Frequently asked questions

Clayton offers a variety of new homes for everyone, designed for different lifestyles and budgets, including: 

• Modern manufactured homes 

• CrossMod® homes 

• Traditional site-built homes 

Because availability may vary by location, you can learn more online about the way we build and browse homes available in your area. You can also contact us online for assistance in choosing which home best fits your needs. 

CrossMod® is a registered trademark of the Manufactured Housing Institute.

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to different home types: 

• Mobile homes are factory-built homes constructed before June 15, 1976, when federal construction standards were established. This type of home is not built anymore.

• Modern manufactured homes are built in a climate-controlled facility according to federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (the HUD Code), and then transported to their homesite for installation.

• Modular homes are also built indoors in sections and then assembled on site. These homes must meet state and local building codes, similar to site-built homes.

• CrossMod homes are a type of modern manufactured home built off-site and then permanently installed on a foundation. They combine off-site construction with certain features commonly found in site-built homes. Appraisal and financing treatment may be similar to traditional site-built homes, depending on the lender and market.

• Site-built homes are constructed entirely at the home’s final location and must follow state and local building codes.

You can tour modern manufactured, CrossMod, and site-built homes at select Clayton locations, and a home consultant can walk you through general price ranges, available features, and personalization options.

You can also connect with us online to get paired with a local consultant who can help you determine which home type best fits your needs.

Yes, many homes offer personalization options so you can make the space uniquely yours. Available options may vary by floor plan and location and can include:

• Feature selections, like open-concept living areas, primary bedroom suites, double vanity bathrooms, and walk-in pantries.

• Finish selections, like paint colors, flooring, cabinetry, and certain built-in features.

Clayton homes are designed with everyday living in mind. Features vary by home type, floor plan or model, and location. Depending on the home you select, features may include: 

• Primary bedroom suites 

• Double vanity sinks 

• Separate tub and shower bathrooms 

• Large kitchen islands 

• Bonus rooms 

• Built-in entertainment centers 

• Walk-in laundry rooms or pantries 

• Front porches  

• Energy-efficient features and upgrades 

• Fireplaces 

• Drywall interiors 

• Vaulted and 9-foot’ ceilings 

A home consultant can help you explore available features and upgrades and identify the options that will suit your needs best. Learn more about purchasing a home with our Learning & support home buying articles.

Exact timelines depend on the type of home you choose. In general: 

• For modern manufactured & CrossMod® homes: Clayton’s streamlined building process keeps our pricing competitive and allows our homes to be built from start to finish in a matter of weeks.* While your home is being built, land preparation can move forward on your property, when possible.* The total time to move in can also depend on financing, site preparation, delivery, setup, and the number of custom features you choose.
   

• For site-built homes: Clayton constructs these homes on location, and the process can often take a couple of months to build. Timelines can vary based on site conditions, weather, permitting, and building schedules.  Homes already under construction may have a sooner estimated availability date. 

If you hope to settle into your new home quickly, a home consultant can help you view available move-in ready homes in your preferred location, which could help speed up your timeline.

Yes, Clayton homes, regardless of home type, are designed and built to meet applicable federal, state, and local construction standards, which are set to address climate and weather conditions in the area where the home will be located.  

Modern manufactured homes are constructed to the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code), including regional wind zone requirements. These homes are designed to perform consistent with the standards for their designated wind zones. This means a properly built and installed modern manufactured home can potentially withstand strong winds or weather events as well as a site-built home. 

Site-built and modular homes are also built to comply with applicable state and local building codes for the area where they are constructed. 

Importantly, performance in severe weather events can vary based on a number of factors, including home maintenance, site conditions, and the specific characteristics of the storm.

To see Clayton homes available near you, start by selecting browse homes in the navigation above. Then, choose whether you’re interested in building or buying a home, and enter your ZIP code. 

From there, you can browse new home floor plans or move-in ready homes available in your area. You can also use filters like budget range, square footage, number of bedrooms or bathrooms, and features to find a home that fits. 

