Category: Blog

Should I buy a mobile home or a traditional home? This is the exact question my childhood friend asked me several days ago and although I gave my suggestion in person already, I know a lot of you out there are having the same question so I wrote this article.

My friend has just gone through a messy divorce process and lost most of his assets to his wife. He is moving to Southwest Florida due to his new job and is looking for a new place to call home. Florida is home to many mobile home parks and he thought buying one could be a good option.

We had a lengthy discussion and I told him to get one instead of renting Airbnb, staying in a hotel, or buying a single-family traditional house.

I explained everything below why buying a mobile home instead of a regular house in his case, is a great choice.

What Is A Mobile Home?

Mobile homes were very popular in the United States back in the 70s. In the last couple of decades, however, their popularity in the country was falling, but in light of a new financial crisis and price growth of traditional homes, many Americans still live in mobile homes and in fact, there is a steady increase in mobile home demands.

As the name implies, mobile homes are prefabricated houses that can be moved from one place to another, so they can be set up anywhere. 

Unlike traditional houses, which require permission to settle on the land, mobile homes are not anchored permanently to the ground. Mobile homes in the United States are not considered real estate and are taxed as motor vehicles.

In short, mobile homes are made in a factory and brought to the installation site in a finished form. Yes, special vehicles and a crane are required, but in the future, such a house can also be moved and lived in calmly again. Of course, they can’t move on their own, they cannot, they are not on wheels. But in general, the installation process is simple, manufacturers immediately offer such a service.

This is one of the reasons for the popularity of mobile homes in the United States. Americans often move around a large country in search of work. It is convenient if it is possible to take the house with you, quickly move along with all the belongings, and rent a plot of land for installation in a new place.

A concrete slab can serve as a foundation for a mobile home, but more often it is installed on blocks or screw piles. 

Mobile Homes Are Divided Into Three Groups

1. Single-wide. With a floor area of 480 to 1440 square feet. Two bedrooms, a kitchen, one bathroom, and a small living room. For a family of two or three people more than enough.

2. Double-wide. With a floor area of 640 to 2,560 square feet. This is a full-fledged house for a standard family with two bathrooms, three bedrooms, and a kitchen and dining room.

3. Triple-wide. With a floor area of 960 to 3600+ square feet. There are also usually three bedrooms, but the dimensions of the rooms increase. Such a house from the side can not be called mobile, but it is, you can transport it in parts. Unlike single and double wide houses that have an elongated shape, a triple wide mobile home is always square.”

Almost all mobile homes are one-story, but in some cases, the attic can be used. Such buildings are considered budgetary for those who cannot afford a traditional house, so the area is usually small. In addition, the larger the building, the more difficult it is to transport it.

The Advantages Of Mobile Homes Are Quite Significant

Mobile homes are not considered real estate objects, since they are really not considered real estate buildings. That is, you do not need to obtain permission to install, draw up documents, or pay real estate tax.

You can install a mobile inside a mobile home park provided you have the park’s approval.

Mobile homes have many advantages. Therefore, they have positioned themselves as one of the best alternatives to traditional homes, since they are cheaper, sustainable, and, in addition, we can customize them to our liking and according to our needs. Mobile homes offer ready-made models, but you can make changes to the project and get a mobile house that meets all your needs and priorities. The exterior and interior can be different, and quite attractive, you can attach the terrace, and make some changes over time.

You can get a ready-made house from the supplier in a week or even less if you opt for a brand-new mobile home. You only need a place to install such as a mobile home park. A great way to get a summer house on the eve of the season, without waiting for the end of the construction.

Main Advantages Of Mobile Homes

Mobile homes offer important advantages over traditional homes that many people fail to see. Let’s discuss this.

1. Mobile homes allow changing the place of residence easily

While traditional houses force us to be in the same place, mobile homes allow us to travel where we want and without moving from the comfort of our homes. Although the majority of the mobile homes in the US are semi-permanent, mobile homes that were built during the 80s can still be moved.

2. Mobile homes are far cheaper than traditional houses

Since they usually measure between 640 to 2,560 square feet (although there are larger and smaller ones), fewer materials are needed for construction and, therefore they are usually cheaper.

In addition, they are factory-built and with parts or modules, which also contributes to them being cheaper (around 40%, compared to traditional) and quick to build. And in addition to being prefabricated, they do not need work permits, which can take up to a year.

