Which state to puchase in?

[Duane T]

This may seem like a dumb question, but I live in ILinois and am interested in an existing park in Wisconsin. From a tax perspective it may be cheaper to buy in Wis I would think. What about other aspects though? Transport, or does it matter because it comes from the factory, service, repairs? This would be a second home so I would live there part time. thanks

[rmurray]

This is a good question...You will pay the sales tax of the state where the home is located in most cases...but..be careful you might have to pay sales tax in both states.....You will have to check with the local authorities about this...In our case..we are on the border of 2 states and keep sales tax licenses in both...but dealers futher from the border do not always do this..

Second...The states license authority has no power over out of state dealers...Most states now require the set up crew to have a state license and they are responsible for the set up..To satisfy this requirement an out of state dealer might contract with a local set up crew...This is fine...but if it is a 1 shot deal..the dealer has little control over the set up crew...Our control comes mostly from the volumn of business we give the crews..

[Duane T]

thanks for the info. I would also think a dealer closer to the site would be better for repairs, warranty work, etc. Also, one place I looked at wants payment in full before delivery. That does not sound good. Is it a common practice? Too much can go bad during transport, setup, etc.

[rmurray]

This is a touchy question...Many dealers have loans that require they pay off the home the moment it leaves the dealership...Right now these loans are very hard to come by and dealers are very careful with them...they do not want to lose them..

If you chose to deal with this dealer...be sure that you check him out the best you can...Make sure all items are in writing...

Maybe a good counter offer would be to hold back $ 1000 to 2000..understanding you cannot move in until the home is paid completely....