Category: Blog

The price seems right, the layout is functional for your lifestyle and the location of the mobile home park is right within reach of all of the fun activities that Sarasota Florida is known for.

You may have had experience buying or selling a single-family home in the past but are curious about if you should go forward with a home inspection on the mobile home that you are looking to purchase and are interested on if you should spend the money to move forward with a home inspection.

Sound familiar?

Let us explain.

If so, we are happy to help walk you through the pros and cons of ordering a home inspection on your Sarasota Florida mobile home that is located on leased land.

Mobile homes in the greater Sarasota Florida area that are located on leased land where you purchase the home and rent the land are viewed as and taxed as personal property in the state of Florida and not as real estate. As such the buying process is much different than that of a mobile home with land included or a single-family home.

When buying a mobile home on leased land through a licensed mobile home broker such as The Mobile Home Dealer, it is important to know that all homes sold are sold in As-Is condition.

What this means is that, essentially, what you see is what you get when it comes to the home and what you are getting for your money.

When Buyers are looking to obtain a home inspection for a mobile home that is being sold in As-Is condition we stress to the Buyer to not expect the Seller to go and fix anything that may or may not come up on the home inspection report. We further stress that many Sellers will not allow this report to be used as a bargaining tool either in an attempt for the Buyer to get the mobile home at a lower price, because, again, the home is being sold As-Is.

We do stress to all Buyers that if the Buyer is looking to obtain information from the home for their own information and nothing else it would be beneficial to move forward with a home inspection on the mobile home they are looking to purchase.

It is important for all Buyer to always keep their expectations reasonable when they are looking through the mobile home inspection report due to the fact that the average age of a mobile home in the greater Sarasota Florida area is that of a 1976 home. One needs to expect that there certainly could be some issues with a home of that age that has been sitting in the Florida weather for that many years.

Expecting a mobile home inspection to come back without a single issue would be unreasonable.

Most every Seller that we have ever worked with will accept a written offer from a Buyer assuming that they are buying what they are seeing and not anything other than this.

If you are really interested in a specific mobile home but are doubting the condition of the house, instead of paying for a costly inspector, ask the seller if they can give you details of the following basic but important concerns. 

Random fresh paint

Before putting their home on the market, many mobile homeowners apply fresh coats of paint to the walls and ceiling. It’s easy to win by organizing the property and potentially increasing home value, and any buyer can appreciate a brighter, fresher space.

That said, beware of random patches of new paint or a single wall or ceiling sporting a fresh coat. These uneven paint jobs could hide anything from mold to cracks to water damage. It is important to address these concerns with the seller and your mobile home broker before signing any paperwork. If you see random fresh paint, make sure to ask for details from the seller.

Unexpected odors

Do the house smell like a big ashtray? Does it smell like a field of daisies? Both scents could be a red flag. While it’s obvious that a bad odor is a sign of an underlying problem, a pleasant smell can also point to a potential problem.

If you find candles and wall fixtures in every room, the homeowner may be trying to hide an underlying stench. Follow your intuition, and if you feel that something smells a little fishy, or unnatural, consult the owner or your mobile home broker.

Improperly installed ceilings

Roofing is a long-term investment with a significant impact on your mobile home. If a previous homeowner skimped or relied on an unreliable contractor, it could spell bad news for you. Extreme weather or just old age could make problems worse, leading to water damage and poor climate control.

It is important to pay attention to the exterior of a house. Problems like exposed nails are common red flags to watch out for. 

Inadequate drainage

This red flag is not always easily detected. If it hasn’t rained recently, it can be difficult to tell if the water is collecting on your roof or on your lawn. Fortunately, even without rain, there are ways to tell if your home has a poor drainage system.

Look for low spots in the lawn where areas of the ground have remained wet for long periods of time and have subsided to create a pool of sorts. You can also inspect the mobile home’s foundation for mold and areas where paint can easily peel off. These problems indicate that water is collecting around the house and may compromise the integrity of the foundation.

