The Floridian Club of Sarasota Breaks Ground in West Florida

Groundbreaking for The Floridian Club of Sarasota — From left Neil N. Malamud, Larry Lieberman, Fred M. Starling, Scott Bradley, Ronda Gallehue

The Floridian Club of Sarasota is a long-term lease community inspired by resort settings

Florida’s gulf coast housing market recently added an intriguing new option, with the groundbreaking of The Floridian Club of Sarasota.

The new offering provides long-term lease relationships and a community inspired by resort settings.

A development arrangement between the Starling Group and the Barrington Group makes way for The Floridian Club of Sarasota, a long-term lease community “for young-at-heart adults”. Gulf coast residents will find a “live here, play here” lifestyle at The Floridian Club.

The community is arranged for beautiful, hassle-free homes and an array of resort-inspired amenities.

Newly developed communities are a rarity, and The Floridian arrives in time when quality housing demand is driving prices higher seemingly by the week.

So, representatives from the combined development group celebrated with a ceremonial groundbreaking at the 48-acres site near I-75 off Jacaranda Boulevard.

Home Rendering for The Floridian Club of Sarasota — New Homes at The Floridian Club of Sarasota

“We are extremely excited to bring the Floridian Club concept to Sarasota and have been overwhelmed by the many positive responses that we’ve already received,” said Larry Lieberman, president and founder of The Barrington Group. “Our long-term lease plan holds a lot of appeal for Baby Boomers, especially those who love to travel but still want the experience of having a close-knit community of friends.”

Lieberman emphasizes the benefits of homeownership without the associated hassles.

“We’re confident that The Floridian Club of Sarasota is going to be a very successful fit in Southwest Florida and look forward to having our first residences ready for move-in by early 2019,” he said.

Single Story 1- and 2-bedroom Villas with a Coastal Appeal at The Floridian Club of Sarasota

Open floor plans ranging from 921-1339 square feet
Fresh light coastal colors that say ahhh.. I live in Florida!
Over-sized closets to hold years worth of great stuff.
Island kitchens so you can invite friends over and share a few cocktails.
Built-in desk areas to keep life organized and technology charged.
Bedrooms large enough to accommodate king beds and grown up furniture.
Walk in showers with room for singing.
Optional one-car attached garage.
Personal exterior trash enclosure that only requires you filling it…it magically disappears five days a week.
A private entrance into every villa.
An in-house design center to make your house a home.
Maintenance-free inside and out so there is more time to enjoy life.
Non Smoking Buildings Available.

Community Plan for The Floridian Club of Sarasota — The Community Plan

One-time club entry for The Floridian Club of Sarasota is $1,800. Long-term leases range from $1,415 to $1,695 per month.

In addition to the club entry and lease arrangement, there is a $192 per month utility and services fee. The utility and service fee pays for water, sewer, pest control, trash removal, maintenance, landscaping, insurance and taxes. Members of The Floridian Club of Sarasota are responsible for electric, cable, internet and phone costs.

The Floridian Club of Sarasota is located in a high-growth area surrounded by shopping, dining and golfing opportunities. And those Gulf beaches and local culture that Sarasota is known for is on the Floridian Club’s doorstep.

More than 260 single-story villas and an added 48 units in elevator-served buildings will provide a variety of open floor plans to choose. These will include one- and two-bedroom layouts with optional garages and stylish designer touches.

Residents can lease the units from two to 10 years and have the freedom to personalize their space. Also, if the urge to travel takes hold, residents can lock the door and leave. Club staff will keep an eye on things during their absence.

The concept provides the benefits of owning a home without the mortgage, maintenance or management issues.

In fact, a full-time maintenance manager will be onsite to take care of issues inside and out, from repairs and upkeep to something as simple as changing a light bulb or air filter.

Stay Healthy and Happy at The Floridian Club

Residents can work up a sweat in the fitness center or yoga studio, take a stroll with friends along the walking trails, or challenge neighbors to a game of pickleball. A 10,000-square-foot amenity center will serve as the social focal point of the community. The community will provide club activities such as running, cycling, kayaking, wine tasting, cooking, travel and holiday festivities.

Additionally, residents will enjoy a complimentary coffee in the club cafe and cheer for the hometown teams in the BYOB sports bar, which includes a state-of-the-art, wide-screened golf simulator.

There’s even a pet spa for four-legged residents at The Floridian Club of Sarasota

At the community’s Business Center, free wifi makes it easy to stay organized and connected. Otherwise, residents can choose to be lazy and relax by the lakefront swimming pool under a shady cabana.

Finally, the Club will provide a full-time concierge and events coordinator to plan activities and outings for the residents, as well as provide recommendations for local connections and resources.

The developers believes time fosters friendships and sense of community. Therefore, short-term lease options are unavailable at The Floridian. However, those interested in 2- to 10-year lease commitments will be provided with set escalations, alleviating any guess work on what future costs will be.

