Thanks Russ! One of your best and informative videos yet. You're not afraid to talk about the cons of Florida instead of nothing but pros. Keep up the great work!

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

Having lived on and off in mobile homes during my early years, it is definitely more affordable. However, with climate change increasing the # of hurricanes and their intensity, u will need to be ready to evacuate potentially ever year. Just saying.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

I've lived here 11 years in MHPs now and evacuated once. I am ready every year as are most with any sense that live in southern Florida. It's the tradeoff for beautiful weather and all the other year round benefits including musch greater longevity IMHO. In the Northeast I prepared with snow tires, a snow-blower, 40lb bags of rock salt, a generator, a wood stove, and means to deal with frozen pipes, downed trees, overloaded roofs, and cars that won't start or have frozen door locks. I'm getting too old for that sh%t though 😎

I just want to thank you Russ for this terrific resource for decision support on whether to move to a mobile home in Florida. I enjoy your videos so much!

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Fantastic!

Always enjoy your informative vlogs on 55t communities and home prices..

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

great ,thanks!

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Before you buy a property, make sure you can get homeowner's insurance. Insurance for manufactured homes is very expensive and difficult to come by. I am in Central Florida. I'm expecting my bill for next year's insurance, and I'm afraid to open the envelope because I already know the prices are going up up. And this is with no claims whatsoever.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Mine actually went down a little. But still expensive. Same for all homes in Florida compared to areas of the country with lower risks. I just lump it into my annual costs and fortunately we are able to afford it.

Thanks Russ, always enjoy your videos

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Very welcome

Russ I think this is one of your top videos. Your book was excellent, but the breakdowns in the different areas, and community types for this video were really interesting and helpful. I’ll have to go back through older videos to see comparisons for specific properties. I am more concerned about fees and ownership rights over the loner term than I am about up front costs. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words. Given that scenario a deed restricted subdivision that's in good shape financially and maintenance wise is a good bet. Some CoOps in similar shape too but lately I'm seeing enough of these sold by aging shareholders it has me a bit nervous. You'll make out OK as a shareholder financially but then you have to find another community that was as good a deal.

Really good information as always Russ. Thanks!

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Thank you, Russ.....Great Video, a Fair and Accurate presentation !....I'm going to view this video a few times.....Your hard work is appreciated.....Take care..

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks Russ. Another informative video!

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

You are very welcome

Great overview! I have an idea for an episode. Begin with a brief tour of the selected park. Arrive at a prearranged home where the owners have agreed to be interviewed. Have them give a short tour of the home, state reason's that they bought it, and pros and cons of the home and community. If they are willing, a brief disclosure of their purchase price and monthly expenses would be good. I think lots of people would enjoy this personal view of Florida manufactured home living. Hubby and I would volunteer to be guests!

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Terry, thanks for the idea. I have seen a few such videos put out by park owners. They are usually so bubbly it leaves you looking for the champagne. You're on stable ground with a tour of the park (which I do in many videos) and a tour of the home (I have shot quite a variety of homes). Monthly expenses may or may not come even close to what a buyer coming into the park might pay depending on many factors. What they paid for the home is fairly personal and depending on when they bought and under what circumstances, it might reflect the market price of a similar home or it could be much lower. If the owner way overpaid, they might not like the comments after the video is presented. Discussing the cons of your community in a video likely to reach tens of thousands, including the community manager and owner, is not a great idea IMHO. And presenting only the Pro's becomes an endorsement that I would be held to. It's a tricky business presenting these things! I have many friends in these parks who would willingly do a bubbly interview but none that would give you; as Paul Harvey used to say: The rest of the story.

Thank you for the great information!

