Research in Progress

Time to dust off our pre-pre-research that we started a few years ago at the Dwell on Design conference 2006.

What We've Found So Far

1. We're building "modular" as classified by building departments and for the purpose of zoning ordinances. It's all Prefab, but best NOT to confuse with "manufactured" or "mobile" (i.e. has a chassis that allows it to be rolled away). Some people use these terms interchangeably, but they're technically not the same.
2. Architects/designers/manufacturers really don't want to talk to us until we've got land.
3. A flat piece of land, accessible by trucks and cranes is best. Most prefab modular plans assume a concrete pad for foundation. Like anything, if you've got the time and money they can make it work on a slope.
4. A general contractor is still needed to take care of foundation, assembly, and interior finishing. Working with someone local may help facilitate approvals, inspections, and permits in your new community.
5.  A standard "new construction" loan should work, if positioned correctly with the right lender, just like stick-built home that you roll into a traditional mortgage. Though there are some lenders that specialize in "modular" housing.
6. Ultimately, we may not spend less money. But rather than getting a used, traditional home that we'll either hate or spend gobs of time and money trying to make what we want, we'll get a new modern dwelling. And after all, that's why we're here.
7. Published prices are estimates, and probably don't include delivery, foundation, interior finishing, doors, HVAC, appliances, etc. In some cases it doesn't even include windows.

Luckily, some of the designers have been kind enough to post some getting started guides online. Do this, then we'll talk...

• Rocio Romero - Getting started
• Hive Modular - Process
• Marmol Radziner - Building a Prefab Home

This is all just theory now, but we've got to start somewhere. Hopefully the time we've invested in research will pay off by avoiding unexpected costs and headaches down the road.

Spoke with Realtor on the Phone Today

Spoke with the realtor we met through Redfin today. It was a good conversation. He seemed familiar with the "prefab" concept, which is good. Did not have to explain that we're not dragging a double-wide into the neighborhoods.

No direct experience with buying or selling of prefab or modern, but that's probably to be expected. I'm a little surprised that their aren't realtors that specialize in this sort of thing. Who am I kidding? Not really.

He asked good questions about what are requirements were, and seemed willing to take on the challenges we will likely face. Certainly more work than your standard house purchase. Been local to wine country area for a long time. Beyond just the properties, he seemed to have a handle on how the communities work in terms of zoning restrictions, permits, and so forth.

We've got a stake in the ground, and will give it a few days to see what he comes up with.

The Redfin Connection

The partner agent has been asking for more information on what we're looking for, what are limitations are, looking forward to talking and/or meeting us. Seems like a reasonable request, but we weren't too sure what the limitations of Redfin are. The premise seems to be that you do the research yourself. The agent comes in when it's time to put the offer together and close the sale. The agent saves the time they would normally spend driving you to and fro, and thus you get a credit from their normal commission. That said, we were a little reluctant to get the agent to wound up.

Just to clarify things I gave Redin a call. Yes a call on a phone. They actually answered, and I spoke to a live, english-speaking, human being within seconds. The summary is:
1. Initiate contact with the agent through the Redfin website
2. Submit your offer through the Redfin website
You should be covered. How much time the agent spends doing research and showings is up to their discretion.

PS - Don't take my word for it on any of this. I'm not a realtor, lawyer, or employee of Redfin, but this appears to be the case.

First Potential Property Update

Got a little more visibility into the property. Good news. It's a corner lot. The building and division of neighboring lots is all completed. City utilities already available.

The bad. Guess it's a pretty steep grade. Most modern plans we've seen assume a flat lot for the house to be sit on a slab foundation. Certainly would require more creativity and expense to make it work.

Giving Redfin a Try

Found a property on Redfin today that could have potential. Wish we had seen it while we were still up there. We have been using their website and iPhone app pretty regularly. Love it. The idea of saving a few thousand dollars on the purchase, assuming you're willing to do some of your own research, sounds pretty good too.

Decided to contact a partner agent to get more info. Once you get outside the major metro areas, Redin partners with agents local to the region. There were a few to choose from. All the agents had good ratings. One seemed a little closer to our age, and also had done some posting the Redfin forums. Given that he's already active online, perhaps he will be more comfortable communicating with us electronically.

Healdsburg Day Two

Drove by a few more houses. Definitely more home for the money than in the valley, but still very close to each other. Also not much money left after the purchase for any remodeling. They're just your typical nondescript suburban homes. That's not a dig. Lot's of people are comfortable with that, like a lot of people like to drive Camary. Common, familiar, non-descipt, low-risk. We just want something a little different. Also don't want to hear it when my jerk neighbor is yelling at his kids everyday.

Had another great meal near downtown before heading home. Ravenous Cafe & Lounge was cozy. Food was great. Our hostess was perky and attentive, without being annoying. Wow. Is it possible that some people actually like their jobs that much?! Maybe it's the air.

Loving Healdsburg

We made the drive up to Healdsburg today. Stopped at Sonoma square on the way. Even in winter it seems very touristy. Nice to see a Whole Food Market there.

To get in the mood of our journey, we stayed at the lovely, and dog friendly, Duchamp Hotel. We want to build this but BIGGER! Concrete floors. Large walk-in shower with wall jets. Modern light and bath fixtures. Short walk to downtown off the main road.

Downtown Healdsburg is pretty happening. Gives us that warm fuzzy of downtown Mountain View or Sunnyvale. Seems well attended by locals, but perhaps that will change come tourist season. Nice selection of restaurants. Great dinner at Dry Creek Kitchen. Tasty. Well presented. Great service. Not too stuffy.