Timeline for Buying a Manufactured Home: What to Expect Step by Step

Megan Sisson
2 days ago
2 min read

Buying a manufactured home is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what comes next.

At Oxford Housing, we believe the process should be simple and stress-free. That’s why we’ve broken down the timeline into clear steps so you’ll know exactly what to expect from the day you sign until the day you move in.

Final walkthrough and move-in manufactured home

Step 1: Choosing Your Home (1–2 Weeks)

Your journey starts with finding the right home for your family. This includes:

Touring models in person or online
Reviewing floor plans and features
Deciding on customizations (if available)
Getting a price breakdown with your sales consultant

👉 Once you’ve picked your home, we’ll move into financing.

Step 2: Financing & Paperwork (2–4 Weeks)

Next, we’ll help you secure financing or work with your lender. During this stage, you’ll:

Apply for a loan (chattel loan, FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional depending on your setup)
Submit required documents (proof of income, credit check, etc.)
Finalize sales paperwork

💡 Pro Tip: Having your documents ready speeds things up!

Step 3: Site Prep & Permits (Varies: 2–6 Weeks)

While financing is wrapping up, it’s time to prepare your land:

Secure permits (building, septic, electrical, etc.)
Clear and grade the lot
Install foundation, septic, and utilities
Make sure driveways and access roads are ready for delivery

This step can vary depending on weather, contractors, and your location.

Step 4: Home Delivery & Setup (2-6 Weeks)

Once your land is ready, your home is scheduled for delivery. This includes:

Transporting the home to your property
Placing it on the foundation
Completing exterior and interior trim work
Connecting utilities (water, power, sewer/septic, etc.)

At this point, your home is move-in ready — but there’s still one last step.

Step 5: Punch List (90 Days then 4-6 Weeks)

After you move in, you will do your punch list. This is when:

You’ll create a punch list of any items to be touched up after 90 days.

The factory or service crew makes final adjustments within 4-6 weeks

How Long Does It Take Overall?

From start to finish, the average manufactured home timeline is 8–12 weeks, but it can be shorter or longer depending on:

Financing approval speed
Site prep and permitting delays
Custom home orders vs. in-stock models

Final Thoughts

At Oxford Housing, we’ve been helping families through this process since 1986. We’ll walk you through every step, keep you updated on timelines, and make sure your home buying journey is smooth from start to finish.

👉 Want the full roadmap? Schedule a tour today or download our free Buyer’s Timeline below.