Fast erection and convenient quality control. On average, one section of a house is made within 1-2 days, so even the largest houses of 4-5 sections can be made in our production within 7-10 days. Then the factory invites you to check the house according to the quality of the work performed and if you see the finished product in advance, you can make adjustments and comments that will be taken into account.

You can adjust the price of the structure yourself based on your own needs without overpaying for unnecessary options. You can choose the thickness of the frame and insulation, the height of the ceilings, the number of windows and doors, the types of finishes and painting, and much more. 

However, as with the rest of prefabricated houses, their price will depend on several factors, such as the type and quality of their materials (which are usually: wood, concrete, metal, or PVC), and the extras it includes. However, we can find mobile homes for $15,000 or less.

3. Mobile homes allow greater energy savings

Again, being smaller and using fewer materials in their construction, these mobile homes are also more ecological. And in addition to needing fewer raw materials, their energy consumption is lower, since they need little lighting and low energy to heat or cool. Therefore, they allow savings on our invoices.

In fact, many of them are designed to enhance renewable energies and, therefore, be self-sufficient. The most advanced uses solar and wind energies for their functioning and even reuse rainwater.

4. Mobile homes are functional and efficient

Mobile homes are efficient and designed to use every square foot of the interior. They are also easy to modify or upgrade.

As we have seen, prefabricated houses are a very good option for our guests to have their own space with all comforts.

But The Downside Of Mobile Homes Are Also Obvious

Since the house does not have real estate status, there may be problems with the sale and obtaining a loan for its construction and purchase.

Over time, according to many realtors, the cost of a mobile house is depreciating, and you can’t call it a profitable investment unless you are renting it out.

In terms of strength, mobile buildings are inferior to stick-built houses but the difference is negligible. However, now this minus is leveled, thanks to new technologies.

Dispelling Popular Myths About Mobile Homes

1. “The modular design is unreliable, the sections can move apart” – when ordering a reliable pile foundation, you protect yourself from such precedents because the presence of rigid support reduces the change in the level of the building to a minimum. The sections themselves are fastened together with a reliable self-expanding PSU tape, which allows the structure to maintain integrity even with a slight “shrinkage” of the wooden material.

2. “There are gaps between the sections and the house will not be suitable for use in the cold season” – when connecting, the joining of the sections is as tight as possible and the distances at the junctions are minimized and the remaining ones are carefully foamed to avoid cooling. Using the same technology, doors, and windows are installed in any traditional house.

3. “The qualities are much lower than those employed in traditional homes” In no case, the quality of the mobile home will be inferior to that of a stick-built house. At least, the characteristics will be the same, although they are usually manufactured with better insulation and comfort parameters. Manufacturers work with technically more modern and efficient materials, applying factory quality controls to ensure the finished house is of the highest quality before being transported to the final location, where the module assembly operation and facilities connection are carried out.

4. “Mobile homes are less solid and less sturdy than traditional homes.” Neither one thing nor the other. At the structural level, mobile homes are calculated taking into account the movement produced by transport, so they are normally oversized to support these dynamic efforts, which results in more robust structures than usual. At the level of materials, common components are used in traditional construction, and others are more sophisticated ones that provide the technical requirements necessary for mobile homes,

Who Should Buy A Mobile Home?

Of course, mobile homes are not for all people. When buying a house, it always comes down to personal preference, budget, location,  size of family, and the ability to finance. But not all mobile homeowners are poor. In fact, there are many people who own mobile homes as their second home, especially in Florida where owners spend their time in their mobile homes during harsh winters. If you are included in the following group of people, a mobile home is perfect for you.

1. If you are single. Although many mobile home parks especially in Florida are designed for older people, there are also a lot of mobile home parks on the East and West coasts that are designed for all ages. If you are single and don’t want to pay expensive apartment rent every month, a mobile home is a perfect choice.
2. If you are a new couple. Many new couples buy mobile homes while saving money for future stick-built real estate. There is no better and cheaper option for the new couple to own a house than buying a used mobile home.
3. If you are a retired senior. Seniors should enjoy their lives, right? Florida is home to many 50+ mobile home parks and if you are looking for a peaceful place to live without paying an expensive mortgage, buying a mobile home is the best option.
4. If you have extra money and want a vacation home. Many people own a second home in Florida so they don’t need to pay for a hotel or Airbnb when they spend their summer down here. This is a no-brainer decision. 
5. If you want to invest and make passive income. Yes, a mobile home can be a good investment if you rent it out. Buying a cheap mobile home, having it repaired, and tented out, can be a sustainable source of monthly extra income.