You can also create a MyHome account to save your searches and keep track of your favorite listings.

No. Many buyers start by touring homes first to understand what’s available and what feels like a good fit. Connecting with a lender often comes next, once you’re ready to talk through financing options and get a clearer picture of your budget. 

That said, some buyers choose to speak with a lender earlier for a better understanding of their budget and buying power. Both approaches are common, and you can decide what feels right for you.

No, you can shop for your home before owning land. You only need to shop for land if you are building your home — move-in ready and neighborhood homes already come with land. A home consultant can also help you determine if you need land and explore properties that fit your budget and timeline. Visit our Learning & support center to read more about land preparation for modern manufactured homes.

Both options work well for different needs. What’s best for you usually depends on your timeline and what you’re looking for in a home. 

Building a home on private land: If you own land or are buying land, you can explore floor plans to have a modern manufactured home built for you. This gives you more input on your home’s design options, layout, and placement. Shop floor plans 

Buying a home already on land: If you prefer a quicker timeline, you can explore move-in ready homes on private land or in neighborhoods where site preparation is already complete. You have fewer decisions to make and can choose a home ready for you. Shop move-in ready homes 

If you already own land, the home type that works best depends on zoning, local building codes, and your priorities. Modern manufactured, modular, CrossMod®, and site-built homes can all be placed on suitable private land, depending on local requirements.

Home availability varies by region based on local builders, building codes, and delivery considerations. 

What can differ from one area to another: 

• Specific floor plans 

• Available features 

• Move-in ready options 

If a specific model or layout isn’t listed near you, get in touch with a local Clayton location. A home consultant nearest you can help you explore similar layouts and find an available option that fits your needs.

No, you can browse homes online, but purchasing a home happens in person. Buying a home comes with important decisions, and working with your home consultant in person can help guide you through these choices with confidence. 

When you visit a Clayton location, a home consultant will help you review options, coordinate the details of your home, and explain each step of the home buying process. Together, you’ll make sure the end result fits your plans and priorities.

Yes, many Clayton home floor plans have virtual tours on our website, and you can also schedule an in-person tour of a home through your closest Clayton location.  

A home consultant can walk through the home with you, point out features, and answer questions as you explore all available options.

Many of our locations welcome walk-ins and many have appointments available to schedule. You’re always welcome to contact us to set up an appointment, visit your local Clayton location during open hours, or call ahead to plan your visit. An appointment gives you dedicated time with a home consultant, especially if you’d like to tour several models or ask detailed questions.

In addition to meeting your home consultant, touring homes, and viewing floor plans and features, you can begin your path to homeownership at your preferred Clayton location. 

Once you find a home you love, and when you’re ready, you can get an estimate of your home price, discuss selecting financing with the lender of your choice, and make a plan for homeownership.

The home buying process can take a few weeks or up to six months or longer depending on what you need. Timelines vary based on the status of the home (meaning, whether the home is already built), the construction process, the need for land, financing steps, and any customization options. 

 As a general guide: 

• Move-in ready homes: If the home you choose is already built and ready for purchase, all you need to do is finalize purchase paperwork with your home consultant, secure financing with a lender of your choice, purchase homeowners insurance, and complete closing. For a well-prepared buyer, this is the quickest path to homeownership. Shop move-in ready homes

• Modern manufactured and CrossMod® homes: Typically these homes are built in about 9 to 12 weeks, with added time needed for any customizations, the purchase of land, site preparation, delivery, and closing. Talk to your home consultant about the timeline that most likely applies to homes you’re most interested in. Shop floor plans

• Site-built homes: Construction can take six months or longer, with total timelines varying by location and design. Many builders have multiple available layouts for sale in varying stages of construction, so ask about available homes that could be completed sooner.  Find a builder near me 

CrossMod® is a registered trademark of the Manufactured Housing Institute. 

Your timeline can help you narrow down the home type that may best fit your needs. 