The security of a long-term lease, and the flexibility to leave when life changes, are defining factors in the unique approach at The Floridian Club of Sarasota.

For more information, pay a visit to the Leasing & Preview Center, 411 Commercial Center Court, Unit A, in Venice. Office hours are Tuesday -Wednesday 1 to 6 p.m., Thursday – Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or call (941) 360-3838 or visit floridianlife.com.

Dress for Success – Top 5 Ways to Dress Your Home To Sell!

spring home updates Dress your Home to Sell

Is your home ‘dressed to impress’?

Here are 5 tips to be sure you dress your home to sell!

Step One: ‘Home wash’ Anyone?

Unlike cars, we don’t regularly have our homes washed! You would be surprised how much grime can accumulate over the years. So, if you noticed that your white siding is looking a bit ivory, it’s nothing a strong powerwash can’t take care of. You could rent the equipment and do this yourself or this might be a job where bringing in the big sprayer, by hiring a company, might make more sense. Just like checking behind your kid’s ears, don’t forget about the little nooks and crannies. This means, gutters, porch steps and any other area that might have some hidden “treasures”.

Step Two: Siding and Shutters and Stain… Oh My!

If your home is on the older side you might want to look into an estimate for some new siding to freshen up the exterior. Depending on whether it’s metal or vinyl siding, replacement costs can vary. A new trend for those on a budget is throwing on a fresh coat of paint. Even just painting the shutters can make a huge difference. (Here is an interesting article from a family who painted their siding and were really happy with the results). Another great tip is adding or repairing a patio! If you already have wooden steps or a patio leading into the home, make certain any needed repairs are done, and add a fresh coat of stain.

“Patios added over 12 percent to a home’s value according to one study. While this may not be an easy, one-day DIY project, adding an attractive outdoor living area is something you can undertake on your own if you’re ambitious.”

-Matt Minor –“Curb Appeal by the Numbers”

Step Three: Fun with Flowers and Foliage

It is amazing the difference seasonal flower boxes or potted plants can make. However, you do want to be sure that whatever you choose, everything goes together as a complement to the home. While grabbing some random flower baskets from the bargain bin might sound like a good idea, it might be worth a few more dollars to be sure the flowers framing the home enhance the appearance, not distract. Also, don’t forget about the foundation. Adding some low shrubbery at the base of the home is a really elegant and simple touch.

Step Four: Lay of the Lawn

Now that the home has been power washed, repaired, freshened up and dressed with a few leafy friends, don’t forget about the lawn! A well-watered lawn that is trimmed and maintained is like a fresh haircut for a home. It not only will make the grass appear greener, it also will give a clean and sophisticated impression to the home buyer the moment they approach.

Step Five: Decor? Less Is More!

Similar to staging your home, you want to be sure that any lawn or exterior decor is simple and selected to enhance the home’s appeal. Don’t be afraid of open space. This allows the buyers to see their own taste instead of a reflection of yours.

By giving your home the attention it needs for the exterior, dressing the home to sell will truly enhance the curb appeal.

Thus, creating a positive energy with your potential buyers right from the start!

New York Celebrates Factory-Built Home Days

Governor Cuomo Proclaims New York Housing Association’s Factory-Built Home Days April 7-15

The state of New York is officially recognizing factory-built homes this week with the institution of the state association’s Factory-Built Home Days.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently proclaimed Saturday, April 7through Sunday, April 15 are designated as New York Housing Association’s (NYHA) Factory-Built Home Days. In his citation, Governor Cuomo recognized the industry for its increasing popularity and strong contribution to the state economy.

The Governor noted that factory-built housing is a source of quality, affordable housing for New Yorkers and people nationwide. Factory-built housing, including manufactured homes and modular homes, reflects the diversity of new home construction and enables families to realize the American Dream of home ownership. This rapidly growing industry is an important part of the state economy, as it continues to create new jobs and generate tax revenue.

The need for this type of housing has never been greater. At a significantly lower cost than its site-built counterparts, factory-built homes are constructed in climate-controlled factories under strict quality control standards. Construction in a factory is very cost effective and environmentally friendly.

Proclamation Recognizes Industry’s Increasing Popularity, Contribution to State Economy

With a virtually unlimited selection of styles and floor plans, today’s factory-built homes are engineered to be architecturally interesting and energy efficient. Continued technological advancements indicate that this alternative to traditional home building will continue gaining popularity into the 21st century.

The New York Housing Association encourages every consumer to visit a retail center, land-leased community, builder or developer during the Factory-Built Home Days.

The New York Housing Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit trade association comprised of manufacturers, builder retailers, developers, manufactured home community owners, lenders, insurers, suppliers, installers and others who are committed to the quality and growth of the factory-built housing industry in New York State. After 68 years in the industry, the association sets the highest standards for business ethics and practices and remains dedicated to encouraging state residents to explore factory-built housing options.

