What's the difference between a manufactured home and a modular home for mortgage purposes in Washington?

Modular homes are built in sections at a factory and assembled on a permanent foundation — they're classified as real property and financed exactly like a traditional stick-built home in Washington. Manufactured homes (also called mobile homes or HUD-code homes) are built to HUD standards on a steel chassis and are initially classified as personal property. Once affixed to a permanent foundation and de-titled, many manufactured homes can qualify for standard mortgage financing. The distinction matters significantly for what loan products apply.