Get the home you deserve, without the red flags

Buying a  mobile home is a pivotal event in anyone’s life, requiring research, thorough inspection, and well-informed decisions.

It is imperative that both new and experienced buyers be aware of these red flags that can cost time and money to fix. Pay attention to these warning signs and your home purchase will turn out to be a successful and rewarding experience.

Mobile home inspections can be a great way to have the Buyer get a better idea of what is going on with the mobile they are buying and can be well worth the money if they are used as only an educational tool and not as a negotiation tool!

When looking at obtaining a mobile home inspection on a mobile that you are looking to buy it is certainly a good idea to have one done if you are simply looking for additional information on the home and not as a bargaining tool or under an expectation that everything will come back perfectly as if the home was brand new.

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:

• Are Vapor Barriers Needed On A Mobile Home?
• Why Do Mobile Home Parks Check Residents Income?
• Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Flooring System Explained!
• 3 Things You Need To Know About The Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Park Application Process!
• How Much Should You Budget For Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Lot Rent Increase?

Living in a mobile is a great idea, as any person who has chosen this type of dwelling can confirm. In the Sarasota Florida area, it is easier and cheaper to buy a second-hand mobile home than buy a new one and it can be the best option for many people.

Mobile homes throughout the greater Sarasota Florida area are becoming popular not only for snowbirds, but also for people who are single and older, and even older couples who want to have a peaceful neighborhood.  

We here at The Mobile Home Dealer continue to do our very best to deliver all of the most relevant information to you in the mobile home space and wanted to thank you for taking a few minutes to learn about what needs to happen for the sale of the mobile home to go through on leased land down here in the state of Florida.

When looking at buying a mobile home within the greater Sarasota Florida area that is located on leased land one needs to realize that the purchase, sale, and closing actions are totally different than that of a traditional single-family home.

The reason for this is that, in Florida, a mobile home that is sold on leased land is viewed as and taxed as personal property and not real estate.

What this means is that the purchase process is the exact same as buying a vehicle.

So, with this understanding, how long should a traditional closing take when the mobile home you are looking at buying is located in a mobile home on leased land?

Before we get to the actual closing part of the mobile home it is important to know that when working with a licensed mobile home broker, such as The Mobile Home Dealer, each transaction can only be completed after the Buyer has been approved by the mobile home park for park residency.

This is known as the park approval process.

When looking at finally making the decision to purchase a mobile home in the greater Sarasota Florida area many things need to be considered and completed prior to the close.

While deciding on the perfect Sarasota Florida mobile home to purchase is the fun and exciting part, one needs to make sure all of their ducks are set in a row prior to putting money down on the property and calling the moving trucks.

Most of the time, many Buyers will focus on the funding of the purchase, will they have enough money to purchase their mobile home in cash or will they need to seek some type of outside financing for the purchase?

While we, here at The Mobile Home Dealer, can certainly appreciate the focus on funding, we take a different route in focusing on the Buyer becoming park-approved prior to putting a focus on funding the purchase.

The park approval process needs to be done and successfully completed prior to the closing of any mobile home because, without it, the Buyer cannot buy the mobile home as they are not allowed to be a resident in the community.

After the park, approval is done and on file, with then the closing can happen immediately afterward if both the Buyer and Seller are ready to close.

It is not uncommon for the mobile home Seller to still be in the home when the Buyer has been approved so, normally a 30-day close is reasonable for the Seller to be able to move their belongings from the property so that the Buyer has the ability to move in right away on the date of closing.

If the home is vacant and the park approval has been completed then there would be no reason why the Buyer of the mobile home would not be able to move into their new home right after signing the purchase paperwork!

If the Seller is looking to have an elongated closing, greater than the traditional 30 days, then this will need to be further negotiated during the sale of the home. We would caution all Sellers, however, that if this is the case you may want to reconsider putting your mobile home on the market to sell until you are within the 30-day window of being able to move out of the property. The reason for this is that since mobile home sales can move so quickly when they are located on leased land most Buyers do not want to wait an extended period of time to move in is enjoy their new Sarasota Florida lifestyle right away and they certainly may walk away from buying your home.