For more information, go to www.nyhousing.org , like us on Facebook or call the Association office at 1-800-721-HOME

Melrose Village Improves Life for Residents, Engages Wider Community

Melrose Village is a Retirement Community in Northeast Ohio

Melrose Village in northeast Ohio was purchased by UMH Properties in 2013, and since that time occupancy has improved to more than 90 percent in the 293-site manufactured home community.

“We have taken out over 50 older homes, brought in new homes, repaved the roads, upgraded the street and entrance signs and renovated the clubhouse,” said Abby Goldberg, director of marketing for UMH.

Melrose Village also has received new playground equipment, a bus shelter for the school children in the community and a decorative fountain in the community’s lake.

Each month, on-site manager Jeremy Mitchell scans the community to award “Yard of the Month”, which is intentionally left a open to a little interpretation: Some months the honor will be bestowed on the owner of the most–improved yard, during a holiday it could be given to the resident who’s provided the most festive decorations and in spring the award could be based entirely on a high–quality floral arrangement.

“The best part of managing Melrose Village, is listening to the residents’ feedback,” Regional Manager Angela Smith said. “The residents who lived here before we bought the community have seen a tremendous transformation. They are so happy that UMH is here making improvements. Residents love how they can see the brand new fountain on the lake, and the views are spectacular.”

Melrose Village Community Quick Facts

Melrose Village
4400 Melrose Drive
Wooster, Ohio

All ages community
293 Homesites
Built in 1970
Home Prices: $50,000-90,000
Monthly Lot Rent: $337

Last August, Melrose Village hosted former Cleveland Browns Running Back Kevin Mack, who signed autographs and talked with the residents. More than 400 people showed up, including some from the wider community who heard about the event on a local radio station.

“All of those things make a huge difference in creating a positive experience for everyone here,” Mitchell said.

“We’ve also had Santa Claus come to our clubhouse, and kids came in from some of our other communities too. We had cookies and surprises for everyone. We had a coloring contest, which was great. And by the way, everyone won a prize. I’m pretty sure we would have had a revolt of some kind otherwise,” he said.

In addition to celebrations in the community clubhouse, including a Halloween costume party, Melrose Village recently conducted a food drive, gathering non-perishable items for delivery to a local food bank.

“It’s amazing what you can do when you have that many neighbors willing to contribute,” Mitchell said. “I wore myself out carrying food into Salvation Army.”

Bathtubs in Mobile Homes – Tips and Tricks

Bathtubs are hot spots for stains and grime. It’s spring. And now is a great time to tackle that bathtub project.

Maybe you are thinking of selling your mobile home, and want the bathroom and bathtub to look as clean as possible. Or, maybe you just want a fresh clean look. Either way, here are some tips and tricks you can use to get your bathtub looking its best:

Natural Remedies for Cleaning Bathtubs

Harsh chemicals can wreak havoc on your lungs in small enclosed spaces, like bathrooms. In addition, abrasive cleaners can damage finishes or cause the color to fade.

If you are looking for green alternatives or something that isn’t quite as hard on your lungs, a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and warm water is a great place to start. Put the solution in a spray bottle and spray down your bathtub. Wait 10 to 15 minutes and then wipe dry. For more stubborn spots and stains, another great bathroom product is good, old-fashioned baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on the stained spots, spray with your vinegar solution and let soak. Giving it time to set allows the mixture to really go to work. Rinse and wipe dry.

Another option for fiberglass bathtubs, which are common in mobile homes, is to use dishwashing liquids. These are non-abrasive and are great for cutting through bath scum and deposits left in the bathtub.

Many mobile homes have Garden Tubs – which are larger bathtubs with jacuzzi jets. For these, you should check with the manufacturer on their recommendations for cleaning the jets.

However, here are 4 simple steps to get you started:

Fill the tub over the jets with hot water
Add a cup of vinegar and run the jets
Let the jets run on high for 10 to 15 minutes
Drain. And clean the tub

You may need to repeat this process several times to get all the gunk out. You also can clean the jets directly with a small brush or old toothbrush, which will help keep them clean.

Bathtub Repairs, Going Beyond Cleaning

If your bathtub is damaged, replacing it can be difficult. Some homeowners might be able to tackle this project themselves, while others will want to call in a pro. Be sure and look for specific mobile home parts and suppliers, since sizing can be an issue. Mobile Home Repair has some good tips on their website if you are thinking about taking on this kind of project.

Keeping Bathtubs Looking Great – Prevention is Key

Once you have done all the hard work of cleaning the tub, you will want to keep it that way. The best tip is to completely wipe down the tub after each use. That will help prevent stains and mildew from building up. Also, make sure to remove bath products and bath mats – trapped water can cause rust and mildew stains in your bathtub. Wipe down the jets after use to also keep them from filling with grime.

Bathtubs and bathrooms can be tricky spots to keep clean, so once you have done all this hard work, take a nice long soak – you deserve it!

