From Canandaigua, New York writing in MPNnow, Don Semifero offers percentages of differences between a site-built and a manufactured home to make his case to the Victor, NY assessor that they should be assessed at different rates. He ticks off the percentages MH owners lose: 2-3 percent for not owning the land and thereby losing upgrade value; another 2-3 percent for not having the storage of an attic or basement; five percent sales tax on MH; the difference between a mortgage and a chattel loan in payments and interest rates, ten percent; MH owner cannot get a home equity loan to upgrade residence (minus five percent), nor claim taxes on income tax return, 7-10%; and MH depreciates like automobiles. MHProNews has learned he suggests an assessment rate of 60-65% of market value.

(Photo credit: TriStar Estates)