Having knowledge of these things can avoid unforeseen issues for both the buyer and the seller that could result in breaking the deal. It is always important that both the buyer and the seller agree on everything before closing the sale and signing the papers.

When looking at selling or buying a mobile home located on leased land in the greater Sarasota Florida area always remember that once there is an accepted offer in writing and a park approval on file then the closing and move date can be had right away! 

Living in a mobile home has become more popular than ever before, especially in the Sarasota Florida area where second-hand mobile homes are cheaper than buying a new one. The freedom and flexibility that come with living on wheels have attracted many people who want to simplify their lives while saving money.

Mobile homes offer all the comforts of traditional homes but with much lower maintenance costs. They provide an affordable alternative for those who want to live comfortably without breaking the bank. With modern amenities like air conditioning, heating, and high-speed internet connections available even in older models, it’s easy to see why so many people choose this lifestyle.

Moreover, living in a mobile home means you can move whenever you feel like it- no need to worry about being tied down by mortgages or long-term leases! You can travel around the country or simply relocate closer to family members at any time.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an affordable way of life that offers both comfort and flexibility, then consider purchasing a used mobile home today! With so many options available on the market right now – from small single-wide units suitable for individuals or couples up to larger multi-sectional units designed for families – there’s sure to be something out there perfect just waiting for your next adventure!

The Mobile Home Dealer are licensed mobile home brokers in Sarasota Florida and the surrounding areas. We provide professional buy and/or sell assistance to our clients. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by clicking this link. You may also visit our Facebook Page and send us a message.

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:

• Are Vapor Barriers Needed On A Mobile Home?
• Why Do Mobile Home Parks Check Residents Income?
• Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Flooring System Explained!
• 3 Things You Need To Know About The Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Park Application Process!
• How Much Should You Budget For Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Lot Rent Increase?

Have you ever heard of a vapor barrier?

Have any idea what one is or what one does?

If you answered yes to either question do not feel bad as the majority of mobile home Buyers and Sellers within the Sarasota Florida area have no clue of what these are and what they do!

A vapor barrier looks like a large black trash bag and is attached to the underbelly of the mobile home. Most vapor barriers will run the entire length and width of the body of the mobile home but usually not the Florida room, carports, or outbuildings of the mobile home.

Vapor barriers can be attached to any size of the mobile home, whether it is a single-wide, a double-wide, or a park model mobile home.

A vapor barrier protects the underside of the mobile home, its plumbing, subfloor, and any attachments added to the bottom of the home such as additional plumbing fixtures from added moisture and critters.

If the mobile home does not have a vapor barrier or if one is severely damaged then one can be replaced or repaired by a local company without a large cost.

It is common for most mobile homes to have one from the factory but, like with anything they will only last so long so if it you are not sure if when the last time yours was inspected we strongly suggest finding a reputable company to take a look at it and make sure it is in proper working order.

The subflooring system of a mobile home is wood-based and the vapor barrier will help in preventing the subflooring from getting wet which could lead to wet spots popping up all over your floor much faster than expected.

Critters are notorious for causing havoc on the plumbing systems of the mobile home that is located underneath the mobile home. If the vapor barrier is in good condition and doing its job then it should be a solid defense against these pesky guys from causing any issues with your plumbing system.

Moisture is a common issue in mobile homes. Whether it is caused by humidity or crawl space, you will not like it. There are several ways to deal with mobile home vapors but, first, we need to understand what it is all about.

Crawl space moisture develops when there is an excessive amount of water within the crawl space. It will happen regardless of whether there is enough ventilation or not. Usually, once the air seeps into this space, it cools off, which increases humidity. This humidity could rise to a level where condensation becomes inevitable.

On the other hand, the rise in humidity within the mobile home could also be a problem. It will arise when you don’t properly manage the inside temperature of your home. Some activities that cause the humidity to increase include cooking, bathing, washing, and other activities that include water and steaming. This condensation makes the home prone to stains and molds.

Fortunately, there is something that can solve this issue – the vapor barrier.

