Common problems/ upkeep

[Mel]

I'm sort of taking a survey for Pros & Cons MH before I buy one. Specifically for those in a park setting:

1) I'd like to know what are the most common structural defects or problems that arise from "usual" weather / wear & tear ?

2) Have you encountered any unexpected surprise after sale was completed, in regards to contract agreement, hidden cost, or park restriction/ mandate ?

3) Exactly what is considered routine maintenance on a MH ( or what needs to be done and how often to ensure low cost & fewer repairs ?


All feed back is appreciated !

[Steve Savoca]

1) For Northern US properties, winters can take a toll on pavement with frost heaving and freezin water. Most other problems stem from the age of water lines. Other than those two items, the rest are typical maintenance for me.

2) As with any sale, always do your due diligence. And I mean spending the time to talk to existing employees, town officials, etc. I encountered "Surprise" water line problems only to find out that it had been an ongoing problem for years and the town water department knew all about it. SOmething that I could have learned prior to sale rather than after.

Also, be prepared to talk to the tax assessor as to any proposed rate changes and especially if there will be a reassessment based on the sale price. Funny how it doesn't get assessed when Mom and Pop own it, but then when the sales price hits the papers, the tax assessor get ambitious to do his job.

3) Infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure. Plan on capital improvements every year to keep the park looking good and spreading out the expense. The mowing, cleaning and snow removal are the easy parts. Water line repairs, paving, new amenities, etc are costly. Also, remember than a resident "sees" the $3,000 new mailbox structure. They do not "see" the $3,000 sewer grinder pump replacement.