Modular homes vs. mobile homes? What's the difference! A LOT! That question is asked hundreds of times in West Virginia by bankers, realtors, zoning officials and the general home buying public. There is a clear difference in the two. The term “mobile home” has been replaced in technical and legal jargon by the term “manufactured housing” in recent years. To further confuse the issue modular homes often are referred to as off site built, pre-fabricated, industrialized, systems built, as well as other terminology that has been used in various situations.