Clayton Provides Quality Housing Options for Retirees

Manufactured Housing Captures Attention of Baby Boomers Who Want to Optimize, Downsize — Quality Housing Options for Retirees

One of America’s largest home builders is creating quality housing options for retirees. Clayton Homes offers opportunities for homebuyers of the Baby Boomer generation who seek modern, energy-efficient housing without sacrificing affordability.

In January 2018, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average price of a new single-family, site-built home with land in America was $382,700 – up 6.5 percent from January 2017. As the cost of housing rises each year, families face a limited supply of affordable options.

“We looked at site-built homes, but for the value and the money and the quality,” Diane Wood said. “We were going to have to do without a lot of things.

“That’s what did it for us. We got a lot of quality and value for our money,” she added.

With an average price of around $68,100 without land as of October 2017, manufactured homes offer a promising solution to the affordable housing crisis.

And people are starting to take notice. Clayton Built^™ manufactured and modular homes are beautifully designed with quality, brand-name materials at an affordable price.

Why Baby Boomers View Manufactured Housing as the Quality Option They Need

Diane and Harold were looking to build a “forever home” on the beautiful farm property owned by their family for generations. According to the Home Buyer and Seller Generational Report 2017, “buyers 62 to 70 are often moving due to retirement, desire to be closer to friends and family and desire for a smaller home.”

Housing Options for Retirees — The Cameron by Clayton Homes

Manufactured and modular homes are offered with custom floor plans and upgradeable amenities, including stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.

Initially the Woods were considering a traditional, site-built home for their family property, but found the cost of construction limited their options. So, that’s when they visited a Clayton Homes store and discovered all of the quality housing options for retirees. The couple walked through every home, and went back to several homes more than once. One of the homes that intrigued these thoughtful shoppers the most was The Cameron, a 1,512 sq. ft. Clayton Built^® home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

The Woods’ home includes a one-story open floor plan with a beautiful kitchen, center island and recessed ceiling that is perfect for large meals and entertaining. Furthermore, they even chose to upgrade to the Clayton Energy Smart option, which includes high-efficiency insulation, low-emissive windows, a programmable thermostat and several other features that will help reduce utility costs in the years to come.

Onsite Upgrades Among the Many Housing Options for Retirees

Diane and Harold Wood had the home delivered by truck to their property. The home was affixed to a permanent foundation, but the Woods still had some options to incorporate. They wanted some ideal touches for their lifestyle. The couple decided on a garage to the end of the new home. Finally, they knew they needed a front porch where they sit together every evening and enjoy the spectacular view.

Once settled, the Woods invited Clayton to visit their new home and talk about the home buying journey. As a result, Clayton has released a video documenting the story.

“This is where we’re happy,” says Diane. “We’re porch people, and we just love looking out at the beautiful mountains and the view.”

For more information, visit www.claytonhomes.com and take find your dream home and to take a virtual tour of The Cameron.

2 Story Manufactured Homes, Modular Homes and Park Models

2 story manufactured homes - manufactured home on stilts

Most manufactured homes are a single story, but did you know that several companies also make 2 story manufactured homes? At MHVillager, we think the world of the manufactured home companies that are out there building better and better homes. Not only do they make traditional single-story mobile homes, but many have all kinds of new and interesting options including those 2 story mobile homes or modular homes.

The factory-built second-story homes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common are modular homes. In this case, the components of the modular or manufactured home are built in a factory and then assembled on site. Curious how this works? Read about the step-by-step construction process and learn how mobile homes are built.

There is also a variety of smaller “tiny” homes and park models that aren’t strictly 2 story, but have upstairs sleeping lofts and/or balconies. Let’s take a look at some of these fun multi-level options.

2 Story Modular Homes

Let’s start with some traditional 2 story modular homes. If you own your own land, these might be for you.

This is the Fitzgerald by Champion Homes. We’ve featured a number of Champion homes on the MHVillager blog because they offer a wide variety of floorplans for manufactured homes. Included in this are several second-story modular homes. The Fitzgerald has four bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and comes in at 2,520 square feet. You can check out the floorplan of this particular home on their website from the link above.

Here’s another 2 story modular home by Champion, The Bristow. This one is a little smaller than the Fitzgerald, with three bedrooms and2 1/2 baths. It is 1,920 square feet.

We’re loving those gorgeous porch columns and the attached garage! This is a really lovely home.

Champion Homes aren’t the only manufactured home company that also makes second-story modular homes. Palm Harbor has some as well. Take a look at the Greenbrier I by Palm Harbor:

The Greenbrier I is available only in Delaware, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Georgia. It is not available in Florida. And it has three bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and comes in at 1,978 square feet. Just look at that wraparound porch!

One more modular 2 story home, before we move on… Here is the Arlington by Fairmont Homes.

