Under 20 K - Florida Mobile Homes for Sale (cheap in 55 plus communities)

[@Floridafisherman5000]

I moved and retired to Florida in 2022... Paid cash for my manufacturered home and live in a nice 55+ community. The lot rent was $554 when I first moved here... It is now $682 per month and starting in 2025 going up to $773. That's a big jump! As much as I like my community... It's not worth that kind of lot rent, considering we have to take care of our own lawns... So.... Be careful where you move....greedy land owners are everywhere. Happy Holidays.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

I can appreciate your experience. These last 4 years have seen the highest inflation for decades. My grocery bill has gone up even faster than your lot rent. A 13% ($682 to $773) increase is the highest I have heard of other than by a couple new and very predatory park owners. Most of the major players are going 5% or so. What park is this and has your HOA challenged this increase as unreasonable?

[@Musicman-y7v]

Wow, my lot rent was around 335 8 years ago and will go up to 470 next year. I feel pretty good, as I paid 500 dollars a month rent 30 years ago in Florida for a apartment. My mobile home cost me 4 thousand 8 years ago and I just did some remodeling and spent less than 3 thousand dollars and did the work myself and now can sell for around 30 thousand. Not a bad investment.

[@fcan222]

Planning to retire in FL in the future. Is the rent in addition to property tax also? What's the average property tax for these homes?

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

@@fcan222 Mobile homes on leased land are not taxed under property taxes. Instead you pay an annual registration fee. A doublewide runs about $105/yr. There are taxes on the property. Some park owners include it in the lot rent while others break it out as a separate charge.

[@toddhanson5047]

Do not I repeat do not buy in an HOA.

[@monicalee9659]

*Lot rent cost at $1,024. Is a mortgage PMT but without ownership of the land which is NOT a bargain.*

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

@@monicalee9659 That’s certainly true in many parts of the country but in others they would stand in line to get that deal.

[@Musicman-y7v]

My lot rent is only 435 . I paid 4 thousand dollars for my place 8 years ago and it's worth 30 thousand today and I only spent about 3 thousand on materials recently doing a remodel job and I did the work and saved thousands of dollars. You have to be careful where you buy. And most mobile homes are not insurable.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

@@Musicman-y7v Wow, great lot rent - where are you located?

[@dennistyler9852]

@@RussellWatsonFMHL Not many years ago, the rents were reasonable. Everyone is trying to get rich quick. Nobody is in for the long run.

[@Musicman-y7v]

@RussellWatsonFMHL Inverness Florida and some other places around me are even lower .

[@mikedaleiden7725]

I find it fascinating that people are willing to spend $700-$1000+ on lot rent in Florida. Then add on this states horribly inflated insurance prices. Too many seniors are nostalgia buying thinking Florida is still like it was 30-40 years ago. Many learn the hard way how bad crime, drama and prices are now, but are trapped because they can't afford the reverse move back to a higher cost of living state.

[@SB-mw1bg]

There are some 55+ communities that are telling people to get out. Closing up shop for bigger pie in the sky plans. Be careful, do your homework. Consider the rising cost of lot rent and other expenses.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

You are absolutely correct. That is why we offer a course for prospective buyers. If Land-Lease is your interest you'll find a lot of good advice in my book.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

I don't see crime as an issue but insurance sure is in some parts of the state.

[@aussielady4]

​@@RussellWatsonFMHL Hello Russell

[@dennistyler9852]

@@RussellWatsonFMHLIf the property is $20,000, is it really worth insuring?

[@TheJanet4321]

I've seen a lot of these parks getting bought up and people getting kicked out with little notice, due to the properties being prime real estate. It would be nice if it weren't that way, but I would be very nervous about moving into a mobile home park there these days.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Well, we occasionally see that in Florida although the law requires considerable notice. It's pretty easy to asses that risk and in most parks like Village Green the odds of that happening are astronomical.

[@dennistyler9852]

@@RussellWatsonFMHL6 months isn’t a lot of notice if you need to move an older mobile home.

[@Musicman-y7v]

Don't buy one where the building is expanding rapidly.

[@nista4ever]

its crazy to buy a home and have to pay rent on land that can change as soon as the lease is up and it always will be raised. if you dont pay the lot rent you can be evicted from your home that you purchased. that is insane to me. there is no security in that situation to me!

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Some people lease cars, some people buy them. There are many different types of home ownership in Florida Manufactured Home Communities and land-lease is just one of them. Clearly it's not for you.

