New Property Trends: Modular Net Zero Homes
Hi friends! Have you been looking for a cheaper, better, faster way to build a home? Read on for some new trends in modular housing that might suit exactly what you’re looking for!
What is a modular home?
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Modular is NOT manufactured. They are not your rectangle box mobile homes that might come to mind. They are created 90% in the factory, and about 10% on site, and they look and feel like any normal home. Modular homes aren’t different than a traditional stick built home, other than they are built indoors in a controlled factory environment, instead of outdoors.
Brian Kuzdas, CEO of S2A Modular, presented an interesting webinar today and told us about ways that modular homes are more sustainable for the Earth, take less time to create, have a 35% potential ROI for investors.
A couple of the main benefits of modular homes are they save you from shady contractors, and there is no compromise when it comes to design.
Other advantages of modular homes:
- Time (traditional home build time: 1 year; modular home build time: 3 months)
- Price (15-20% cheaper to build in factory)
- Strength (modular homes have to survive a literal transport, traditional homes don’t)
- Neighbors (much less stress on the neighborhood)
- Contractors (get to work inside instead of out in the elements)
- State inspections (less time waiting for inspectors)
One of the downsides to modular is financing. There aren’t a ton of lenders familiar with modular housing loans, but US Bank is one of them. Just reach out if you’d like a contact!
Want to build a modular home of your own?
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Modular homes can be built ‘tiny’ as ADU’s, and size all the way up to 10,000+ sq ft mansions. There are 7 steps if you’re interested in building a custom modular home from start to finish:
- Feasibility study (cost $3500, and helps you determine how big you can build)
- Design (a modular architect is recommended, it will be less expensive in most cases)
- Construction agreement (firming up your choices)
- Engineering
- Permitting
- Site construction / setting modules
- Onsite completion (this is the last 10% of building that assembles the pieces & happens on site. These last materials also dictate the style and make your home exactly as you want it)
Check out https://www.s2amodular.com/ for various design styles & ideas to build a modular home of your own. Endless customization – so neat!!
Sustainability & Modular Homes
The modular homes that S2A builds are ‘Net Zero’ & ‘Net Positive’ when it comes to net metering. They also use high performing, affordable, solar panels and solar roof tiles with Graphene technology. You won’t have any utility bills.
Smart windows, doors, heating, cooling, insulation, & lighting are all used in these custom modular homes. Furthermore, organic building materials are used, and they are all resistant to termite, dry-rot, and mildew free….which saves money down the road. Li-Fi technology is used instead of Wi-Fi, and there is a singular app that controls these homes, which makes the systems un-hackable.
If you’re interested in planning your modular home build, just reach to Angie via text at 949-338-7408, or fill out the form below. We’ll help you plan for your perfect pad, & get you all connected to the right contacts to create your custom home 🙂
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What the hoo is an ADU?? Maximizing your Southern California Real Estate
Have you heard of an ADU?
Accessory Dwelling Units are additional legal units on your property, and they can help you earn BIG bucks. If you’d like to run a duplex or generate additional income without buying an entire new property, then adding an ADU to your lot is a GREAT option. ADU’s can cost anywhere from 20K-200K, which is waaaay cheaper than a ‘unit’ in today’s Southern California real estate market. That said, not everyone has an additional 20-200K laying around to seize this opportunity, so let’s learn how you can use other people’s money to make some of your own!
Renovation loans are NOT construction loans, so if you have never heard of one… read on. There are multiple options for reno loans, so it’s about finding your best fit. Today we were at Eric C Miller’s Finance of America’s presentation and got some details & highlights for you. Finance of America highlighted how this process benefits you!
