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WHY YOU NEED A GOLF CART AT 55 PLUS ACTIVE RETIREMENT PARKS

Written by Richmond & Danelle in explore,product review,snowbird life

Golf carts are no longer only for golfers.  In today’s 55+ active living retirement communities it is very common to see golf carts that have never experienced a golf course!  Easy to get in and go. So easy to park. These carts are used for so many purposes and reasons. To be without a cart is usually temporary.

it’s more often “when” not “if” one buys a cart

Many active retirement parks that Snowbirds frequent are best enjoyed behind the wheel of a golf cart.  These eco-friendly electric 2 and 4 seaters provide mobility, independence, convenience, and urban social interaction inside and outside of the park community. Go where you want with ease in small, roomy, personalized carts that are so much fun to drive and enjoy the open air in. 

mobility, independence, convenience, and urban social interaction

We were once without a golf cart. Since those dark hours long ago we’ve owned three golf carts upgrading just a little each time.  We still love to walk the park but the convenience of a golf cart is just wonderful. Hop in and go, park with ease, haul this and that, avoid inclement weather, and drive the park with confidence.

MOBILITY AND INDEPENDENCE – Golf Carts Promote an Independent and Active Lifestyle

Within the walls of gated park communities, golf carts promote much more mobility and independence than any other vehicle could. Promoting this mobility and Independence is the mission of many active retirement parks and welcomed by many. For instance, some residents find it difficult to walk or bicycle around the park but can easily get into a golf cart and get around to enjoy what the community has to offer. This opens up a whole world to those that suffer getting around or may no longer be eligible for a driver’s license.  

CONVENIENCE – quick, easy, and so much fun 

Every second or third night we charge our golf cart.  We simply plug it in and then unplug it in the morning. We use it often during the day. Maintenance requirements are very low and We simply don’t worry about reliability.

Driving a golf cart is a real pleasure. They are easy to get in to and easy to get out of. They can carry groceries, garage sale items, and water jugs with ease. We’ve even towed a sofa we bought with our cart. Just to get in and scoot over to the other side of the park is so easy.  

Remember that feeling when you first started to drive?  It was exciting wasn’t it? Well, behind the wheel of a golf cart you may experience that same feeling… you’ll have fun wheeling that little cart here and there.  The size and ease of driving makes driving fun again. We’ve seen four seaters, six seaters, and hot rod body carts. Imagine driving a mini ‘57 Chevy or ‘32 Ford Roadster!  Wow! Now, that’s fun.

URBAN SOCIAL INTERACTION – smile, wave, stop and chat

One of our favourite pastimes is to go for a ride.  We’re not alone. Many enjoy this pastime. About twice a day we get on our golf cart and we toured around the park. We watch the sunrise, watch the sunset, drive to the other side of the park to meet friends, just see the sights, and often we climb in and scoot off to one of the few hot tubs in the park. Sometimes our cart alone and sometimes with friends along side in their carts. 

“Each time we’re out for a ride we see others on and off carts.  We smile, wave, say hello or stop and chat with an old friend or make a new one.” 

Inside many parks residents bring their golf carts and gather down the street for happy hour, at the community hall for a performance, or on the parking lot as a band plays and gets us dancing. Golf carts of many shapes and sizes gather round like wagons circling in the wild west! Look for golf cart parades too. Maybe a Christmas parade. Decorate your cart and join in. You’ll meet a ton of great people. If you don’t have a golf cart yet put a lawn chair out and enjoy the parade!

FUTURE WORLD – get outside the park with your EV

Carts are moving in the same direction as many vehicles… electric. Clean, quiet and convenient.  And opening up the road outside gated communities is growing more and more popular. Businesses surrounding park communities want a convenient connection and many roadways and carts can be made suitable for public roadways.  

ELECTRIC

These days golf carts are both gasoline powered or electric.  Most residents inside the parks prefer electric but many that travel both inside and outside the park gates like the convenience of gasoline powered.  We think with the onset of electric vehicles (EVs) all carts will soon move to electric. Eco-friendly and quiet will make your children and grandchildren proud.

