Shane owns 24 acres in center point and invited us to move our tiny house here and help him develop a tiny home community with about 30 homes. We have two temporary spots available on a first come first serve basis. Text shari at 830-285-5909 for more info.
Shane has been actively involved in our community helping to solve homelessness for many years and now volunteers on the strategic planning committee for the Texas homeless network. He has invited us to be a part of the change we seek locally by forming a coalition to serve the often forgotten population of Kerr county with a goal to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-re-occurring.
Shane and his wife have served on many overseas mission trips where they couldn’t leave all the orphans behind and ended up adopting eight children, including two sets of siblings from Haiti. Blended with two natural born children, including grandchildren now, they have created a beautiful loving family unit and have plenty of room to welcome more family inside the tiny home community. They have the biggest hearts and have reached out to us to partner with them in creating a beautiful tiny home community on their 24 acre property in the hill country. Stay tuned for more information.
Never underestimate the power of your encouragement to our family on this journey to our dream of creating multiple tiny home communities across the nation to bless families for generations to come. Thank you for being there each time we faced a crisis or an obstacle and wanted to give up.
The primary differences between an industrialized (modular) home and a manufactured home are:
the codes to which the homes are built. Modular housing in the State of Texas is constructed to the same codes as site built housing. Manufactured housing is constructed to Federal HUD code standards. For information on Manufactured Housing contact the Department of Housing and Community Affairs at (800) 500-7074 (in state only) or (512) 475-2200;
modular homes must be installed on a permanent foundation system;
titles are not issued for modular homes. Once installed the home becomes part of the real property; and
a municipality may not differentiate between modular homes built under the Texas IHB program and site built homes.
Check Zoning and Deed Restrictions
Determine the zoning of your property. Contact the city zoning department if you are not sure.
Check the deed restrictions on the property. The city cannot prohibit a modular home constructed under this program from being placed in an area zoned for single-family housing, or a modular office building from being placed in an area zoned for offices. However, you must abide by any deed restrictions and subdivision or architectural controls.
Buy from a registered industrialized builder (retailer/installer)
Ask for their registration number and either call TDLR or look on the web site (www.tdlr.texas.gov) to verify that they are currently registered and in good standing. Registration as a manufactured housing retailer or installer is not the same as registration as an industrialized builder through TDLR.
Check with TDLR to see if any complaints have been filed. Check with the better business bureau.
Site Work
Residential modular homes are required to be placed on a permanent foundation. All industrialized housing and buildings are installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, or to unique site details sealed by a professional engineer or architect and approved by the local authorities. Site work includes the foundation, installation of the modular home or building, and provisions for the installation of utilities such as electric, water and waste disposal. It is also a good idea to make sure the roads to the site are clear for the trucks to deliver the units.
Understand your contract
Have in writing what is your responsibility, what is the industrialized builder’s (retailer/installer’s) responsibility, and what is the certified manufacturer’s responsibility.
Understand your warranties
It is important that you read and understand all warranties. Find out how to obtain warranty service, and learn how to properly maintain your industrialized home or building and its appliances to ensure that your warranties will be honored.
Your new home or building should come with a homeowner’s manual and manufacturer, retailer, and appliance warranties. The homeowner’s manual typically contains important general maintenance and safety guidelines. The manufacturer’s warranty typically covers defects in the workmanship of the structure and plumbing, heating, and electrical systems installed at the factory. Appliances installed at the factory are also covered.
The retailer’s warranty typically explains the terms of the warranty and the services the retailer will provide. If appliances are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, they may be covered by separate warranties that include use and care manuals.
Inspections
While in the factory, an in-plant inspector and a third-party inspector assure that the unit is inspected for code compliance and workmanship. When the unit is brought on site, the city is responsible for all site inspections.
Outside the city limits site inspections are to be performed by a third-party inspector approved by this department, or a licensed architect or engineer. The industrialized builder is typically responsible for assuring that these inspections are accomplished (check your contract). Inspect your home or building thoroughly as soon as you move in.