Orange County Renovation loan process in a nutshell:
Pre-qualification –> Offer Accepted –> Disclose –> Underwriting conditional commitment –> Assign Project manager –> Collect credit conditions –> Project Scope & bids –> Appraisal –> Clear to Close –> Sign Docs –> Close –> Begin Renovations
Fannie Mae Homestyle Renovation Loan
- Utilizes a construction project inspector sourced by lender
- No minimum in repairs
- Inspection prior to draw disbursements, up to 5 draws
- All repairs and improvements must be attached to property, and supported by appraisal
- Borrowers have 6 months to complete improvements
- Repairs must begin within 30 days. (it’s ok if permits are the delay…you can pull permits on a property you don’t yet own)
They can be FHA or conventional, and they are a fully amortized single close transaction. 98% of the time they appraise on resales, so don’t worry if you’re buying resale.
FHA 203K – limited
- nothing structural,
- limit of 35K,
- repairs must be completed in 4 months
- limit of only two payments to each contractor
FHA 203K – standard
- can tear down the entire property but MUST use the entire foundation
- utilizes a HUD consultant.
- 6 months to complete improvements
- can loan up to FHA limit for the county, high balance eligible
- owner occupants only
- Contract lingo: “The borrower has applied for Section 203k financing, and that the contract is contingent upon mortgage approval and the borrowers acceptance of additional required improvements”…this must be in there, but is not necessary in the purchase agreement.
Things to know & next steps:
- Choosing the right contractor and renovation team is critical! Always get multiple quotes. If you’re looking for a forward thinking Orange County ADU company, check out RC Smith Design & Build.
- 30 day escrows won’t fly, renovation loans take 45-60 days.
- Reno loans are TOUGH. You’ve got to coordinate bids, contractors, and make deadlines. If you’re looking for an ‘easy button’ into homeownership, this may not be it 😉 BUT then again…you could try buying one of these Amazon ADU’s and avoid MOST of the contractor back and forth 🙂
- ADU regulations are different and ever-changing. Here’s an OC ADU resource to get started. Always check with the city to find out your guidelines before beginning work or submitting offers!
Did you know most people spend 15K on their home the first year they buy it, and they statistically put it on credit cards? Ouch. Don’t be that guy, there’s a better way! Call or text Angie to start exploring your best ADU options at 949-338-7408 or email Angie@AskAngie.com
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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Anyone else notice how California keeps getting more crowded and more expensive? It is just too beautiful to leave so ADUs are great ways for adding much needed space here. They can be known as in-law suites, secondary units, guest house and more. These are more affordable for California residents because they don’t require purchasing more land or structured parking. Adding a living space above your garage, a basement apartment, or a tiny home in the backyard are great ways to add extra living space to your home. They also have the opportunity for homeowners to make a profit by adding space. Legally adding these spaces onto your home makes it the same property as the main house. They can not be bought or sold separately. The placement of the ADU may be based on criteria such as adequacy of water and sewer services and the impact of traffic flow and public safety. Some of the restrictions that may come up are parking, height, setback, lot coverage, landscape, and maximum size of that unit. Also if any of the homes are listed in the California Register of Historic Places that can change what you are allowed to do when it comes to adding and ADU.
How to make a profit with your ADU
Did you know the average rent in Orange County is currently $2,500 a month? What would having that amount of money extra in your pocket do for your budget? New law changes as of January 1st, 2018 allowed for home owners to turn their single family residence into a duplex or multi family home in order to rent out one half to make a profit and provide more housing for California residents. The unit can only be rented, and not sold. This is such a great way for homeowners to make some money. Adding on to your home or remodeling to make a separate living space may sound like a hefty project with time and money, but with the rent prices increasing in OC all the time, we think it would be very worth it.
Real Life Scenarios
We spoke to a San Juan Capistrano retiree who decided to do just this in order to make some extra money while being retired. She bought a pre-fabbed ADU for around $60,000 and is renting it for around $2,500 a month. By doing this it will be paid off in around 3 years so she will be pocketing all of that rent money every month. What a perfect way for a retired person to make some extra vacation money or start saving for grandkids to go to college!
If you want more information on how you can add an ADU to your property and what you could rent it for, fill out the form below.
