05-05-1997 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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To: Mr. Chuck Whiting City Administrator ,. From: Don Hereau Townsedge Terrace Mobile Home Park Date: April 11, 1997 Re: Pending City Ordinance 1005 In the past, it was common in Townsedge Terrace for mobile homes that were substandard to be sold to unsuspecting buyers. These homes were purchased from other parks who had removed the homes because they were in disrepair and were considered undesirable for those parks. The home would then be placed in Townsedge Terrace. The owner would do minor repairs to make the home look better and often hide the unrepaired problems. The home would then be sold for an inflated price to unsuspecting and desperate buyers. The owner would become the lien holder by providing a mortgage agreement or contract for deed. This type of financing was done because the buyer was unable to qualify for any other loan and because the owner did not have to pass any inspections. When the buyer would find out about the hidden problems and ask the previous owner to fix them, the buyer would be promised help in making repairs. Unfortunately the help in making repairs never came and the buyer would be forced to make the repairs, live in substandard housing or abandon the home because it was unlivable. In the last case, the home would revert back to the original owner and the cycle would start again. I would like to suggest that the pending City Ordinance 1005 include the following items in reference to Point of Sale: All manufactured housing must pass City inspection before being sold. This would include Health Department inspection as well as inspection of structural stability. The manufactured housing must also meet any existing city, county or state regulations regarding sales of manufactured housing. This would apply to all homes whether being sold by a private party or by a real estate agent. The cost of inspection of manufactured housing will be paid by the seller. Any repairs made after initial inspection must be made by licensed and bonded contractors. The manufactured housing must be re-inspected after repairs are complete to insure that it has been brought up to code. Owners of manufactured housing parks must notify the City if they are aware of any sale of manufactured housing. This would apply to all manufactured housing even if it is being moved to a different location outside the City. • I would be happy to discuss any of these points with you at any time. Please call me at 786-2182. Thank you.