The Arlington is a little smaller than our previous homes. It has two bedrooms and two baths. And it is a total of 1,227 square feet. Like the other second-story homes we are highlighting, check out the manufacturer’s website for more details, floorplan options, and to see if it is available in your area.

2 Story Tiny Homes and Park Models with Lofts

Speaking of going a little smaller, let’s take a look at the new line of park model RVs and other small mobile homes that are hitting the market. Again, these are homes made by traditional factory-built housing companies, so they know how to build a great home at a great price. If you are curious about what a park model home is, or the difference between a park model and a tiny house, we’ve got you covered.

So, let’s take a look at these gorgeous little homes from Cavco. I have to tell you though, the manufacturer for these is in Arizona, so they aren’t available up here in the northern climates yet. Still, they have a great look and are something to look forward to!

More information and additional photos of the other second-story homes they offer can be found on the Cavco website.

And just so that those in the midwest don’t feel left out, Athens Park Model RVs offers a variety of adorable homes with lofts. Here’s one from their factory in Claysburg, Pennsylvania:

Athens Park Model RVs are also built in California, Arizona, Florida, Texas, and Nebraska. Check out what the director of sales at Athens says about the recent growth of park model homes for new manufactured home buyers.

Not a 2 Story Manufactured Home, But Still Cool

Alright, I admit, it’s not a second-story home, but I had to include this one, if only because it shows the huge variety of manufactured home options out there. The outdoor space is amazing, and as you can see here, and from our lead photo for this blog. Click the link to check out more about the Riviera from Palm Harbor:

The Riviera is designed for coastal living. The 360-degree views is that of a second story home, right? Of course the home doesn’t have to be on pilings, but being that it is offered in Florida waterfront mobile home communities and other coastal locales, it’s a great option. You can see more photos of this home on the Palm Harbor website.

And just for fun – there is this great lakeside home! Okay, it’s the home has only one story, but the porch has two stories!

This final home is by Homes of Merit. They offer homes through retailers and communities throughout Florida, and parts of Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Louisiana. Cute, isn’t? Can’t you just see sitting on that rooftop porch enjoying the view?

Ten Beautiful 55+ Waterfront Retirement Communities in Florida

By Dan Boyle, Florida realtor and guest writer for the MHVillager blog

You’ve spent most of your life working to provide for your family. From finishing school yourself, to providing your kids a decent education, you’ve worked hard day and night to be able to provide a good life for yourself. Now that you’re entering the golden years of your life, it is high time that you retire someplace where you’d feel relaxed and at home every day: near the waterfront.

There are millions of Americans that dream of retiring to a quaint, cozy community near the beach or somewhere near the water. Enjoying the fresh sea breeze and the bouncing waves, taking a quiet, relaxing walk by the shore or go fishing by the lake, that’s one picture that always comes to mind when you think of retiring near the waterfront.

Florida Waterfront Communities are among the best places to retire. There are many reasons why. Firstly, taxes. Taxes are lower in Florida primarily for retirees considering that they do not need to pay for city or state taxes. Cost of living is also lower compared to other progressive states. Another good reason is the warm, tropic-like weather and the abundance of beaches and bodies of water. It feels like you are on vacation all the time!

Mobile homes are now one of the great options for retirees to fulfill their dream of a waterfront retirement place without spending a ton of money. Many retirees on a fixed budget find it quite tricky to get a retirement home especially one near the waterfront. There are lots of beautiful mobile home communities near the waterfront in Florida that will suit your needs and fulfill your dreams and help you stay within your budget. Here are a few:

Plantation Oaks

Plantation Oaks is a gated, active, 55+ community that provides a secure, secluded, tranquil environment located in Flagler Beach. This was previously a vast area of indigo, cotton, and sugar cane plantation in the 1800s that has now been turned into an impressive retirement community.

Various amenities are available in this community such as a banquet hall, entertainment rooms for card playing, exercise, billiards, library, and others. There’s also an outdoor barbecue for outdoor celebrations or simply just hanging out and having a nice, fun barbecue with your friends. There’s also an oversized heated swimming pool for you to enjoy.

Plantation Oaks is also a short distance away from Bulow Creek where you can enjoy some outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, and going on picnics. Beaches such as the beautiful Ormond Beach and Flagler beach and just a short drive away from the community.

Surfside Estates

Surfside Estates is an active 55+ community located in Oceanview Boulevard in Beverly Beach across the street from the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is just a short walk where you can go swimming and take walks along the shore. They also have a beautiful waterfront park along the Matanzas River where you can relax in the gazebo and have a barbecue with your neighbors and friends.

They have a very low monthly association fee of $125 which gives you access to a lot of useful benefits such as free cable TV, bi-weekly garbage pickup, home lawn care, and swimming pool maintenance. Surfside Estates is home to full-time and part-year residents and renters living in more than 240 manufactured/mobile homes. Residents in Surfside have an option to purchase a “share” which makes them a shareholder in the corporation and allows them a lot location thereby eliminating the need to pay for a monthly lot rent.

