Community Approval Process
Before you can move into a mobile home located in a leased land community, you’ll typically need to complete the community approval process. Although every community has its own requirements, most follow a very similar application and review process.
This guide explains what information communities usually request, what they may review during the approval process, and what happens after you’re approved so you know what to expect before purchasing your mobile home.
Good to know: Community approval is an important step, but it is not the final step in purchasing your home. After approval, you’ll still complete the purchase, finish any remaining financing or paperwork, receive proof of ownership, transfer the homesite lease into your name (if applicable), and then schedule your move-in.
What Documents Will I Need to Apply?
Before your application can be submitted to the community for review, you’ll typically need to provide several documents to verify your identity, income, and other information required by the community. Having these items ready can help prevent unnecessary delays and keep your approval process moving forward.
While every community has its own application requirements, most will ask for many of the same basic documents. If anything additional is needed, the leasing office will let you know before your application is submitted for review.
Common documents communities may request include:
- Government-issued photo identification.
- Proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or other income documentation.
- A completed community application.
- Social Security Number or other information required by the community.
- Application fee, if one is required.
- Any additional documents requested by the community.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure about what to bring. The leasing office can answer your questions and let you know exactly what documents are needed before your application is submitted. Their goal is to help make sure your application is complete so it can move through the approval process as smoothly as possible.
For additional guidance before beginning the buying process, review Questions to Ask Before Buying a Mobile Home . It covers important questions that can help you prepare before applying to a community or purchasing a home.
What Does the Community Look At During Approval?
Once your application has been submitted, the community begins reviewing the information you provided. Every manufactured home community has its own approval criteria, so requirements can vary from one location to another. The purpose of the review is to determine whether the application meets the community’s residency requirements.
During the review process, the community may verify information contained in your application and any supporting documents you submitted. If additional information is needed, the leasing office or community may contact you to request it before making a final decision.
Communities commonly review:
- Your completed community application.
- Income verification.
- Credit history, when required by the community.
- Criminal background check.
- Rental history, if applicable.
- Occupancy requirements and community guidelines.
Keep in mind that approval standards are established by each individual community—not by the seller. Some communities may place more emphasis on income, while others may focus on credit history, rental history, occupancy limits, or other factors that help ensure residents meet the community’s requirements.
If you’re unsure where your credit currently stands, How Can I Check My Credit Score for Free? explains several safe and free ways to review your credit before submitting an application.
If you have questions about any part of the application or review process, don’t hesitate to ask. The leasing office is there to help explain what information is needed and guide you through the application process so everything required can be submitted for review.
What Happens After Community Approval?
Congratulations! Receiving community approval is a major milestone in your home-buying journey. While it’s an exciting step, it’s important to remember that community approval does not mean you’re ready to move in just yet. There are still a few important steps to complete before you receive the keys to your new home.
If you’re financing your purchase, your lender will continue working through the final loan process before funds are released for the purchase of the home. To learn more about financing homes located in leased-land communities, read Can I Get a Mortgage for a Mobile Home in a Park? . If you’re purchasing with cash, you’ll complete the remaining purchase paperwork and provide payment according to the purchase agreement.
Your remaining steps typically include:
- Complete your financing or cash purchase.
- Sign the final purchase documents.
- Receive proof of ownership for the home.
- Transfer the homesite lease into your name, if required by the community.
- Schedule your move-in date after everything has been completed.
Once these final steps are complete, you’ll be ready to begin enjoying your new home. Although every purchase is a little different, our goal is to help make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible from start to finish.
Before long, you’ll be unpacking boxes, settling into your new home, and starting the next chapter of homeownership. If you have questions at any point along the way, we’re here to help guide you through each step of the process.
Ready for the Next Step?
Understanding the community approval process is an important step toward buying your mobile home. Continue exploring our Buyer Resource Center, browse our available homes, or contact us if you have questions. We’re here to help every step of the way.
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