Information Provided
The industrialized builder (retailer/installer) is required to provide the purchaser the following information:
The name, Texas registration number, and address of the manufacturer and industrialized builder.
A description of the location of the data plate and explanation of the information thereon.
The location of the decal(s) or insignia on the module or modular components.
The floor plan of the building and schematic drawings of the plumbing, electrical, and heating/ventilation systems.
A site plan showing the on-site location of all utilities and utility taps.
A completed signed copy of the energy compliance checklist.
A set of approved plans as necessary to obtain a building permit (including foundation plans). If the typical foundation drawing is not suitable for a specific site, or if the structure is only partially constructed of modular components, or if the builder will add unique on-site details, then a licensed Texas professional engineer or architect shall design and stamp the unique foundation drawings or on-site details.
The relationship between a coffee shop owner and their roaster is a critical one. The positive energy and love that comes from a handcrafted roaster is no comparison to an automated one.
I know the real test is without cream and sugar. But I did that yesterday and I still prefer cream and sugar. Thank you, @moose_mountain_goods for a great tasting! You’re amazing!
Do you ever find yourself looking around, watching your kids zoned into video games and constantly texting friends? Remember the good ole days? Those long summer days when mom would lock you out of the house with your siblings first thing in the morning, and tell you to not come home until dinner? For some of us it wasn’t that extreme, but we remember a better day—a time when imagination, creativity and being active in the outdoors was valued over all things. We want that for our boys, we want that for their future.
What began as a love for all things coffee and outdoors, has become a family business, where the entire Cotton Crew plays an important role. Delicious Mountain Roast Coffee is now the order of the day around here!
We are family owned and operated, with family values:
God first
Quality family time
Love generously
Treat others kindly
Find joy in hard work
Stop and smell the coffee.
Ben is a Captain on the Abilene Fire Department and a certified ACE Fitness Instructor. Lindsey is a professional photographer and bridal show producer. Together we dream big and love helping others grow their business as well! Jackson (15 yrs) and Lincoln (10 yrs) are eager to help and learn new things. Both boys are homeschooled, right here at the Cotton Academy! These boys are responsible, respectful and full of life! Don’t underestimate the value of hard working kids, these boys take pride in their work!
What a blessing to work as a family, and to watch our two young boys become men hard at work. Our family has a heart for entrepreneurship and community, and we look forward to bringing people together over a great cup of coffee!
Sustainably sourced products:All Moose Mountain coffee beans are sustainably sourced. We are proud to source our beans from farms supported by Volcafe Way, an initiative working directly with coffee farmers to assist and train them in sustainable production techniques, as well as in making the best uses of their land for future generations.
We’re so excited to announce that we are now offering in-house financing for tiny homes! We’ve partnered with Hearth Financing to offer our clients financing options that work for tiny homes and can get you into the home of your dreams quickly and painlessly! If you’d like more information about this new option, contact us today or get started on the process through our website.
The process only takes 2 minutes and has zero negative effect on your credit. There is zero obligation to borrow and it is a personal loan that requires $0 down and up to $100,000 based entirely on your financial facts. You can get APRs as low as 4.9% with a 2-12 year timeframe and there is no penalty for paying the loan off early.
Potentially millions of Patriots around the United States right now are considering moving from their tyrannical city, county or state and moving to a more Freedom Friendly place.
I did a poll on my Instagram story and over 70% of people said they’re considering moving!
That sounds like a huge opportunity for realtors and things associated with moving!
So where are people thinking about moving to?
First, take a look at this pic/map of the states with the fewest covid restrictions. (ex: no mask requirements)
When every square inch counts, make every square inch count. I am so happy since adding all these houseplants the spring to our tiny home. This corner has aesthetics mixed with function to the finest. I’m utilizing an outdoor metal chair with plant hanger brackets zip tied to the top and bottom with a bookcase situated underneath the chair and you can see my big Berkey water purifier is part of the functionality here. The plants can easily be removed for a guest seat.
