Buying a mobile home or condo in Fla.

[Tiggeroo]

Has anybody ever purchased an inexpensive mobile home in Fla to use as a vacation/winter home. DH and I are thinking about doing this. If we really saved our pennies for a bit we could do it cash. We would use it for Christmas break, extended summer trips, and perhaps down the road as a retirement or winter place. Is there anything I should look out for. We don't want to be in Orlando. We prefer a coastal area that would make Disney an easy day trip. We are a long way from retirement. Any advice??

 

[DocRafiki]

You won't be alone if you move to St. Pete. This place is full of snowbird trailers and condos. Water all around, and an hour and a half to WDW. However, some areas are just plain ugly.

 

[faith]

Fort Myers Beach is a beautiful area! Right on the Gulf of Mexico.
There are many mobile home parks there. The cost of the places are reasonable, but most charge a fee for keeping the lawns mowed and gated security. They own the land but you own the home.

 

[snuggles]

I would like to add that mobile homes do not hold up well in a hurricaine. Be sure yours meets every code in the book if you get one. Around here in So. Ga. they are the ones that get mangled up in a storm. Sorry to be negative, but I couldnt let it go w/o a reminder. A condo would be and idea, or maybe a small house. My mom has been looking for something up in the panhandle and we have learned a lot. Good luck!

 

[DocRafiki]

I would like to add that mobile homes do not hold up well in a hurricaine.

Yep, tornadoes are actually the reason why I'll never consider buying one.

 

[Saffron]

I don't know the answer to your question, but I like the idea. I think a condo would be safer over a mobile home, but I think mobile homes can be beautiful and give you a little more freedom as far as planting flowers, having a lawn etc. I love the idea of owning a pop up trailer. They are amazing today compared to what they used to offer years ago! They have showers, a/c all kinds of stuff! Then you can go where ever you want!