OUTSIDE THE PARK

A Quick Explanation of the difference between Street Legal and Neighborhood Carts

More and more cities and counties are discussing making golf carts legal on public roadways. Some parks and cities welcome this with open arms. In 2014 Sun City, Arizona near Phoenix made golf carts street legal enabling them to share the road with cars. Peachtree City, Georgia is famous for its winding golf cart trails through scenic neighborhoods to and from shopping centers. Palm Desert, Bald Head Island, Augusta and The Villages are just a few of the United States premium golf cart communities.

In addition to meeting other specific requirements of the State, County, or City you may have to add a few things to your cart to make it street legal and safe.  Retrofitting your golf cart for the road is now easier than ever. You can hire it done or do it yourself. 

CONCLUSION

Golf carts can open up your world to the park and local community. Being able to take an easy maneuvering, easy parking, and enjoyable cart to a party, dance, errand, or shopping makes life just that much better.  They also open up the park and local community to many that would otherwise find it difficult to get around. If you don’t have one look for an electric and if you want to drive it outside the park ensure you know the local laws and requirements before you purchase. 

Be safe. Have fun!

PREPARING YOUR PARK MODEL TRAILER FOR SUMMER (“SUMMER”IZING)

Written by Richmond & Danelle in arizona,for sale for rent,maintenance and repairs,markets and serivces,own/rent

Leaving your winter home safe for a hot winter requires knowledge, planning and some work. We’ve added best practices and tips from our own experiences and the experiences of many snowbirds designed around the specifics of park model and manufactured home living.  Follow these steps and you’ll come back in the fall without any needed repairs inside or out.

The ravages of desert heat, wind and sand requires that you humidify, seal drains, prepare appliances, protect home and belongings against direct sunlight, seal and lock windows, take action against termites and bugs, and prepare golf carts and vehicles to avoid melted tires and damaged batteries.

Preparing your park model trailer or manufactured home for the heat of the desert in summer is much different than most Snowbirds have ever experienced before. Weather in the desert summer is hot, hot, hot… and dry too.  With windstorms and sandstorms too. But we found comfort in what we’ve learned. It’s so nice to prepare and forget. We simply don’t worry anymore because we’ve prepared and use the knowledge and plan below.

HOT, DRY, DUSTY WEATHER IS WHAT DRIVES YOUR SUMMERIZING PLAN

For most of us that live in winter climates it’s difficult to appreciate just how hot, how dry, and how nasty summer really can be in the desert climate of the south. We now genuinely appreciate how tough those that remain in the parks year round truly are.

With summer temperatures approaching 120°F at times and dry summer sand storms approaching from time to time one has to be prepared. After all, we are leaving our pride and joy winter home to endure through all of this until we return in the fall. Each of us wants to return to a place that isn’t damaged and is move-in ready.

Keep in mind that with outside temperatures of 110 to 120°F the inside of your trailer home is much, much hotter. The coverings on the walls, plaster, and even some of the cabinet, countertop and wood surroundings can be damaged. This heat coupled with lack of humidity can serve to quickly sap needed moisture and warp wood products.  

We found that the most interesting summer weather phenomenon were dust storms that are also called “haboobs”. These unexpected, unpredictable sandstorms can sweep across the Arizona desert landscape at any time and they are huge. (source: Arizona Emergency Information Network)

Weather drives your preparations.  Below you will find actions that you can take to be comfortable knowing park model or manufactured home in the heat and storms of summer will be okay.  

PREPARING INSIDE YOUR SNOWBIRD HOME

Much of what happens inside to prepare for your departure happens in the one or two days before you leave. Let’s step through each one.

Keep Those Awful Smells from you Refrigerator and Freezer

Regardless of whether you are going to leave your power on all summer or not clean your refrigerator and freezer before you leave. Empty it, clean it well, add some baking soda or coffee grounds in dishes to help absorb the odours.  Make sure that you’ve propped open the doors. Doing this will ensure that you haven’t got a lingering smell for months trapped inside the refrigerator or freezer doors that will surely seep into the plastic.

Tip: Put a small cushion or something soft in the door of the refrigerator and freezer.  Sticks, brooms, or hard items have been known to crack the plastics inside when bumped by anyone walking by.