If you are planning on buying a used mobile home in the greater Sarasota Florida area, we, at The Mobile Home Dealer, are happy to assist you with the purchase requirements such as virtual showings, closing assistance, and title transfer of your new mobile home.  Contact Us anytime or message us through our Facebook page. 

One of the few reasons why people are hesitant to buy a mobile home is that they believe that mobile homes that don’t have land are hard to sell when they plan to sell it in the future. This always triggers one of the most commonly asked questions, “How do people sell a mobile home without land”? If you are having the same thoughts and are eager to find out, continue reading.

Are Mobile Homes Considered Real Estate Property Or Personal Property?

As someone who wants to invest in mobile homes, you will certainly find mobile homes that are attached to their owner’s private land, as well as mobile homes that are sitting on leased land. Before investing in a mobile home, as a buyer, it is imperative that you understand the big difference between these two types of mobile homes.

By default, all mobile homes are considered personal property with very few exceptions, especially during the application process. A landowner could still set up a mobile home on their own property and consider it personal property if the setup is not permanent. 

Let’s take a look at the two big differences.

1. Mobile homes on leased land inside mobile home parks are considered personal property and taxed as motor vehicles. This type of mobile home doesn’t need to pay real estate property taxes. In order to own this type of mobile home, all you need are park approval and monthly lot rent payments. The land where your mobile home is set is owned by the mobile home park and you are paying monthly lot rent in order to use the land. For the sake of this article, it is important to note that we are referring to mobile homes within a park where lot rent is paid. If you are looking at purchasing a mobile home within a park where you own the home and the lot then this may not apply to your situation. 

2. Mobile homes on private land can be considered either real estate property or private property depending on the application. There are few parks that offer to sell mobile homes with the land. This type of mobile home is considered real estate because you own the land that is intended only for the mobile home. If, however, you own a large area of land like a farm and buy a mobile home, you have the option to declare it as personal or real estate property. If the mobile home is permanent, most states require it to be declared as real estate property. If, however, your mobile home is not permanent and you plan to always move the house whenever you want inside your farm, this cannot be considered a real estate property.

The Two Types of Mobile Home Parks: Leased Land VS Resident-Owned 

There are two most common types of mobile home parks, leased land and resident-owned.

1. Leased land mobile home park. The leased-land mobile home park is the most common and popular type of mobile home park in the United States. These parks are either owned by a private person, a family business, or a corporation and run by mobile home park managers. The number of park managers depends on the size of the mobile home park but in many cases, there is only one park manager and a couple of assistants. 

When you are planning to buy a mobile home inside a leased land mobile home park, it is important to know the policies first by inquiring at the park manager’s office. There you can ask about the monthly lot rent fee for the particular house you are going to buy, park approval requirements, and the things included in the lot rent payment like water, electricity, garbage collection, lawn mowing, and other services such as the usage and upkeep of the community clubhouse or pool”. As mentioned, you only own the mobile home and not the land, and you are renting the land occupied by your mobile home.

2. Resident-owned mobile home park. Although fewer than the leased land mobile home parks, a resident-owned mobile home park gives you the opportunity to own part of the mobile home park. This means you are a part owner of the whole mobile home park and do not specifically own the land where your mobile home is set up. 

Owning a mobile home in a resident-owned mobile home park is comparable to owning stocks in a business. This type of mobile home ownership pays real estate taxes just like you pay property taxes on stick-built houses. Although there is no lot rent fee, the park may still have a monthly payment for garbage disposal and other services but the monthly payment may be as low as half as much as the lot rent that land-leased residents pay.

Things To Prepare When Selling A Mobile Home On Leased Land

Selling a mobile home without land is not really a complicated process that one must be worried about even before buying a mobile home. Selling a mobile home on leased land is like selling any other valued property like a car or any other vehicle. Although mobile homes are registered under the Department of Motor Vehicles, the registration does differ from that of ordinary vehicles. What mobile homes have is the title. So, if you want to know what are the things you need to prepare when selling a mobile home, take a look at the following.

• The title of your mobile home. Make sure the title is ready and available. This is the most important thing to prepare.
• Make sure the lot rent is paid without past dues. Buyers will turn away from the mobile home that they know will give them headaches.
• Make sure the house is ready for viewing. If you want to sell your mobile home on an as-is basis, make sure you are ready for all the details and explanations like maintenance history, the needed repairs, and other things that concern the structure of the house. If, however, you want to sell your mobile home fast, you can add some furnishings and furniture, and do some repairs to improve the home’s aesthetics
• If you want to sell your house through a trusted mobile home broker like The Mobile Home Dealer, make sure to provide access to the agent so that when a buyer comes, the agent can show them the inside of the mobile home.
• Declutter to make your mobile home look presentable to everyone.