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

Dang what a great video!!! Thank you so much!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

So glad you liked it. There are many more on our channel: kzread.info and be sure to check out the resources on our website: www.floridamfghome.com/

Thank you for making this video. I think there were two things that I felt that were left out that are important. Number one since the hurricane hit Tampa getting insurance on a manufactured home is getting very difficult. The second problem, I didn’t see you cover was on manufactured homes that are in parks that have leased land people I know who have bought into those neighborhoods have been so upset with the rents going sky high.🤷‍♀️ P

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

I haven't heard of folks having difficulty getting insurance on manufactured homes. I have heard some policies have increased considerably but this is true for all types of homes. I imagine waterfront and flood zone properties will see the worst of this. Higher insurance than some other areas in the US is the price we pay to not shovel snow 😃 Lot rents in land lease parks do increase. And some people (especially the ones that never planned for this) get upset. I don't know what sky high means. I've met folks that think $400 a month is outrageous and folks who think $1,200 a month is a bargain. There are a number of things to look at in park selection which can mitigate lot rent increases. Florida has a law that prevents unreasonable increases but in the last 2 years inflation has driven rents up at rates not seen for a decade or more. Apartments have increased much more than lot rents. You need to plan on increases and should not buy into a situation where increases could be a strain on your budget.

I learned about fire ants when my Mom lived the Port Charlotte. I hate wearing any shoes inside but she (and them😬) taught me well 😅. Thanks for your informative video! Love it you’re always enjoying a beverage at the end. 🥂

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Well done Video Russ !

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Enjoyed the video ... really didn't know much about manufactured housing. We live in the 34237 zip and are amazed at the number of houses being purchased and turned into airbnb's. In fact most of the investors in our area are Mennonites. Very savvy investors who are buying up half-million-dollar mid-sized homes and making $60,000 a year as airbnb's. And we're happy to report they make great neighbors as well.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

Really great info.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Glad you think so!

Excellent video!!!!

@RussellWatsonFMHL

6 ай бұрын

Glad you are enjoying them.

I just read the first couple pages of your book which came in the mail today, and tbh, I was quite intrigued about your making the move to Florida. I've got about 16 years until my wife and I can make the move, but even though the information might be out of date, it will still serve as a good guide to go by when making the move.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your kind words. If you get a sec be sure to leave a review on Amazon. That really helps. You have plenty of time and frankly, life can throw some curves - you may end up here sooner than you think. I had not planned on being laid off in 2011 and had no plan of moving to Florida before that. So, stay tuned!

@maximusextreme3725

Жыл бұрын

I don't think you'll regret it, take it from someone who knows.

Very informative! And I agree with you about fire ants - hate them with a passion.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!!!

East coast lot rents are pretty similar, from Jacksonville down past Daytona. It’s not super cheap but it’s not horrible. Figure $700-850 base lot rent as standard. Depends on the amenities, mostly. But, where can you live in these areas for less than 1600-2000 rent for apartments? Unlikely at all. $800 seems pretty nice! Pools, tennis, quiet parks , etc. or pay for those apartments?? Laughing 😂! Loud, all types and ages, and when you leave? Nothing back in your pocket. Rent a lot with your home on it, sell for everything you paid for it, and you were able to live nicely and quietly for 1/2-1/3 of the going rentals and apartments. Hope this helps.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment Robert. There are a lot of folks who agree with your perspective.

I am considering moving to Florida this year since I semi retired 6 months ago and my thinking is finding me a manufacturer home . I don’t need anything fancy but decent. I don’t really need a big place either. Something quiet and people around my age. So been looking into 55+ community. I need to be around Pensacola or Jacksonville areas because the company I still work 2 days a week has branches in both of them cities. Plus I don’t want to be in a heavily populated areas.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Join my Inner Circle (free) and download a complete list for the state. www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources If you are looking for a guide to researching and selecting communities, I suggest my book: Retirement in Florida - Manufactured Homes & The Land-Lease Option amzn.to/3c3UMPJ

I've lived in Florida for 25 years currently in Fort Lauderdale. I recently retired and am thinking of selling my home and considering a mobile home park. I appreciate your videos as they provide a wealth of information and insight. Thank you.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words! I know quite a few folks who have followed that route and are very happy with community living.

Beware of lot rent, it can be ridiculous.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

The interesting thing is the same lot rent for some is outrageous and for others an easily affordable bargain. The key is to know what works for you.

A lot of places that you can buy the land people don’t keep up so therefore it’s more advantageous to go onto a property that has some restrictions

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

If the look of your neighborhood, the idea that your neighbors have been vetted for criminal pasts, and some guarantee you won't wind up living next to a yard being used as a dump is important to you; than a restricted property is what you want. But many folks fear restrictions and are unaccustomed to someone telling them what they can or cannot do with their yard and home. Thankfully, with a little knowledge, you can find whatever appeals to you in the spectrum of manufactured home living.