Camelot Lakes

Camelot Lakes is a gated community in Sarasota that provides you the ultimate Florida lifestyle experience. With beaches just a few miles away as well as natural and historical attractions, you’ll surely have a great time getting in touch with nature in this community. This 55+ gated community offers security and fun recreational amenities such as heated pools, library, arts and crafts, pool tables, pickleball courts and so much more!

Bahia Vista Estates

Bahia Vista Estates is another beautiful retired living community located on the west coast of Florida. There are plenty of fun activities to do in Bahia Vista Estates. There are sports facilities such as basketball courts and heated pools, and their social calendar is always full of fun events like bingo night! Bahia Vista is also a pet-friendly community, allowing up to two pets per home. There are also wellness activities such as yoga allowing to be at your prime health while here in Bahia Vista Estates.

Villa Del Sol

Villa del Sol is a 55+ manufactured home community that is perfect for you if you love sightseeing and exploring! This beautiful community is close to theme park attractions like Universal Studios, MGM, Sea World and Disney World! Medical facilities are also within proximity to the community as well as the beach, meeting your health and wellness’ needs. Like most top-notch retirement communities, Villa Del Sol has plenty of recreational amenities to keep you active and social!

Pescara Lake

If impressive lake views are what you are looking for, then Pescara Lake should be on your list. Pescara Lake is in central Bradenton, southwest of Florida. This active community boasts a four-star rating, and you can see clearly why. It is located within a short distance from a few of the most beautiful beaches in Florida and probably the entire United States! They have a low monthly site fee, and they are also a pet-friendly community. This community promotes an active lifestyle as they provide amenities like heated pools, shuffleboard courts, and water aerobics. They even have a 5-acre lake stocked with fish for those fishing enthusiasts!

Swan Lake Village

Swan Lake Village is another 55+ active community in Bradenton that offers a quaint and relaxing environment for active retirees. They have beautiful lake views and large lot sizes giving you more space for your dream retirement home. It is well-lit and equipped with security cameras for your protection. They have a huge selection of previously owned and factory-built homes that will fit any budget. As the name implies, they have a huge lake with swans and other wildlife. They offer lots of excellent amenities for your entertainment and active lifestyle.

Jamaica Bay

Jamaica Bay is located in the beautiful Fort Myers which boasts a fantastic location and tons of amenities. The monthly maintenance fee is low, but the inclusions are plenty. This community promotes an active way of life as they are equipped with pools, tennis courts, a modern fitness center and lots more. They have a variety of home designs that will surely suit your taste. They have three clubhouses, tons of indoor and outdoor sports activities as well as social activities that living in Jamaica Bay feels like you’re on vacation all the time!

Rolling Greens

Rolling Greens in Ocala, FL is a modern active 55+ mobile home community that boasts lush, vibrant scenic views with modern facilities. One thing that’s great about Rolling Greens is that they care for the environment with their Community Center being environment-friendly with their LED lighting and their Low-E windows. The AC system is also energy efficient as well as their geothermal pool. Lots of enjoyable activities can be experienced in this dynamic community such as Pancake Day, card game nights, golf, arts and crafts, wood shop, water aerobics and so much more. It is also close to the Silver River where you can enjoy glass bottom boat rides. Take a sneak peek at their website and witness all the enjoyable benefits that you can experience.

Lakeshore Landings

Lakeshore Landings is one of the most peaceful 55+ communities there is in Orlando. It is located near Lake Catherine where you can enjoy boating and fishing or just hanging out by the lake and having a barbecue. It is complete with amenities such as heated pools, a gym, saunas and a clubhouse for social events. The community also offers a lush, vibrant environment that is perfect for nature lovers. If you love being near the waterfront and enjoying an active lifestyle, then Lakeshore Landings is your home.

MHVillager Contributing Writer Dan Boyle is a real estate agent in Marco Island Florida, specializing in waterfront and beachfront property. He is the team leader of The Boyle Team and has authored several in-depth guides to buying Florida real estate and second homes.

First Time Renting Out A Mobile Home? Start Here!

Rent out a mobile home neighborhood — Photo courtesy of UMH Properties.

Renting out your home for the first time can be ridden with obstacles

Renting out a mobile home doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it may seem. Yes, there is a lot to consider, but if you go about renting your place in an organized fashion, it may be well worth the effort. This is especially true if you’re looking to rent out your mobile home for a profit.

First-Time Landlord Checklist

Here’s a very helpful first-time landlord checklist to help make the process go as smooth as you can imagine.

Whether you’re upgrading but want to make money on your mobile home or if you’re moving out of town for work, there are a few basic “rent out your home” steps to follow.

Special Note: If you live in a community, be certain to check the community rules and regulations before subleasing your manufactured home. Some communities disallow any renting of homes, and others will abide but under certain circumstances.

