Bulk Scouring Multiple Markets on MLS for Mobile Home Parks?

Question

I believe MLS access is typically for a particular market (or is it whole state?)  It happens all too often where a  mobile home park is put on the MLS. Usually when they make it on there , they are misplaced themselves ( i.e. vacant land, multi fam, etc) .  I was wanting to know if there is a way to try and monitor these with some type of search term in the notes , say mobile home park ( but that might bring homes up in a park)  ?  Im not well versed in the MLS so thought I would ask those who use it more often. Is there a way or system that I can create in order to be able to monitor listings across 6 states to find any mobile home parks that get listed?  This is typically one of the worst places for their exposure since a lot of times local investors won't be interested.  Any thoughts are appreciated and thank you in advance!

Jeffrey H. · Answer

I have used Zillow via keyword search as well.  Using tons of variations, like "MHP," "Mobile Home Park," "Mobile Home Court," "Mobile Homes" and then also repeat using Manufactured and Trailer.  If you play with the minimum price being above 500K you can usually do a national search in an hour or two.

When searching for smaller Parks I can sometimes takes off the price filter and then say "minimum bedrooms" = 9 or something like that.

The worst part about these Parks is dealing with the residential realtors that have them listed.  Be prepared to use a state promulgated form instead of your fit for purpose commercial contract.

Account Closed · Answer

@Mark Rickert  Just for the heck of it, i reached out to Smart Zip but this isn't anything they can help with.  I did find their business model pretty fascinating and can see investor application to it as well as obtaining listings for SFH.  I haven't seen their name pop up much so maybe its a nice one to have in your pocket if they deliver which is sounds like they do.  Appreciate you mentioning that name.

Jeffrey H. · Answer

Account Closed my understanding it's a compilation of the MLS and also other websites like Trulia and 100+ other random websites, so listings are effectively everywhere.  It's definitely not anywhere near a complete data source, especially when you start looking at towns under 50K population.

Mark Rickert · Answer

I think your strategy concept is outstanding.  Unfortunately, not sure how to guide you.  I know in the Real Estate industry there are big data companies like SmartZip to forecast who in an area is highly likely to sell their residence.  MHP industry, not sure what is out there.  Wish I could be more helpful but great questions.

Mark Rickert · Answer

Jack,

You are correct, MLS typical for a market and/or Metro.  Best to join local association and get to know park owners, or contact county assessors /city licensing/zoning to determine parks approved in that area.

Regards,

Mark Rickert

Account Closed · Answer

Is Zillow everywhere or only in certain markets? This is along the lines of what I was thinking and figured it would need to be a creative solution.    Awesome Thank you sir!

Account Closed · Answer

Mark,  this is not pertaining to knowing about what parks are in an area.  This is pertaining to creating a strategy for finding out properties that may hit the MLS in say 50 different markets. Its an unconventional strategy, but we have bought a property that was also for sale on the MLS and did not know it until we went out there. I have also had another deal under contract ( had issues) that I got from the MLS.

Ok say going to the basics.... is there a way to key word search for a particular market if i wanted to try and say setup 50 separate searches? Im open to any suggestions on the viability of such a strategy...

Charles B. · Answer

Account Closed the easiest way I've found to do this is through keyword searches on sites like Trulia or Realtor.  I have not yet tried setting up keyword alerts on these sites.  You could also try to find the local public MLS websites for the markets you are targeting.  Sometimes those are more user-friendly and have more functionality.

Mark Rickert · Answer

Hi Jack,

Thanks for the mention and hope 2017 is one of your best years ever!  :)

Curt Smith · Answer

Parks that aren't sold by the listing broker to their network of buyers (unlisted) if not sold they get listed on:

- http://www.mobilehomeparkstore.com/

- http://www.loopnet.com/

When a park hits the above its a dead deal.  The seller is nutz asking 2x what its worth etc.  Parks that are actually ok deals get sold privately usually.

Sooo hook up with the brokers in the target area.  Find them on the above sites.

The best tactic is to direct mail to owners before they decide to sell.  Find the parks in the state mobile home association membership lists.  Google: your area mobile home park.

Then look up the LLC / owner in public records, find the members of the LLC in Sec of State.  Then use missing persons searches (many) to find contacts for the owners.

Finding commercial property that are good deals is actually quite hard.

Bulk Scouring Multiple Markets on MLS for Mobile Home Parks?

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