A Cuban residing in the United States has once again stirred up controversy on TikTok after posting a new video where she candidly explains why she decided to import two prefabricated houses from China instead of buying mobile homes manufactured in the U.S. or available on Amazon.
The protagonist of this story is the user @mai_algarete, who had already gone viral by displaying the complete process of importing, assembling, and costs of the homes she set up with the aim of renting them out as part of her own real estate business. Now, faced with a wave of questions and criticism, she decided to share the reasons that led her to pursue this path.
“The first thing is that I had already tried it on Amazon. But what they sell there has nothing to do with these houses,” she explained. According to her, the homes offered on American platforms barely reach 300 or 400 square feet, while she was looking for “something large.”
In addition to the space, there was another important reason behind his decision: the experience. “I wanted to have the experience of purchasing something so massive from China. To see how it works, how they do it, to receive photos and videos of the process. I wanted to take that risk because it’s something unique and interesting,” he said.
The Cuban emphasized that everything learned throughout the process was invaluable: “Now I know how ports work, tariffs, everything. I wanted to know if a house you buy from China actually arrives or not. I had those doubts and wanted to confirm it.”
In the video, he also reveals that he spent a whole year thinking about it before taking the plunge. “I kept looking at it over and over on the page and thought it wasn't possible for that price. And after thinking about it so much, I said: I have to do it,” he confessed.
He also took the opportunity to compare it with prices in the United States: “For those who say I should have bought it in the U.S., do you know how much that same house costs here? Just the structure, without transportation or permits, costs 45 thousand dollars”. With those figures, he defended his choice: “Suppliers here also have to pay tariffs, taxes, storage fees… that’s why I preferred to speak directly with the supplier in China.”
User reactions on TikTok
The video has generated hundreds of comments from various countries, including Venezuela, Colombia, and Costa Rica, where many are asking if they could also import similar homes. Some users shared business ideas, while others simply applauded their initiative.
The creator answered several of those questions directly, clarifying that, since they are container-style homes, they can be installed anywhere as long as there is enough space.
Among the most common questions are: which company was used, how long the shipping took, what permits are needed in the U.S., and whether the roof meets local wind resistance requirements.
What started as a personal concern has become, for many, a source of inspiration. A practical lesson that, with boldness and a willingness to learn, opportunities can be created… even if they come from the other side of the world, in a container.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Importation of Chinese Prefabricated Houses by Cubans in the U.S.
Why did the Cuban decide to import prefabricated houses from China?
The Cuban decided to import prefab houses from China due to their larger size and lower cost compared to those available in the U.S. market. She wanted a unique experience acquiring something substantial from China and to see the importation process, in addition to avoiding the high costs of mobile homes manufactured in the U.S.
What was the total cost of importing and assembling the Chinese prefabricated houses?
The total cost of importing and setting up the Chinese prefabricated houses was $118,780. This included the price of the houses, international transport, taxes, land moving, septic system, lawn, and a loss due to fraud.
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