Avoid Damaged Battery Powered Devices

Remove batteries from remote controls, clocks, smoke alarms, and other devices. This will ensure that they don’t overheat, swell and leak into electronic equipment. Put them in a plastic container with a cap on it in the cupboard. When you return in the fall  it’ll be easy to retrieve and if they still are in good shape you’ll be able to reuse them with ease.

Add Moisture to Indoor Air

If you intend to leave your air conditioner off all summer long like many do it’s imperative that you provide some moisture to the air. Not doing so may damage some of your trailer perhaps warping walls or drying and cracking wooden furniture or trim. 

“On a hot summer day indoor temperatures can easily be 20-30°F hotter than outside.”

An easy and effective method that many use to humidify the air is to put 3 or 5 gallon ¾ full water buckets in every second room or so. Some will use gallon-size milk containers but we like the added benefit of a larger bucket. Your local Home Improvement store sells a 3 or 5 gallon bucket for approximately $3. The first year we returned in the fall after a hot summer we noticed the buckets were completely dry and had been for some time. Be sure to tell your caretaker to refill the buckets should they need to be refilled. It’s cheap insurance.

Tip:  Avoid circular rings on your flooring and put a folded towel under each water pail. 

Summers Can Bring on Sewer Smells if You Don’t Close Your Water Traps and Drains

None of us want to come back to a home that smells like a sewer! The p-traps under your sinks and built into your toilets are there for that very reason. Soaring indoor heat will evaporate the water in the p-traps very quickly as your home. Before you leave, fill them completely with water and cover them completely. 

To keep evaporation from the p-traps to a minimum cover the toilet bowls completely with plastic wrap and pour a little cooking oil into each sink drain. The cooking oil will not evaporate nearly as quickly as water. Then either tape over the drains themselves or fill a small balloon full of water and place it over the drain hole to reduce drain P-trap evaporation. After that, be sure to tape over the air holes near the top of each bathroom  sink. 

TIP:  Don’t forget to remove the plastic wrap from the toilet bowl before you use it again! LOL

As an alternate approach, you may wish to just have your caretaker run the water into the drains every two weeks or so to ensure they don’t dry up.

“Our first year we came back in the fall to the awful smell of sewer. From then on we filled up the traps with water and covered them with small water balloons. Our caretaker runs a little water in each sink and flushes toilets every two weeks.  Balloons are set back on top. We’ve never had a problem since.” 

Keep out the Sun and Heat With Window and Door Preparations

Wherever possible Windows should be covered to prevent direct sunlight from damaging your belongings inside the trailer and reducing the heat the trailer will be exposed to. Some trailer owners cut aluminum foil and put it on the windows or hang sheets or curtains inside each. Be sure to check with your HOA or your trailer office regarding the rules as some discourage this. That said, inside blinds should definitely be closed and external window coverings checked to make sure they are fastened correctly.

You Won’t Spring a Leak While Away If you Shut Off the Water Supply

This is optional.. Some owners shut off the water at the water supply behind the trailer and others leave it all on all year round. If you intend to have your caretaker add water to your drains and water to your buckets you may wish to leave it on year round. If you do  choose to turn it off look for the main supply valve near the back of the trailer. Often, it will be labelled with your site number on it. Some people advise leaving the water on to protect the pipes. Others do not. 

Water heaters need your attention at this time too. Some owners drain the water heaters and others do not. We are believers in draining the water heater, flushing it at that time, and bypassing the water supply from the water heater.  We’ve seen a failed water heater in a park model home before and we want to minimize the potential of a water heater failure in the summertime that would leave our trailer flooring and much of the contents damaged severely. 

TIP: Bypass the water heater using the valves in your water heater door then drain your water heater before leaving.  It is so easy to do and lessens the chance of a water heater failure that floods your indoors while away.

We understand that some people choose to leave the power on all summer long.  Keeping the power on and the air conditioning on somewhere between 85 and 90°F is a common practice on more summer-vacated expensive homes in southern climates. However, this is a costly added expense that most simply avoid. Park-based park model trailers and manufactured homes are often left with the power off from spring to fall.

One of the last things you should do before departing for your northern summer is to flip off the main breaker in your breaker panel or, even better if possible, the main breaker or power feeds into the home.  

