Tag: can i put a mobile home on my property in florida

When is the Best Time to Buy a Mobile Home in Florida?
Florida, the land of sunshine and sandy beaches, beckons those seeking a warm, affordable place to call home. One popular housing option in the Sunshine State is the mobile home. Mobile homes offer a cost-effective path to homeownership, but navigating the market to find the best deal requires strategic timing. So, when is the best time to buy a mobile home in Florida? This article delves into the factors that influence buying seasons and explores the pros and cons of purchasing a mobile home during different times of the year.

Weather’s Impact on Buying a Mobile Home in Florida

Florida’s distinct seasons significantly impact the mobile home market. Understanding the influence of the weather can help you determine the optimal time to buy.
- Spring (March-May): Spring in Florida offers pleasant weather, making it an attractive time to tour mobile homes. However, this coincides with peak tourist season, leading to increased competition from seasonal residents and full-time homebuyers. Due to higher demand, mobile home prices might be at their highest during this period.
- Summer (June-August): Florida’s scorching summer heat can deter some potential buyers from actively searching for mobile homes. This can allow you to find motivated sellers willing to negotiate on price to avoid holding onto the mobile home during the hottest months. However, extreme heat can make inspecting a mobile home thoroughly uncomfortable, so be extra vigilant during summer viewings.
- Fall (September-November): Fall offers a sweet spot for buying a mobile home in Florida. The weather becomes more temperate, making mobile home inspections more manageable. The peak tourist season has also subsided, leading to less competition from out-of-state buyers. This combination of factors can lead to a broader selection of mobile homes and potentially more attractive purchase prices.
- Winter (December-February): Winter is Florida’s “high season” with ideal weather conditions. While this might seem like a perfect time to buy, it also coincides with the influx of snowbirds migrating south for the winter. This increased demand can drive up mobile home prices and make it more challenging to find the perfect deal.
Beyond the Weather: Other Timing Considerations

While weather plays a significant role, other factors influence the optimal time to buy a mobile home in Florida.
- Holidays: Holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s can present opportunities for motivated sellers looking to close deals before the end of the year. Sellers might be more willing to negotiate on price during these periods to avoid holding onto the mobile home into the new year.
- End of the Month/Quarter: Similar to holidays, the end of a month or quarter can be an excellent time to find deals on mobile homes. Salespeople or mobile home communities might be motivated to reach sales quotas and could be more open to negotiating prices to meet their targets.
School Calendar: Families with school-aged children might prioritize buying a mobile home in a desirable school district. Consider the local school calendar when planning your mobile home search. Aim to buy outside peak moving times (typically around summer break) to avoid competition from other families seeking homes within specific school districts.

Conclusion

There’s no single “best” time to buy a mobile home in Florida. The optimal buying season depends on your priorities and risk tolerance. If you prioritize pleasant weather for viewings and are comfortable with potentially higher prices, spring or fall might be ideal. However, you might find better deals during the off-season if you’re budget-conscious and willing to brave the summer heat.

By understanding how weather, holidays, and other factors influence the mobile home market in Florida, you can make informed decisions and find the perfect mobile home at a price that fits your budget. Remember, thorough research, being prepared to move quickly on good deals, and considering the long-term implications of your purchase are crucial elements in finding success in the Florida mobile home market. With the right timing and a strategic approach, you can make your dream of living in sunny Florida a reality.

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June 4, 2024
Do I Need a Permit to Remodel a Mobile Home in Florida?
Living in a mobile home offers a unique blend of affordability and flexibility. When it comes time to personalize your space, you might wonder, “Do I need a permit to remodel a mobile home in Florida?” Like many things in life, the answer depends on the scope of your project.

Florida has established regulations to ensure the safety and integrity of mobile home remodels. Understanding these regulations will help determine whether a permit is necessary for your project.

The Importance of Permits

Obtaining a permit before remodeling your mobile home is about more than just following the rules. Permits serve a crucial purpose:
- Safety: Permits ensure that your remodel adheres to established safety codes. Qualified inspectors will review your plans and inspect the work to guarantee your mobile home remains structurally sound and meets electrical, plumbing, and other safety standards.
- Value: A permitted remodel increases the resale value of your mobile home. Potential buyers will have peace of mind knowing the work was done according to code.
- Peace of Mind: Permits provide a layer of protection in case of unforeseen issues. If a problem arises after your remodel, having a permit on file demonstrates you followed proper procedures.
Understanding the Rules: State vs. Local

Florida regulates mobile home remodels through a combination of state and local regulations. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:
- Florida Statutes: Florida Statute 320.8232 establishes the Mobile Home Repair and Remodeling Code (15C-2). This code sets minimum standards for mobile home alterations.
- Florida Administrative Code (FAC): The FAC, specifically Chapters 15C-1 and 15C-2, outlines specific mobile home installation and modification requirements. These codes generally reference the manufacturer’s installation instructions or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards as a baseline.
- Local Jurisdictions: Counties and municipalities within Florida may have additional permitting requirements specific to your area. These involve zoning regulations or fees.
When Do You Need a Permit?

