BRAD HORN/Nevada Appeal Brett Bates looks out of one of Champion's homes at its new outlet on Highway 50 East Friday.
A local manufactured homes retailer is developing a new way to compete for homebuyers in one of the area's most affordable home markets.
Champion Homes is going to replace the manufactured homes on blocks and wheels currently on display at its Mound House retail store with a full-scale model home village.=
"It will be the only one in Northern Nevada," said General Manager Steve Rose. "We want to be the guys everybody's chasing after because we're doing it right."
The new home center may open by September, Rose said.
He said business has been steady for the company, with stores in Reno, Mound House and Silver Springs. Champion currently sells about 100 homes a year.
The company is trying to carve a niche selling manufactured homes in an area where new-home buyers are flocking by the thousands for Landmark's affordable communities in Dayton.
"We figured if we want to compete well, we'll do like the others with site-built homes," Rose said.
The model village will have fully-furnished homes decorated with big-screen televisions, alarm systems and computers.
An average 1,800 square-foot home retails for about $65,000. Models range from 900 to 3,500 square feet.
"Our product is good, and it's getting better," Rose said.
On average, site-built homes in the area take up to a year for owners to move in. Buying a manufactured home allows customers to move in within two to four months, Rose said.
Champion Homes regularly ships homes to N orthern California cities, including Susanville.
The retailer offers full-service set-ups, foundation construction, wells and septic systems and help finding land. The company also works with a lender.
Contact Jill Lufrano at jlufrano@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.