[In awe of TV]

I've been lurking on these forums for quite some time and have decided to register. TV has caught my eye and I've been doing extensive research on moving there in the near future. I'm planning a lifestyle visit perhaps in the spring, that is, if I can wait that long. What you have at TV is so darn appealing. I'm a 53, single and of course still working so there are many things I need to consider and finding employment is imperative.

Anyway, enough of that . . . regarding the manufactured homes - online, they look in terrific shape and the landscaping and area looks fabulous. It does seem like you get a lot for the money. Just the fact that these structures have weathered so many storms over so many years, and are still grounded, is astonishing. But I was wondering and am questioning - what is going to happen to them as they further age? Will they slowly be replaced with newer manufactured homes or will site built homes be seeing their way in?

In checking the pricing, you can purchase a very lovely unit for say $115k. If the property was worth between $60-70k, then your home structure basically would cost $55-60k. It's a very inexpensive way to live. But, how much longer life do these units have?

I'm looking forward to hearing replies.

Linda

[chuckinca]

Linda:

For a comparison -

We have friends who have a second home in a 200 units or so over 55 manufactured homes complex in Sonoma, CA. The units are maybe 10 - 15 years older than the ones built in the mid 80's in TV.

People are now buying these and remodeling the interiors, re roofing and repairing siding as needed. The units are about 1100 SF 2 Br, 2 Bath and sell for about $40K - $100K. The property is rented (about a 2000 SF pie shaped lot) and costs about $800 a month per unit. They have a nice pool and a community center building.

Point being that it would seem that the TV manufactured units are probably good for another 30 years or better.

[In awe of TV]

Chuck -

That's exactly the answer I was looking for. Thanks much.

:bigthumbsup:

[gonzy]

I also live on the "hysterical side" and agree that most of the homes are well maintained.
Just a thought on manufactured homes, I know of many people who either can't or won't insure their older manufactured homes due to their age or excessive insurance costs. However in many cases the lot price is a large portion of the homes value so in effect the home has very little value by itself. There have been numerous folks who have bought homes on this side and torn them down and replaced them with newer manufactured homes. If you buy an older manufactured home you should investigate it's insurability.

[chuckinca]

Just a guess - maybe 1% to 2% of the original manufactured homes have been torn down and replaced with new (mostly manufactured homes). A good portion of the R&R was to single wides on very nice wooded lots being replaced by doubles.

My mother lived in a double in Country Club Hills for 18 years and said that she didn't know it was a manufactured home until she had lived in it for over 3 years.

[In awe of TV]

Insurability is a must, for me. But I can also see the point of not insuring if there is no value of either the contents or frame - the value remains in the land.

If the older homes are being replaced with newer, the integrity of the area is maintained and I can see where the values are also preserved. I'm especially impressed with the size of the land parcels, tropical landscaping (love those palm trees) and distance between the homes vs. the villas. I'm also seeing where some of the mh's have sheetrock walls, laminate flooring and various appealing upgrades.

I continue to be educated about TV - Thank you. 8)

Linda

[tkret]

Greetings awe of TV (great "handle" btw)

I, too, am debating, with myself, the pros and cons of both Patio Villas and Manufactured homes. I'm leaning towards the villas but only because I favor much less landscaping responsibilities. In addition, I have received some personal messages indicating that the insurance costs are greater for the manufactured homes than for the patio villas The historic side is quite beautiful from what I am told. I will be visiting TV from Sept. 12 thru the 16th and will check out both types with a Villages Realtor and with an outside MLS Realtor. My plan is to purchase in the Spring of 2009 but will seriously consider making an offer next month if I see fit.

Have you viewed the "Singles" postings on the TOTV forum page? And, also, check out the websites of the following two (2) Villages Singles clubs:

http://www.sumtersingles.org/index.html
http://www.freewebs.com/thevillagess...club/index.htm

Nice having you a member of this group....it's pretty obvious that the folks on this forum cannot be beat. They are ALWAYS willing to give educational advice about TV to the newbies and wannabees and additonal advice on just about any subject whatsoever.

[chuckinca]

Originally Posted by In awe of TV

Insurability is a must, for me. But I can also see the point of not insuring if there is no value of either the contents or frame - the value remains in the land.

If the older homes are being replaced with newer, the integrity of the area is maintained and I can see where the values are also preserved. I'm especially impressed with the size of the land parcels, tropical landscaping (love those palm trees) and distance between the homes vs. the villas. I'm also seeing where some of the mh's have sheetrock walls, laminate flooring and various appealing upgrades.

I continue to be educated about TV - Thank you. 8)

Linda

L:

I believe all the double wide mh's have sheetrock walls, carpet except kitchen and bath which have laminate. Lots sizes vary but many are around 5K SF. I don't think Insurance is a major issue.

[Peachie]

From my understanding of what has been said here, it is permissible to remove the manufactured home from a homesite and build a home on the lot, correct?

[graciegirl]

I enjoy clicking on thevillages.com and looking at the interiors of the manufactured homes. They are quite spacious and some do (in my very humble opinion) need some updating, but I think that a smallish outlay in cash could reap great rewards. Some of the kitchen cabinets look out of style, but could have door replacements and some flooring could easily and cheaply be replaced by some of the new laminates. No one can argue the beauty of the lots and the setting in this area. We would have considered this more if we didn't need a little more room for our daughter who will always be with us. (Thank heavens. )

Anyway, There is nothing about the area or the MH that isn't good.

[In awe of TV]

My thoughts exactly Graciegirl.

[chuckinca]

Originally Posted by Peachie

From my understanding of what has been said here, it is permissible to remove the manufactured home from a homesite and build a home on the lot, correct?

Probably, but get approval first.

About 5% of the homes in the historic area (aka East of 441) are "Site Built" homes. Most of the R&R's are done with installing new manufactured units, many being triple wides but some are "Site Built" homes.

[graciegirl]

What exactly is a "site built home"?

[carlent]

we will be renting on the Historic Side this winter. First time and really do not know anything about the area except that it is very pretty, a bit hilly and mature. That sounds great to us. We will be on Torry Pines Dr near Orange Blossom CC in the Village of Country Club hills. anyone out there close?


Carlent

[tkret]

Originally Posted by carlent

we will be renting on the Historic Side this winter. First time and really do not know anything about the area except that it is very pretty, a bit hilly and mature. That sounds great to us. We will be on Torry Pines Dr near Orange Blossom CC in the Village of Country Club hills. anyone out there close?


Carlent

Carlent ... I hope the snowstorms don't impede your auto from making it up those hills this winter. You lucky so and so ..... enjoy! ;D If I don't decide to purchase something next month, I'll be in the Northeast this winter after spending the last few years in Arizona - ouch and b-rrrrrr. I'll be interested to hear what you think of the area and the manufactured home experience.