Vapor barriers for mobile homes come in three different options depending on your mobile home requirements. These barriers could be either Type 1, 2, or Type 3. Your choice will be dependent on your needs, budget, and even preferences. Ideally, the type of barrier you choose depends on the material it is made from and its cost. Some of the top choices you will get include the following.

Class 1 vapor barriers will often come with a permeance of less than 0.1. That implies that the amount of moisture allowed through these barriers will hardly go over 0.1 perms.

Class II vapor barriers pride themselves on permeance of more than 0.1 but less than one perm. While they might not be as reliable as class I barriers, they assure you of relatively enhanced credibility. Some of the top barriers you might want to consider under this category are asphalt-backed kraft paper, unfaced expanded polystyrene, and asphalt-coated paper.

Class III vapor barriers might offer the highest permeance, but you will still find them reasonably reliable. They assure you of permeance of approximately one but less than ten perms. Materials that provide you with this level of permeance include cellulose insulation, board lumber, fiberglass insulation, and gypsum board.

If you can afford it, the Class I vapor barriers will be the best choice.

Mobile homes are exposed to various challenges and elements that if not attended to, could result in costly maintenance repairs. For this reason, insulating your mobile home is an ideal preventive measure. This should be coupled with properly installed vapor barriers.

Installing vapor barriers can be a piece of cake for people who are fond of doing DIYS and have enough extra time to fix their mobile homes. But if you have trouble finding the extra time and don’t have the necessary skills and tools to do it, hiring a professional vapor barrier installer would be your best choice.

When looking at buying a mobile home in the greater Sarasota Florida area we strongly suggest you always get the vapor barrier inspected prior to purchase because if it is severely damaged or nonexistent then this could be a sign that you have bigger problems on the horizon!

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:

• Why Do Mobile Home Parks Check Residents Income?
• Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Flooring System Explained!
• 3 Things You Need To Know About The Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Park Application Process!
• How Much Should You Budget For Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Lot Rent Increase?
• Why Is Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Park Application Taking So Long?!

Understanding the role of income verification in mobile home parks is crucial for both residents and park owners. While some might view this practice as intrusive or unnecessary, it serves several important purposes within the community.

Firstly, income verification ensures that prospective residents have the financial means to afford their space rent and utilities, fostering a stable and sustainable living environment. This helps prevent residents from struggling to meet their financial obligations, reducing the risk of evictions and associated hardships.

Additionally, income verification aids in maintaining the overall quality and reputation of the mobile home park. By attracting stable-income residents, park owners can uphold higher standards of community upkeep and investment, creating a more desirable living environment for all residents.

Furthermore, these checks often serve as a protective measure for residents themselves, ensuring that they are not overextending themselves financially by moving into a park they cannot afford in the long term.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the reasons behind income verification in mobile home parks and explore its implications for residents and park management

You have been looking for quite some time and have finally found the right mobile home for you and your family in the greater Sarasota, Florida, area. Now, you can begin living your best life!

Before you unpack your suitcase and head for the beach, you first want to ensure that the mobile home park approves that the home is located in for residency. Several requirements need to be complied with in order to get approved by the mobile home park, and income reporting is one of these.

Income reporting is one of the biggest misunderstood aspects of the mobile home park approval process.

Today, we look to explain what income verification is, how it is factored into the mobile home park approval process, and why the mobile home park must have this information on hand to make an informed decision on whether or not a resident application is approved.

When looking at buying a mobile home within the greater Sarasota Florida area the Buyer always needs to remember that putting in an accepted offer is only halfway to closing on their new mobile home.

This is because all mobile home Buyers who purchase a mobile home located on leased land within the greater Sarasota, Florida, area will need to obtain park approval prior to moving into the mobile home park they desire.

Park approval is the process by which the Buyer needs to submit certain pieces of documentation to the park office to ensure that they have been approved to become residents of the mobile home park.

Many parks will check the applicant’s criminal history, credit history, and income verification.

