Tiny Home on Wheels
What is a Tiny Home?
Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW) Consulting & Financing
Nationwide Strategy for a Mobile Lifestyle Done Right
Nationwide Strategy for a Mobile Lifestyle Done Right
Most people start their Tiny Home on Wheels journey with inspiration.
Beautiful photos. Clever layouts. Lifestyle videos.
Very few start with the real questions:
- Where will it legally go?
- How is it classified?
- Who will finance it?
- What happens if zoning doesn’t allow it?
A Tiny Home on Wheels is not traditional real estate. In most places, it is considered personal property, not real property. That single distinction affects Tiny Home on Wheels financing, permitting, insurance, resale, and your long-term flexibility.
Before you buy or build, you need a strategy.
At MyADULoan.com, I serve as a nationwide Tiny Home on Wheels and ADU consultant and financing strategist. I’ve been in the housing and lending industry since 1989 and work through Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, licensed and operating in 48 states.
I’m an active member of the Building Industry Association (BIA) and the Casita Coalition of San Diego, and I collaborate with manufacturers such as Nordic + Spruce and Clever Tiny Homes. My work sits at the intersection of housing innovation, zoning realities, and responsible financing.
I consult first. I structure financing second.
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Why Tiny Homes on Wheels Require Strategy
A Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW) is typically:
- Built on a trailer chassis
- Registered in a way similar to an RV
- Financed through consumer or specialty loan products
- Dependent on local zoning allowances
- Subject to utility hookup and pad installation requirements
Because a THOW is not automatically treated as real estate, most traditional mortgage lenders will not finance it with a standard home loan. That’s where many projects start to fall apart.
Common situations I see:
- A buyer purchases a unit before confirming local zoning
- The home is built without RVIA certification or a recognized standard
- The city does not permit trailer-based dwellings for full-time living
- Buyers assume it will qualify for a mortgage, but it doesn’t
- Utility hookups and site work are underestimated or overlooked
A beautiful structure can quickly become a logistical and financial problem.
My role is to help prevent that outcome.
A Real-World Case Study
A Southern California homeowner contacted me after his wife was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. He needed on-site caretaker housing so he could maintain his consulting business while supporting her needs.
Instead of immediately choosing a traditional ADU build, we stepped back and evaluated:
- Local regulations
- Timeline
- Budget
- Property layout
- Available financing pathways
In his situation, a Tiny Home on Wheels became the right solution.
We structured appropriate consumer financing tailored to the THOW, confirmed certification and construction standards, required licensed contractor oversight for all site work, and coordinated the permitting process with the city.
The result wasn’t just “getting the loan approved.” It was a coordinated plan that worked legally, financially, and practically for his family.
Why You Should Consult Before You Buy
The number one mistake I see in the Tiny Home on Wheels market is purchasing the unit before evaluating feasibility.
During your consultation, we walk through several key areas together.
- Property Fit
We start with a simple question: Is a Tiny Home on Wheels really the best long-term solution for your property and your goals?
Sometimes:
- A permanent ADU can increase equity and long-term property value.
- A modular home may qualify for real estate financing and give you a more traditional structure.
- A barndominium or other structure may be better for rural or large-lot properties.
We’ll talk through the distinctions clearly so you understand where a THOW fits compared to other options.
2. Financing Structure
Because Tiny Homes on Wheels are typically treated as personal property, Tiny Home on Wheels financing usually looks different from a standard mortgage. Depending on your situation, financing may involve:
- Consumer loan products
- Specialty RV or Tiny Home financing
- Structured installment lending or a blended approach with other property improvements
I’ll explain which options apply in your situation, including:
- How interest is structured
- Typical loan terms
- How payments fit into your bigger financial picture
- What this means for resale and flexibility down the road
3. Compliance & Certification
For Tiny Home on Wheels construction and placement, compliance matters. We’ll look at:
- RVIA or equivalent certification
- Overall construction standards and safety considerations
- Local zoning ordinances and how your city treats THOWs
- Utility installation requirements (water, power, sewer/septic)
- Pad, driveway, and foundation-like support considerations
This is where we align your vision with the actual rules on the ground.
