The Mortgage Files

Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.

Building on Land or Manufactured Homes – The Hidden Costs You Need to Know

By Scott Sheldon / February 26, 2026

For many buyers, the idea of buying a vacant parcel of land and building their dream home—or placing a manufactured home on it—sounds both exciting and affordable. On paper, it may even look cheaper than buying a resale property in today’s competitive housing market. But the reality? Building from scratch, especially on raw land, or…