Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
|
Q and A
with a Reader
Modular Homes
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli
Hi
Akaisha –
Was
reading about your modular home - I am wondering which company you bought with
or which community?
I'm
looking at the options and am overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices.
Donna

One
home of many styles available
Hi
Donna,
I
understand how confusing it can be to choose from all the options.
To
simplify the issue, I'd like to ask you a few questions.
Are you
looking to move to a
different state than where you now live?
Are
there active adult communities in your area? - If so, then you could take a look
inside the community and consider purchasing a used unit.
If you
are desiring to move to another state, then actually, you would need to decide
what sort of weather you would like (4 seasons, tropical, warm, dry,
spring-like) and whether or not you would prefer certain amenities like near or
in a city? Access to theater events, pro-ball team stadiums, universities (to
take courses or volunteer to teach) hiking, biking, nature trails, excellent
grocery stores or boutique grocery stores, a variety of restaurants, good
shopping, etc. Do you want a place that is pet friendly?
You must
also decide if you want to purchase the land where the home is resting on, or if
you would simply like to lease it. Owning the land will bring you higher costs
in property taxes and insurance. If you lease the land, then the unit could
qualify for a mobile unit, and the licensing, taxes and insurance are thousands
of dollars less per year.
List
what is important to you, then that makes the next steps easier.
Once you
decide what state you might live in, then you can go to the communities in that
state and take a look at used homes. This is very important for several reasons.
With a
new unit, most likely, you will need to furnish it completely. Although
sometimes there are specials run through the community office which will include
major appliances and perhaps a year or two of "free rent". As you might
consider, equipping a place from scratch is expensive.
If you
purchase used, these places come already furnished, down to cooking utensils,
towels, sheets, cleaning supplies, dishes, and maintenance things like hammers,
lightbulbs, screw drivers, furnace filters and so on. Buying used - regardless
if the colors fit your scheme or that you might not LOVE the curtains -- will
save you money and buy you time to replace these items on your own schedule.
We would
also recommend purchasing through the previous owner and bypassing the realtor
and office who will charge you a commission -- adding to your costs.
If you
decide to buy used, then consider purchasing at the time when the annual rent is
due. Many people have their units up for sale, and rather than pay the annual
rent for another year, they will sell it at a better price so as not to lay out
the thousands of dollars of Lifestyle Fees for that year.
You
might consider thinking about what's essential in a home (do you cook? want a
big kitchen? would like 2 bedrooms instead of one? Do you want natural light? Do
you prefer to be near the clubhouse or pool? or do you enjoy being tucked away
and having more privacy? Does the unit come with a carport or parking spot?)
These
are the kinds of questions you must ask yourself first,... and then find a
location, then a unit in that location.
Most of
these modular homes are "gently used" so even if you purchase one that is 10
years old, chances are that the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer and dryer
and roof have not been abused.
I would
recommend reading some of these articles below that we have written on this
topic so you can get a fuller view of the situation.
If you
have further questions, Donna, feel free to write.
Wishing
you the best!
Akaisha
Worry-Free
Housing


About the Authors



Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
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