4. Contractor Oversight
All site work should be completed by qualified, licensed professionals. That includes:
- Utility trenching and hookups
- Concrete, pads, or ground prep
- Driveway or access improvements
- Any structural tie-down or anchoring systems
I provide a contractor vetting framework so you know what to ask, what to verify, and how to make sure your project meets lender and jurisdiction participation standards to protect your investment.
Nationwide Consulting with Local Awareness
Through Fairway’s 48-state licensing footprint, I consult with Tiny Home on Wheels clients across the country.
Over time, I’ve also developed deeper familiarity in high-growth housing and alternative dwelling states, including:
- California
- Texas
- Arizona
- North Carolina
- Florida
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Oregon
- Washington
- Alabama
Regulations can vary dramatically not just by state, but by county and even city. Early consultation helps you avoid costly missteps and surprises.
Tiny Home on Wheels vs. Other Housing Options
Many people come to me convinced that a Tiny Home on Wheels is their best — or only — option. Sometimes, after we review everything, they confirm that a THOW is exactly what they want. Other times, a different approach aligns better with their long-term goals.
Depending on your property and plans, we may also explore:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for permanent real estate equity, long-term rental income, and increased property value
- Modular homes for IRC-compliant construction that can qualify for traditional real estate lending
- Barndominiums for rural or large-lot builds where combining land, shop/garage space, and living space makes sense
We’ll compare these options with you before you make any major financial or construction commitments.
Who a THOW Is Right For
A Tiny Home on Wheels may be a good fit if you:
- Need flexible or caretaker housing on your property
- Want faster deployment than traditional construction can offer
- Value mobility or the option to relocate the unit in the future
- Have zoning that supports trailer-based dwellings or RV-type structures
- Are testing downsizing before committing to a permanent tiny house or ADU
A THOW is not right for every property or every situation. And not every lender understands how to handle a THOW properly.
That’s where having a guide who lives in both the housing and lending worlds can make a real difference.
Why Work With Me, RJ Jaramillo
Here’s what I bring to the table:
- Industry experience in housing and lending since 1989
- Licensed nationwide through Fairway (48 states)
- Member of the Building Industry Association (BIA)
- Member of the Casita Coalition of San Diego
- Collaboration with leading Tiny Home on Wheels manufacturers
- A consult-first, sales-second approach
- A strong focus on compliance-aware financing strategy
My role is to help you think through the full project — from concept to placement — not just to “get you a loan.”
What Happens During Your Consultation
This is not a scripted sales call.
You’ll share:
- Your property details
- Your location and jurisdiction
- Your intended use (family, rental, caretaker, travel, etc.)
- Your timeline
- Your budget and financial comfort zone
We’ll discuss:
- Feasibility: Can you legally and practically do what you’re envisioning?
- Financing pathways: What Tiny Home on Wheels financing options fit your situation?
- Zoning considerations: How your local rules treat THOWs, ADUs, and similar structures
- Manufacturer coordination: How to choose a builder and what to ask them
- Contractor requirements: What needs to be done on-site and who should do it
If it makes sense to move forward with a THOW, we build the plan together: structure, next steps, and realistic expectations.
If another housing structure serves you better, I’ll tell you that clearly and explain why.
Start With Strategy
If you’re considering a Tiny Home on Wheels — whether you’re still researching how to build a Tiny Home on Wheels or you’re close to buying — talk to someone who understands both the construction and the financing side before you commit.
A short conversation now can prevent expensive mistakes later.
Schedule your consultation and walk through your project with a specialist who has worked in housing and lending for more than three decades.
Still Researching?
You can also explore: • Our ADU Consulting Page • Our Modular Homes Page • Our Barndominium Consulting Page Your project deserves a clear plan before you purchase, build, or sign anything.