What Are The Requirements For Buying A Mobile Home On Leased Land?

Buying a home without land may sound like a joke but when we are talking about buying a mobile home, this is normal. So, if you are planning to buy a mobile home on leased land, you must be aware of the following things to prepare.

1. Money comes first! If you are planning to buy a mobile home that is already set up inside a mobile home park, this means that you are buying a used mobile home. Why money is important? Because most of the mobile home buying and selling transactions are done through cash and not on a mortgage. This does not mean that you can’t buy a mobile home without cash but your options are extremely limited.

If, however, you are buying a brand new mobile home that you want to order from a factory, you may consider other financing options outside cash payment. We suggest you read these detailed articles on financing a mobile home:

• 3 Ways To Finance A Mobile Home!
• Is It Possible To Finance A Sarasota Florida Mobile Home?

2. Secure park approval from the mobile home park manager. No one is allowed to buy a mobile home and live there without approval from the park’s manager. The park approval process has its own requirements like criminal history, credit, income check, and other small details based on the individual’s situation. You may take a look at our detailed explanation of the park approval process in the following articles:

• What Is Needed For A Sarasota Mobile Home Park Approval?
• Why Do Mobile Home Parks Check Resident’s Income?
• How Long Should The Approval Process Take In A Sarasota Mobile Home Park?

Know the park’s policy and regulations. What is your age? How big is your family? Do you have a kid? Do you have a pet? Before deciding to buy a mobile home in a particular mobile home park, make sure to know what things are allowed, not allowed, dos, and don’ts. This information can be obtained by talking to the park’s manager before making your final decision to buy.

Selling A Mobile Home FSBO vs. a Mobile Home Broker 

FSBO means For Sale By Owner or a process of selling a house or any property by its owner without any third party agent or broker.

How convenient can it be to sell a property through a licensed mobile home broker? The first thing one thinks of is the commissions and the money that one could save oneself without it, but if we place all the factors in a balance, it is worth rethinking the situation. We propose a list of 5 advantages and disadvantages that we recommend taking into account when making a decision as important as this.

Advantages of For Sale By Owner

1. You will have greater profits since the commissions that would correspond to the agent can be saved (without considering the value of your time in the entire sales process)
2. You can do things in your own way, for example: publish your sale announcement wherever you want and whatever you want (but if you do not review it frequently, you will not find out that there are people interested in your property)
3. You will have the opportunity to work at your pace, without coordinating activities with third parties (anyway, that could make some potential clients lose).
4. You will be in charge of selling only one property, so you will have more time than an agent who has other properties to sell.
5. You can establish your own game rule (but not necessarily your rules are accepted by the potential buyer. Probably a professional broker could establish a balance point and get the sale to be made). You can control when a home will be shown

Although the sign method is a good, basic strategy that may have worked in the past, it is not one that should be relied on now or in the future as the latest technology is taking over the actual viewing process. People can just spend 30 minutes with their phone or PC and can view dozens of properties, call a broker, and let the broker tour on their behalf.

Disadvantages of For Sale By Owner: Advantages of Mobile Home Broker

1. Selling a mobile home demands a lot of time and dedication. In addition to your daily activities, to achieve the sale, you will have to deal with all parts of the sales process.
2. Licensed mobile home agents such as The Mobile Home Dealer have multiple tools (contact networks, website, experience, market trajectory, etc.) that will allow you to find potential buyers.
3. The mobile home agent has sales strategies, useful and necessary to close a sale.
4. A Broker can also provide sales advice, and negotiate and write contracts that you, as the Seller may not fully understand.
5. In the event that something in the operation goes wrong, you will always have a responsible firm to claim and demand a guarantee. If you were scammed by an individual, you would have no one to claim. And the cases of fraud are increasingly numerous. Do not put your mobile home at risk.
6. If you do not work with an agent, you will have to take care of the cumbersome process of paperwork, fees, payments, etc.

Conclusion

Selling a mobile home without land is not as challenging as some people think if you are full of knowledge about mobile homes. Mobile homes have been existing for decades and many of these mobile homes have been passed to dozens of different owners. This could never happen if mobile homes without land are hard to sell.

