As of 2015, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there are greater than 47 million folks above the age of 65 residing in america. With a gaggle of individuals this huge, it is vitally troublesome to make honest and correct generalizations. In america, our senior citizen inhabitants is a melting pot of parents from all races, all incomes, all religions, and all walks of life. Because of this there’s a complete spectrum of seniors, from those that are rock-hardened criminals to modern-day Saints. In relation to cellular houses, nevertheless, we traders usually work with consumers searching for inexpensive housing—and presumably extra modest lodging.
Whether or not you’re promoting a cellular residence to a senior purchaser, renting it out, and even shopping for a cellular residence from a senior citizen, there are necessary distinctions to recollect. Senior sellers and consumers could also be a bit completely different from sellers and consumers who’re a bit youthful and could also be buying their first property. Please enlist the listing beneath for assist when coping with senior mobile-home consumers, renters, and sellers.
1. Location
Senior residents exist in all 50 states. In relation to mobile-home parks, there are senior citizen communities all through your complete nation. These communities limit the residents who’re eligible to reside contained in the park to folks over a selected age, whether or not or not it’s 40 years previous, 55 years previous, 65 years previous, and so forth. The age requirement is written into the foundations and prospectus of the park.
Regionally, concentrate on the variety of senior citizen solely cellular residence communities. Pay attention to the cellular houses on the market in these communities and what number of days they sat available on the market previous to promoting. Discover how the availability and demand adjustments at completely different instances all year long. As a result of senior citizen mobile-home communities restrict the age of consumers, it’s essential to have an correct image of provide and demand regionally from senior consumers and sellers in your space.
Professional Tip
The time period “snowbird” usually refers to a senior citizen who leaves the colder states and heads for hotter states seasonally. This usually signifies that such a senior has a number of houses, or rents a trip residence or cellular residence whereas they’re within the hotter states.
Associated: How to Invest in Real Estate When Your Tenants Are Retired Seniors
2. Cell Properties
Senior residents will not be bizarre or complicated. They’re largely rational folks similar to your self. Some senior residents are searching for extraordinarily lavish cellular houses, whereas others are searching for rather more humble and inexpensive lodging for his or her golden years. Nearly all senior residents wish to reside in a secure and handy space.
- Repairs: As a normal rule of thumb, most senior residents would relatively transfer right into a clear and already livable cellular residence than a fixer-upper.
- Age: As a normal rule of thumb, most senior residents would relatively transfer into a more moderen and fashionable cellular residence than an older unit.
- Variety of bedrooms: As a normal rule of thumb, most senior residents are completely proud of a 2 bed room cellular residence in contrast with a bigger residence.
3. Sellers
Present respect. Senior citizen mobile-home sellers usually don’t wish to be rushed, belittled, or manipulated. Take additional time to take heed to your vendor’s scenario and supply assist the place wanted. Purpose to be a advisor when coping with these sellers to teach them and allow them to know their choices. Earlier than making any buy presents, be sure to are one hundred pc sure on a sensible exit technique and your comparable gross sales information.
Professional Tip
Often it’s possible you’ll speak to people who find themselves coping with an age-related illness or sickness. These ailments may cause forgetfulness, quick tempers, and attainable confusion. It is very important be open-minded, affected person, and compassionate when coping with these of us and their family members.
Associated: 7 Ways to Invest in Mobile Homes With Less Than $25,000
4. Patrons
No two senior consumers are the identical. Some seniors may have cash, and a few won’t. Some will have the ability to make repairs, and a few won’t. Many seniors will know precisely what they’re speaking, about and a few won’t. After all, some might attempt to benefit from you, whereas some won’t. At all times carry out full due diligence on each potential purchaser you spend time with.
Professional Tip
Some senior citizen consumers may be simply as flaky and problematic as their 20-year-old counterparts. Ensure that to all the time carry out correct due diligence with all fee consumers no matter their age, wealth, popularity, or social standing.
5. Renters
Among the greatest renters I do know are senior residents. It’s true that many senior residents are the recipients of Social Safety, pension advantages, IRAs, and 401(ok)s. This doesn’t change the truth that some seniors will nonetheless mismanage their funds and delay month-to-month funds with a wide range of excuses.
- Furnished: In my expertise there isn’t a ” normal rule of thumb” with regards to renting a furnished cellular residence in a senior neighborhood. Some seniors would require, and be blissful to pay additional for, a rental that’s already absolutely furnished. Others might be offering their very own furnishings.
In conclusion, with the child boomers and each different subsequent era getting older, there won’t be a scarcity of senior clients now or sooner or later. Whereas it is vitally troublesome to make correct generalizations regarding a gaggle of greater than 47 million People, we are able to definitely use widespread sense, expertise, and prudent due-diligence practices to maintain ourselves and our shoppers blissful and secure.
Do you’ve got any suggestions for working with seniors within the mobile-home market? Share them beneath!