Can you give us any information on home insurance for manufactured homes in a land lease community? How difficult is it to get insurance on homes in the Treasure Coast area and what might be the costs? Can you provide a short list of reputable insurance companies? Thanks 😊

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Insurance is readily available for manufactured homes in Florida and somewhat less for mobile homes. There are too many factors to allow a generalization of price. I list agencies and originators on the website. I suggest you give them a call. www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources

I own a double wide mobile home in upstate ny I would love to move down to Florida, but here I'm paying 408.66 for lot rent and would love to pay around that in fla

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Resident owned communities offer monthly fees that are that or much less.

Is there a searchable listing service for Co-op communities and homes for sale throughout Florida? I have not been able thus far to find one. It's frustrating to look at the major sites, find what appears to be a good deal, then find out there are very high lot rents. I'm looking at paying cash, followed by a reduced monthly maintenance fee.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

You can request a statewide CoOp list by joining our Inner Circle. It's Free! www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources There may be other ROCs, such as subdivisions or condo communities, but lists are not readily available. I feature many of these in my area videos. Also check Real-Estate listings in the area for manufactured homes. www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources If you are looking for a guide to researching and selecting communities, I suggest my book: Retirement in Florida - Manufactured Homes & The Land-Lease Option amzn.to/3c3UMPJ Much of what we present applies to ROCs as well.

@robertbeck5101

Жыл бұрын

East coast lot rents are pretty similar, from Jacksonville down past Daytona. It’s not super cheap but it’s not horrible. Figure $700-850 base lot rent as standard. Depends on the amenities, mostly. But, where can you live in these areas for less than 1600-2000 rent for apartments? Unlikely at all. $800 seems pretty nice! Pools, tennis, quiet parks , etc. or pay for those apartments?? Laughing 😂! Loud, all types and ages, and when you leave? Nothing back in your pocket. Rent a lot with your home on it, sell for everything you paid for it, and you were able to live nicely and quietly for 1/2-1/3 of the going rentals and apartments. Hope this helps.

I have been investigating buying a MH in central Florida, but the lease fees are now through the roof. I know that co-op homes HOA's are usually less. Is there any way to get a list of all of the co-ops in Florida? I have tried to make a list, but finding it impossible.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

You can request a statewide CoOp list by joining our Inner Circle. It's Free! www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources There may be other ROCs, such as subdivisions or condo communities, but lists are not readily available. I feature many of these in my area videos. Also check Real-Estate listings in the area for manufactured homes. www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources If you are looking for a guide to researching and selecting communities, I suggest my book: Retirement in Florida - Manufactured Homes & The Land-Lease Option amzn.to/3c3UMPJ Much of what we present applies to ROCs as well.

@thisandthatbynanette

Жыл бұрын

@@RussellWatsonFMHL Awesome thanks so much

Looking for a resident own community that would have double wide and garages that would be south center Florida? Thanks

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Sorry, I do not sell homes or offer personal consultation; preferring to reserve the time I have available for producing educational materials. With over 22,000 subscribers, I would be quickly overwhelmed if I tried. If you have a specific question related to a video, just put it in the comments so all can benefit from the answer. If you are looking for general guidance on choosing a community, may I suggest my book: Retirement in Florida - Manufactured Homes ; The Land-Lease Option. amzn.to/3c3UMPJ To download community lists, join my Inner Circle (free) The website offers this and many more resources for finding, purchasing, and maintaining the right home for you: www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources

Are any of these sales available in the Homestead, Florida City area?

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Join my Inner Circle (free) and download a complete list for the state. www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources If you are looking for a guide to researching and selecting communities, I suggest my book: Retirement in Florida - Manufactured Homes & The Land-Lease Option amzn.to/3c3UMPJ

L I K E 👍👍 👍👍💥💯💥 💯💥💯💥🤩🤩🤩🤩 🤩🤩

I just transferred down here to Fort Meyers from Kentucky. They told me housing would be a problem and they were right. Rent for apartments for a one bedroom goes from 1500 to over 2000 my home mortgage in Kentucky was 1035 with an extra lot . Do you recommend anywhere in this area as looking for someplace to live has become overwhelming and I’m wondering even with the good salary I have if I can afford to be here. Thanks

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Sorry, I do not sell homes or offer personal consultation; preferring to reserve the time I have available for producing educational materials. With over 23,000 subscribers, I would be quickly overwhelmed if I tried. If you have a specific question related to a video, just put it in the comments so all can benefit from the answer. If you are looking for general guidance on choosing a community, may I suggest my book: Retirement in Florida - Manufactured Homes ; The Land-Lease Option. amzn.to/3c3UMPJ To download community lists, join my Inner Circle (free) The website offers this and many more resources for finding, purchasing, and maintaining the right home for you: www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources That said, heading inland to Arcadia, Immokalee, LaBelle, or Lehigh Acres might yield something more affordable.