If you are planning to buy a mobile home on leased land but are worried in the future that you may not be able to sell it, don’t worry. We, at The Mobile Home Dealer, are experts in this field and this is what we do every day, helping both buyers and sellers in meeting their demands.

Buying a mobile home in the Sunshine State’s Sarasota County is a dream come true for many people who wish to enjoy the sunny weather all year round, but living in one of the country’s most popular places comes with a heavy price.

According to US News, Sarasota is not a cheap place to live but don’t lose hope, there are ways to stay and live here. In this article, we will guide you on how to find a cheap place to live in the Sarasota Florida area while spending less and still having the same enjoyment you are dreaming of.

What It’s Like To Live in Sarasota Florida

Sarasota has a unique vibe that is different from most of Florida’s coastal cities. Its beaches are unique. For example, the Siesta Key Beach features 99% quartz sand that is always cool to the touch. Sarasota is home to many art scenes and galleries, a thriving food culture, and a unique beachy atmosphere.

What makes Sarasota special is its mixture of downtown which is accessible to many resorts for people who love nature. It was once considered the playground for retirees but young professionals are starting to take their piece of small Florida paradise.

According to the rental website Rentcafe.com, the cost of living in Sarasota, FL is 7% higher than the state average and 8% higher than the national average. 

Sarasota, FL housing is 17% more expensive than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 3% less pricey. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 2% more in Sarasota, FL than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 2% more.

Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 6% more here compared to the U.S. average. At the same time, non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 2% pricier in Sarasota, FL.

What Makes Living In Sarasota Florida Expensive

When a place becomes a popular destination, especially during winter seasons, it is understandable why the cost of living increases. That’s the law of supply and demand. 

What makes Sarasota living expensive is not only because of its beauty and the attractions and activities the county can offer. The following are the main reasons why Sarasota is becoming more and more expensive to live in.

Sarasota, Florida National Ranking

• No. 9 in Best Places to Live 
• No. 11 in Best Places to Retire
• No. 1 in Best Places to Live in Florida
• No. 3 in Fastest Growing Places
• No. 7 in Safest Places to Live
• No. 19 in Best Places to Live for Quality of Life

With the above achievements and credentials, it is understandable why Sarasota commands such a high cost of living. 

Although the above ranking makes Sarasota residents proud, the reported cost of living could also scare people who are planning to move to the famed city. Don’t lose your hopes though as Sarasota is still more than affordable for many people to live in.

How To Live Cheaply In Sarasota Florida

One of the main reasons why the cost of living in Sarasota Florida can become expensive is the housing. Although transportation, utilities, and other expenses are still higher, (with the exception of food which is 3% lower than the national average and 5% lower than the State average) housing is the main culprit. Sarasota housing is 17% higher than the national average and 15% higher than the State average.

Update: “(with the exception of food which is 3% lower than the national average and 5% lower than the State average)”

So what are your options if the housing is almost unaffordable? Enter the idea of purchasing a mobile home!

Since renting or buying a stick-built house in Sarasota is extremely expensive, buying a mobile home is the perfect catalyst for your Sarasota Florida dreams.

Sarasota is home to more than 200 mobile home parks and although there are high-end mobile home parks, there are always places for budget living and we are about to tell you that! 

Where To Find Cheap Mobile Homes For Sale in Sarasota Florida

In order to find cheap mobile homes in Sarasota Florida, first we must identify the places inside the county where the cost of living is below the county average. 

Many people are making mistakes because when they hear about the “high cost of living in Sarasota”, they immediately lose interest without researching. Finding a cheap mobile home in Sarasota Florida is like finding a scholarship grant online. One must do a lot of research. You are actually extremely lucky that you found this article.

Of course, when you are looking for a cheap mobile home, your first step is to find cheap neighborhoods first.

Cheap Neighborhoods in Sarasota,  Florida where you can find cheap mobile homes.

1. Nokomis

Nokomis is a nice coastal town with a population of 4,084 (2020) in Sarasota County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Nokomis offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Nokomis, there are a lot of restaurants and parks. Many retirees live in Nokomis and residents enjoy the lower cost of living by the beach. The public schools in Nokomis are highly rated.

2. Warm Mineral Springs

Warm Mineral Springs has a population of 5,267. Warm Mineral Springs is in Sarasota County. Living in Warm Mineral Springs offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Warm Mineral Springs and residents tend to lean on conservative living. The public schools in Warm Mineral Springs are above average while the cost of living is relatively lower than the county average.

