What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in mobile homes since 1981?
“More people are buying mobile homes (we now call them manufactured homes) and placing them in well-maintained manufactured housing communities, which used to be called “mobile home parks”. When I first started, about 40% of the homes we sold went on private property. Now virtually all the homes are placed in manufactured home communities.
“Buyers are enjoying the safety and security of knowing new residents are screened, and managers are on-call 24x7. Friendly neighbors are important, too. For example, this weekend we are having a Halloween party for all Hames residents.”
What’s the best thing about the homes you’re selling?
“Affordability. A pre-owned 1200 square foot, fully reconditioned mobile home in Summit View or Grand View costs $20 to $40 per square foot. This means most people can own a home that’s low-maintenance and energy efficient, plus add a garage if you want. A comparable sized site-built home costs over $100 per square foot. With a Hames home, you get a lot more value for your home purchase because it’s built in an efficient, climate-controlled factory.”
What should buyers look for when shopping for a mobile/manufactured home?
“The manufactured home dealer should be someone they can trust, someone who’s knowledgeable. At Hames, we guide our customers through the whole process. We have a wide selection of manufactured homes. At Hames, we can assist customers in selecting, purchasing, installing, financing ([i]) and insuring their home.
And, we’re here after the sale. I’m absolutely accessible to anyone who has ever purchased a home from Hames.”
What’s the first question buyers should ask when looking for a mobile/manufactured home?
“’Can you help me find a home that’s affordable for me?’”
If you could give buyers one piece of advice, what would it be?
“Take care of your credit and save your money. You need good credit and a down payment to buy a home.”
Has the internet changed the manufactured home buying experience?
“Tremendously! The internet allows people from all over the world to access our inventory of new and used manufactured homes. It allows buyers to view and evaluate our homes and make intelligent buying decisions.”
What was your first job with Hames?
“It’s a family business and I grew up with it. When I was a young man in junior and senior high school, I worked in the service department. That was very good experience for me in my current role as VP of Sales because I know how factory-built homes are put together and installed.”
When you were a kid, did you think you would be running the family business?
“No. My dream job was playing second base for the Chicago Cubs.”
What is one thing about you that most people don’t know?
“I’m Commissioner of the Iowa City Girls Softball League. I love teaching youth sports. I’ve coached my two youngest daughters’ softball teams.”
When you’re looking for your next mobile home or manufactured home, come to the dealership that has it all! Troy Hames is here to guide you through the buying process from start to finish and beyond. Contact Troy online, or call him at (319) 377-4863.
[i] Through in-house lending company, Circle Finance, LLC, NMLS #366020