Income verification is when the mobile home park takes all of the income from whoever is on the park application and adds it to see how much monthly money they make. Most of these parks will add in all types of income, including retirement income such as pensions, social security, employment wages, alimony, and any other monies that are paid to the applicants regularly. Once this amount is totaled the park office will take this and compare it to how much the lot rent is currently for the mobile home park.

Most mobile home parks usually like to see a 2-3X income-to-lot rent ratio.

To further illustrate this number here is an example of how a mobile home park may calculate the income-to-lot rent ratio:

Lot Rent: $500

Total Income Of Applicant: $2,000 Per Month

In this example, we see that the applicant has a 4X monthly income to lot rent ratio, which will, more than likely, approve them for the income verification aspect of the mobile home park approval process.

Most mobile home parks around the Sarasota, Florida, area will use income verification to predict how likely the applicant will be able to pay their lot rent when regular monthly expenses are also looked at.

Suppose the total income is not close to the 2-3X number. In that case, the applicant will more than likely not be approved as a resident as the mobile home park may view them as not bringing in enough money to support their ability to successfully pay the lot rent each and every month.

Please note, this is the total income for all applicants on the application. So, for instance, if there are two Buyers on the same application then the total number will be added up from both applicants.

Understanding that the mobile home park approval process is another step in purchasing your Sarasota Florida mobile home will help you as the new Buyer plan and organize your time when going through the purchase process.

Once approved, your work should not stop there. These tips will allow you to understand more about the rules and policies, including the do’s, don’ts, and other important things while living inside the park.

Ask questions. If you are unsure of something, ask your mobile home park manager or owner. It’s better to ask the earliest you can before doing things that would jeopardize your stay in the park later. Things like restrictions that involve pets, past criminal records, past evictions, credit records, income restrictions, etc., should be cleared and understood.

Mobile home parks have certain specific restrictions, but they vary from park to park. Keep an open mind, maintain a proactive attitude when dealing with the park manager, and aim to be accepted within the community.

Our website has other articles and videos that are useful for everyone who wants to sell or buy their mobile homes. The more knowledge we have about dealing with mobile homes, the fewer problems we may encounter. If you have questions and need assistance, you can always contact us through this website or visit our Facebook Page.

When looking at buying a mobile home within the greater Sarasota Florida area it is always important to fully understand what the requirements are for the mobile home park you are looking to live in prior to making an offer on the mobile home. Having a clear understanding of what a park is looking for within their application process will allow you, the Buyer, to have an informed idea of if the park you are looking to live in will meet your needs.

This is Mark Kaiser with The Mobile Home Dealer. We help mobile home Buyers and Sellers improve their lives.

See Also:

• Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Flooring System Explained!
• 3 Things You Need To Know About The Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Park Application Process!
• How Much Should You Budget For Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Lot Rent Increase?
• Why Is Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Park Application Taking So Long?!
• 3 Reasons Why Buying A Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Virtually Is A Good Idea

How long are you living in your Sarasota Florida area mobile home?

Do you live in your mobile home for several months in a row and then leave to head back up North for the summer only to return back in the winter?

If you live in your Sarasota Florida area mobile home full time do you leave for more than one week at a time at any point during the year?

If you are not living within your mobile home all the time and leave for weeks or months on end you may want to seriously consider shutting your water off before the next time you head out of town.

Why do you ask?

Mobile homes in the greater Sarasota Florida area are like any other housing situation in the sense that leaks can and will spring up throughout the plumbing system.

The mobile home plumbing system is usually run underneath the mobile home with entrances throughout the property based on where the faucets and showers exist within the property.

The water shut-off is usually at the back of the home, either on the total back end of the mobile home or on a utility pole near the property line. If the water shutoff is on the back of the mobile home it will usually look like a lever, pushing it down will turn off the water, and pushing it up will turn on the water.

If the water turn-off is located on a utility pole it is usually a knob and if turned one way it will turn the water off and the other way will turn the water on.

By turning the water off in your home you will avoid the potential of a water leak coming through the plumbing system and causing trouble to your property.