TIP: Some power utilities require you to confirm that power is off or safe to turn back on before they do. If you shut off the main breaker when you leave for the summer you don’t stand the risk of concerns or problems when you arrange for your power to be turned back on. 

A week or two earlier you may have arranged to have the power company or park disconnect your power sometime after you depart so that you don’t receive any power chargers anyway during the summer months while you’re away. If after you depart you realize you have not informed your power supplier to suspend or disconnect your power for the time that you’re away just give them a call. Some power companies allow you to go online to do this if you prefer. 

TIP:  turn off all appliances, unplug electronics, and lights before turning power off to your park model or manufactured home.  This will reduce chances of your electronics being damaged from power spike or surges when you turn the power back on in the fall.

OUTDOORS NEEDS SOME ATTENTION TOO

Your Plants, Trees, Shrubs, and Cactus will miss you when you’re gone

If the responsibility for outside  permanent plants are yours and not the park or the HOA be sure to begin your effort to care for them in advance of your departure date. A week or two before you depart it is ideal if you do the necessary trimming and clean up around your yard so that you can have trimmings in the trash and picked up before you go. 

TIP:  In Arizona Saguaro Cactus are protected.  Cut one down and you go to prison. Ouch! – Arizona Revised Statutes

Avoiding Melted and Paint-peeled Outdoor Furniture

The summer sun and heat can have a devastating impact on anything you leave in the yard. UV rays and blistering heat can melt some plastics and paint will peel with ease.  Be sure to put away your furniture and decor in a safe place out of the sun, summer winds and dust storms.

Some of our neighbours have small fountains they can easily be put away before summer comes.  If you do too, consider adding some sanitizer to the water for a day or two to clean it up before it is shut down and drained then put away for the summer.

Those Termites and Bugs Can Hardly Wait Until You’re Gone

Those pesky termites  are determined at the very least they’re prone to destruction, and so taking action to penetrate the ground around your home with termite deterrent is extremely important. You need to dig a trench, add the liquid deterrent, and then cover the ditch.  See you local yard care center for the best products to use in your area. Most residents hire this small task done. We do. Take care if you intend to do it yourself. Precautions are necessary for your health.

“Our first summer we (one of us) left two extra fresh 2×4’s at ground level under our deck following a recent renovation. That’s like candy to termites. We got lucky and didn’t see any sign when we realized the next fall what we had done.”

TIP:  Store fresh raw lumber away from your home or indoors over the summer. 

At the same time we take precautions against termites we also make sure to spray for ants and other bugs. There is so much to appreciate about a concrete pad that Park Model trailers are often set on. The concrete pad not only provides a structural base to safely support and level the trailer but it also presents a barrier to many bugs and termites.  Bugs come from anywhere but termites come from the ground. 

Spiders and ants can also be a concern in some places. Scattering fabric softener sheets is a precaution that some swear by. However, many others don’t take this added step. Keeping food out of an unoccupied park model or manufactured home and ensuring its clean is often the best deterrent to these small pests.

CARS AND GOLF CARTS CAN REALLY SUFFER IN THE HEAT

Don’t Let Your Concrete Drive Reinvent the Wheel

Tires on hot concrete melt! Protect your car and golf cart tires from flat spots or irreparable melting by putting pieces of carpet or wood under each tire. Pull up within 12 inches of where you want to park, put the carpet pieces in front of all tires and drive forward. Double up the carpet for extra protection. Avoid the “thump, thump, thump” of flat spots on cart or vehicle tires come fall.

One long time park resident once told us a story about his first year.  He parked his car in his carport for the summer with nothing under brand new tires.  He came back in the fall to find black pools of rubber under each tire. Ouch!

TIP: Consider putting your golf cart up on blocks.  In addition to saving tire damage it may extend suspension life a bit while acting as a bit of a deterrent to wanna be thieves.  You could, with great caution, do the same for your car if your park or HOA permits.

Vehicle and Golf Cart Batteries Don’t Stand a Chance Without Preparation

It’s really important that you take the necessary steps to make sure that lead acid batteries in your car and in your golf cart are:

  • topped up with water, 
  • fully charged, and 
  • disconnected from the vehicle. 

