Buying a house can be a dream, a nightmare... or a business opportunity, depending on how you look at it. And if not, just ask a Cuban resident in the United States who decided to do something unusual: import two prefabricated houses from China to rent them out. The result was a project completed in less than two months and an investment that has captured the attention of thousands of users on TikTok.
The author of this story is the user @mai_algarete, who has shared the entire process in her videos: from the arrival of the container houses to the moment she made them ready to rent. And the most valuable part for many: the complete breakdown of how much she paid for each stage of the project.
The houses cost $15,600 each, to which $10,200 for international transportation, $9,900 in taxes, $1,100 for moving them to the site, $10,000 for the septic system, $2,000 for grass, and $7,000 lost in a scam were added. In total, $118,780 invested, as she detailed in several clips.
The houses are anything but modest: one has three bedrooms, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony, while the other —which is already rented— features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and closets. Although some were surprised to see washing machines inside the bathroom, others praised the practical design. “Here in Europe, that’s normal,” commented a follower.
Reactions to his videos came in quickly. Many applauded his vision: "Excellent investment, you'll recover everything in five years," "I love your attitude despite the challenges," and "This is having vision." Others raised key questions: "Where did you buy them?", "Did you need permits?", "Do they comply with local codes?", and "When will you talk about the scam?"
Some took the opportunity to share personal experiences. “I bought a house for $160K and I'm still investing in renovations,” commented one user. Another wrote humorously: “It's not like ordering from Shein, where it just arrives and that's it.” There were also emojis, applause, jokes, and more than one request for the "part 3" to be posted.
Although it also faced criticism—“That doesn't work,” “Better to build from scratch,” “What about insurance?”—most recognized its creativity, transparency, and courage to undertake. In a market where a home can easily exceed $250,000, its proposal sounds, at the very least, different.
Thus, with ingenuity, numbers on the table, and a good dose of charisma, @mai_algarete demonstrated that it is indeed possible to establish a real estate business in the U.S. by bringing in container homes... for a total of $118,780.
Frequently Asked Questions About Importing Prefabricated Houses from China and the Real Estate Market in the U.S.
How much does it cost to import and assemble a prefabricated house from China in the U.S.?
The total cost of importing and assembling two prefabricated houses from China to the U.S. is approximately 118,780 dollars. This includes the price of each house, international transportation expenses, taxes, and other costs associated with installation and site preparation.
What are the characteristics of prefabricated houses imported from China?
The prefabricated houses imported from China can have different configurations, but in the case described, one house has three bedrooms, a bathroom, an equipped kitchen, and a balcony, while the other has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The design includes practical features, such as washing machines inside the bathroom, which has surprised some users.
Is it profitable to invest in prefab houses for rental in the U.S.?
Investing in prefab homes to rent can be profitable, especially when considering the relatively low initial investment cost compared to the price of traditional homes in the U.S. However, it is important to consider location, rental demand, and other factors in the local real estate market.
What challenges do owners face when importing prefabricated houses from China?
Owners may encounter challenges such as ensuring that homes comply with local building codes, obtaining the necessary permits for installation, and dealing with unexpected issues like scams. It is crucial to be well-informed and prepared for these potential obstacles.
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