The most common issue we, at The Mobile Home Dealer, have seen with water leaks is when there springs a leak underneath the mobile home and sprays endlessly on the wood-based subflooring system. As mentioned in previous blog posts, if the subflooring system gets wet then, over time, soft spots may occur causing sagging in the flooring that if not treated correctly could cause holes in the actual floor of your mobile home.

If a leak begins and the owner of the mobile is not present for months on end then could turn into a severe problem as there could be months of water spraying on the underside of the mobile home which would certainly cause the flooring system to warp.

Turning the water off on the home only takes a few seconds and could certainly help the homeowner prevent any issues with possible subflooring issues that are a direct result of water leaks.

Should you consider turning the power off too?

Now, this is a tricky question that needs a tricky answer.

In general, turning off everything when the house is not attended to for a long period of time seems a good idea, but this situation is an exception. We will be talking about leaving your mobile home in Sarasota Florida during the summer months while also listing it for sale.

Many mobile home Sellers throughout the greater Sarasota Florida area looking to sell their properties when they are not physically living in them.

This comes as no surprise as, oftentimes, a seasonal resident will enjoy their mobile home during the winter months only to go back up North to decide that they do not want to keep their Sarasota Florida home throughout the summer and look to sell the property.

What some of these Sellers will look to do is turn off all the power to the home when they are not using the property to save money on their carrying costs during the time that the home is for sale.

While one can certainly appreciate the frugality that this action promotes we are here today to explain the top three reasons why turning off the electricity in your Sarasota Florida mobile home during the time you are looking to sell your property is a bad idea.

1. Mold

South Florida summers are hot and humid with a constant rain storm most days in the afternoon. Water mixed with humidity can create moisture issues and, if not treated correctly, can lead to mold. If a Seller keeps their home’s electricity off they will not have the ability to circulate the air properly in their mobile home. If there are any issues with leaks in their mobile home, through the roof, windows, or doorways, this may lead to a serious mold issue without the Seller even knowing it.

2.  Buyers Can’t Check Home Out

Part of buying any item is having the ability to test it out to make sure it works to your expectations. Whether this is a new pair of sneakers, a car, or a mobile home we all like to try things out before making a purchase. Having your electricity turned off will not allow the Buyer to test the home out to make sure all of the items that run off of electricity work thus leaving a wait-and-see feeling for the potential Buyer.

3. Floor Damage

Mobile home subflooring structures are wood-based. As we all know, wood is a natural product that can warp and rot if left not attended to. We have seen several times where the home has gotten so hot on the inside without any electricity on or air flor that has warped the floors requiring the home’s floors to warp. This may cost several thousand dollars to replace, at a minimum.

If you are looking at leaving your mobile home for an extended period of time we can not suggest strongly enough to consider turning the water OFF  while leaving the power ON on the home as this will be one more action that can be taken to help prevent any damage to your Sarasota Florida mobile home flooring system.

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:

• 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!
• Can You Buy A Mobile Home With Bad Credit?

Lot rent or Home Owners Association?

Which one is right, which one is wrong, and what does this all mean when looking to buy a mobile home located on leased land within the greater Sarasota Florida area?

When looking at buying a mobile home in the greater Sarasota Florida area one has to first decide on whether or not they want to own the land the home sits on or rent the land and buy the home within the mobile home park.

In the state of Florida, when one buys a mobile home and leases the land that it is located on this is viewed and taxed as personal property and not real property. The purchase process of this type of home attaches a title with the home purchase and not a deed and is thus the same transaction type as buying a vehicle.

Here, the title will need to be transferred from the Seller to the Buyer and registered with the state.

When purchasing this type of property lot rent is the payment made each and every month to the mobile home park. This lot rent payment may include several different services such as the residents’ water bill, sewer bill, trash bill, lawn care, and usage and upkeep of all the park amenities such as the pool and walking trails.

If a Buyer is looking to buy a mobile home where they own the home and the land that is attached to the home then this will be viewed as real estate as there is a purchase of land that is included in the sale of the home.

This purchase has a land deed attached to the ownership of the property and is transferred to the new Buyer at the time of sale.