They can be left in the vehicle but should be disconnected.  Be careful while you’re doing this to make sure that you do not short out any circuits. This can result in a dangerous explosion. If it all possible, although this is not always necessary, have your summertime caretaker top up the batteries with water. Doing this will ensure that the lifetime of your battery certainly be maximized.

TIP: get and install a golf cart watering system for your batteries and ask your caretaker to take 2-3mins once or twice a summer to hook up the distilled water pack and let it refill.

Those Jugs of This and That in Your Shed Can Present a Real Risk

Some park model trailers and manufactured home owners may store gasoline or solvents in their garage, carport shed, or under the deck. This can be very dangerous and has to be done with caution and only if allowed by your park or HOA regardless of the time of year. As you prepare to leave for the summer remember the the added heat that these containers will experience  may cause them to swell considerably and perhaps overpressure and possibly leak or explode. We never leave flammable liquids in containers over the summer. Be careful storing paint thinner, gasoline, BBQ charcoal starters, etc. It’s often best to just dispose of them in a legal and responsible way before you leave. 

MAKE SUMMER PEACEFUL… WITH A RESIDENT CARETAKER

It’s very common for a caretaker to drop by your trailer or manufactured home every two to four weeks to:

  • refill the water jugs so that your trailer is well hydrated
  • add a little water to the drains or ensure the plugs are in place
  • check the windows the entire property for damage
  • walk around the home to check for wind damage
  • ensure that windows and doors are locked tight to keep out wind, rain and dust. 

This peace of mind is worth every penny. 

TIP:  Some caretakers send an email report and pictures each walk through.  They’ll also arrange for any needed repairs on your behalf during your absence.  

Most residents have contract caretakers that watch over their property all summer long. Often, they’ll usually do this for between $10 and $25 a month. Truly a small price to pay. They are usually park residents that reside there year round and they know Snowbird park model trailer and manufactured home living very well. 

CONSIDER REMOTE SECURITY AND MONITORING SYSTEMS

Few actually do this but we’re sure more will in time considering the low cost of wifi cameras, thermostats, and alarm systems.  Just keep in mind you’ll have to leave your power and internet on to do this and it isn’t possible to reset or reboot any problematic monitoring equipment if the need arises. Be sure to test the system before you depart.

THE LAST FEW LITTLE THINGS YOU CAN’T FORGET TO DO

You may want to consider a week or two before you plan to depart to arrange to have your mail and any other deliveries forwarded or stopped.

If you have cable TV or satellite service that you wish to suspend service for the summer. Keep in mind that some of the services may require at least 30 days advance notice and the service may allow you to suspend service rather than cancel. So be sure to ask which would be best in your situation.

In addition to the support for utilities the park that you stay at often wants to know if you are there or not. For many reasons this helps them plan and protect your interest. Before we depart for the summer we just go up to the park office and let them know that we will be departing and that our home will be uninhabited for the summer. 

At the same time let the park know who your caretaker is in case they need access to your trailer for any reason. If you are in a homeowners association they may want you to notify them too.   Often, they will also want to know when you expect to be back. “As soon as it snows up north” is a common response! 

As your departure day approaches you may find yourself out of sync with when that garbage and recycling needs to be put out. Try your best and if necessary turn to a neighbour and ask for them to put the garbage out on your behalf and bring the been back to your site. Or paid it forward for someone else. Then strap or rope the bins down to keep them from flying away in a summer wind. You don’t want anything you leave outside flying into a window in a sandstorm. On top of a damaged window you may have sand and rain inside in a few short minutes. 

Finally, be sure that you have protected the valuables that you intend to leave there. For instance, jewellery, documents and things that you could not bear losing should be put in a local safety deposit box at the bank.  You’ll rest easier.

CONCLUSION

Preparing to leave your winter Snowbird home to return north for the summer doesn’t have to be a big job.  After a few times you’ll have it down to a science. As you look to your Snowbird home summer weather from time to time you’ll rest well knowing you’ve prepared it for the heat, wind, rain, and sandstorms.  Take precautions indoors, outdoors, with cars/carts, and hire contract onsite caretaker to give you peace of mind.

