a modular home to set on a crawl space,” says Luke Domres, Sales Associate at Liechty Homes Minot. “This is a great way to reduce the number of steps up to the home,” said Erie, noting that a standard HUD home usually has four or five steps to enter the home and setting it on a crawl space reduces it only by one step. To maintain easy access to utilities, he says “I recommend buyers keep the furnace and water heater on the main floor and add access to your crawlspace in the master closet. With this type of setup, some homeowners use their crawl space as a storm shelter as well.”
Setting a modular home, such as this Joshua floor plan by BonnaVilla, on a crawl space can reduce the number of stairs for maximum long-term accessibility.
Our Minot Sales Team recommends that home buyers consider long-term accessibility needs not only for themselves but for others. Many people are finding themselves caring for aging family members who may need special considerations when planning their home purchase. Simple customizations on Liechty Homes can meet those needs, such as wider hallways and doors, a wider opening in the shower, and accessible toilets. Increasing the width of your hallway from 36 to 40 inches and your doorways from 32 to 36 inches can make a difference in being able to move more freely in your home in the long term. Erie adds, “With these types of modifications, if a wheelchair is eventually needed by somebody living in your home, it will be ready to accommodate that.”
Cost savings and convenience
The affordability and convenience of building and maintaining a manufactured home is another attractive feature. Domres says he has spoken with many customers who built a site-built home earlier in life, and know how much time and effort is required. “They’re happy to find a way to build a home that fits their needs but doesn’t give them a bunch of problems to deal with.” Manufactured home buyers can relax going into the building process knowing exactly how much their home is going to cost and how long it’s going to take to build. “Time is a big factor and for the most part we can get people in the home within 4-6 weeks after it’s set,” notes Domres.
Additionally, e-Built™ homes by Schult Redwood Falls are constructed with superior energy efficiency that offers both cost savings and peace of mind to homeowners whether or not they are occupying their homes year round, because of the smart thermostat which reports the temperature to the owner from anywhere. “You get the peace of mind knowing you can check in on your home and keep costs down with these energy efficient features,” says Erie. Domres notes that the Schult Legend and Legacy series are most popular for their customizability.
The Legend 632 model home available at the Liechty Homes Minot sales center. The Legend and Legacy series by Schult Redwood Falls are popular among buyers for their customizability.
Community Living
Community living offers many benefits to this age group as well. Prairie Bluffs, a manufactured housing community in Minot, North Dakota, offers convenience, a sense of community, and affordable living. “One great thing about Prairie Bluffs is its location is ideal,” says Kathy Grosz, General Manager for Property Management at Liechty Homes “It’s close to shopping, restaurants, and a brand new hospital that was built just down the road. The neighbors know each other and there are many long-term residents here.” Grosz also points out how living in Prairie Bluffs saves its residents money each month because community residents are not responsible for paying for water, garbage or sewer, which is a huge savings on an unpredictable monthly cost.
Prairie Bluffs manufactured housing community in Minot, ND.
It’s still possible to get a home set this fall! “If a customer is interested in one of our lot models and has land ready to set a home, we are still able to set a home yet this fall, weather permitting,” says Erie. You can also contact or visit any Liechty Homes location to begin dreaming about a spring 2025 custom home project.
