The basic purchase price sometimes includes transport of the mobile home to the site and its setup at the site, but it does not include the cost of the site. The owner may either purchase land on which to locate the mobile home or rent space in a mobile housing development. Such developments usually provide paved sidewalks and streets, underground utilities, off-street parking, adequate street lighting, and recreational facilities.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Mobile homes have some distinct advantages over traditional housing. Economy is a primary factor. With the exception of modular housing, a mobile home is the only form of single-family housing available for less than about $20,000. Excluding land, land development, and furnishings, the price of a typical mobile home was $21,900 in the mid-1990s, while a typical site-built home cost $108,000.
Other advantages include low maintenance; attractive financing terms, including low down payments; some tax advantages; and easy trade-ins. Not only is the mobile home an instant home that can be complete with furnishings and services, but it can also be delivered about one week after purchase, as opposed to the long wait for a traditionally built home. Although mobile homes are permanent structures, they can be moved professionally, adding the advantage of mobility of residence.
Mobile homes do have some disadvantages. A site for the home must be either rented or bought. Restrictive zoning regulations in many areas limit the location of mobile homes, and a tenant in a mobile-home park may have few tenant rights. A mobile home usually does not appreciate in value as much as a conventional home does. Furthermore, a negative image continues to plague the mobile home, and the mobile-home population is still frequently alienated from the surrounding community.