Here, in this purchase, the mobile home with land attached to it will have an HOA payment attached to the property. This HOA payment will usually cover the upkeep of the community such as the streets, common areas, and amenity services but will usually not cover the services attached to the actual unit itself such as the water, sewer, or trash bills.

What is HOA? 

Home Owners Association (HOA) is an organization in a subdivision, housing community, or condominium that creates and enforces the rules for properties and their residents. Those who buy properties within the jurisdiction of an HOA automatically become members and are obligated to pay the association’s dues, according to Investopedia.

According to the Home Owners Association in the United States, as of 2020, there were around 370,000 HOAs in the United States and more than a quarter of the American population lived in community associations.

When you buy a property, be aware of the membership of the HOA of the community which is generally a requirement to buy a house, depending on the neighborhood where you want to live. There are associations of single-family housing or condominiums of multiple units. HOAs are created to develop a series of rules that must be followed by all residents in a particular housing community.

Being inside an HOA community has the advantage of preserving and improving property standards since they require that the appearance of the neighborhood is uniform, and concerned about cleaning, maintenance, and repair.

Many HOAs provide comforts such as a pool, clubhouse, or tennis courts. They also often handle routine issues such as landscaping and garbage collection and some maintenance works, usually external repairs such as ceilings and snow removal, according to Fox Business.

However, not everything is honey on flakes. HOA has some disadvantages that keep people away from it. On many occasions, HOA dues and payments are not voluntary and can be expensive.

In the same way, depending on the association, there are some regulations that could be considered very restrictive: for example, not having pets.

Keep in mind that HOAs are organizations that could be considered small political groups for the benefit of their community, but can be prone to corruption and have inefficient operations or lack of leadership and management that could cause more damage than benefits. 

It would seem that the majority of people who have had experiences with HOAs have encountered some kind of problem. In some instances, these problems are so bad that the people affected by them vehemently loathe any HOA.

Now, in theory, HOAs are a good idea, but the execution of their operations and power most often leaves much to be desired.

Many people don’t want to buy a house or a mobile home from an HOA-controlled community because of many reasons including but not limited to the following

• Paying for amenities that you do not use.
• Some HOAs have the power to foreclose your home
• Lack of freedom in your own home (ie. colors, guests, home improvements, etc)
• Restrictions in your own yard like fencing, lawn care, vehicles, plants, etc.
• HOA can limit how many pets you own
• You can rent out your home
• You can be liable for the previous owner’s unpaid fees

When looking at buying a mobile home in Sarasota Florida it is important to realize that lot rent and HOA payments are not the same and that the difference between the two largely depends on who owns the land the home resides on.

Mobile home park lot rent and Homeowners Association (HOA) fees can be confusing for potential homeowners. The main difference between the two is that park lot rent is used to pay for the land that a mobile or manufactured home is situated on, while HOA fees are used to pay for the upkeep of common amenities in a residential complex.

Park lot rent typically covers costs associated with the park, such as taxes and infrastructure maintenance. It is usually paid monthly or annually and can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. It’s important to know that park lot rent can increase over time, which should be taken into account when budgeting for a new home.

HOA fees are used to maintain amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and parks in residential complexes. They are usually paid monthly or quarterly and usually range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year depending on the amenities included. Unlike park lot rent, HOA fees are generally fixed and will not increase over time.

In conclusion, park lot rent is used for the actual land a mobile or manufactured home is situated on, while HOA fees maintain common amenities in residential complexes. Park lot rent can increase over time, while HOA fees are generally fixed.

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:

• 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!
• Can You Buy A Mobile Home With Bad Credit?
• How You CAN Buy A Mobile Home Online!

Selling a mobile home can be just as complicated as selling conventional onsite-built homes. Having so many moving parts, it can be intimidating at the beginning, but with proper knowledge and preparation, it can go smoothly. Regardless of the housing market condition, if you are selling your mobile home fast, knowing these steps can help you prepare to possibly expedite your selling for the price you want.

