 SEVEN POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS OF RETIREMENT MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITIES
By Galen and Ruth Snell, founders of The Willows at Camp Verde
DRAWBACK #1
MANAGERS DON'T HELP THE RESIDENTS: Every once in awhile we hear about managers who don't help residents solve their problems. Managers often take the approach that they represent the owner and their purpose is to make money. This, obviously, is not desirable for you.
DRAWBACK #2
CHILDREN NOT ALWAYS WELCOME: Some retirement parks greatly restrict visits by children and grandchildren reducing the opportunities for children to interact with their grandparents. Children and grandchildren are encouraged to visit relatives at THE WILLOWS and may extend their visit up to two weeks.
DRAWBACK #3
USAGE FEES FOR ROADS AND FACILITIES: To make rents seem reasonable some parks will offer low monthly rents but then charge you for nearly everything you use, such as the clubhouse, games, sports facilities, water usage and street maintenance.
DRAWBACK #4
HOT CLIMATE: Many seniors find the scorching hot sun uncomfortable and sudden skin cancer can be a major concern. These are just two reasons seniors should stay out of very hot climates during the summer months. No doubt that's why many retirees select a climate that's milder than the climate where they have been living and working.
DRAWBACK #5
DIRTY AIR: If you suffer from asthma, emphysema or any other respiratory problem, make sure you select aretirement park where the air is clean year-round. If the area has aproblem with smog or seasonal air inversions you may wish to find apark in another area.
DRAWBACK #6
INABILITYTO SELL YOUR LOT : If you buy a lot your freedom to sell the lot may be limited to the economic conditions in that area. Renting a lot may be of more value, giving you more flexibility, because you’re not having your money tied up in dirt.
DRAWBACK #7
LACK OF EMERGENCY SERVICES: Owners occasionally develop retirement parks out in the boonies because they can buy land at a very low cost. Often these far-out parks don’t have adequate fire, ambulance and police protection.
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