The Pros and Cons of Buying a Mobile Home in Arizona

Have you ever imagined hitching your home to a truck and going on an adventure? manufactured homes are the modern nomad’s dream home.

These homes are stylish and come in different sizes, ranging from small and comfy to spacious layouts. They’re also easy to maintain and offer the freedom to travel wherever and whenever you want.

If you’re wondering whether investing in a modern home is a wise decision, here is what you need to know about the pros and cons of buying a trailer home in Arizona.

Pros of Buying a Mobile Home in Arizona

Arizona is a popular destination for retirees, vacationers, and young professionals — and it is easy to see why. The state offers a warm climate, diverse landscapes, and many things to do and see.

Buying a mobile home in Arizona offers several benefits:

Affordability

Manufactured homes typically cost much less than traditional site-built homes of the same size and style. This is because they often use affordable materials compared to traditional homes, such as wood framing instead of brick or stone. Most manufactured homes are also placed on rented land, so they’re not sold with the land they occupy.

According to the Manufactured Housing Institute, the median sales price of a new manufactured home in Arizona is $127,000. This is significantly less than the average cost of a site-built home, which is about $413,000.

The Arizona housing market is also currently in a seller’s market, with high demand and low supply of homes available for sale. Several factors including population growth, low interest rates, and a strong economy are driving this high demand. This makes manufactured homes a good option for Arizona homebuyers looking for affordable and flexible housing.

Lower Taxes

In Arizona, trailer homes are taxed as personal property. So, if you happen to live in a land lease community, you’ll actually end up saving some money on property taxes.

But, if you own both the land and the trailer home, your property will be treated as real estate and taxed as such.

Variety of Options

Manufactured homes can be purchased new or used and are available in many styles and sizes. New manufactured homes are typically built to the latest Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) construction standards and come with various warranties.

On the other hand, used manufactured homes can be a good option for buyers on a tight budget. However, it is important to have the mobile home inspected by a qualified professional before buying.

Amenities

Many mobile home parks in Arizona offer amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, clubhouses, and fitness centers. Some manufactured home parks also offer gated entrances, on-site security, and laundry facilities.

Sense of community

Living in a community offers an opportunity to share your interests with your neighbors.

Location

Manufactured home parks can be found in all areas of Arizona, from urban centers to rural areas. This makes it easy to find a manufactured home park close to work, school, and other important amenities.

For example, if you work in downtown Phoenix, you can find a mobile home park that is just a short commute from your job. Or, if you prefer to live in a more rural area, you can find a manufactured home park close to hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor activities.

Mobility

Manufactured homes are a great option for people who relocate often, such as seasonal workers or those who want to retire in different places. They are built on a chassis, which allows them to be towed by a trailer to a new location.

Cons of Buying a Mobile Home in Arizona

While there are many advantages to buying a manufactured home in Arizona, there are also some potential drawbacks.

Here are some of the cons of buying a trailer home in Arizona:

Depreciation

One of the biggest drawbacks of mobile homes is that they tend to depreciate over time. The depreciation rate for trailer homes varies depending on several factors, such as the mobile home’s age, condition, and location.

Financing

It can be difficult to obtain financing when buying a trailer home in Arizona. Some lenders are reluctant to lend money for manufactured homes, and the interest rates on manufactured home loans can be higher than those on traditional mortgages.

Mobile Home Park Fees

Most manufactured homeowners live in manufactured home parks. Mobile home park fees can vary depending on the park and the amenities offered, adding to a significant expense over time.

Maintenance and Repairs

Mobile homes typically require more maintenance and repairs than traditional site-built homes. This is because manufactured homes are more exposed to the elements. Mobile homeowners may also need to pay for landscaping and other expenses associated with maintaining their lot in the mobile home park.

Limited Control

Some mobile home parks have strict rules and regulations that residents must follow. Mobile homeowners may also have limited control over their property.

For example, manufactured homeowners may not be able to make certain changes to their trailer home or the lot without the permission of the mobile home park owner.

Tips for Buying a Mobile Home in Arizona

If you’re considering buying a mobile home in Arizona, here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

• Do your research. Learn as much as you can about manufactured homes before you start shopping. This will help you make an informed decision about the type of mobile home that is right for you and your family.
• Work with a qualified real estate agent. A real estate agent can help you find the right manufactured home for your needs and budget.
• Hire a qualified inspector to inspect the mobile home before buying it. A qualified inspector can help you identify any potential problems with the mobile home.

Get Your Mobile Home Today

If you’re looking to buy or sell a mobile home in Arizona, contact Phoenix Mobile Home today at (480) 462-6575, or fill out the form below for a cash offer. Your future home journey starts here!