However, if you own the home and the land it sits on, the opportunity to rent out your mobile home is fairly wide open.

With that, let’s get started!

Clean it Up, Clear it Out

As obvious as it may sound, cleaning the interior and exterior is the first step. To ensure a deep clean, a professional cleaning service can really help. A clean start is a great start!

Now that everything from carpet to ceiling has been sterilized, it’s time for the exterior of your mobile home. A power washer for the windows and sliding doors, as well as some quick gardening, will easily freshen up the exterior. When everything has been cleaned, a fresh coat of paint on the interior and exterior will brighten the place up big time. Check out how to choose interior and exterior colors for your mobile home.

At this point, the “clean it up” part is done, and it’s time for the “clear it out”. Whether it’s your own home that you are now renting or a home you have purchased to put on the mobile home rental market, you want to be certain the decor and layout are welcoming. (Pro Tip: Here’s a great article on staging your mobile home to sell that goes into the importance of letting your renter see themselves in the space)

If you are offering your rental fully furnished, be sure to have the right size and the right amount of furniture. Additionally, ensure the rooms are laid out to allow the new renter some wiggle room in rearranging the space to their liking. The same rule should be followed when it comes to wall decor. A few simple pieces here and there is fine, but you don’t want to have too much of your decor in their new space.

Advertise Your Mobile Home for Rent

MHVillage is the Place to Be for Mobile Home Rental

There are plenty of advertisement options to rent a home, but when it comes to renting out your mobile home, there’s no place better than MHVillage.

MHVillage is the top marketplace to buy, sell or rent a mobile home or manufactured home. The site offers a one-time fee to list a home for sale or rent and then the home can remain listed until there’s a renter/buyer or until the owner decides to remove the home from listings. The listings MHVillage offers come with photos, a space for a description and a rundown of home features.

A homeowner is able to edit/update listing and ads at any time from an account dashboard. In addition to offering listings, MHVillage provides amazing search tools for home renters. This makes the home search easier for your prospective renter. Home renters on MHVillage can create alerts for rentals that meet their needs, they can shop with filtered options and they are given the tools to contact you directly via your ad at any time. And don’t worry, all contact information is encrypted so prospects can make contact in a way that is safe and manageable for everyone.

Take a look at MHVillage’s overview of for sale by owner listing packages for homeowners looking to see real results affordably.

Where Else May I List My Mobile Home for Rent?

And, yes, there are other options when it comes to publicizing the availability of your house. Local newspapers, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other options can tie into an MHVillage account listing a mobile home for rent.

However, be ready to answer quite a few questions if advertising your mobile home for rent on more general platforms. If you’re advertising in someplace other than MHVillage, the traffic likely will be interest in general home searches. This will require a bit of extra management because renting out a manufactured home isn’t the same as renting out an apartment, condo or site-built home.

Price Your Rental

Do some market research on similar mobile or manufactured homes, including how they are priced for rent. This is the best place to start considering what the right rental price for your mobile home might be.

You’ll also want to be sure to factor in any mobile home park lot rent that might be due monthly and explain that detail clearly in your rental agreement.

What follows is a helpful approach to mobile home pricing from Amanda Dixon of Smart Asset.

“The amount of rent you charge your tenants should be a percentage of how much the mobile home is worth (the home’s market value). Typically, the rents that landlords charge fall between 0.8 percent and 1.1 percent of the home’s value. For example, for a home valued at $250,000, a landlord could charge between $2,000 and $2,750 each month,” Dixon said.

Research A Great Tenant for Renting Out a Mobile Home

So, now that the home is priced and set to be seen, get ready for reviewing and considering your potential takers. There are many options available online for a mobile home landlord to conduct background and credit checks. This is where an application for the renter to fill out ahead of time comes in handy. Similar to a job application, this form should provide interested renters with space to share:

Information for a Rental Application

Current contact information
Place of employment
Income
Renting history (have they rented/when and how long?)
Number of residents in the home
References (previous landlords, personal references, job references)

Also, there are some good sample rental applications floating around out there. Here is a website we found that provides some great rental, lease, and land agreement templates that can be used at least as a starting point for the paperwork on renting out a mobile home.

As those applications come in, create an A-B-C or 1-2-3 list of preferred prospects to help pare down the field. Again, much like a job application, start with what looks on paper to be the best candidates and begin making calls and checking references.

Avoid the urge to immediately turn down what may appear to be less desirable prospects. You never can be certain how many of the preferred group you may need to go through. Likewise, you never know which of the prospects might climb up the list either.

Get It All On Paper!

