Posted by George AZ on February 26, 2001 at 03:04:35:
Hello Robin;
I have a few early 1960’s model mobiles as rentals and have found them to be relatively well built compared to those built a decade later. They have plywood floors vs chip board and the kitchens have better quality cabnits. If an older home has been well cared for, as they frequently are in a retirement environment, it can be in far superior condition than a much newer home that had Harleys parked in the living room and engines in the bath tub for 6 months. Not to mention the Saturday night fist fights in the living room spilling thru the wall into the bedroom. Altho older homes are not ideal there is still money to be made.
In your case the value is probably entirely found in the ability to keep the Wobbly where it is i.e. you are selling the location. The minute you must move the mobile it will probably have a negative value. Many counties in AZ will not allow pre June of 1976 homes to be brought in from elsewhere and often in-county mobiles that are moved must be rehabed to HUD standards before being relocated assuming you can indeed find a place for them.
Of course you can always do what I did and buy a semi vacant park in the boondocks and attempt to lure in occupants (preferably human) for the mobiles you brought in for RTO or Lonnie style financing.
I assume that you have Lonnie’s books and have read them. He is a very nice man and willing to help with suggestions. Earnst’s material is also very helpful.
Where are you in AZ?
George