FAQs

What is The Manufactured Home?

The Manufactured Home is, for the most part, a blog. It tracks my journey in buying/design, and living - and hopefully will inspire and aid others in their journey.

​

Why is it called The Manufactured Home?

It is called The Manufactured Home to put emphasis on the constructed nature of the homes we all create, no matter in what type of dwellings they may be. When it comes to affordable housing, it makes sense to use ready made products and eliminate custom products whenever possible.  

​

Who are you?

I am Samuel Tanis. I am an architect living in Southern California. I am an alumni of Otis College of Art and Design (A/L/I 2011) and the University of Illinois at Chicago (MArch 2013). My personal website is IHeartTanis.com. 

​

What inspired you to start The Manufactured Home?

Find Something Interesting, and Explore it Publicly - if I had a motto it would probably be that. I was coming up against so many question and so many disparate sources of information it reasoned to think that other are probably facing the same issues. This was especially true when I started researching USDA loans. I have become skilled in code and zoning research throughout my career, but when it came to USDA requirements even I had trouble. So, I figured I could help a good deal of people by sharing my journey.    

​

Do you design homes?

I have, and I should be designing my own shortly - fingers crossed! 

​

Why did you decide to apply for a USDA Direct Loan?

With the pandemic proving that remote work for architects was not only viable but beneficial, I could take advantage of rural living while maintaining my current career. Also, preapproval calculations showed a USDA Direct Loan would give me approximately $100k more than an FHA or conventional loan. Lastly, I could use a USDA Direct loan for construction and design and build my own home! 

​

What are some other resources for people interested in USDA Loans?

Start here: USDA Single Family Housing Programs. 

​