What’s the difference between mobile, manufactured and modular homes?

Generally, both the terms “mobile home” and “manufactured home” refer to factory-built home. The biggest difference is the name itself. A factory-built home prior to June 15, 1976, is a mobile home and one built after that date is considered a manufactured home, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Mobile and manufactured homes are often:

Built in a factory and transported to the property where they are set up.
Built on a metal frame as opposed to a basement or crawlspace.
Have tie downs instead of a permanent foundation.
Mobile and manufactured homes are not the same as modular homes. While modular homes are also built in factories, they are usually delivered in two or more pieces and built over crawlspaces or basements like traditional houses. Modular homes are typically insured with a traditional homeowners insurance policy.