Choosing the type of land for a mobile home is primarily based on individual taste. For instance, you may already know that you prefer a wooded setting as opposed to a traditional lawn. Aside from issues strictly related to taste, you need to determine how “home” ready the lot is. If a lot of work will have to be done for a mobile home to be set up, that work can quickly put a dent in your cash reserves.
Many real estate experts say that the most important aspect of any property is the location. This is because problems with location can be difficult or impossible to overcome. A good example of this would be purchasing land for a mobile home that was located near an airport. The sound of airplanes soaring through the sky will likely be there for a long time. Purchasing land for a mobile home that is in or near a neighborhood on the decline is also considered a bad idea.
If a piece of land has a low price tag, there is usually a good reason. Sometimes that reason is not clearly evident, so you may have to do your own research to find out why the property is priced below market value. You may discover new zoning that has not yet taken effect, but will have a future impact on the neighborhood. In most locations, sellers are required by law to disclose any such information to the buyers, but these laws are sometimes ignored, and it may be difficult to prove that the sellers had prior knowledge.
When choosing land for a mobile home, it is probably a good idea to have an expert evaluate the property. If possible, choose someone from a company that specializes in mobile home setup. Often, they will give free estimates, and you will be able to compare setup costs on several individual pieces of land. If you buy the land without setup estimates, you could be in for a nasty surprise when the time comes to set up the home. If price is an issue, it is probably a good idea to choose a level lot.
Another thing to consider when buying land for a mobile home is the proximity of utilities. If the property is not near any existing power or water hookups, you will usually have to pay out of pocket to have the lines run to the property. This can sometimes significantly impact the overall cost of the land.