Our Specifications
Next Step Homes are high-performance, mortgage-ready homes built to exceed standard factory-built requirements. Every home is designed to promote durability, energy efficiency, climate resilience, and long-term affordability for homeowners and communities.
Built for Homeownership
Next Step Homes are designed to be placed on permanent foundations and titled as real property, helping buyers qualify for traditional mortgage financing. The homes are built to meet Fannie Mae MH Advantage® and Freddie Mac CHOICEHome® standards — nationally recognized programs that support conventional mortgage access for modern factory-built homes.
Energy Efficient by Design
Whenever available, homes meet U.S. Department of Energy Efficient New Homes standards, which is one of the highest energy-performance benchmarks in housing.
Key features include:
- All-electric systems
- High-efficiency heat pumps
- Advanced insulation and tight building envelopes
- ENERGY STAR® appliances
- Smart thermostats and LED lighting
These features lower monthly utility costs and improve indoor comfort year-round.
Emphasis on Climate Resiliency
Next Step Homes are designed for resilience, not just affordability. Homes are constructed to HUD Wind Zone III standards (the highest wind rating), installed on engineered permanent foundations, and incorporate wildfire-resistant best practices informed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). In select markets, homes can also include FORTIFIED Roof™ standards for enhanced storm protection.
Take the Next Step
Next Step Homes represents a new generation of factory-built housing: combining the efficiency of factory construction with the performance, safety, and mortgage access traditionally associated with site-built homes.