Generally, any remodel that alters your mobile home’s structure, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems will require a permit. Here are some specific examples:
- Structural Changes: A permit is required for adding rooms, modifying walls, replacing windows or doors with different sizes, or altering the roof structure.
- Electrical Work: Installing new electrical outlets, rewiring circuits, or upgrading your electrical panel requires a permit and a qualified electrician.
- Plumbing Work: Adding or relocating fixtures, modifying water lines, or installing a new water heater requires a permit and a licensed plumber.
- HVAC Modifications: Adding air conditioning units, replacing existing HVAC systems, or altering ductwork typically require a permit.
When Permits Might Not Be Required

There are some exceptions where a permit might not be necessary:
- Minor Repairs: Replacing cabinet hardware, painting walls, or fixing minor leaks are generally considered minor repairs and don’t require permits. However, it’s always best to check with your local building department to be specific.
- Cosmetic Changes: Replacing countertops and flooring or installing new light fixtures that don’t alter electrical wiring typically don’t require permits.
The Permitting Process

The permitting process for remodeling your mobile home in Florida will involve these steps:
1. Contact Your Local Building Department: They will guide you on specific requirements and application procedures.
2. Gather Necessary Documents: This may include project plans, manufacturer information for your mobile home, and proof of ownership.
3. Pay Permit Fees: Fees vary depending on the scope of your project and your local jurisdiction.
4. Schedule Inspections: Inspectors will visit your mobile home at specific project stages to ensure code compliance.
Finding Help

Navigating the permitting process can be overwhelming. Here are some resources that can help:
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV): This agency oversees mobile home regulations in Florida. Its website offers resources and contact information: https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/consumer-education/mobile-manufactured-home-safety/.
- Local Building Department: They are the ultimate authority on permitting requirements in your area.
Do I Need a Permit to Remodel a Mobile Home in Florida? – Revisited

By understanding the regulations and the permitting process, you can make informed decisions about remodeling your mobile home in Florida. Remember, even if a permit isn’t mandatory, consulting with your local building department can save you time and hassle in the long run. Always prioritize safety and ensure your remodel is done according to code.

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April 16, 2024
When Is The Best Time To Buy A Sarasota Florida Mobile Home?
Living inside mobile home parks is an affordable alternative compared to living in a traditional site-built single-family house. Since tenants are paying for their space and own the house, this means they pay lower monthly rent with bigger space. Mobile homes come in three different sizes: single, double, and triple wide, depending on your family’s needs.

Many aspiring homeowners know how hard it can be to purchase a home in the current housing market. It’s no surprise that many people are seeking more affordable options – including tiny homes, RVs, and mobile homes (aka manufactured homes). In fact, it’s estimated that about 17 million Americans reside in mobile homes alone.

If buying a traditional home is just too daunting, consider mobile home living as an alternative option. Because mobile homes are extremely customizable and cost-effective, they’re a great choice for families and individuals of all sizes and walks of life. Keep reading to find out if living in a mobile home is the right choice for you.

One of the biggest benefits of living in a mobile home is that most of the mobile homes in the Sarasota Florida area are organized around the needs of older people and seniors. This means that mobile home parks are a peaceful community without teenagers creating noises or babies crying in the neighborhood.

Aside from the obvious affordability, especially for seniors who have limited financial means, mobile home parks are highly organized with almost everything the residents need.

Knowing all of these benefits, one might be interested in moving into a mobile home but don’t know when is the best time to buy.

With all the talk right now being how hot the real estate market is throughout the Sarasota Florida area one can begin to wonder, when is the right time to buy a mobile home in Sarasota?

This question gets brought up on a regular basis and we, here at The Mobile Home Dealer, feel we have a good idea of how to answer this commonly asked question.

When looking at buying a mobile home in the Sarasota area each Buyer needs to first figure out if they want to buy a mobile home in a land-leased mobile home park or in a resident-owned park.

The difference here, although it seems small, is actually a huge determining factor on when and why one would look to buy a mobile home.

If the Buyer is looking to buy a mobile home in a resident-owned park then, in this situation, the Buyer is purchasing real property instead of personal property. The reason for this is because, in Florida, when a mobile home is sold with the land included in the sale it is now viewed as real estate and not as a personal property purchase.

When one purchases real estate then traditional mortgages can be used along with most other financing options available to single-family homes.

In this purchase, the mobile home will be subject to the ups and downs of the real estate market which, as we all know, are a roller coaster!

If the Buyer is more interested in buying a mobile home on leased land where they own the own and pay a monthly fee each month to the mobile home park for the usage of the land then they are buying personal property and not real property. These homes are viewed and taxed in the same way a vehicle is taxed in the state of Florida. When purchasing this type of mobile home then the purchase comes with a title and not a deed if they were buying a mobile home with the land included in the sale.