3. North Port

North Port is a City in Sarasota County with a relatively bigger scattered population of 67,779. The people of North Port are overall friendly. The city is well taken care of and has been growing quite large recently. North Port began as a small town but has grown immensely, yet still kept a very nice community. North Port is a nice little city to live in with everything close by within its own limits. 

4. Englewood 

Englewood is a small city with a population of 19,332. Englewood is a nice, quiet town right on the beach. There are a plethora of great restaurants in and around the town. The community is very friendly. There are numerous festivals and activities throughout the year, including speed boat races, Pioneer Day, and various car shows.

5. Sarasota Springs

Sarasota Springs is a census-designated place in Sarasota County, Florida. The population was 14,395 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Bradenton–Sarasota–Venice Metropolitan Statistical Area. As one of the places in Sarasota that offers a lower cost of living, residents enjoy the peaceful and friendly neighborhood.

6. Bayou Oaks

Bayou Oaks is a neighborhood in Sarasota Florida nestled in a park-like setting offering tranquil and affordable senior living and giving residents an incredible view of Florida’s wildlife while overlooking a beautiful lake. The neighborhood is very diverse. You will find college students, young and old, rich and poor, Latino, White, and African-American. 

Bayou Oaks ranks top 5 in many publications as one of the cheapest places to live in Sarasota Florida.

7. Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores

Located just north of Downtown Sarasota, the Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores neighborhood stretches “West of Trail” along the Sarasota Bayfront from just north of downtown Sarasota to University Parkway. It is hard to believe that this section of land can offer so much and have such great proximity to all that living in Sarasota has to offer.

The Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores neighborhood features some of Sarasota’s more beautiful historic homes in addition to modern masterpieces. A mixture of waterfront and non-waterfront homes, there is a price point for almost everyone.

8. Downtown Sarasota

If you think Downtown Sarasota is an expensive place to live, you are mistaken. What makes this place so affordable is the unlimited choices of food!

Downtown Sarasota is a lively area with art galleries and theaters, including McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, host to national stand-up acts, and Florida Studio Theatre, with plays and cabaret. Diverse dining options include upscale farm-to-table bistros, refined seafood spots, and modern sushi joints, plus posh cocktail bars and low-key pubs with live music.

Why Mobile Homes in Sarasota Florida Are Cheaper Compared To Traditional Houses

It’s hard to find a home in today’s competitive housing market. But there is one type of home that most people can afford: mobile homes. Mobile homes (technically, manufactured homes) are less expensive than most houses, and they often come with more features for the price as well.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average price of a new mobile home is $65,400 for a single-wide and $122,500 for a double-wide (2021 data). The cost varies by about 15%, depending on location. You can buy an older mobile home for about $30,000-$40,000 that will still have many years left before it needs major repairs or replacement. 

Although the housing market price continues to increase, mobile homes maintain their reputation as an affordable housing option and this is the main reason why people buy them.

Not all people who buy mobile homes are poor though. Some buy mobile homes as vacation homes or investments. Buy what mobile homes are cheap? Are they poorly built? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why they remain affordable.

1. Building Materials

Building materials used in mobile homes are lighter compared to those used in building stick-built houses. Traditional houses are usually made of concrete and bricks while mobile homes are made of steel and any vinyl siding which has a big effect on the cost of the home.

2. Limited Financing Options

Mobile homes are built specifically for affordable housing. This means that they are not built for a mortgage and are usually purchased on a cash-only basis. 

3. Mobile Home Size

The size of the mobile home also influences its price. Larger mobile homes, called double wides, are more expensive because they use more materials in their production. Smaller mobile homes, called single wides, are less expensive since they don’t require as many materials.

4. Less Expensive Site Preparation

Mobile homes don’t require a full concrete foundation because they are made to be transported to another location if the owner of the property elects to do so. Mobile homes only need a slab foundation or a concrete pier foundation for their support. Not only does this use a lot less concrete, but it’s also faster.

5. Simple Designs

One of the trade-offs of buying a cheap mobile home is that you don’t get a lot of variety with the design. Mobile homes utilize simple designs to keep their costs low. In return, they’re able to keep their prices low.

There are other reasons why mobile homes are less expensive than traditional houses but the above lists are the big factors why mobile homes remain affordable.

Conclusion

Looking for cheap mobile homes for sale in Sarasota Florida requires research, patience, and perseverance. Although Sarasota is one of the most expensive counties in the State of Florida and the whole  United States, not all people living in the county are rich, and many mobile homes are still cheap if you know how to find them. 

