Modular homes on the horizon

Built in sections in a factory, the pieces are transported and assembled on site. Best of all, these dwellings are about $60 to $70 per square foot less expensive than conventional houses, mainly because manufacturers can purchase materials in bulk and gain labor efficiencies that traditional builders cannot. And here’s another reason to consider modular housing. Developers get federal affordable-housing tax credits that go back to the investors.   

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Life experiences foster atmosphere of cooperation   

Carlene McDuffie has seen many changes in the real estate business since she started in 1978. She says that one thing has remained the same.

"People still want houses."

McDuffie is owner/broker of Palm III Realty in Fernandina Beach. "I can remember," she says, "when interest rates went to 18 percent to 21 percent. It was all hard. It was a lot of money then, and it's a lot of money now. I don't think it was any different than what they're going through today.

"But the greatest gift I can give anyone is to help them get into a home."

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Tip of the Week–Get tech savvy in 20 minutes a week

Ever feel clueless when colleagues talk about new Web features or gadgets? Wish you could stay on top of technology trends without spending hours on the Web?

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