Also I can easily transport the chair with plants outside to decorate for a gathering like a neighborhood campfire ? and homemade ice cream. (we share a 1,000 acre ranch with 3 other families)
As lumber prices continue to soar, the cost is to build homes is rising with it and pricing many prospective home owners out of the market. The average price of a single-family home has risen more than $24,000, and many clients are having to walk away because they can’t afford the increase. This fast price escalation is having far-reaching consequences throughout the industry, and prohibiting home builders and partner organizations from providing much-needed housing to families across the country.
“Our tri-county service area has experienced a 55% decrease in home construction over the past two decades, despite our population growing by 5% each year,” observed Morgan Pfaff, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin River Area. “House prices have also grown 24% faster than wages in that same time frame, creating a serious housing shortage that most deeply impacts lower-income working families, but also harms local industry due to a growing inability to attract and retain a skilled workforce.”
“The rising price of lumber and scarcity of building materials has had a significant impact on our ability to address the housing crisis,” she added. “A home that was built in 2018 cost $11,300 to raise the walls; those same walls cost $17,074 two years later. This is a 66% increase, and will only further restrict our ability to provide safe, decent and affordable housing in our communities.”
Many Habitat for Humanity chapters are experiencing similar setbacks, not only in constructing homes, but providing critical repairs for the families who own these homes.
“Our Habitat affiliate is the only agency completing major repairs — roofs, furnace and septic system replacements — and installing wheelchair ramps in our service area,” shared Nancy Pellegrini, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Menominee River in Michigan. “We serve families that are at or below 60% area median income. Since the price increase of lumber, we have not been able to complete as many critical repairs as usual. We have also had numerous customers decline repairs due to the cost of materials.”
As nonprofits, Habitat for Humanity affiliates are doing their best to help bridge the gap through fundraising and additional financing.
“Luckily, we were able to access additional financing and a very generous gift in kind or we may have had to forego another year of home construction because of rising lumber prices, having already lost a year due to COVID shutdowns,” noted Virginia Ohler, executive director of West Tuality Habitat for Humanity in Oregon.
This is not a sustainable solution in the long run, however.
“Having to pay an additional $10,000 to $15,000 for material would price the families we are serving out of the market,” stated David Schreiber, construction manager for Stephens County Habitat for Humanity in Georgia. “The only solution is to raise additional money and gift the family anything over what they can afford, which is not a good solution because fundraising is difficult enough without having to explain some dollars would be gifted. We need donated material or subsidized material to continue our mission.”
We are so excited to offer mobile pop up shops. When it comes to Food Trailers, you can have a Ford Taurus or a Mercedes Benz. This creates an unforgettable coffee experience. Be the talk of any town you roll in to. Serve festivals and concerts, weddings, ribbon cutting events, etc.
Think of the possibilities: doesn’t have to be coffee, can be sno cones, tacos, or we can custom build for a mobile yoga studio, massage parlor, hair salon, nails, pet grooming, even dentistry and orthodontists set up a mobile office and go to the clients.
So you wanna buy a tiny home? Five steps to your dream tiny home:
Step one: secure your financing so you know your budget. (see below).
Step two: secure your location to park your tiny home. Will you buy land? Park in a family or friend’s backyard, or a Rv park or community? See more info at this blogpost. Also, for insurance questions, see this blogpost.
Step three: choose your builder. You can schedule a free 30 minute phone consultation with Hill Country Tiny Houses to discuss your project. We will use your budget and needs as the guideline. (At this phase, you may want to schedule a tour of one of our homes and/or book a weekend stay in a tiny home to confirm it’s the right decision for you. We can suggest airbnb choices in Texas.) use this link to book your call now: https://hillcountrytinyhousesscheduling.as.me/schedule.php
Step four: now you’re ready to dive in and make your big dreams come true! We collect a $1,500 design fee/down Payment to start your project. During the planning and designing phase, we use our Chief Architect software to design your floor plan, the architecture, elevations, doll house view, 3D walk through, and help you choose all the colors and finishes. You know, all the fun stuff! When you place your order, this amount is taken off your total.
