Community Forums

brandss · 12-31-2020, 09:12 PM

I know this is a wide open question and if the the mod's think it is out of bounds, please delete.

rk911 · 12-31-2020, 10:21 PM

what's the question?

Miamicamper · 12-31-2020, 10:22 PM

Weird

twinboat · 01-01-2021, 01:21 AM

The question is in the title, Buying a lot in an RV park.

I looked into buying a lot in the FL. Keys.

I found that the rules are very stringent about what can be on the lot, OR the place look like cluttered mess, with boats, sheds, and cars on every square foot of ground.

Newmar2856 · 01-01-2021, 05:39 AM

We bought one last year and are quite happy with the decision. Because we still work, and our schedules can be unpredictable, it gives us flexibility to get out whenever we want without trying to get last minute reservations. We have an HOA and the rules are pretty strict, but it keeps the place nice and we feel like we are at a high end resort whenever we are there. We also have the opportunity to rent our spot out, which is handled by the management company, if we choose.

JerryLook · 01-01-2021, 06:07 AM

When you buy a lot in an RV Park how are utilities handled? Like do you have to pay for power at your spot? Also do you have free dumping of sewer and use of water at the spot?
Or are these things all included in the price. Just curious as I’ve seen some for sale recently.

PanJH · 01-01-2021, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerryLook

When you buy a lot in an RV Park how are utilities handled? Like do you have to pay for power at your spot? Also do you have free dumping of sewer and use of water at the spot?
Or are these things all included in the price. Just curious as I’ve seen some for sale recently.

Where we are, it's just like a house as far as utilities go. You have an account with the electric company and they bill you monthly. Same thing with water/sewer.

Teamfoxy · 01-01-2021, 07:35 AM

We own lots in two small parks in FL and VA. Both have HOA fees of $1k per year that cover water and sewer plus lawn mowing and road maintenance as well as care for the common areas. The FL park is our domicile and provides mail forwarding service. Taxes are $500 on each. Electricity is on us, but FL is billed through the park and VA is billed directly by the power company. Internet & TV are our responsibility in both. We use OTA tv and Sprint for phone/internet.
Both have restrictions on RV types and what can be built or placed on the lots. In both cases we have a deeded lot that we can sell or rent out to owners of RVs that meet the requirements. Some people rent out their spots if they want to travel and a months rent covers the annual fees. One couple we know alternates winters between FL and TX.
Do your homework on the park and make sure you pick a good one.

Gary RVRoamer · 01-01-2021, 07:59 AM

Too broad a question to get meaningful answers - each park sets its own policies and puts them in the form of deed or membership restrictions. Arrangements vary from apartment or condo-types to fully deeded lots that are no different than a residential home. In many there are all kinds of Owner-association restrictions on what you do and how you use the lot, even the kind of RV and auxiliary items like screen houses or picnic tables. Plus there are always maintenance fees for community property (roads, entry gates, utility system maintenance, etc), taxes, etc,. You may also pay direct taxes on your lot (varies by state and type of lot ownership).

In other words, you need to identify a place of interest and then learn all you can about how the ownership works. It's seldom simple.

mr.tommy · 01-01-2021, 08:47 AM

I'm a big YT guy. I watch a lot of RV channels. I watched this vid a few months ago and it will answer most if not all your questions. We bought our own RV site and we use it to winter in. It's nice to have a place to do all my annual maintenance and have a safe haven if TSHTF.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL8Tc76FN6k&t=147s

Keith55 · 01-01-2021, 10:31 AM

So what happens when you are in your purchased spot and your RV "ages out" of what the HOA rules allow?

bmcgc · 01-01-2021, 11:00 AM

I was the treasurer at a 1740 property HOA.

IMO, this is the minimum research you should do when considering purchasing an HOA property.

1. Is the park a non-profit HOA or a for profit business.
2. Is there a paid management company or does the Board of Directors manage the property.
3. Ask to review the HOA financials. What is the history of rate increases, are special assessments allowed, how many properties are in arrears for HOA dues, what is the procedure for delinquent accounts. How much is collected each year in fines.
4. Has the HOA been sued in the past 5 years.
5. Review any contracts the HOA has entered into.
6. Read the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs), front to back.
7. Drive the property and see if the CC&Rs are enforced.
8. If you are cited by the HOA, is there an appeal process.
9. If you rent your lot and the renter violates the CC&Rs, are you liable for fines?
10. Review crime reports for the area.

If anything looks shady, run as fast as you can. Selective enforcement of the CC&Rs no cash reserve, a history of lawsuits, high crime, a non-existant dispute process, refusal to allow you to review financial documents, avoiding answering questions about management and a large % of revenue from fines usually means a poorly managed HOA.

You want your lot in a pleasent park that you can enjoy. You dont want to be in a police state where a team of enforcers are out every morning writing violations for anything they can find. That type of enforcement is to generate revenue and to project power, not to maintain a high standard of enjoyment and habitability for the residents. You also dont want people to ignor the CC&Rs with no consequences and turn your property into a low rent trailer park.

The more research you do and the better you educate yourself, the better decision you will make.

mrboyer · 01-01-2021, 01:16 PM

The above message is very good. We have owned our lot for 17 years, but due to health we will be selling out at the end of the season in Happy Trails Resort in Surprise, AZ. We have enjoyed our many experiences and friends, but it is time. Our only utility that we have is electricity. But we do have an HOA fee of $166/mo that provides all the amenities.

brandss · 01-01-2021, 01:19 PM

Thanks for all of the responses, great info to consider. For those that have purchased a lot did you find it more like buying a house, the better the location, amenities, etc, less discount off asking price or like buying a coach, start with 25% off. I know this can vary, just wondering what others have found.