Costa Mesa, CA ---The new house in the fairgrounds’ parking lot may appear like a new neighbor has moved into community and the O. C. Fair and Event Center, but the 1,859 square foot house situated in the south end of the main lot is actually the

newest product offered at the Orange County Market Place, the weekend swap meet.

Whether it is a fresh head of lettuce or a used luxury car, or even a hair cut, the Market Place for years has boasted having just about everything under the sun along four miles of walking aisles. But this is the first time in its nearly four decade history that a house can be purchased at the swap meet.

It took four to five weeks to build at the Silvercrest factory in Corona and only 10 days to install the three bedroom, two bath Craftsman style manufactured home offered by 5 Star Homes, which has a starting price of $125,995. 5 Star Homes is an Orange County based company specializing in the design, sale and installation of manufactured homes.

“We are delighted to have 5 Star Homes and Silvercrest represented at the Market Place. They are the top in their industry and are offering the Orange County community a product that is affordable yet doesn’t sacrifice quality and style, “said Jeffrey Teller, president of the Orange County Market Place.

MORE

ADD1-1-1 Home For Sale at the Orange County Market Place

The manufactured house opened up officially for Market Place shoppers to tour the last weekend in March. According to the company’s president and owner Michael Stewart the response has been overwhelmingly positive and the phones and website are receiving heavy activity.

“We are catching swap meet shoppers off guard. For one thing they aren’t expecting to see a full-sized house with garage at the swap meet. And secondly they can’t believe a home this attractive and well-built can be a manufactured home,” Stewart said.

“There can be a stigma with some mobile homes and mobile home parks. But any former preconceptions are gone the second shoppers walk into the house. Their jaws drop when they walk inside,” Stewart added. The home is fully decorated and appointed featuring 1,727 square foot living area and 132 square foot covered porch. It includes vaulted ceilings, bull-nosed corners, crown molding, wood-laminate flooring and is accented with raised volume ceilings in selected areas.

A large stylish island kitchen features upscale stainless steel appliances like a built-in wine refrigerator and conveniences such as a microwave and pot filler above the range. The kitchen opens into a dining room with large vista windows and a double-sided fireplace.

Another highlight is that all furniture, décor and other accents to the house are provided by various merchants at the Market Place.

MORE

ADD2-2-2 Home for Sale at the Orange County Market Place

“This truly shows off the variety of products offered at the Market Place each weekend, “said Teller. “We’ve really evolved into a one stop shopping place, especially for home furnishings and décor. And most prices for these items are well
below retail.”

During his 18 years in the manufactured home selling business, Stewart has traditionally driven traffic to his display center in Stanton.

“But this is a captive audience. People aren’t really going to a swap meet to buy a house, or a car for that matter. They are just going to stumble across the home, “ Stewart said. “When they do we have the opportunity to show them that this kind of house is built the same as any other house. The materials used are the same, only we do it for less money.”

Manufactured homes are built with 2x4 and 2x6 construction, ½” dry wall, cement fiberboard and all of the same materials used in stick built homes. “Our largest market segment is first time buyers who are paying rents from $1,400 to $2,000 a month. We can really help these people to stop throwing away their money on rent and provide them a better way to live.“

“They can have most of the benefits of home ownership, including equity, for a fraction of the price of buying a traditional home. These homes are highly affordable since people generally lease the land rather than spend $200,000 to $500,000, depending on location, to purchase the land,” Stewart said.



Buyers can have a home placed on their own property or they can take advantage of

MORE

ADD3-3-3Home for Sale at the Orange County Market Place the leased land available in Orange County’s manufactured home communities. A large percentage of business is from buyers that are trading in their old mobile home for a new one. There are 250 mobile home park communities in Orange County and 5 Star Homes has several dozen locations available for placement of these homes now including some in North San Diego County.



“It’s a great alternative to renting and helps the consumer get started at homeownership, build their credit and live in a nice community with a swimming pool, clubhouse, exercise facilities and other amenities, “ Stewart said.

The home can be toured from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday at the Market Place. For more information on 5 Star Homes call 800-457-8276 or visit www.5StarHomes.com. Additional information about the Orange County Market Place may be obtained by calling 949-723-6616 or at www.ocmarketplace.com