BUYING A PARK MODEL IN ARIZONA – WILL IT ‘BREAK THE BANK’?

Written by Danelle & Richmond in arizona,for sale for rent,own/rent

You can buy a park model for as low as $3,999 USD and can range up to $250,000 for both new and pre-owned homes in Privately-Owned parks.  Many buy into Arizona Active Resort living for less than $30,000. Today’s prices are extremely affordable.

In 2020, you can find an Economy park model for under $20,000; a Mid-Range model from $20,000 – $50,000, a Deluxe model from $50,000 – $80,000 and a Luxury model for $80,000 and up depending on the age, size and location in the park.  For instance, if it has an Arizona room or it backs the golf course you may be paying on the higher end. 

With all the different price ranges available, your options of affordability are endless.  Whether you’re looking for a fixer-upper or new, you can find either one in your price range.

WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY?

Different price points offer different options and features.  Knowing what some of these features are can be helpful when determining what you can, or hope to, afford.   You may be pleasantly surprised when you realize just what you can get for your dollar!

ECONOMY PARK MODEL  – UNDER $20,000

You may be asking what can you get for under $20,000? 

The answer is this!  There are many older pre-owned park models that just need a little TLC, and maybe some renovations or upgrades are in store…. but this also means your initial investment doesn’t have to be expensive.  Shop around and you’ll find just the right one that won’t hurt your pocket book.

Keep in mind Park models in this lower price range aren’t all bad. They can be very well-kept and have had several upgrades along the way, but the owner is just Pricing To Sell!  So you will find advantages to these older homes as they may already have some of these great features:

  • an Arizona room
  • a second bedroom
  • a developed yard with mature landscaping and fruit trees
  • covered patios and decks 
  • are closer to community facilities and amenities than the newer areas

And if you’re looking for a newer Park Model under $20,000, well, you can find that too!

1 bedroom 1 bathroom units are available for as low as $14,000.   It won’t come with all the bells and whistles and probably won’t have landscaping and an AZ room but you’ll get that new look and feel.

MID-RANGE PARK MODEL  – $20,000 – $50,000

The Mid-Range Park Model sales are by far the most common and you’ll be sure to get the best Bang for your Buck!  But you’ll also see quite a variation in prices in this range for what appear to be very similar, so it may be harder to determine why one is more than the other.

Features of Mid-Range models are:

  • They may be more than 10 years old on average but have many upgrades both inside and out
  •  They are move in ready with all the furnishings
  • Like the Economy models the outside lot is developed with mature landscaping and trees
  • They are closer to community facilities and amenities than the newer areas
  • The newer models in this price range have 1-2 bedrooms and bathrooms but minimal outside development other than covered driveway

Deluxe PARK model – $50,000 – $80,000

A Deluxe Park Model is still an affordable choice and boarding on the edge of Luxury!

  • These park models are usually 10 years or newer
  • Many are larger with up 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms alleviating the need for an AZ room
  • Open concept kitchen and living room
  • Are generally found in the larger parks
  • Some have a double wide lot
  • More commonly they back a golf course or green space
  • Large back patio area view of the golf course
  • Covered deck and carport

LUXURY PARK model – $80,000 AND OVER

Luxury Park Models are exactly what they say…. Pure Luxury!

  • These park models are usually 10 years or newer
  • Superior construction and craftsmanship
  • They have 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
  • Open concept kitchen and living room
  • Are generally found in the larger parks
  • They are often in a newly developed subdivision of the park backing a golf course or they sit on a corner lot
  • They have a large back patio area view of the golf course
  • Covered deck and carport

DON’T MISS OUT ON UPGRADES AND SPECIAL FEATURES!

With many Park Models being over 15 years old, chances are previous owners have made upgrades to the home and have added many special features that you won’t find in other Park Models.   

…..And how do we know this?  Our 1988 Cavco trailer has the most wonderful 6 year old IKEA kitchen that is one of a kind and we just love it.  It’s what sold us on our own place!

