Lehigh Valley Mobile Homes

Credit not Perfect? - In-house financing available through Mobile Loan Specialists

With the mortgage crisis at our heels, many buyers are finding it harder and harder to get financing from banks. We have seen this first hand in the mobile home loan industry. Applicants credit scores and income must be better than in previous years and these rules are being strictly followed.

Mobile Loan Specialists makes exceptions to the rules with our ability to provide in-house financing. Our banking licenses allow us to give mortgages to individuals with not-so-perfect credit, or those trying to repair credit mistakes made in the past. In-house financing is available on many listings, see our listings section for specific properties. Payments are available from $150/month. And first-time home buyers still qualify for the 2010 tax credit (10% of purchase price, up to $8,000)!

This month’s featured “In-House” finance home is a very cute 2 bedroom, 2 bath home in Green Acres, in Parkland school district. The home is well kept, features a large lot, tip out living area, new windows, custom blinds, work shed, garden, and new kitchen flooring.  See additonal pictures and info on the listing page. Call Jennette at  610-751-3700 for more details.

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - Up to $8K!

President Barak Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on February 17, 2009. The Act provides for a “first-time home buyer” tax credit. Below is a series of FAQs regarding the credit:

 

1. Does the tax credit apply to manufactured homes?

YES!!! Any home that is the buyer’s principal residence will qualify for the credit. Mobile homes placed on both private and in land-leased communities are eligible.

 

2. Who is eligible for the tax credit?

A first-time home buyer who purchases a principal residence between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. The purchase date is defined as the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner.

 

3. What is the definition of a first-time homebuyer?

A first-time home buyer (FTHB) is a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the current purchase. For married taxpayers, the law reviews the homeownership history of both home buyer and his/her spouse.

 

4. How much will I get?

FTHBs are entitled to a tax credit equal to 10% of the home’s purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. For instance, a mobile home purchased for $45,000 will qualify for a $4,500 tax credit.

The tax credit will be a reduction in what the FTHB owes to the IRS on his/her 2009 income tax return. If the FTHB owes the IRS $500 on April 15th, but qualified for a $4,500 FTHB credit, the IRS will refund the taxpayer the difference of $4,000.

 

5. How do I claim the tax credit?

FTHBs should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax amount, and then claim this amount on Line 69 of their 1040 income tax return. No other applications or forms are required, and no pre-approval is necessary.

 

6. Are there income limits for individuals claiming the tax credit?

Yes. For single tax payers with a modified adjusted gross income over $75,000, the credit is reduced proportionally using a phase-out. For married taxpayers filing a joint return, the reduction begins at a modified adjusted gross income of $150,000.

 

*Please contact the Mobile Loan Specialists Team if you have questions about the tax credit. We recommend you consult a tax professional to calculate the exact amount you are eligible to receive.

Pet Restrictions - Do Your Research Before you Shop!

 

Pet restrictions…..to many of you, this may be just what you are looking for in a mobile home community. For others of us with furry legged friends, this can be a thorn in our side. Communities all over the Lehigh Valley, Quakertown, and Carbon County, vary in their rules concerning pets.

 

Cats - It is safe to say that most parks do not impose restrictions on house cats, however be careful letting your feline family members roam outside. Mike and I have witnessed several occasions where residents were cited after letting swarms of kitties roam around the community. Also, feeding stray cats can cause friction between neighbors and community management. If you have one or a few indoor cats, chances are you can look for a mobile home in most any park. Check the park rules if you have any questions regarding your feline companions.

 

 

 Dogs - Imagine this situation: You have been searching for the perfect mobile home for months and you finally stumble across your dream house! Everything is perfect - price, location, size, the view, the jacuzzi tub…..  The sellers accept your offer and you have been approved for a loan through Mobile Loan Specialists financing. You go to the park management office to fill out a resident application only to find out that dogs are NOT allowed in the community!!!! There is no way you are giving up Fido for any dream house, so you went through all that for nothing!!!

To avoid this frustrating situation, be upfront with the Mobile Loan Specialists team about the number and breeds of dogs you have. We will make sure we only show you home in communities that will permit your canine friends.

Check with community management for specific dog rules. Restrictions are often posted on a bulletin board in the park office. If not, don’t be afraid to ask.

Below is an abbreviated list of area communities and their dog restrictions. *Start here, but always check with the park for changes, before you buy. Many parks have a 1 or 2 dog limit per household.

 

Dogs OK

Green Acres, Breinigsville ($5/mo for second dog)

Mountain View, Walnutport (no aggressive breeds)

Northside Heights, Lehighton

Highland Estates, Kutztown

Red Maple Acres, Wescosville

GlenCrest, Slatington

Indian Creek Village, Macungie

Terry Hill, Breinigsville

Stone Terrace, Whitehall (18″ or less to ears, $5/mo.)

Millers Edgewood, Bath (15″ or less to shoulder)

Lil’ Wolfe, Orefield

Greenbriar Village, Bath

Keystone MHP, Laurys Station

Hickory Hills, Bath

Blue Mountain MHP, Kunkletown

Whispering Hollow South/North (1 dog, $10/mo)

Valley View (18″ or less with approval, $5/mo)

Lazarus MHP, Coplay ($10/mo)

Melody Lakes, Quakertown

Richland Meadows, Quakertown

Mountain Village, Macungie

Heritage Village, Walnutport

Nis Hollow Estates, Lehighton

Saylors MHP, Allentown

Gilly’s MHP, Allentown

Becker MHP, Walnutport (small dogs only)

Gap View MHP, Walnutport

 

NO Dogs Allowed

Saucon Valley Crossings, Center Valley

Hi-Point, Wescosville

Lakeview Estates, Coplay

Andel MHP, Kutztown

Countryview MHP, Mertztown

Ossies, Orefield

Heidelberg Acres, Germansville

Three C’s, Wescosville

The Big “O”, Macungie

Schweppes MHP, Easton

 

Exotics and others - Pennsylvania law prohibits people from harboring many “exotic” animals. If the law says you can’t have it as a pet, mobile home parks are no exception. Fish aquariums, small lizards, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc., are generally permitted in most parks, but again check with management if you are unsure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farm Animals - A mobile home community is no place for chicken coops and pig pens. We need not say more……………