With the crazy prices in the real estate work, we have begun to see the rising prices in the mobile home space as well.

It is not uncommon to see a large percentage increase in selling prices of all mobile homes located on leased land throughout the greater Sarasota Florida area.

With all this price excitement mixed with a high level of inflation, it has led many mobile homeowners to begin the process of selling their mobile homes.

But, before you grab the phone to give The Mobile Home Dealer a call, please understand the three most important steps needing to be followed when selling your Sarasota Florida mobile home.

Step 1: Make Sure Your Home Is Free Of Liens

Liens are essentially loans that are put on your mobile home when it is located on leased land in the state of Florida. Liens can come in a variety of ways but, regardless of who or what entity has a lien on your mobile home, it will need to be paid off in full prior to the title transfer from you to the new home Buyer. The most common liens that are placed on mobile homes are when the Seller has failed to keep up with their lot rent and in turn, there is an amount of lot rent that is owed to the mobile home park. If this lien is not paid in full at the time of closing then the new Buyer could be legally responsible for the lien which, as one can imagine, could lead to all types of problems!

Step 2: Make Sure You Can Locate The Original Title

In Florida, mobile homes located on leased land are viewed as and taxed as personal property, not real property. What this means is that the owner of a mobile home on leased land has a title associated with it and not a deed. Once the mobile home is sold the title will need to be transferred to the new Buyer of the home. If there is no title, or if you are unable to locate the title prior to closing then this could lead to additional delays with the processing of the mobile home title. In order to avoid this, make sure you can clearly locate where the title is and have the correct documentation filled out in order for it to be transferred prior to closing day.

Step 3: Always Have Your Buyer Get Park Approved Prior To Closing

Most mobile home parks will require the Buyer of the mobile home to be approved by the park prior to becoming a resident. The process for which the approval is done can vary, but, generally speaking, having this on file prior to the closing will be a requirement of all parks. If this part of the closing process is avoided then you could be selling a mobile home to someone who can not legally reside in it which may cause a level of trouble you do not want to get involved in!

Aside from the three major things mentioned above, you also need to ensure the following are done and prepared before showing your mobile home to potential buyers.

A.) Total home inspection. You don’t need to pay a professional inspector to do this for you. It’s your house so you know everything better than other people. Inspection should be done both inside and outside your house. This includes but is not limited to paint condition, water damage or stains, doors and windows sliding and fitting, loose roofing, cracked ceiling, loose fixtures, and other visible small things.

B.) HUD Code. To avoid running into an unexpected problem, it is always necessary for your mobile home to be HUD-compliant. If you plan to do all repairs before selling your mobile home, a certified inspector is needed. A HUD-compliant home can fetch a higher price.

C.) Repairs. Repairs are the most important thing to consider when selling your mobile home. Unless you are looking for a fixer-upper, or don’t have a budget for repairs and are in a hurry, a newly-repaired mobile home can sell fast within your set price. Yes, this probably means additional spending but even quick fixes that don’t require a large amount of money can be a big issue if a buyer has great attention to detail.

D.) Decluttering and organizing. Clutter can be a big problem if you show your house to a buyer. Although they know that you clean the house before the turnover, you cannot show the real beauty of the house if there are things here and there. It’s better to organize things before showing your mobile home to a potential buyer. Sometimes, even a little and non-factor things can change the buyer’s mind.

E.) Total cleaning. From floors to ceilings, to walls, everything should look flawless and shiny. Remove that unnecessary smell as well. 

When looking to sell a mobile home on leased land located in the greater Sarasota Florida area always make sure that these three simple steps are followed all the way through so that you are able to begin the closing process without additional headaches waiting to happen. Hurrying the process or simply avoiding these simple steps could very easily cause tremendous trouble for you the Seller, the Buyer, and the park where your home is located within.

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:

• Should You Sell Your Mobile Home In The Summer?
• What You NEED To Do To Protect Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home In The Summer!
• Can You Buy A Mobile Home With Bad Credit?
• How You CAN Buy A Mobile Home Online!
• Who Are Mobile Home Park Managers?