Here are some things to look for when considering what to buy:

Upgrades – Having upgrades to the home you choose can mean savings in your pocket.  If the park model is pre-owned be sure to look for essential costly upgrades that you don’t have to worry about for some years such as:

  • New electrical and plumbing
  • Upgraded kitchen cabinet
  • New bathroom vanities, sinks and toilets
  • New appliances (fridge, stove, washer/dryer)
  • Waterproof flooring
  • Tape and Textured walls
  • New water heater
  • Updated Central A/C and Furnace
  • New Roof
  • Exterior paint
  • Dual paned windows and sunscreens

Special Features – If you want your purchase to be more enticing and feel like you got your monies worth? Look for these special features that can be a nice added bonus to your investment:

  • Arizona Room
  • Extra storage and walk-in closets
  • Separate laundry with full sized washer and dryer
  • Cathedral Ceilings
  • Walk-in shower
  • Workshop
  • Covered patio
  • Mature fruit bearing trees (Oranges, Grapefruit, Lemons)

6 ADDITIONAL COSTS  TO KEEP IN MIND

There are several other factors that can determine the cost of your investment. 

Although special features and upgrades to the home are important considerations, remember you are buying into a Community. 

Your cost can also depend on the size of the park, whether it be large or small, and what community, facilities and amenities they have to offer.

#1 – DOES IT HAVE THE COMMUNITY FEEL YOU WANT?

Not only are you buying a park model on a lot but you are buying a Lifestyle!  And this means you want people around you that are like-minded and share common interests. 

AZ ACTIVE RESORTS “so many nice people on this street” at 5:00min mark

It’s difficult to put a dollar amount on Community, and you may wonder how this will cost you money?  However, the cost of buying in the right community can make all the difference in the world and save you money later if you find yourselves wanting to change locations.

All the costs that you incurred when buying that first place will now cost you double if you decide to move.  For example:

  • Realtor Fees (if you use one); or advertising fees
  • Change of utilities
  • Change of Insurance
  • Taking a loss if you don’t sell for what you paid

You don’t want to be enduring these costs again, so be sure you choose the right location the first time!  

#2 – DO FACILITIES AND AMENITIES COST EXTRA?

Amenities can make or break your experience so be sure to do your research when considering your purchase.  Determine what is important to you as far as things to do and then weigh the amenities vs annual park fees across the parks.

Of course, the more amenities there are in a park can also mean higher prices on an annual basis, so they do come with a price tag.

For instance, the park we chose came with higher annual fees than most parks but we find the cost to be well worth it for what we get.  See the section below on Park Sizes.

Any additional costs will depend on what activity or sport you get involved with.  If you plan to ride in the Motorcycle club your expenses might be more for gas, travel and maintenance of your bike vs someone that plays Pickleball at the local Pickleball courts that are free and all you have to do is buy a racket. 

Point being,  like any sport or activity you can get involved for as little cost as you want or as much.

If you are new to Resort Living then you’ll be surprised at the endless lists of amenities these parks provide.  Below is a list of a few but definitely not all:

Arts & Crafts Horseshoe Pits
Ballroom/Banquet Room Laundry Facilities
Basketball Library
Baseball Live Concerts
Billiards On-site Restaurant
Bocce Ball Fields Pickleball Court
Clubhouse Picnic/BBQ Area
Crafts Classes Pottery/Ceramics
Dancing Private Mailbox/Mail Centre
Dinner Theatres Putting Green
Dog Park Quilting & Sewing Room
Fitness Facility RV Storage
Games Room Shuffleboard Courts
Golf Courses (both 9 & 18 holes) Stage Shows
Glass-making Scrapbooking
Hair Salons Tennis Course
Heated Pools Woodworking
Hiking Trails Whirlpool/Spa

#3 – SIZE OF THE PARK MATTERS! –  FOR THOSE ANNUAL FEES

There are many different sizes of parks ranging from small to very large and these differences may help to make your decision, but they will also determine your cost!  Yes different sizes have different price tags. 

Have a look below at the advantages and disadvantages and their costs:

Large Park

  • Advantages – more people, more amenities, and generally more security……This also means more activity, socializing and livelihood
  • Disadvantages – means higher annual pad fees [Range from $6,000 – $7,500 U.S. per year]

Small Park

  • Advantages – the upside to a small park is they have a more quiet, cozy, small town feel you may be looking for, AND lower annual fees [Range from $2,500 – $5,900 U.S. per year]
  • Disadvantages – having less people means less amenities and sometimes less security as they don’t have the finances to support having 24 hour security. 

