The affordable way to live and play in Florida is to purchase or rent a home in one of Florida’s many manufactured/mobile home communities. The communities have different characteristics:

Location

Can be urban or rural, inland or in close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico/Atlantic Ocean. There are peaceful, well manicured and safe environments, as well as “less desirable” environments.

Size

Range from less than 100 homes to one thousand plus homes.

Age Restrictions

Standards requiring people to be a certain minimum age to own or rent in a community. Range from “all ages” to 55 and older.

Amenities

These are extras or “frills” such as swimming pools, clubhouses, private lakes, golf courses, planned social events, etc. that the community provides.

Services

Communities may provide water, sewer, trash, lawn maintenance, cable, etc.

Lot Rent

The monthly fee home owners pay the community to lease the land the home is on. Varies from $300.00 to $700.00. Location, amenities, and services are the determining factors.

Home Particulars

Can be brand new or pre-owned. Prices range from the single digit thousands to one hundred thousand dollars plus. Sizes range from one to three bedrooms, with extra features such as screened lanai, laundry room, car port, etc. Homes can be unfurnished, partly furnished, or fully furnished.

Pets

Some communities allow pets, some do not. Many have pet size and weight restrictions.

SO...WHY IS THIS THE AFFORDABLE WAY?

The median cost of a southwest Florida home is approximately $240,000.00. Investigate the costs associated with the purchase of such a home. There will be the 10-20% down-payment, closing costs, insurance, real estate/property tax, city service fees for water, sewer and trash, costs to furnish the home, etc. Let’s not forget that you will pay the lender interest equal to the price of the home!

Case Study- Christine and Rick went the affordable way.

They purchased a fully furnished two bedroom home with screened lanai, deck, two storage sheds, and beautiful landscaping for $15,000.00, choosing a community with great location and no amenities. Their lot rent is $325.00 per month. They pay for their electric, cable, and telephone, the community pays everything else. The purchase process was simple. Purchasing a manufactured/ mobile home is similar to buying a vehicle. You go to the county office, show the bill of sale, pay the 6% sales tax and $35.00 title transfer fee and that’s that. The county provides you with a registration sticker which you re-new each year at a cost of $30.00. This purchase provided Christine and Rick with flexibility and peace-of-mind. Peace-of-mind because the financial investment was small in comparison to the $240,000.00 purchase, and they are not “locked in” to a long term mortgage payment plan. Flexibility because if they find life in Florida not to their liking, (very doubtful), they will be financially able to reverse course and return to their previous life.