Buying a cheap mobile home in Sarasota Florida requires time and dedication but it is always worth the effort knowing that you are buying a mobile home in one of the country’s best places to live!

We, at The Mobile Home Dealer, always provide our clients with easy access to cheap mobile homes in the  Sarasota Florida area. If you have been searching and still cannot find one, give us a call. We specialize in brokering a mobile home while assisting both the Buyer and Seller to get a better place in life.

Have you ever driven through a mobile home park throughout the greater Sarasota Florida area and noticed a mobile home that looked shorter and smaller than all the others in the park?

After seeing this unique mobile home, have you ever wondered what it was and how it got into the mobile home park in the first place?

Enter the world of park model mobile homes!

Park model mobile homes are unique properties in that they are always the same width as a single-wide mobile home and are shorter in length than any other home you normally see.

Most park model mobile home dimensions are around 12-14 feet in width and 28-32 feet in length.

Park-model mobile homes are primarily designed for long-term or permanent placement at a destination where a mobile home or an RV is allowed. Park models and mobile homes are considered recreational but can also be long-term regular dwellings. This is a relatively new phenomenon and it is just starting to gain popularity among other factory-built homes.

Park model mobile homes require different building specs in the United States. They must remain under 400 square feet to qualify as a vehicle under most federal and state laws. Like traditional mobile homes, park-model mobile homes also have steel tie-down straps to satisfy local zoning or mobile home park regulations.

Some people may mistakenly call a park model a manufactured home but this is incorrect due to the fact that park models are licensed as RV’S. A park-model mobile home is neither an RV nor a manufactured home. This type of home is built according to the RV industry code but usually in the same factories that produce manufactured homes, so the same rules for quality and modern design are applied.

The Recreation Vehicle Association (RVIA) defines park model RV as a unique trailer-type RV that is designed to provide temporary accommodation for recreation, camping, or, seasonal use. RMPVs are built on a single chassis, mounted on wheels, and have a gross trailer area not exceeding 400 square feet in the set-up mode.

Park model mobile homes are different from the traditional single or doublewide mobile homes that one normally sees during their travels throughout most mobile home parks.

These homes offer the same cost-efficient benefits as traditional mobile homes, only they carry with them several differences that are worth highlighting.

Park model mobile homes are traditionally much shorter in length than regular mobile homes with an average length being around 32 feet long. These homes are usually just as wide as traditional single-wide mobile homes with a twelve-foot width.

Park model mobile homes do have a different type of registration associated with them than the traditional single-wide and doublewide mobile homes in that they have a physical license plate that goes with them instead of that of a registration sticker. The reason for the actual license plate is that park model mobile homes are much smaller in weight and size than traditional mobile homes and, as a result, can be transported in a far smaller truck than what would be needed for traditional mobile home transport.

While these homes are shorter in stature compared to their mobile home counterparts, they certainly do not come up “short” in features as these homes can have the exact same level of niceties as the homes one is used to seeing in a mobile home park.

It is not unusual to see high-end cabinets, countertops, central AC, and vaulted ceilings in these types of homes.

Many times you will not find park models in the mobile home section of a mobile home park but, rather, in the RV section.

The reason for this is that these homes have physical license plates on the front of them and not the traditional registration stickers one sees in the windows of traditional mobile homes. Instead of the license plate being put on the actual home it will usually be required to be placed in the front window of the property.

With the requirement for license plates as a way to identify the property, most parks will then group them into the RV and fifth wheel sections of a park as these units both have license plates instead of window sticker identification tags.

In our research, park models are usually considerably cheaper in price than a single-wide home usually coming in at 30-40% lower in cost.

The registration fees are cheaper due to the fact that the home is shorter and they are much easier to move than traditional mobile homes due to the fact they weigh considerably less than a single wide mobile home.

Much like mobile homes, park model pricing varies across the board from a brand new, top-of-the-line model in the $70,000 + range to fixer uppers under $10,000. What we have seen at The Mobile Home Dealer is that due to the size of a park model mobile home, many times they are not deemed as desired by many owners and as such there are quite a few more deals to be had on a park model than on a traditional mobile home.

Although we usually do not see park models being present in traditional mobile home parks as they are more prevalent in the RV park arena, park-model mobile homes offer just as many features as single-wide mobile homes do for less money.

If you are looking for a low-cost, high-quality home with all of the bells and whistles and can go without some additional space then we strongly suggest you consider a park model mobile home for your next mobile home purchase.

This is Mark Kaiser with The Mobile Home Dealer and we help mobile home Buyers and Sellers get to a better place in life.