[@shaneomack5018]

Born and raised in Florida and I’m blown away folks spend any amount of money on these tin can 🚮 cans

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

If these surprise you I can't imagine your take on conventional homes. It wasn't long ago you could get a nice site built home in an HOA community for under $200K. Now you are lucky to find a starter model on a micro lot at the far end of the community under $400K.

[@tone5052]

Love your videos - agree with a lot of the comments on lot rent - silly - and I have no plans to move to Florida but real estate deals are always of interest and your videos are always very informative.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you like the videos.

[@conservativehippie9736]

These lot fees are ridiculous! Im so done with Floridas bs! They dont want regular people and it shows!

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

What people do they want?

[@laurenfromdownsouth]

Having been born, raised and living in Florida most of my life, I can tell you that housing here is doable more-so for people that come in from other states with fantastic retirement incomes, who have sold there average home in another state for much more than what a Floridian would get. Maddening! The average Floridian making Florida wages is struggling with the cost of housing! Beware of the cute little mobile home that looks well cared for but sits in the path of almost every hurricane that cuts across the state. Also, beware of the mobile home that looks good at first glance but has cleverly hidden problems that you will pay dearly for after you have signed on the dotted line.

[@dennistyler9852]

@@laurenfromdownsouthMore concerned of the Park Owner telling the tenants that they have to move in 6 months. Need a Co op Park.

[@Musicman-y7v]

Gee, and to think that this is happening across the country. Try renting in NY or Massachusetts.

[@Musicman-y7v]

​@@laurenfromdownsouthMy county hasn't been hit by a hurricane on record. So I feel a little safer here than in many other places in Florida.

[@MI-me3pt]

You’re always going to a mortgage as long as you’re paying lot rent!

[@mandysimmons2769]

Thank you for addressing lot rents. I would need one with a washer and dryer inside, not in a step down shed. No step downs were very important when we got our last place.

[@michaelangelo7511]

I am 79 and my life’s lesson ( that will go unheeded) is that you get what you pay for.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

I would generally agree although a smart shopper can often get more for their dollars than an uneducated one. Not everyone can afford a Mercedes Benz yet they (like me) find great value and utility in the lowly Honda hatchback. It's all about matching your dream to your financial situation and other needs.

[@lynnt092952]

I wanted to buy a manufactured home in the last 2 years, but now I feel it's not worth the lot fees, and too many people are being kicked out of their homes due to investors buying them. Don't forget; you own the home but not the land.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

@@lynnt092952 well, there are many choices in ownership that are not land lease.

[@dennistyler9852]

@@lynnt092952 Check into a cooperative park where the tenants own it.

[@dianemccamy2568]

That's not good😮

[@barbgardiner5719]

I had that situation in Louisiana, but the land rent out on the Bayou was only $200 a year, paid to the school board.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

@@barbgardiner5719 There are deals around the country. We have some municipal parks in Florida that are very reasonable but, as you might expect, they stay 100% occupied.

[@goldenboy5500]

just seen a video with the same park 3 years prior the rents seem to jump by more than $ 100.00 per year and the values of the homes by roughly $7000.00 I live on the west coast of Florida and have a manufactured home I bought new for $ 47,000.00 and $18,000 for the lot that I own in the 16 years of ownership my home has appreciated by more than $ 60,000.00 I would not recommend any rental park to anyone but finding a lot you own or an CO-OP park and my mortgage is $665.00 month that includes taxes & insurances thats about $600.00 less than the land rent in my area of New Port Richey FL

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Yes, Resident Owned Communities and manufactured homes on private land are very attractive. But they do not meet everyone's wants and needs. Nor are they nearly as prolific as land-lease parks. Sounds like you found a situation that fulfills your dream and meets your needs. That's the idea!

[@johnwdowell]

I saw a video where private equity firms are buying up trailer parks and jacking up lot rents.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

I'm sure you have. It's a popular topic and has happened. One of the many points that should be looked at when selecting a home and a park.

[@gayle74]

My parents have a mobile homes in Naples in a 55+ community & they pay under $200 a month in fees. And they do everything. So this is hard to believe.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

That would be a resident owned community that long ago paid off their mortgage. What are homes there selling for?

[@gayle74]

@RussellWatsonFMHL 250k - 300K, every year they get a little more expensive

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

@ Sounds right. And that is the trade-off . If you have the capital and there is a resident owned community in the area you want to locate, then you can get monthly payments that are very low.