• If you need a home quickly, we recommend shopping move-in ready options. You can find homes on private land and in neighborhoods complete and ready to own.

• If you have more flexibility and prefer more customization options, consider shopping homes for land or work with a local builder to view available floor plans. 

A builder or home consultant can provide information about available options in your area and discuss how estimated timelines compare with your desired move-in timeframe.

Yes! First, think about whether you want to live on land that is private or located in a neighborhood.  

If you want to build a home for private land, a home consultant can help you explore land options that fit your goals, whether that means a certain acreage or land already prepped for a modern manufactured home. 

Interested in a site-built neighborhood? Work with a consultant to know what site-built layouts are available for that location.

Yes! If you’re placing a home on private land, your home consultant can explain common site preparation needs, like: 

• Clearing and grading 

• Utility connections 

• Driveway access 

• Foundation or set-up requirements 

They can also help connect you with local contractors who handle this work. For move-in ready homes or homes in neighborhoods, site preparation will be completed before purchase. ​​ 

For modern manufactured homes, most site prep happens over several weeks or longer, depending on the land’s condition, the weather, and contractor scheduling. Your Clayton team can help you understand typical timelines in your area and keep you updated as work moves forward. 

You can learn more about site preparation needs and timelines for modern manufactured homes in our site preparation checklist and delivery and site preparation article.

Many buyers work with local contractors for grading, driveway work, and utilities. Your home consultant can explain what type of work is needed and may be able to share a list of professionals they work with often. You’re always welcome to choose the contractor that best fits your needs.

Before move-in day, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a final walkthrough of the home with your home consultant. This is your chance to review the home and ask any remaining questions. If anything needs attention, your consultant will coordinate with the builder to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

When you receive your keys depends on the type of home:

• Modern manufactured homes: After the home is installed, delivered and set up, you’ll receive your keys. This occurs after closing documents are signed.
  

• Move-in ready and site-built homes: You’ll typically receive your keys right after closing documents are signed. 

Your home consultant will confirm the final steps and timing, so you know exactly when you can plan your move and start settling in. Learn more about how to complete your home purchase with our Learning & support home buying articles.

After you select your home and homesite, your consultant will coordinate delivery and installation based on local requirements. They will guide you through each step of the process and help you coordinate with licensed local contractors, as needed, to complete required site preparation and any related work.

Each home listing has a price featured on the listing page.  

For floor plans that have not yet been built or placed on land, the displayed “starting price” reflects the base price of the home only. Examples of additional costs are optional features and upgrades, delivery and installation, land costs (if applicable), site preparation, taxes, permits, and fees not included in the starting price and will vary based on location and home selection. A home consultant can help you review these estimated costs. 

Move-in ready homes and homes located in neighborhoods may have prices listed that include some of these additional costs. However, final pricing will depend on factors such as taxes, fees, lender requirements, and closing costs.  

We aim for accuracy, but please note that prices, features, and availability are subject to change, and we recommend checking out our site for the latest updates.

Land is not always included and depends on the type of home purchase. 

• If you’re building a home on private land: The starting price does not include the cost of land or additional expenses like site preparation, delivery, and installation. A home consultant can help you estimate these costs. Lenders may offer financing options that include the cost of land, subject to qualification and approval. Your lender of choice can explain what financing is available for your land preferences.
  

• If you’re buying a move-in ready home: The list price for these homes typically includes the cost of the land and certain site-related improvements. Your lender can help explain any additional costs, including closing costs, that may apply.

There are many lenders that offer financing options for home purchases. A Clayton home consultant can provide information about available lenders to help you start your search, and you are free to choose the lender that best meets your needs.   

 Once you select a lender, they can guide you through the application process and outline required documentation, loan terms, and estimated costs for your home loan. All financing depends on lender approval and credit qualification. Coverage is based on final review and the specific terms in your policy. 

We recommend comparing loan products across multiple lenders, so you can find the best option for your budget and goals. Clayton doesn’t require you to use a specific lender. This choice is always yours.  

