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Guide to Buying a Manufactured Home

    The Manufactured Housing Institute of South Carolina (MHISC) is proud to serve all residents interested in high-quality, affordable housing.

    MHISC is a statewide trade association that represents the professionals who manufacture, sell, install, and finance manufactured and modular homes.

    On this page, you’ll find helpful resources about buying, installing, and financing manufactured and modular homes in South Carolina.

Find a Retailer Near You

Explore our interactive map to find licensed manufactured-home retailers across South Carolina. Many have bilingual staff who can assist you in Spanish if needed.
If you don’t already have land, your retailer can help you locate a suitable property. They also coordinate the entire process — including home delivery, setup, installation, and utility connections — to make your purchase as simple as possible.

How Homes Are Built

Manufactured homes are built inside climate-controlled factories using advanced technology.
Each home is assembled step by step — from the steel foundation and insulated floor system to the walls, roof, and interior finishes.
Each stage is carefully inspected to ensure safety, energy efficiency, and quality before leaving the factory.

Unlike traditional site-built homes, factory construction protects materials from the weather and ensures consistent workmanship.
Every home must also meet the federal HUD Code, a national building standard that regulates design, construction, and performance.
Homes are built for specific wind zones based on where they will be placed — for example, coastal regions in South Carolina require higher wind resistance standards to ensure safety and durability.

Financing and the Buying Process

If you don’t have a Social Security number, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to qualify for certain loans or open bank accounts. Visit IRS.gov/ITIN for details.

Most lenders require at least two years of employment history when buying a manufactured home, though requirements can vary. They also review your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and down payment to determine eligibility.

Be prepared to provide these common documents:

  • Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)

  • Social Security Number or ITIN

  • Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns)

  • Proof of land ownership or a rental/lease agreement

When making an offer, you may be asked for a small deposit called earnest money to show your intent to buy. The deposit is applied to your down payment or closing costs once the sale is complete.

Paying your bills on time, tracking expenses, and saving for a down payment can all help you qualify for better financing options.

Additional Resources 

Home Registration

The Manufactured Home Buying Process

  • Step 1: Application and Good Faith Deposit | Application & Earnest Money

    The buyer selects a home, completes a credit or loan application, and submits the required documents, such as identification, proof of income, and proof of ownership or a lease agreement for the land.
    Most retailers require an earnest money deposit , a small amount that demonstrates the buyer’s commitment to the purchase. This money is later applied to the down payment or closing costs.


    Step 2: Loan Pre-Approval

    The lender reviews the application and explains the estimated monthly payments, down payment, and loan term.
    There are two main options:

    • Chattel loan: For buyers who do not own land.

    • Mortgage loan: Includes the home, land, and installation costs.


    Step 3: Land Development & Closing Preparation

    Once the loan is approved, the retailer helps coordinate site work, permits, and the installation of utilities such as electricity, water, and a septic system.
    The entire process typically takes 8 to 10 weeks .
    Final documents are signed at closing , at which time the property is officially transferred to the buyer.


    Step 4: Delivery & Installation

    The home is delivered and installed on the lot by licensed professionals.
    Installation includes grading, anchoring, plumbing, and electrical connections.
    Inspectors verify that everything meets South Carolina state standards before move-in.


    Step 5: Move-In & Follow-Up

    After the final inspection, the home is ready for occupancy.
    The retailer may contact you afterward to ensure everything is working properly and to provide assistance with any service or warranty questions.

Glossary of Common Terms

Earnest Money:
An amount of money given to demonstrate commitment when initiating the purchase. It applies to the down payment or closing costs

Down Payment:
The amount paid at the beginning or at closing of the sale.

Closing:
The final meeting where the documents are signed and the home becomes yours

Loan Term:
The time during which the loan will be repaid (for example, 20 or 25 years).

Site Work:
Leveling and preparing the land where the home will be built.

What’s next? I’m ready to take the next step.