[@johnspelman8976]

I'm willing to pay the new lot rents if the price of the mobile home is reasonable. Too many owners want too much considering the lot rents, than wonder why it takes forever to sell

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

It's true many believe the home is worth much more than might be considered a bargain. And the pool of folks whose needs are met by land-lease is limited. That said, I have seen homes sell at what I think are very high prices in some land-lease communities while others just sit unsold. I think it may also have to do with the relationship you have with the seller (if you are the homeowner).

[@EagleArrow]

I think you are doing a great thing with all your videos as retirement options have definitely changed as a new generation of retirees enter retirement.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

I appreciate the kind words - I hope to help those making the big decision of where to call home.

[@JamesRoosa-zv2rj]

Lot fees are through the roof. Corperations are buying up all the trailer park.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Lot rents have become, mostly, beyond the reach of those with strictly SS income. But so have apartments, home rentals, and single family homes. BUT, while my lot rent has gone up a little every year, my grocery bill has skyrocketed. Why does no-one care about the cost of eggs? (An industry far more concentrated in corporate ownership than MHPs)

[@Sanholomc]

You have to buy in a community that is resident owned

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

No, folks don't have to....but it might be the right choice for you.

[@Sanholomc]

Yes because Park owners can raise lot rent for any reason as opposed to community owned raise when necessary

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Actually the park owner can only raise the rent for reasons shown in the prospectus. That said, there are usually enough reasons that effectively the park owner can and will raise rent annually. But if that is a concern to you, you'll need to be careful picking a resident owned community also. What might appear to be an ideal situation where the community never raises rents may in fact result in huge assessments at some point when the unmaintained infrastructure collapses. Land lease parks tend to be much nicer looking and are updated more often than resident own communities because, as you point out, often community owned parks place their emphasis on minimizing expenses so as to not have to raise assessments.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

@@Sanholomc Park owners cannot raise for any reason; only those found in the prospectus. And, residents have a path to oppose those increases. Resident owned communities are run by a board of directors & an HOA. Unlike land-lease communities, if the sewer system fails, the HOA issues an assessment for repairs. So it's not black & white.

[@jimclarence5441]

Yeah, lot fees and the risk of being evicted can be a problem....a big problem. My brother has lived in a well run modular home community for 12 years. Some of these people are "snow birds." It's been ideal for him and his wife in retirement.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

There are lots of choices in a Florida community. The key is matching one to your dream that meets your needs.

[@CARACAS1]

My condo HOA is $700 a month in St Petersburg...everything is expensive

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Yup, at least in land-lease parks there's little chance of an assessment.

[@TheHomenursing]

Thank you . I will share with my friends who live in Ohio Cinsenati

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

I'll beam a little sunshine your way :-)

[@tonyn3227]

What about hos fees in these communities

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Land-Lease communities have voluntary HOAs. I recommend joining them but dues are typically $10 - $25/year.

[@George-hl2xm]

I would rather see these kind of places where you own the lot with a golf course 😊

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

If that’s your dream, go for it!

[@a1abama]

@@RussellWatsonFMHL, what is the most common type of “land owned” community called? I’m looking in central Florida, hopefully on higher ground, away from the coast. Although, I understand one of the pricier land lease golf course communities in Lakeland suffered extensive flooding due to Milton. Thanks.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

@@a1abama I list them in my Free Workshop. Co-Op is the most common but you don't actually own your lot, you instead own a share in the Co-Op that owns the land.

[@a1abama]

@@RussellWatsonFMHL thanks!

[@dennistyler9852]

@@a1abama Maybe it was River or stream flooding.

[@jalqassar]

The lot rents are way too high ..sorry. needs to be $500. Or $400. Otherwise i can usethat money for a down payment for a small house in Geogria or Louisiana.😊

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Perhaps those other states are your best bet.

[@annsanse2935]

yeah, but property insurance...

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Yup, insurance in Florida is expensive. But this is true no matter what community type you choose, what type of structure, etc. and is more related to location within the state.

[@georgeguegold4927]

How can these people that own the land these homes sit on charge so much lot rent thiers 300 homes at 1,000 lot rent that's 300,000 dollars a month thier Makin that is just out ragous how greedy can you get!!!!

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

I wonder the same thing every time I look at my grocery bill.

[@joemorrow7691]

Lot Rent Is Ridiculous it's nuts

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Some folks just don't like lot rent. If paying lower monthly fees is high on your priority list why not look at Resident Owned Communities? Here's a list of videos to get you started: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2HIdHaQn92sgJI&list=PLITxS9iTEF0b9WqqQz6iFOAp9RNnWGFPg

[@Revy_Two_Hands]

Good day sir! Just noticed the abundance of mobile homes all across Florida, especially around Plant City, Lakeland and Zephyrhills! Many below 20k, sometimes 7-8k which is more then I ever could bargain for! I have noticed that prices often been cut by 5-7k! Could You please explain such price cuts and what kind of nooks and crannies I must be aware of before making the decision! Can you please also tell me if there are any taxes and fees for foreigners to buy a home! Thank You very much!

