Unless it’s in the Ocala area where the Villages are located I think I would pass. Mobile homes seem to be tornado magnets. Also they are the first to be required to evacuate during approaching hurricanes, even well inland the wind can still be wicked.

Bendable's exactly on target:
"Hire an appraiser for $400.00, who will put in writing gas,elec, insul, foundation asbestos, sewer, bugs, mold and more.

Get in writing from the park about expenses, and h.o.a."

I know all about mobile home prices *where I am at*. (Incidentally, if built after 1974, it's legally a "Manufactured Home" rather than a "Mobile Home". The codes changed enormously that year.)

Where I'm at, a single-wide Manufactured Home that old could be worth anywhere from $5,000 to "please tow the damned thing away". That helps you not a bit.

Call the man!

Sounds like a high price to me. Would depend on a few factors though.
1. How old is the roof?
2. Square footage?
3. Who owns the lot? Or is there lot rent?

I'd expect that AC to need replacement soon.
For reference we bought one in March. About 1500 sq foot that backs up to a golf course. Built 2000ish with new AC, roof, windows. Does need bathrooms updated and new kitchen countertops. We own the lot and a half it sits on and HOA is $120/month. That covers water and sewer, lawn maintenance, trash and cable TV. It also has covered parking for two cars and an attached golf cart garage.

If your windows, roof and AC need updated you would have significantly more invested than we do.

When my Pop-pop’s second wife dies he was forced to move out of their home and he rented a mobile home in Dowling Park Fl(live oak) they took care of everything and he paid the rent. IIRC he lived there for ten years and the amount would have been less than buying, so he got better out of it then they did.

If you’re looking for a retirement area that isn’t congested like some of the other huge retirement villages in Fl. You might be interested in the area. Far enough inland that hurricanes don’t cause too much flooding or damage.

I spent summers on the Suwannee in Mayo (nearby) and there is nothing going on...just the kind of place I’d like for retirement.

The idea that mobile homes are magnets for storm damage is a myth.
The reason they suffer damage when nearby structures survive intact or with minimal damage is the structural integrity. Better quality construction simply holds up to stronger forces.
Quality of the neighborhood and neighbors may also be something to consider.

I bet that mobile home didn’t cost $100k new. And they depreciate.

I would run away from this deal. We spend 4 months in Florida each winter for $1600 per month - Destin Area. This includes maintenance, internet, insurance, utilities and the owners problems. We’d never buy anything for this short of stay.

When my grandfather passed a few years back, my grandmother sold off the mobile home in Winter Haven FL.

They had to sell it for a cash offer as it couldn't be financed due to having inadequate tie-downs. While it was in better condition than money of the home around it, it didn't come close to your price (granted the markets have changed since then, but 100k is crazy).

Without knowing the community, land situation, and other factors, it's just hard to give you proper advice on this situation.

If it is not deeded land you are being screwed.

They depreciate and it is above new prices.

https://floridafactorydirect.com/

Website for new ones.

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
Hire an appraiser for $400.00, who will put in writing gas,elec, insul, foundation asbestos, sewer, bugs, mold and more.

An appraiser will only tell you the real estate value of the land and structure.

An inspector will be able to tell you about condition of the plumbing, wiring, HVAC, foundation, insulation, sewer, mold, roof, etc. (Many home inspections specifically exclude bugs and rodents, though... You will likely need an inspection by a separate pest control company for that.)

For around $130-140,000 you get get some really nice double wides in some really nice parks where you own the property and have a nice double wide. I know as my wife and I have looked. The manufactured homes are quite nice. Better than a trailer IMO.

Thanks for the replies. This place is near Englewood below Sarasota. It’s in a coop trailer park (retirement community). It is about 1600 soft, on tiny lot that we will not own. $130 monthly fees. I block away from the ocean. Just drive over the inter coastal bridge and there you are. I’m not crazy about it, but the wife likes the idea. We have some retired friends who live just outside of Sarasota in a real nice house in a gated community. They live there up to 6 months a year, and selling. They think it costs too much for upkeep while they’re gone north...electricity for climate control, pool service, other utilities while They’re gone.
You guys have pretty much convinced me to look elsewhere, like a condo let, or rental.

Some here went the RV route. That an option?

quote:

Originally posted by kramden:
For around $130-140,000 you get get some really nice double wides in some really nice parks where you own the property and have a nice double wide. I know as my wife and I have looked. The manufactured homes are quite nice. Better than a trailer IMO.

For $130-140k you can get a nice condo in Florida that appreciates in value rather then a crappy trailer that depreciates.

I'm with others... 35 year old trailer is way past its due date.... unless the land it is on is worth that 100K.... run....