Town Council’s manufactured home is getting closer and closer to move in ready as time ticks on.
The 20 by 70 foot home arrived in Eckville and was set up on its prepared concrete piles on Feb. 19.
Utilities will be set up by the end of the week and skirting will be added around the bottom of the building to cover the foundation it is set on.
Council decided to bring in the home as a way to help the development of Westview, a residential subdivision.
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“When I go out looking for a car I’m apt to want to buy a car that’s on the lot, so that was our thought,” said Eckville CAO Jack Ramsden.
Having the manufactured home set up and ready to be moved into provides the same ease as buying a car off the lot.
He is also hoping having two homes in the subdivision will encourage others to buy lots and set up their homes in Westview.
The $235,000 asking price includes the home, the lot, as well as additional fees such as utility hookups, the skirting and the pouring of the foundation.
M & K Modular Homes in Red Deer sold the home to the Town with a $10,000 discount, bringing the cost down to $146,000.
The Town also has six months to sell the home before they have to pay for it themselves.
“That gives us an opportunity to pass on whatever savings we have in this deal to whoever the perspective buyer is,” said Ramsden, who added they had tried to keep the selling price at $222,000, but it wasn’t possible.
Ramsden had a hand in designing the manufactured home and tried to keep it neutral so it appeals to potential buyers.
“I think it’s a nice home, to bring in anything too run of the mill I don’t think, you know, people have to say ‘oh this is nice’ and so far we’ve had those kind of comments,” Ramsden explained, adding the outside will “smarten up” once the skirting goes on.
Ramsden and Darcy Webb, finance and administration supervisor for the Town, worked together to buy the home and outfit the interior.
“We’re quite happy with [the way it looks],” said Ramsden standing inside the empty manufactured home.
Ramsden said watching a lot of shows on HGTV helped him gain an idea of what people like to see in homes.
The two chose the white kitchen back splash and black appliances to accent the island and black cupboard doors.
The kitchen also features a walk-in pantry and open concept dining room with french doors.
The home has three bedrooms and two baths and was designed with families and seniors in mind.
Linoleum designed to look like wood planks cover most of the floors, while the master bedroom is carpeted.
The master has a walk-in closet and en suite bathroom with a big oval bathtub and separate shower.
There is also a utility room tucked in for a washer and dryer.
Westview subdivision is on the west end of Eckville and is made up of 11 lots.
With one manufactured home already in Westview and the home the Town is selling there is nine lots available.
Purchasing a lot in Westview costs $65,000.
The subdivision is for manufactured homes only, but they have to fit into certain specifications to maintain the desired image.
Those who purchase lots will have to make sure the mobile home they buy fits the standard and keeps the subdivision looking inviting and appealing.
The Town is currently selling the home without a realtor and those interested in the manufactured home should contact the Town Office.
A deck or garage could be worked into the mortgage if the buyer is interested.
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