Step five: 25% down to engineer and certify your build and 25% to go into production and 25% when your home is “dried in” and 25% pre-delivery. We do a video walk through at certain stages throughout. Allow at least 8-16 weeks (depends where you are in the que) to complete your project. We deliver it and set it up so it’s move in ready when we leave.
Tiny House Lender Options
1. Personal loans from your local bank, Lending Tree, or even PayPal (many people will combine 1-3 loans from different companies to get the desired total)
2. Home equity line of credit (some will take out a loan this way and when they sell their house, pay it off).
3. Of course, the option to borrow from friends and family and let them be your bank may save on down payment fees, closing fees, and higher interest rates.
4. The last section of this post includes tiny house trailer lenders. The middle section is for tiny houses on land only. I have listed in order of my personal preference.
Notes from a Tiny House Expert
Shari here: As a Dweller, builder, and advocate in this industry for almost 3 years, I have to report…see bottom of post for notes.
TINY HOUSE LENDERS FOR THOSE WHO OWN LAND OR WANT TO BUY LAND
Alamo Lending, A J Allee. Start here ??
Serving all of Texas. aj@alamolending.com. +1 (210) 410-4831
19851 State Highway 46 W. | Spring Branch, TX 78163 | USA
Mortgage Broker/Lender. He has access to multiple lenders, but can only serve clients who own land and will put a park model (permanent style–ie. take the wheels off the trailer and put on foundation) style tiny home on it. hvaughn@guildmortgage.net. 512-775-2883. Hugh has had success helping a family in Bastrop, TX, secure a small lot for a small home and get funding. He is a personal friend of ours and we highly recommend him. On the website, you will find some tools like the pre-qualification calculator and affordability calculator.
Kenneth Early is our contact over there. We are friends with the President of the bank and they will do what they can to help you. Mention our name. 830-955-8535. kenneth@txhcb.com.
If you won or are buying at least 5 acres, this one may be a great fit for you. It does require a down payment and you can not have a chassis (trailer/wheels) under it. Rates are very good in this option. We deliver to you on pier and beam and set on a permanent foundation. As long as it is still under 400 sq ft, it doesn’t raise your property taxes. It is often considered an ADU (accessory dwelling unit). Some cities like Austin, Kerrville and most recently Los Angeles, have already legalized ADU’s. Visit website here.
If you own or are buying at least 10 acres, you can have a fully titled home at the end and get the best rates (even without a construction loan process or down payment) in the industry of tiny houses here. Again, you can not have a chassis (trailer/wheels) under it. We deliver to you on pier and beam and set on a permanent foundation. As long as it is still under 400 sq ft, it doesn’t raise your property taxes. It is often considered an ADU (accessory dwelling unit). Some cities like Austin, Kerrville and most recently Los Angeles, have already legalized ADU’s. 800-530-1252
TYPE OF LENDER: Other REQUIREMENTS: Other COLLATERAL REQUIRED: Yes ADDITIONAL NOTES: Bob is a an Investment Banker (Securities Broker/Dealer) 972-285-5474…
******Again, it is far more difficult to finance these. Cash buyers are best. Banks do not like them because they are mobile and if they need to repossess one, it could be far away and they probably could not track it down. Consequently, they require about 20-25% down payment and shorter terms like 7-15 years and higher interest rates (often times 7-15%). They also require higher credit scores. If you have any assets/collateral to offer, that does make it easier. Oftentimes, people get a family member to loan them the money or they apply for a personal loan, sometimes two or three personal loans to equal the total they want to borrow.
TYPE OF LENDER: Other REQUIREMENTS: Other COLLATERAL REQUIRED: Yes ADDITIONAL NOTES: Bob is a an Investment Banker (Securities Broker/Dealer) 972-285-5474…
Important Note: To help with financing a THOW, please know we can offer a national tiny house certification code that documents the build process via video and the building codes adhered to and saves it in the cloud for you forever. It’s an additional fee for this service, but reach out to us for more info. The value is banks like to see this as well as insurance companies and some RV parks. Each of the following lenders work with this N.O.A.H. Cert. process except for the last two: Liberty Bank and Rock Solid.
