finance a mobile home in Texas

How to Finance a Mobile Home in Texas: Your 2025 Guide

Financing a mobile home in Texas can open the door to affordable homeownership—whether you’re buying in Houston, Dallas, Austin, or a rural area. With real estate prices on the rise, mobile and manufactured homes have become an increasingly popular housing option across the Lone Star State. But financing one isn’t always the same as securing a traditional mortgage. In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through how to finance a mobile home in Texas, the loan programs available, and how Capital Home Mortgage can help you every step of the way.

Why Choose a Mobile Home in Texas?

Texas is one of the best states for mobile and manufactured home ownership. With wide open land, lower property taxes in rural counties, and a growing inventory of high-quality manufactured homes, mobile home living is no longer what it used to be.

Top reasons Texans choose mobile homes:

  • Affordability: Lower cost per square foot than site-built homes.

  • Flexibility: Choose between buying land or placing the home in a park.

  • Speed: Faster construction and move-in times.

  • Energy efficiency: New 2025 HUD standards require better insulation and energy-saving features.

Mobile Home vs. Manufactured Home: What’s the Difference?

While many use the terms interchangeably, it’s important to know the technical difference:

  • Mobile homes refer to factory-built homes produced before June 15, 1976.

  • Manufactured homes are built after June 15, 1976, and adhere to HUD safety standards.


Step 1: Determine If the Mobile Home Qualifies for Financing

To qualify for most loan programs, the home must meet certain criteria:

  • Built after 1976 (classified as a manufactured home)

  • Permanently affixed to a foundation if on owned land

  • Titled as real property (not personal property)

  • Must meet HUD standards for safety and construction


Step 2: Understand the Types of Mobile Home Loans in Texas

Here are the most common mobile home financing options in Texas for 2025:

1. FHA Loans for Manufactured Homes

  • Insured by the Federal Housing Administration

  • Low down payments (as little as 3.5%)

  • Flexible credit requirements

  • Available for home-only, home + land, or land purchase only

2. Conventional Loans

  • Higher credit and income requirements

  • Often require the home to be permanently installed on owned land

  • May offer better rates with higher credit scores

3. VA Loans for Mobile Homes (for Veterans)

  • Zero down payment options

  • Must be a primary residence

  • Requires the home to be affixed to a permanent foundation

As an approved lender, Capital Home Mortgage proudly supports Texas veterans with VA mobile home loan options.

4. USDA Loans for Rural Manufactured Homes

  • 100% financing available

  • Only for homes in USDA-eligible rural areas

  • Income limits apply

5. Chattel Loans (Home Only)

  • Used when the home is not on owned land (e.g., mobile home parks)

  • Shorter loan terms (15-20 years)

  • Higher interest rates compared to FHA or conventional


Step 3: Choose Between Land + Home or Home-Only Financing

In Texas, you have the option to finance:

  • Home + Land: Best for long-term stability and better financing rates. You’ll likely qualify for FHA, VA, or conventional loans.

  • Home Only: More flexible for those living in parks or leasing land. Usually requires a chattel loan.

Why Land Ownership Matters

Owning the land allows the home to be considered real estate rather than personal property. This opens the door to traditional mortgage options with better rates and terms.


Step 4: Get Pre-Approved with Capital Home Mortgage

Before you shop for a mobile home in Texas, it’s essential to get pre-approved. This shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and helps you understand your budget.

Pre-approval checklist:

  • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)

  • Credit history (minimum 580 for FHA, 620+ for conventional)

  • Information on the home and land (if applicable)

  • Down payment funds (as low as 3.5% with FHA)

Capital Home Mortgage offers fast, free pre-approvals tailored for mobile home buyers in Texas. Our team understands the specific paperwork and regulations required for these properties, ensuring a smooth experience from application to closing.


Step 5: Understand Mobile Home Loan Rates and Terms

In 2025, mobile home interest rates are slightly higher than traditional mortgages but still highly affordable—especially when using government-backed loans.

Typical loan terms:

  • FHA: 15–30 years

  • Conventional: 15–30 years

  • Chattel: 10–20 years

  • VA and USDA: 20–30 years (if land is included)


Step 6: Prepare for Closing

Once your financing is approved, you’ll go through the closing process. With mobile homes, additional documentation may be required such as:

  • Manufacturer’s certificate

  • Proof of HUD compliance

  • Land deed or lease agreement

  • Installation inspection (for new homes)

Capital Home Mortgage coordinates all the necessary steps with title companies, manufacturers, and local officials to make closing as seamless as possible.


Why Work with Capital Home Mortgage?

At Capital Home Mortgage, we specialize in helping Texans navigate the unique process of mobile and manufactured home financing. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading your current home, we’re here to support you with:

Low down payment options
Expert guidance on land vs. home-only financing
Access to FHA, VA, USDA, and chattel loan programs
Fast pre-approvals and competitive rates
Local knowledge of Texas zoning and mobile home laws

Our team understands the ins and outs of mobile home financing in Texas and will guide you from start to finish.


Final Thoughts: Take the First Step Toward Affordable Homeownership in Texas

Mobile and manufactured homes offer Texans a smart, budget-friendly path to homeownership—especially in 2025’s competitive housing market. By choosing the right financing partner, like Capital Home Mortgage, you’ll save time, money, and stress.

Ready to finance your mobile home in Texas?
Contact Capital Home Mortgage today to get pre-approved and take the first step toward owning your new home.

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