To learn more about next steps, you can explore our guides to loan types and what to look for in a lender.

Financing often takes about 30 to 60 days after application approval, though timelines can vary based on your chosen lender and your specific situation. Your lender can provide a more specific timeframe and also help you stay on track.  

 Follow these helpful tips for a timely approval process:  

• Get pre-approved with a lender of your choice 

• Have your income documents and financial information ready 

• Avoid major financial changes, like changing jobs or opening a new line of credit 

Visit our Learning & support center for more information and answers to common home loan and financing questions to help you make confident decisions.

Most lenders ask for a few standard documents to help verify your information, like: 

• Recent pay stubs 

• W-2s or 1099s 

• Bank statements 

• A valid form of identification 

• Two years of address history 

Having these ready ahead of time can help the process move along more smoothly. 

Visit our Learning & support center for more information and answers to common home loan and financing questions to help you make confident decisions.

Prequalification and preapproval are both early steps in the financing process that help you understand what you may be able to afford. The difference is: 

• Prequalification gives you a general estimate of what you may be able to borrow, based on basic information you share with a lender.

• Preapproval goes a step further. A lender reviews verified financial documents to confirm what you’re likely able to afford.

Put another way: Prequalification helps you explore options, while preapproval helps you confidently move forward when you’re ready to begin the buying process. You can learn more about each in our Mortgage terms 101 glossary.

You don’t have to, but it can help. Prequalification gives you an early sense of your price range and which loan types may fit your budget. This can make your home search more focused and your conversations with lenders more productive.

With prequalification, yes. This step usually involves a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. Later steps like preapproval may include a hard credit inquiry. While shopping for mortgages, hard inquiries made within a short window are often grouped together, which can sometimes help protect your credit score while you compare lenders.

The amount you’ll need depends on your loan type and lender. Some programs allow as little as 3% down for qualified buyers, while others may require a larger upfront payment. In general, a larger down payment usually lowers the monthly costs associated with the loan. A lender can walk you through your options and help you find what works best for your budget and goals.

In addition to the purchase price, there are other costs that may be associated with buying and owning a home. Some costs are estimated at first and then finalized closer to your closing date. 

 Common examples may include: 

• Prepaid property taxes, prepaid loan interest, and your first year of homeowners insurance premiums 

• Inspection, appraisal, or survey fees 

• Title, recording, and other loan closing-related fees 

• Site preparation, delivery, installation, or utility connection costs (if building or installing a home) 

• Initial utility deposits or early maintenance expenses after move-in 

The specific costs and amounts will vary based on your home type, location, lender requirements, and personal circumstances. Reviewing estimates with your lender and home consultant can help you better understand your total anticipated expenses.

Yes! To begin your search, your home consultant can share referrals to insurance providers that offer coverage for your specific home type. You are free to choose the insurance provider that best meets your needs and your budget. 

Insurance providers can help you review coverage options and provide quotes based on your home, location, and coverage preferences. To feel prepared for those conversations, our guide to home insurance includes some helpful pointers. 

Friendly reminder: All coverage is based on underwriting approval, policy terms, and exclusions. 

In certain markets, lenders and appraisers may evaluate CrossMod® homes similarly to site-built homes. Details vary by lender and local guidelines, so your lender of choice can talk with you about how your home’s appraisal impacts your home loan.

CrossMod® is a registered trademark of the Manufactured Housing Institute.

Yes, all modern manufactured homes from Clayton include a standard one-year limited warranty. Site-built homes also typically have warranties covered by the Clayton builder. Your home consultant and closing documents can help outline what’s covered and the process for submitting a service ticket.

Start by locating your closing documents and looking for your warranty information or warranty card. This paperwork includes important details about your home’s one-year limited warranty or the specific warranty offered by your Clayton builder. 

Next, contact the Clayton location where you originally purchased your home. Your home consultant can explain the process and help you submit a repair request, if needed.