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

I'm not aware of any taxes or fees specifically directed at citizens of other countries. We have a lot of Canadians in my park. As for buying a mobile home in Florida, there is a lot more one should consider than price. That is why I built the MH buyer program. If all you are interested in is land-lease communities, you can start with my book, available on Amazon and elsewhere: Retirement in Florida - Manufactured Homes & The Land-Lease Option amzn.to/4dwnar8

[@douglaskbrown1154]

Please: post the lot rent!!!!

[@conservativehippie9736]

When I googled it says $950😢

[@betsyanderson2926]

It is listed in the video. $1024 a month.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

The listings I have are 1024 which is posted in the video.

[@Musicman-y7v]

​@@betsyanderson2926 That is over double what I pay in Central Florida in a nice area.

[@JIM-f6y]

Many high lot fee places don't sell fast

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

That's often true. I think this one sold in about 2 months. Housing in general is tough in this economy. Hopefully it improves soon.

[@sf55514]

Who owns the land?

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Depends on the type of park. In this park it is ELS.

[@scotts1356]

THanks for the video. Are you familair with the Village Green in St. Pete? My parents live there.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

No, sorry, I haven't visited St. Pete yet. I hear it is a beautiful area. How do they like their community?

[@william7108]

So you'd have to work at Home Depot or Walmart to pay for the lot rent bummer

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

We'll that certainly is an option if your current income won't cover it.

[@william7108]

@RussellWatsonFMHL is there any other places around that don't have as high a lot fee?. Or maybe one of these free-standing where you're actually getting a small piece of land and don't have to pay any fees at all or possibly renting them out 6 or 7 months of the year for vacationers and that way I can have my alternative place in the winter time which is not bad up to about Christmas time because of all the holiday spirit associated with that part of the year but after that three or four months of cold can get pretty old let me know please because I'm quite a ways away from Florida I'm actually in Colorado

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

There are a lot of options if you understand the deals. Take a look at my video on Zephyrhills: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWOtmZinZtCno5I

[@alexjean-mary5050]

If I have to pay lot fees, please keep your home.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

You can buy homes on private land that have no lot rental fees. Sounds like that's a better fit for you.

[@virginia2139]

Wasn't this area recently flooded.?

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

No, there was no flooding in this park or in nearby parks.

[@clydeb7713]

Apartments where I live are close to 2k per month and rent increases when your lease is up. This type of living is cheap!

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

A lot of folks have come to that conclusion! Not to mention your own driveway & three pools.

[@Leslie-xo9gy]

Many ppl complaining about lot rent don’t realize most these ppl in older mobiles have no mortgage, don’t have to maintain any land and like that simplicity. Most folks have no idea the cost of insurance and other items for the landowner- full ownership isn’t for everyone 😉

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Yes, and thanks for that perspective. There are many choices available and no single choice is right for everyone. Conversely, almost every choice has folks out there that are a good fit. If not, we would have empty homes and in almost all parks - that's not the case.

[@nista4ever]

some of these lot rents are as high as some mortgages! some of these communities, you are responsible for your lawn care too! I wouldnt mind paying for insurance but from what Im finding is, you cant even get insurance on a mobile home in florida. Every time there would be a hurricane coming I would be so frightened. Decades ago, it was a cheap alternative for retirees. not anymore

[@johnhelems721]

You can because they’re getting out because of the crazy lot rent.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

There certainly are folks who are affected by lot rent but the natural turnover in these parks is 15%.

[@usa91787]

You wouldn't happen to be from Minnesota would you? Your opening reminds me of a commercial by a place called Plywood Minnesota where two brothers, Gerry and Ken Boschwitz would start out with something like - Ken: "Plywood Minnesota is the best place to buy your new carpet." Gerry: "You betcha, Ken" Even us kids would say "You betcha, Ken".

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Sorry, I grew up in Mass. Funny story though. I can almost hear 'em.

[@dennistyler9852]

@@RussellWatsonFMHL it’s cold here now Russell. If it was this cold a few days ago, that rain would had been 18-24” snow ❄️

[@melhoresprodutos8899]

Hi, this MH to sale in MH Park permit I buy how investor? I.E. I can Buy and rent for other people, or only permit the purchase for personal use? OTHER Question: If case permit rental, is accept Voucher the section 8? Thanks for alll.🤗

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

This home has sold.