When buying personal property, such as a mobile home in a mobile home park with lot rent, then these homes are not subjected to the ups and downs of the real estate market nearly as much as the resident-owned properties. The reason for this is that a mobile home on leased land is not required to have the purchase price recorded with anyone or anywhere which makes pulling sales comps nearly impossible.

What we can say with confidence is that a mobile home on leased land does not see the ups and downs of a real estate cycle as much as resident-owned communities do. This can be a positive or a negative pending on where in the real estate cycle you are buying your mobile home.

If you are looking to buy a mobile home at the high time of a real estate market then the Buyer may want to entertain buying in a land-leased mobile home park as the prices stay pretty much the same year in and year out. However, in a down real estate market, there are plenty of deals to be had in a resident-owned community as well.

Whether this is the first mobile home you are buying or you have bought and sold several mobile homes it is important to know the basics of what to look for in your next purchase.

Buying a mobile home is an excellent way to become a homeowner without having to pay the high cost of a traditional house. But there is much to consider before buying a home in this style. The following information will help you determine the requirements to buy a mobile home and if it is the right investment for you.

With all of this understood, the main question each Buyer needs to answer is, when are you ready to start living your Florida dream?

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

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September 25, 2023
What Does “The Season” Mean For Sarasota Mobile Homes?
What does “The Season” mean regarding mobile homes in Sarasota, Florida?

Does “The Season” even exist?

If it does, when is that time?

We hear all the time that many mobile home Sellers around the Sarasota area will hold onto their homes and look to sell them during the season.

What does this even mean?

Well, when one hears the season it is specifically referring to the snowbird season, which is loosely defined as the months of December, January, February, and March as this is the time of year when the most out-of-state visitors come to the state of Florida to enjoy great weather and beautiful beaches.

Many mobile homeowners, around the Sarasota area, use their mobile homes as their second home that they use during this time and, oftentimes, will keep them vacant the rest of the year.
You can see which areas of Sarasota have a heavier snowbird population when driving through the parks in, say, the middle of July, as there will be several empty streets at that time of year, many of which will be full during the winter months with out-of-town residents looking to escape the cold for the winter.

Mobile homes located within mobile home parks are the best affordable option for housing.

These homes will be bought and sold throughout the year, regardless of what Holiday, month, or any other issue that’s going on, as they simply provide the best bang for your buck when it comes to housing in the Sarasota area.

What we, at The Mobile Home Dealer, see is that the homeowners who hold on to a home, they really do not want to live in or pay for in hopes of selling it during the winter, are many times let down by how many other homes are up for sale at that time.

More homes on the market create more competition and pricing, which is great for Buyers, but not so much for Sellers.

This is exactly the reason why we stress to all our Sellers to look to sell their home 12 months a year as opposed to only the four months when everyone else is trying to sell their home within the park.
Less inventory available on the market creates more demand, which as we see all the time leads to a higher price point when looking to sell your mobile home.
Does a season exist in mobile home sales within Sarasota, Florida?

Yes, it certainly does. If you are looking to sell your mobile home the best season, sell it 365 days a year!

With all the focus on the high real estate market everywhere throughout the country, one must think, when is the best time to sell your mobile home on leased land?
Is there a better or worse time of year to sell your mobile home when your home is located within a mobile home park?

Should you wait and sell the home until all the other homes in the community are sold, so that you are the only one for sale in that exact mobile home park?

Will selling your mobile home during the time of year when more snowbirds are in the area be a better time to sell your property for more money? Or when they are leaving?

This is a question that can be asked the opposite way too, should you look to sell your Sarasota Florida mobile home in the Fall before the snowbirds arrive for the snowbird season?

While both questions could be looked at in detail we, here at The Mobile Home Dealer, do not believe that there is a right time or a wrong time to sell your mobile home so long as your home is priced right and marketed correctly.

Let us explain.

If the Seller of a Sarasota mobile home looks to sell their mobile home to a snowbird at the start of the snowbird season then they are betting on the fact that the snowbird is going to be coming down to the greater Sarasota area without lodging in place as the Buyer will more than likely want to move into their new property right away.

If the Seller of a Sarasota mobile home is looking to sell their mobile home to a snowbird at the end of the snowbird season then they are betting on the fact that the snowbird is going to spend a chunk of money right before they head back to their out of state primary residence before they head home.

Either bet is exactly that, a gamble that we feel does not need to be taken.

Mobile homes on leased land in the Sarasota Florida area are one of the last affordable housing options for those who are looking to call the Sunshine State either their winter retreat or their full-time residence.

When looking to sell your Sarasota mobile home we feel that the best time of the year to sell is twelve months a year!

The Mobile Home Dealers 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, please contact 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.

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September 22, 2023