Examining the Difference between Buying and Renting Mobile Homes: Which Is Better for You?

Posted: May 30, 2013
Author: 1st Choice Home Centers

Mobile homes are just as abundant now as they were 20 years ago, and while trailer parks are now considered full communities and don’t resemble their past counterparts except in name anymore, one decision that still needs to be made is whether you should own or rent your mobile home once you’ve made the decision to move.

Before making such a big decision, you’ve got to look at where your mobile home is located and how often you’ll actually be there.  If you’re just looking for a temporary vacation destination and will only be there a few months a year, buying makes sense only if you can rent or lease out the property when you’re not there.  In this case, rental as your option is the easiest choice, so you don’t have to deal with being an absent landlord.

If you’re buying a mobile home in a resident-owned community, it’ll be cheaper per year than a privately owned park, since HOA fees are much less than lot rental fees, often even less than half the cost!  Many residents also like not being controlled by often-unpredictable management companies and their ever-changing policies.

On the other hand, if you’re new to mobile homes, it often makes sense to rent first to try it out and see if it suits your lifestyle before committing a large investment into the property.  With this option, it’s still important to consider the community you’re moving into, and whether they have the amenities and facilities you’re looking for in a place to live.