It is essential to ensure ALL of your bases are covered when creating the rental paperwork. It’s vital to protect your rental relationship from any miscommunication at the very beginning. Here’s another great list that covers which type of information should be in the mobile home lease, if not the application itself:

Details to Consider for Renting Out a Mobile Home

Lease term: A month-to-month lease offers more flexibility if you are selling. An annual lease provides more stability if you are holding on to the property.
Security deposit, usually one month’s rent or more
Rental due date and late penalties
Repairs and who’s responsible for what
Routine upkeep and maintenance responsibilities, such as lawn care
List of tenants
Rules of behavior, including noise levels, neighborly conduct and smoking
Pet policies and related deposits
Who pays homeowner association dues
Association rules that the tenant must follow
Arrangements for showings, if you plan to put your home on the market while it’s being rented
Eviction terms, such as not paying the rent or damaging the property

Clearly, there are free resources for a first-timer renting out a mobile home. However, it can’t hurt to consider working with a local professional to be certain everything is covered. Additionally, a professional will be able to help with any specific rules or regulations in your area for rental agreements that might have escaped your attention.

Management Options for Renting Out a Mobile Home

Depending on how many properties you have, the workload can be entirely manageable or too overwhelming. So, you also have the option to work with a rental management company that offers a variety of helpful services. At the very least, a property management professional can conduct a mobile home walkthrough to provide tips on next steps.

Standard practice has it that a home or property owner looking for help can anticipate paying a management firm about 10% of the monthly rental value of the property.

Contact Us Anytime!

If you are renting out a mobile home for the first time, this post should provide a solid foundation to get started. If you have any questions about MHVillage services, please contact the MHVillage customer experience team. The team is there to help!

Rainbow Connection — Pick The Perfect Interior Paint Colors!

If you are getting your home ready to sell/rent, or you just moved in and want to freshen up the space, the colors you choose can affect more than what meets the eye.

For years, studies have proven that color choice can dramatically impact your day-to-day practices. Not only can they trigger memories or emotional connections, they also set the tone in a space.

It’s important to keep this in mind as you choose interior paint colors for your mobile home. Here are some examples of different colors and their emotional connection:

Red

The color of passion, love and anger. Red is all of it! Red is a very high-energy color choice for a room. This is a solid selection if you want to be sure that the room is active and energized. It can be known to raise blood pressure, though, which is why you might want to reserve red for a living room or kitchen. These are the places you might have guests and social activities as apposed to a bedroom or a bathroom where you might want to keep the mood more relaxed.

Orange

Like red, this color often is responsible for giving energy! It is a bright and alive color that is a great choice for a room where you want to keep energy flowing. Maybe an artistic space, a workout room or even using it as an accent in the garden or kitchen might sprinkle in some energy where it’s needed. However, orange is another of the interior paint colors you might want to avoid putting in a space where you want a calm mood.

Yellow

When you think of yellow, often you times you think of sunshine, flowers and the spring season. This is not an accident! This color tends to represent happiness and positivity with it’s bright tone and clean energy. Yellow is a great options for pretty much any room in the house, depending on the hue you choose. A softer more muted yellow can be a lovely choice for a guest room, or the kitchen, while a brighter or even a golden tone yellow paired with the right accessories can go very well in a dining or living room. Yellow also is a great option for a hallway or a smaller space since it can brighten up an area and provide the illusion of added physical space.

Green

Green always is a winner since it has such a broad spectrum of hues from which to choose. It is a color that easily complements or provides stellar contrast to other colors in the wheel, or even multiple green tones in the same space. Green gives a wonderful feeling of togetherness and often is felt as a refreshing vibe. It is another color that is great for any space in which you want to feel rejuvenated or calmed. (Fun fact: some also say it helps with fertility).

Blue

Here we have the the epitome of calm when it comes to the color wheel. blue is known to lower the blood pressure and create a serene and mellow space, which is why you often see blue in hospitals and doctor’s offices. Similar to green in feel, there are a spectrum of blue tones to choose, and you can find one that goes well with any palette. If you want a warm and cozy feeling, a navy or darker blue is a great base. Or, if you are going for more of an open or serene energy try a sky blue with white accents.

Blue is also an excellent option for a bathroom since most complexions are complimented well with blue tones.

Purple

Purple is the color of royalty and regal energy. It will instantly give a sophisticated and lush feel to a room, particularly when you stay in the spectrum of darker purples. A lighter purple still can provide an air of sophistication, but it tends to dip more into the blue world of calmness depending on the shade. Purple is a great option for a master bedroom fit for a royalty, and adds a nice formal touch to a dining room.

Neutral Tones

Neutral tones always are a safe option if you are looking to sell or rent a home. Going with a “colorless” wall, for instance, provides a blank canvas appeal that allows a new owner or resident to envision themselves in a space.

While it might sound like just painting everything white is a good idea, this is not always the case. White can be a very revealing color as well. White also is quite difficult to keep clean. Try going with calming light gray tones that will pull in a few of the blue emotional connections, or off-white shades for space you want to feel calm and welcoming. Then you can play with contract and color in the accessories. We have a great article on staging your home here!

Hopefully this article works as a helpful guide for you as you navigate the journey of interior paint colors for your home!