The Smart Way to Finance Your Manufactured Home in Texas

As housing prices continue to rise, many Texans are looking for more affordable and practical homeownership options. Manufactured homes are becoming an increasingly popular solution—offering flexibility, comfort, and significantly lower costs than traditional site-built homes. However, financing a manufactured home can be quite different from obtaining a standard mortgage. This is where manufactured home loans in Texas come into play.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about manufactured home loans, including eligibility requirements, financing options, and why Clear Lending is a trusted provider for Texans.

What Are Manufactured Homes?

Manufactured homes are prefabricated houses built in a factory and transported to a residential site for installation. These homes are constructed under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) code, which was introduced in 1976 to ensure safety, quality, and durability.

It’s important to distinguish between manufactured, mobile, and modular homes:

Manufactured Homes: Built after June 15, 1976, and compliant with HUD standards.

Mobile Homes: Older versions of manufactured homes, built before HUD regulations.

Modular Homes: Factory-built like manufactured homes but conform to local building codes and are placed on permanent foundations.

Manufactured homes are versatile and can be installed on leased land, in mobile home parks, or on privately owned lots. With affordability and energy efficiency as key advantages, these homes have become a viable path to homeownership for thousands of Texans.

The Growing Demand for Manufactured Homes in Texas

Texas, with its vast land and growing population, is an ideal state for manufactured housing. As of recent years, Texas leads the nation in manufactured home shipments. With the average cost of a manufactured home significantly lower than a site-built home, more families are opting for these homes, especially in rural areas where land is plentiful and less expensive.

Key reasons for increased demand:

Rising traditional home prices

Shorter construction timelines

Customization options

Energy-efficient models

Flexible zoning in many counties

This trend isn’t just for low-income households—retirees, first-time buyers, and even real estate investors are tapping into manufactured homes as practical housing solutions.

Understanding Manufactured Home Loans

A manufactured home loan is a financial product designed specifically for purchasing or refinancing manufactured homes. While similar in concept to traditional home loans, these loans come with unique qualifications, especially when the home is not considered "real property" (i.e., not permanently affixed to land).

If the home is on a permanent foundation and titled as real property, borrowers may access traditional mortgage products like FHA, VA, or conventional loans. However, if the home is titled as personal property, it might require a chattel loan—typically with higher interest rates and shorter terms.

Understanding the distinction between real and personal property is key when applying for financing.

Types of Manufactured Home Loans Available in Texas

Clear Lending offers access to a wide range of manufactured home loans in Texas tailored to meet various buyer needs. Here are the most common loan types:

1. FHA Loans

Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans allow low down payments (as little as 3.5%) and flexible credit qualifications. The home must be permanently attached to a foundation and meet HUD standards.

2. VA Loans

Exclusively for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible spouses, VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). The home must be classified as real property.

3. USDA Loans

For homes located in rural or suburban areas, USDA loans offer zero-down payment financing with income limitations. Manufactured homes qualify if they meet location and safety standards.

4. Conventional Loans

These loans are ideal for borrowers with higher credit scores. They may offer better interest rates and flexible terms but typically require a higher down payment.

5. Chattel Loans

If the manufactured home is not permanently affixed to land, a chattel loan may be required. These loans are similar to vehicle financing and have shorter terms and higher rates.

Clear Lending works closely with borrowers to determine the most appropriate financing option based on property type, location, and borrower profile.

Why Choose Clear Lending for Manufactured Home Loans in Texas?

Clear Lending is a Texas-based company committed exclusively to serving Texas residents. With deep expertise in the local real estate lending market, Clear Lending matches each customer’s needs with the most competitive lending programs available today.

What sets Clear Lending apart?

Licensed by the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending (Texas-SML)

Registered with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS)

Approved with many of the nation's most aggressive lenders

Transparent, ethical, and customer-first approach

Commitment to streamlined loan processes and long-term relationships

By focusing solely on the Texas market, Clear Lending provides hyper-local knowledge and a smoother lending experience from start to finish.

Eligibility Requirements for Manufactured Home Loans

While eligibility varies based on the loan program, there are some general criteria you can expect:

Credit Score

FHA: Minimum 580 (with 3.5% down)

VA: No official minimum, but 620+ preferred

USDA: Typically 640+

Conventional: Usually 620–700+

Income and Employment

Borrowers must show steady income and employment history. Lenders evaluate debt-to-income ratios to ensure affordability.

Down Payment

Ranges from 0% (VA, USDA) to 5–20% depending on loan type and credit.

Property Requirements

Must meet HUD code standards

Must be permanently affixed (for most loan types)

Minimum size requirements apply (usually 400 sq ft or more)

The home must be your primary residence

Clear Lending assists clients through the entire documentation and underwriting process to ensure all eligibility requirements are met.

Key Considerations When Buying a Manufactured Home

Purchasing a manufactured home involves several important decisions. Here are a few key considerations:

1. Title Type

Homes must be titled as real property to qualify for most mortgage options. This requires placing the home on a permanent foundation and meeting local zoning regulations.

2. Land Ownership

Will you place the home on your land or lease a lot in a mobile home community? Owning the land can increase financing options and long-term value.

3. Foundation Standards

Homes must be affixed to a permanent foundation to qualify as real property. This affects loan eligibility and appraisal.

4. Insurance and Appraisal

Manufactured homes require special insurance policies. An appraisal ensures the home meets lender value requirements.

5. Resale Value

Like any property, location, maintenance, and quality impact resale value. Investing in a newer, well-maintained model with land tends to offer better long-term value.

Clear Lending walks clients through all these aspects, ensuring a confident and informed purchase.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Manufactured Home Loan Through Clear Lending

Here’s what to expect when working with Clear Lending:

Step 1: Pre-Qualification

Start with a quick consultation to review your financial profile and determine the best loan option.

Step 2: Loan Application

Submit an official loan application online or with the help of a Clear Lending representative.

Step 3: Document Submission

Provide necessary documents like income verification, credit history, identification, and property details.

Step 4: Underwriting

Clear Lending’s team works with lenders to evaluate your loan file. Any additional documentation is gathered here.

Step 5: Appraisal and Inspection

An appraisal is ordered to assess the home’s market value and condition. Foundation and HUD compliance are verified.

Step 6: Loan Approval and Closing

Once approved, you’ll sign loan documents and officially close on your new manufactured home.

Clear Lending ensures a smooth and transparent process at every stage, with clear communication from start to finish.

FAQs About Manufactured Home Loans in TexasCan I get a manufactured home loan with bad credit?

Yes. FHA and VA loans offer flexibility for lower credit scores. Clear Lending can help you explore available options.

Can I finance land and the home together?

Yes, certain loans (especially FHA, VA, and USDA) allow you to finance both the home and the land as a single package.

What are the interest rates like?

Rates depend on credit score, loan type, down payment, and whether the home is titled as real property. Clear Lending helps secure competitive rates.

Is there a minimum home size?

Yes. To qualify for most loans, the home typically must be at least 400 square feet and comply with HUD standards.

Final Thoughts: Making Homeownership More Accessible with Clear Lending

For many Texans, manufactured homes offer an affordable and flexible path to homeownership. However, securing the right financing is essential. That’s where Clear Lending stands out—offering a wide range of manufactured home loans in Texas, expert guidance, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

With a strong ethical foundation, access to aggressive lenders, and deep knowledge of the Texas housing market, Clear Lending is your trusted partner for financing your manufactured home.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to refinance, Clear Lending ensures a clear and confident lending experience—turning your dream of homeownership into a reality.