#4 – THOSE PESKY UTILITIES

No matter where you go you just can’t get away from utility costs.  Be sure to know these are extra and not part of your Pad Fees.  Some parks bill differently but generally use the same rule of thumb:

  • Water, Sewer, Cable, Garbage, and some have a Local phone are usually billed all in one fee by the park on a monthly basis for about $80 per month
  • Electricity is usually the owners responsibility to call the Power company (some parks do direct bill for Power) and costs for this can run you approximately $150 per month.  The good thing to know is cancelling and hooking up power from season to season is an easy process and takes only mins on the phone.
  • Internet is an extra cost but you can get it for just $39.95 per month at Jabbas Communications and can be easily cancelled.

#6 – DO I OWN MY LOT?

Some may not realize but there are two types of parks when it comes to owning or leasing the land your park model sits on!   So be sure you know the difference between the two:

Buying your Park Model in a Privately-Owned Park

Most parks in the State of Arizona are Privately-Owned parks meaning on a rent pad basis.  This means you buy your Park Model so you own this outright but you do not own the lot, it is leased or rented.  You pay an Annual park fee to the Park called ‘pad fees’ to keep your Park Model on the lot.  The pad fees also cover maintenance, amenities and security. 

Pad fees can run anywhere from $3,500 in the smaller parks to $7,500 per year in the larger parks as mentioned above.

Although the initial investment can be very economical, the disadvantage to the privately-owned parks is the trailer themselves may depreciate in value rather than appreciate.  Keeping them upgraded and well maintained will lessen your chances of that happening so that you get a fair return on your investment.

Buying your Park Model and Lot in a Resident-Owned Park

Buying your lot in a Resident-Owned park means you buy the Lot and Park Model within the Park so you own everything; but you still need to paid HOA fees for maintenance, amenities and security.  Much like buying a Condo. 

HOA fees can run an estimated cost of $600 quarterly or $2,400 per year.  In addition you pay taxes, phone and utilities.

Another thing to know is Resident-Owned Park Model prices start higher at $50,000 ranging to $100,000 when you are paying that additional lot price.  However, your investment is more likely to appreciate and provide you with a better return when time to sell.

All of this said, we can tell you that we are a little split on this… one of us would much prefer to own the lot and the other considers the HOA fees and restrictions of an owned lot to be of equal value as a rented (leased) lot. In short, it really comes down to a preference on decision making.

RENTING VS. BUYING

You may decide you just want to rent at first and not jump into making a big purchase.  Renting is a great way to take your time and find out what it is you’re looking for and where you want to be before buying.

We have friends and family that rent in Arizona each year.  They love the variety of staying somewhere different each time and simply don’t want the responsibility or hassle of owning their own place.  If this sounds like you then Renting might be for you.

Keep in mind, if you plan on this being an every-year thing, renting on a seasonal basis can run you anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 US per month.  You may be able to find rent for around $1,000 in the small parks, or you know someone or you’re renting longer term. But this could cost you up to $9,000 per year on the high end if you stay for 3 months. That $9,000 you just spent on renting will pay for an entire year expenses if you choose to buy!

However, if you love the idea of that Home away from Home feeling and you like the idea of ownership and investment then Buying is definitely for you!

And should you choose to buy, consider renting your home out for a month or two when you’re not there to help pay for some of those annual costs. Taking $4-5,000 off of your annual costs is a great way to add to the affordability.  There will always be months where you can’t be there so why not let someone else enjoy it!

If you want to learn more about renting your home, have a look at my page on Renting.

IN CONCLUSION

There are several costs to keep in mind when buying a Park Model in Arizona and it may feel a little overwhelming, and frankly just a bit scary at first! But I guarantee there is something for everyone in every price range. 

So… determine your budget, weigh your options for park locations and amenities, shop around for that perfect Park Model that suits your needs and…. go for it! 

There’s no time like the present and you can’t put a price on happiness. 🙂