Hello, thank you for the video. Could you tell me if there are any of these communities in St. John’s county/St. Augustine area?

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Join my Inner Circle (free) and download a complete list for the state. www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources If you are looking for a guide to researching and selecting communities, I suggest my book: Retirement in Florida - Manufactured Homes & The Land-Lease Option amzn.to/3c3UMPJ

@jenniferthompson5080

Жыл бұрын

@@RussellWatsonFMHL 😊 Thank you

@s99614

Жыл бұрын

Yes, one. The lot rent is over $1000/month

@jenniferthompson5080

Жыл бұрын

@@s99614 WOW! That’s out of my price range.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

You either need to go north toward Jacksonville or south toward Daytona to find more choices.

We would like to know if there are any places to rent for a couple of months?

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Most rentals in parks are by the homeowner. These are usually booked by past renters or those with friends in the park and access to local bulletin boards or Facebook groups. Some agencies list rentals and some may be found through Facebook groups. Both are listed on my website. www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources There are also some parks where the park owner rents homes. Try ELS, Cove Communities, or Google something like "Rental mobile homes (add area of interest)"

Was looking for a 2bd around 50’s or 60’’ with residence owned property where you own the land. On Midwest coast around Sarasota or surrounding; it either the Hoa or lane lease are highly exaggerated. Even around the Barefoot Bay, Sebastian area; a decent living place have highly exaggerated prices for a mobile or modular or manufactured home. I don’t see where you find these homes for the price yoursayinhunless they are in a severe or extreme flood area

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

The prices seen in this video are from Real Estate ads at the time the video was made. I think the cheapest with it's own land was $99K. I think it's pretty unlikely you will find much in FL on it's own land in the 50 - 60k range. Maybe in Ohio or Mississippi. If $100 - 120K is more than you want to pay up front than a land-lease option is the alternative. If lot rents of $450 for a very plain MHP or $600+ for something with a pool is too much also than I'm out of options for you in this state. Best bet is to look in states that are less popular.

@garymartin6066

Жыл бұрын

Around 100k is fine with pool availability and very low hoa like barefoot bay would be fine

Russ I have been watching your videos for some time now and want to purchase. What I’m needing is an area of Florida that the lot rent, Hoa fees are on the affordable side do you have any recommendations as to what areas or cities that may offer this. On a retired single fixed income ?

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Frankly it's not that simple. You can generalize and say rural area will be cheaper than cities but there will be exceptions for each. And there's usually more than economics in these decisions even monthly costs are a priority. Looking through the listings offered by Four Star Homes might help as they are one of only a few that list lot rents. CoOps or other ROCs will be much cheaper than land-lease parks on a monthly basis but cost more up front. Join my Inner Circle (free) and download a complete list for the state. www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources If you are looking for a guide to researching and selecting communities, I suggest my book: Retirement in Florida - Manufactured Homes & The Land-Lease Option amzn.to/3c3UMPJ There are agents, online real estate brokers, and Facebook groups listed on our website. www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources I also have a few videos featuring communities with low monthly costs.

@waitaminute2015

Жыл бұрын

Try looking in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples area. In Fort Myers there is Thunderbird Park, you own the land. They did get flooded in the last hurricane though, but most residents decided to stay and rebuild. I don't know the details but the fees are low.

@richardgandia5700

Жыл бұрын

@@waitaminute2015 I can’t thank you enough for your help and support. Thank you 🙏

@waitaminute2015

Жыл бұрын

@@richardgandia5700all the best to you!

Hi Russ, I'm a Floridian and I have a few questions about model comparisons in homes. How can I get in contact with you?