[@melhoresprodutos8899]

@@RussellWatsonFMHL ok, my question is about if generally MH Park Permit or Not Permit the Investors BUY for after Rental? And if the response is YES, if accept the Voucher the Section 8?Thanks for your time.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Most parks do not accept section 8 vouchers. Some allow rentals but since each is different, you would have to check the individual park.

[@cmscms123456]

Hurricane.... RUN....!

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

That house has been there through more hurricanes than anyone 55+ is likely to see in a lifetime....

[@cmscms123456]

Unless you own the land it sits on, you are getting about $800 worth of sheetmetal.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

That's one way to look at it. Another is you are getting a comfortable place to live, heated and air conditioned, in a safe community with three clubhouses, three pools, and a boatload of other amenities; along with as many new friends as you care to make, for less than half what it would cost you to rent a similar size apartment. It's all a matter of perspective.

[@dianemccamy2568]

What about pets?

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

That varies widely from park to park. As a very general rule most allow up to two pets. Some restrict dog breeds, Some have weight limitations.

[@Joaquin-227]

Excessive lot rent, insurance and the possibility of getting kicked out, no thanks.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

No problem, it's not right for everyone.

[@dennistyler9852]

A $20,000 mobile home probably not worth insuring.

[@richarddexter7641]

@@dennistyler9852 Probably not, but your contents may very well be.

[@stevenkukene9970]

You lost me at lot rent…

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

@@stevenkukene9970 If lower monthly costs are your objective than take a look at resident owned communities: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2HIdHaQn92sgJI&pp=gAQBiAQB

[@BLUECRABNETWORK]

But, the monthy fees are 800-1500 a month. 🎉 😢😮

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Yes, the lot rent in this park today is pricey at about $1,000/mo. If that's not in your budget than other areas and/or other types of communities (resident owned) might be a better option.

[@patschuster9619]

Where is the best place to find Manufactured Homes on the west coast of Florida ?

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

There are hundreds of choices and what's best for me is not likely to be best for you. That's what the MH Buyer program is designed to help with.

[@marvinrose33]

space rent is outrageous no way

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

NP @marvinrose33 , this is just one example of the many kinds of deals out there. Be sure to check out some of the other videos on the channel kzbin.info as well as all the resources on our website: www.floridamfghome.com/ It's all free!

[@shellycoffman9624]

Can you tell me anything about Estero Bay Village we are thinking about buying in there.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Sorry, I haven't been there. What interests you about that community?

[@sheilahtipton6729]

Lot rent is ridiculous

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Sounds like Resident Owned Communities (with much lower monthly costs) are what you will want to look at. Here's some videos on that topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2HIdHaQn92sgJI&pp=gAQBiAQB

[@flyntfoster4043]

lived in an RV park for 11 years.....now you never know when they get sold and you have to move!

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

That's more likely in a R/V park for sure!

[@whiskeykilo2h429]

Let’s hope the new Trump Presidency will bring economic stability and a new Dollar outside the corrupt unconstitutional Federal Reserve. This in turn will bring stability in home prices and affordability.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

I certainly hope the economy improves soon! Lot rents in Florida have gone up around 5% in most parks but my groceries are up more like 20%!!!!!

[@jerardjackson8329]

You keep mentioning your groceries, your groceries will go up and down lot rent will NEVER decrease and just like clock work it goes up .5% a year for 5 years is.........for 10yrs and so on gotta hurry and die before your priced out ​@RussellWatsonFMHL

[@clydeb7713]

Trump doesn't care about you people. He wanted your vote and even told you that!

[@jimspence715]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sanitman1488]

@@jimspence715ohh you like being a debt slave to the Federal Reserve?

[@Karen-xz7qs]

What about Pythons and Anacondas?

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

Well, I think you can find them down in the Everglades national park, if that's what you are looking for.

[@dennistyler9852]

@@RussellWatsonFMHL Enjoy the dry humor… 😆

[@toddhanson5047]

Sounds good until they give you 90 days to get off there land.

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

That could happen if you don't pay your bills. Best advice is to do your financial planning in advance and determine if you are able to afford it before you buy.

[@alexjean-mary5050]

It’s stupid to buy a home with lot fees

[@RussellWatsonFMHL]

It doesn't make sense for everyone and clearly you have decides it makes no sense for you.

[@abelromero4373]

No,