Today’s mobile home community has come a long way. People who never thought they would enjoy the mobile home community lifestyle are discovering the secret many of us have known about for years. Today’s mobile homes are well built, full of great design details, and are a great place to call home.
If you are thinking about trying out the community lifestyle, let MHVillage help you find the right mobile home park in your current region or future destination. You also can study the pros and cons of every mobile home community type.
In addition, studying the 10 factors below can help you narrow down the choices and help find the right mobile home community for you.
Location, Location, Location
It’s an old saying, but these three things are essential to think about when buying a new home: location, location, location. Discovering a place that is perfect for your lifestyle and is affordable is the No. 1 priority in your home search. Excellent schools, public transportation, grocery stores, medical facilities, and recreational areas are all important factors. Where your potential new home is sited in the community is also important: how big is the lot, how close are the neighbors, are you on a busy street, etc.
Life And Style
There are limitless choices to make when looking for a new home and community, including whether to lease or own your new home. Are you looking for a resort-style community with a pool, tennis courts, a large clubhouse or other amenities? Or are you looking for a place that only offers essential services? Is it an age-restricted 55 plus community, family-friendly community, or all-age community? If you have a four-legged family member, is the park pet-friendly?
Quiet, Please
If privacy and a calm environment are critical to you, make sure your new home isn’t by the play yard, bus stop or pool. Try and visit your potential new home during a busy time of day and see how much outside noise can be heard inside.
Day and Night
It’s important to not only visit the community during office hours, but to come back at night and early in the morning to get an idea of how busy the community is at those times. If parking is a consideration, it’s essential to see how many parking spaces are available at night and on weekends. Does the community have assigned parking, or is it first-come, first-served? Is the community gated? If it has security, is it on-site at all times or during specific hours?
Being Social
Are you interested in getting involved in your new community, or would you rather be more private? If the community has a Facebook page, calendar of events, or newsletter, you can get an idea of how many events are happening each month, and how well attended they are.
Extra, Extra!
It’s important to know ahead of time if there are any extra charges that might come up. Ask if they have rental increases and if they are capped or open-ended.
Utilities
This is something that a lot of people forget to ask about until they move in and get a bill or have problems. Are the utilities in the community metered? Does it have city or well water? Are septic tanks used, or are you hooked up to the city sewer system? When were the water and sewer lines installed or replaced? Be sure to inquire about wi-fi as well. Is it included in the lot rent, or available at a minimal charge?
Rules are Rules
It’s important to know what the rules are in each mobile home community, and how consistently management enforces those rules. How do they handle a resident who doesn’t maintain their yard? Can you have a garden? Is parking on the street allowed? Can you put up a fence? All of this should be covered in writing, and a copy should be available for you. Management is a critical consideration when choosing your new home. You will probably have more interaction with them than anyone else.
Home Sweet Home
There is nothing more exciting than stepping into a home and knowing that it’s the perfect home for you. It’s great to know how old the house is, who the manufacturer is and if any improvements have been made. Check under the sinks and in the bathrooms to look for water damage. If possible, hire a home inspector who is familiar with factory-built homes to find out if the home has any issues you need to know about before you buy.
Moving Forward
Now, the most essential thing: moving in and enjoying your new home! There is nothing more rewarding than owning your own home. And unlike apartment living, you can paint walls, change out flooring and make your home as unique as you are.
Enjoy your new home and lifestyle!
