The Manufactured Housing Forums

I am semi-retired and currently paying exorbitant rent for an apartment in the Tampa Bay area after selling my house last year. I am looking for a less expensive housing alternative and manufacured housing seems an option. After reading quite a few horror stories about rental parks (and viewing some real nasty ones) I would want to buy my home in an adult community where you also purchase the lot.

1. I am interested in locating such parks in Manatee, Pasco, or Hernando County, and far enough inland to be away from the high-risk flood zones, but after many hours searching the internet have only found two. One is way too expensive, presumably because of loads of amenities I'd never use, and the other is farther from civilization than I'd like. Is there a web site or book specifically listing adult communities in Florida with price ranges, photos, etc.?

2. My budget for the home plus lot is on the low side. Would a few years old re-sale home usually cost less, or more apt to be more expensive because of owner add-ons, landscaping, etc.?

I would really appreciate any helpful information...Thanks!

Bobbi

Sure would

You might want to try this web magazine..."Florida Manufactured Homes Magazine" at http://www.mcxpress.com/

Odd URL....but it works..You will find something...both new and used are offered..

Thanks for the link, Murray. I found some good information there on Fla. manufactured housing law, but wonder why there is not more information on communities, given that Florida is a major retirement area? I have already looked at two "FIVE STAR" parks and while the common areas were attractive and well-maintained I was shocked at the unkempt and seedy appearance of many of the homes - we are talkin' green algae on siding, weeds almost as tall as me, front window blinds hanging at odd angles...I had assumed there was some sort of "AAA" or "Michelin Guide" type organization awarding these "stars" and doing periodic checking to ensure high standards were maintained. Now I wonder where these so-called "star" ratings come from?

Since manufactured housing seems to be the least expensive retirement home option in up-front cost, maintenance, as well as annual property taxes, I hate to have this avenue closed to me by the "trailer trash" stigma, but I sure wouldn't invite my friends to dinner in those "five star" communities! It's for that reason I am looking for a 55+ community with lot ownership hoping that may afford some community pride in appearance of the place. I am totally clueless in the world of manufactured housing and wonder if anyone has found that lot-ownership makes a difference in the way individual homes are maintained vs. rental-lot communities.

Thanks for your input.....Bobbi

I have a long time friend in the business right in Tampa..This friend and I have known each other for over 30 years..He owns Riley Mobile Homes in East Tampa on 92 East of 301...(I think this is 92...it has been years since I lived there..Hillsbourough Ave...keep going past the fair grounds at 301..pass 75...His number is in the book..Call and ask for Bill Holland...Tell him Bob Murray told you to call...He has been in the business for 30 or more years..Not a high preasure guy..He can help you even if it is only info you are looking for..He owns a park abd a dealership...probably not 1 you would like...but he knows a lot about the Cental Florida area and manufactured homes..Call him..

I thought I would mention it...My son is a senior at the University of Tampa...the campus is right downtown on the river...Pretty place..

Thanks, Murray! I'm not too far from your friend's business and will definitely look up Bill Holland within the next few days. Also found on the net an '84 Redman 1248 sq.ft.(dimensions not given) w/screened lanai, carport and roof-over in a 55+ lot ownership community in Bradenton that I'll look at today. Think I've read some bad things about Redman, though.

Thanks again for the referral!

Bobbi

If anyone is interested in the nice parks in the Orlando area let me know. Trust me I have checked them all out...