@RussellWatsonFMHL

8 ай бұрын

Sorry, I do not sell homes or offer personal consultation; preferring to reserve the time I have available for producing educational materials. With over 23,000 subscribers, I would be quickly overwhelmed if I tried. If you have a specific question related to a video, just put it in the comments so all can benefit from the answer. Best bet is to talk with the factory reps. You can find links and resources on my website: www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources

In the Tampa Bay Area MH parks are being bought out by developers and bulldozed. They can make a lot more money on multi family dwellings vs. rent on lots. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. I would Imagine after the last hurricane the insurance market is only going to get worse for folks living in these.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

I watch closures pretty carefully and haven't seen any in the Tampa area. Can you give an example?

@linrae1181

Жыл бұрын

@@RussellWatsonFMHL In Riverview. I don’t know what the name of the park was. Explosive growth in this area. Houses, apartments in every vacant lot. And I’ll add that none of the infrastructure has kept up with the explosive growth. About 10 years or more behind on roads and we were on water restrictions for about a year or so. Systems not able to support the growth.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

I checked and can't find a registered MHP in Riverview that closed in recent years. Often the press will confuse a lot where a landlord rents a few mobile homes with a mobile home park and the news will report that as a mobile home park closing. Most parks that were in urban areas where land values have soared are either gone or have successfully raised lot rents to make the park a viable use of the land from an investment viewpoint. Very small parks on desirable properties remain at risk though. IMHO most of the west coast of Florida has suffered from population growth far beyond what the infrastructure was designed to support. Some like it but that's part of why I think the esat coast is a better area to retire in.

shoot!!! where i live, mobilehomes have NEVER been so much. and that's NOT major city living!!!!

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

There surely are cheaper parts of the country. Glad you have a place you like!

I am 27 Years old and Jobs I Qulify for 25k-40k after Tax how do I Find land I can on and modular(manufactured home to buy)

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Best bet is to narrow down your choices to an area you like and start talking with Real Estate agents. If there is a mobile home dealer within 75-100 miles give them a call and talk about what it would take to buy the land and a home. Also check out the Facebook groups on our website. There's lots of folks on there that are specifically in that business. www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources

The catch is that these "cheep" mobile homes sit on RENTED land. You own the trailer but not the property. Also watch out for the HOA's.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Peter Majewski that's not a "catch". In land lease parks it's part of the fully disclosed deal. When you lease a car (which personally I don't recommend) you don't actually own the car. These are CHOICES you can make or pass on. In many of the options discussed your home is on YOUR LAND. Did you miss that part? If so, catch my next video, when it's released: "On Your Lot". As for HOAs, you seem to be mixing apples and oranges. On leased-land the HOA represents the community to the park owner and membership is voluntary. In resident owned communities the HOA runs the community and is elected by the land owners or share holders depending on community type. If you want the FACTS on these arrangements I have several free videos on this topic available. This is exactly why I started this channel - to provide factual information in place of the stereotype misinformation found in the media. If you want more factual information on land-lease communities I suggest you read my book: Retirement in Florida - Manufactured Homes - The Land-Lease Option amzn.to/3c3UMPJ

@PeterMajewski-gr3re

Жыл бұрын

@@RussellWatsonFMHL Thanks for reading and commenting on my remark. If I remember correctly you used the word "catch" in your video, regardless, you are correct it's a choice. A choice that in my opinion is not a very good one. I'm referring to not own the land your property is sitting on. With this said, I am currently in the market for waterfront property on the west coast. By property I mean a buildable lot, or a hurricane Ian damaged home. Of course, I want property that I own, not rent, and I prefer no HOA. I am a semi retired home builder. Keep anele out for a property like this and let me know when something becomes available. I'm in NJ, and have been sourcing on Zillow.

@RussellWatsonFMHL

Жыл бұрын

Best of luck with your search Peter. There are a number of online resources on our website if you want to expand your search. www.floridamfghome.com/Buyer-Resources You don't mention mfg vs site built home in your description of what you are seeking. Try the online Real Estate sites if you are looking for a home on private land. (realtor.com, etc) I think I did use the word catch but only to imply what I said above. There is no single housing solution that's best. (for everyone) We try to provide education on manufactured housing options and if it's a fit - Great! If not, we may have at least saved you a lot of disappointment and maybe a bunch of money.