8 things to consider about mobile homes

Eight things to consider when buying in a mobile home retirement community:

1How much space

do you need?

If you're two people, you might need more space than what's called a single-wide mobile home. You might prefer a manufactured home, which is double the size.

2Are you ready

to part with

your stuff?

"When you are coming from a big house, you've got so many closets. You do have to size down," says Joan Traynor, who works for the Century 21 Castle Realty office in Rocky Point and has lived at Calverton Meadows for 14 years.

3What's the

condition

of the unit?

If it's not new, how much money has been put into it? Has it been redone? Updated?

4What are the terms of the lease?

Are you entitled to a lifetime lease? Seven years? 45 years? Longer is better, says Calverton Meadows community manager Misty Rangel.

5Is there a cap

on annual

increases?

"If there's no cap, run far and fast," Rangel says.

6Are pets

allowed?

At Calverton Meadows, for instance, pets weren't allowed until December 2011.

7What is the size

of the lot?

How close are you to your neighbors?

8What are the recreation options?

What is the clubhouse like? Are there daily events, such as bingo or card clubs? Is there a swimming pool? Community-sponsored outings?