NOTES FROM A TINY HOUSE EXPERT
Shari here: As a Dweller, builder, and advocate in this industry for almost 3 years, I have to report it’s been discouraging and difficult to get our clients financed for THOW’s (see below) . We paid cash with the proceeds from the sale of our big house for our own tiny house and many of our clients are cash buyers, sometimes borrowing from family. I believe the day will come when financing becomes easier, but until then, I hope the following info will help you on your journey.
The first thing you need to understand is the difference between a THOW (Tiny House on Wheels – ie. Travel trailer) and a 399 sq ft Park Model Design – I refer to it as a home on a trailer that can travel occasionally (ie. one with a trailer/chassis under it that comes in on wheels and is designed to be put on land or not moved very often) and a general small home (typically 400-800 sq ft) built off site and delivered to land. The latter is the model we have chosen for our development in Kerrville, Texas, called Tiny Town Texas, coming 2021!
Tiny Houses and RVIA park models on wheels/chassis, are similar to a manufactured home and do not appreciate much in value, esp. if they are not attached permanently to land. Tiny Homes on a foundation on land, however, are treated more like a stick built home and will appreciate in value like any traditional home. We offer modular certified tiny homes as well. The city likes these better and it is the ideal scenario for the banks and insurance companies. You will get far better rates.
Hill Country, Boerne, Texas. This is a small gated and wooded community, a combination of tiny homes and Rvs. It’s on 22 acres privately owned, minutes from downtown Boerne, Our family lived here for almost two years and it was great! The landlord, Roy, is great! We shared land with peacocks and chickens and it’s pet friendly. Lot rent was $525 a month. Contact Roy Faz: +1 (210) 835-4355.
6. Boerne, Texas, also has 3 spots on privately owned land, contact Mike or Paige at (210) 843-2610.
Todd and I toured this and it’s very nice near Lake Travis, with pickleball courts, sand volleyball, pool, fishing pond, and clubhouse. Rent is about $700 a month, bring your own tiny house. Great place to rent a tiny house to test it out for a weekend too. info@openairresorts.com or call 512-559-4284.
11. Near Dallas/Forth Worth: https://www.thepinesrvcommunity.com/tiny-homes/ $425-$550 per month.
12. Coming Fall 2021, to kerrville, Texas. We are working on 3 projects here. Contact Shari Snyder for info, 830-285-5909
13. Coming soon to Brenham, TX, 34 acres of horse pasture land. We will be offering park model tiny Homes, Contact Shari Snyder for info, 830-285-5909
14. Coming soon to nacodoches, TX, 80 acres next to a golf course in east tx. We will be offering park model tiny Homes, Contact Shari Snyder for info, 830-285-5909
15. Coming soon to Pittsburg, TX, 58 acres lakefront lots in east tx. We will be offering park model tiny Homes, Contact Shari Snyder for info, 830-285-5909
16. Coming to Aubrey, Tx, park model tiny homes, own the home, rent the land. 7 acres in the country. Contact shari Snyder 830-285-5909.
17. Coming soon: a brand new tiny home community outside of Tyler, Texas. They will add more homes as clients come on board. They have 78 acres and it will be a 55+ community. Angela has some fun ideas to do tiny boutiques, hair salon, maybe pet grooming and a general store. She plans to use golf carts instead of cars inside the community. Since the location is quite remote, she doesn’t want them to have to leave if they don’t want to. She has a wait list of 116 and only about 12 spots available. If you want to get on her wait list, go here, contact shari Snyder 830-285-5909
Hidden forest lake Campbell, Texas
Austin, Texas
spicewood Texas rv resort
my favorite community I toured in Tennessee, MontEteagle retreat
Manor, Texas, outside Austin. Marc, owns about 30 acres and will rent space for a reasonable price to tiny house owners. The location is quite rural and a bit rustic, but may work for you. Contact: Marc, 512-803-7158
Medina, Texas. Rocky Point Retreat http://rockypointrvretreat.com/. Must be 50 years or older. Can rent or buy lots to park a tiny home. It’s really beautiful here and very remote. Contact George: 210-413-9216