See Also:

• Where To Spend Your Mobile Home Dollars?
• Where To Buy Your Mobile Home Parts In Florida?
• Mobile Home Park Lot Rent Vs. HOA Explained!
• Know These 3 Steps Before Selling Your Mobile Home!
• Should You Sell Your Mobile Home In The Summer?

Whether your home is in the greater Sarasota, Florida, area or another area throughout the country, home updates and upgrades can allow a mobile home owner to put their personal stamp on their home and transfer a “house” to a “home”!

When considering where to upgrade your mobile home one must consider the two main categories where updates and upgrades fall into and what is the best investment for each individual mobile home owner.

1. Structural Upgrades

Structural upgrades within a mobile home consist of putting money into the actual structure and components of the home.

These upgrades could be done to a mobile home’s roof, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or flooring structure. The easiest way to think of this would be to upgrade or update the “bones” of a mobile home.

These upgrades will not provide the “wow” value to either you or others who visit your mobile home but are ones that can certainly offer a trouble-free living for years to come.

Structural upgrades are upgrades within a mobile home where, more than likely, the owner of the mobile home will see money back from these upgrades if and when the time comes to sell their mobile home.

2. Cosmetic Upgrades

Cosmetic upgrades within a mobile home are updates that have nothing to do with the structural components of the property and, many times, are suited to the individual owner’s tastes and preferences.

These upgrades can include updating the paint color, changing the countertops, changing the lighting fixtures, or updating the window blinds. All of these upgrades are the more “fun” type and can really add to a mobile home’s uniqueness and personality!

Do not expect, however, to see any money returned to you on these investments in your property. The reason for this is that these updates do not have anything to do with the actual structure of the home and, as such, are based totally on the owner’s personal preferences, many of which may not carry over to the new owner.

When it comes to updating your mobile home, we at The Mobile Home Dealer strongly believe that the best way to appropriate your updating budget is to first enhance the structural components of the home before spending money on the cosmetic aspects of your property.

This suggestion is made because if something changed and you needed to sell your mobile home, you would be in a much better financial position financially to reap the rewards of updating the bones of the home than some of the more fun cosmetic touches. Once the structural upgrades are updated, move on to the cosmetic touches to make your house a home!

These upgrades, however, are only recommended if you want to stay in your mobile home and have no plan to sell it in the near future. If the purpose of your upgrade is to increase the amount you cupid possibly get by selling your home, we do not recommend upgrading your “mobile home for sale”

Sure, these will make the home look newer or “beachy” but it does not mean that the upgrades you put in here will bring you any more money when you look to sell the home.

The reason is that there is no tangible value that can be passed on to the next owner.

If, on the other hand, you are looking to upgrade the AC unit, update the subflooring of the entire home, add a new roof, add brand new appliances, upgrade the plumbing, or update the electrical then, yes, these items will certainly see a real-time return on your investment.

The reason why these items will help bring a higher sales price as opposed to the list above is that this list adds structural upgrades to the property that, many times, will have warranties that can be passed on along with years of trouble-free living with some of these major structural upgrades.

To further the example, let’s go ahead and say you spend a few thousand dollars painting the home, it looks great and it was professionally done but the new Buyer does not like the color and wants to change it. Here, the money that was spent to update the property is not a transferable item of value for the new owner and they will not be willing to pay for your personal color taste, regardless of how well it is done.

Now, let’s say you take that same amount of money and put on a brand-new roof for the mobile home. Let’s further state that this new roof has a transferable warranty that can be passed on to the new owner. Sure, this upgrade is not as “fun” as the new paint job but it will certainly bring value to you when you look to sell the home. This upgrade provides a structural component to the home that will bring the new owner years of trouble-free use since it comes with a new warranty.

The paint job? Not so much.

Upgrading your home is one of the most fun parts of home ownership because you can always put your touch on the property to truly make it yours. However, with this excitement comes a word of caution as too many custom details to a property may not only not return any money in your pocket when you go to sell the mobile home but it also could deter any Buyers from wanting to buy your mobile home in the first place.

This is Mark Kaiser with The Mobile Home Dealer and we help mobile home Buyers and Sellers get to a better place in life.

See Also:

• Where To Buy Your Mobile Home Parts In Florida?
• Mobile Home Park Lot Rent Vs. HOA Explained!
• Know These 3 Steps Before Selling Your Mobile Home!
• Should You Sell Your Mobile Home In The Summer?
• What You NEED To Do To Protect Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home In The Summer!