How to Market Your Manufactured Home to Snowbirds

Last Updated on September 23, 2024 by Ian Golightly

As the winter months approach, millions of snowbirds—retirees who migrate from northern climates to warmer southern states—begin their search for seasonal homes. If you own a manufactured home and are looking to market it to this growing demographic, you’re in luck. Snowbirds are a perfect fit for manufactured homes due to their affordability, low maintenance, and accessibility.

In this detailed guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step approach to effectively market your manufactured home to snowbirds. Whether you’re targeting individual buyers or those looking for rental properties, these strategies will help you stand out in a competitive market.

1. Understand Your Target Audience

What are Snowbirds Looking For?

Before launching your marketing efforts, it’s crucial to understand the unique needs and desires of the snowbird demographic. Snowbirds are typically retirees, often aged 55 and above, who seek a comfortable, hassle-free living situation during the colder months.

• Location matters: Snowbirds favor warm climates such as Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
• Low-maintenance homes: Snowbirds appreciate homes that require minimal upkeep since many leave during the summer months.
• Affordability: Many snowbirds are retirees living on a fixed income, so a manufactured home’s affordability is a key selling point.
• Community amenities: Manufactured home parks that offer community activities, such as golf courses, swimming pools, or clubhouses, are particularly attractive to snowbirds.

By identifying these core needs, you can tailor your marketing strategy to emphasize the key features of your home that meet these desires.

2. Optimize Your Listing with Targeted Keywords

Why SEO is Important

To get your manufactured home in front of snowbirds, it’s essential that your online listing is optimized for search engines. Snowbirds, like most people today, begin their home search online. Make sure your listing uses SEO (Search Engine Optimization) best practices.

Key SEO Strategies:

• Use keywords like “manufactured home for snowbirds,” “snowbird-friendly manufactured home,” or “affordable winter home.”
• Include your location in the listing title and throughout the description (e.g., “Manufactured home in Florida for snowbirds”).
• Mention amenities and attractions that appeal to snowbirds, like proximity to golf courses, beaches, or senior-friendly communities.
• Incorporate keywords naturally into the property description, image alt tags, and headings.

For example:

“This manufactured home in sunny Arizona is perfect for snowbirds looking for a peaceful, affordable winter retreat. Located just 10 minutes from local golf courses and close to community events, this home offers all the convenience and comfort for your seasonal stay.”

3. Highlight Community Amenities and Features

Why Communities Matter to Snowbirds

Many snowbirds look beyond just the physical home and want to know about the surrounding community. Highlighting community amenities can be a strong selling point.

If your manufactured home is located in a 55+ community, emphasize the community’s social activities and recreational amenities. Snowbirds often value connections with like-minded individuals and want to stay active during their winter stay.

Include details like:

• Community pools, fitness centers, or golf courses.
• Planned social events like potlucks, bingo nights, or day trips.
• Pet-friendly parks if applicable.

How to Include in Marketing Materials:

• Use photos of the community center, pool, or any recreational activities taking place.
• Include testimonials or quotes from other snowbirds who enjoy the community (with permission, of course).

Example:

“Join an active 55+ community that hosts regular events like shuffleboard tournaments and sunset cruises. You’ll enjoy all the comforts of a close-knit community with plenty of fun activities to keep you engaged.”

 

4. Leverage Social Media and Local Listings

The Power of Social Media Marketing

Marketing your manufactured home to snowbirds isn’t just about traditional listings. Many snowbirds use social media to research and connect with others. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest can be extremely effective for targeting this audience.

• Create a Facebook ad targeting snowbirds. You can target users by age, location, and interests (e.g., senior living, travel, retirement).
• Post in local groups geared toward snowbirds or senior living.
• Use high-quality images and videos of your home and the surrounding community to catch their attention.

List on Popular Platforms for Snowbirds:

• Snowbird websites like Snowbirdseeker.com or SnowbirdAdvisor.ca.
• Local MLS listings in popular snowbird destinations (such as Florida or Arizona).
• Retirement-focused real estate sites that cater to seniors and retirees.

5. Offer Seasonal Rental Options

Flexibility is Key for Snowbirds

Not all snowbirds are ready to buy; many are looking for rental properties to test out a location before committing. Offering seasonal rental options can open up your manufactured home to a larger audience.

• Advertise a flexible rental schedule (3–6 months) to accommodate their typical winter stay.
• Highlight the benefits of renting your manufactured home in your listing. For example, emphasize how it’s move-in ready and fully furnished, or offer perks like included utilities or community services.

Example:

“This manufactured home is available for a 3- to 6-month winter rental—perfect for snowbirds looking for a temporary, low-maintenance escape from the cold.”

6. Stage Your Home for Winter Appeal

Make it Move-In Ready for Snowbirds

Staging your home can make it more appealing to potential buyers or renters. Snowbirds are likely looking for a home that feels move-in ready with all the essentials already in place.

• Include warm, neutral tones in your staging to create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Offer minimal but functional furniture that’s comfortable for extended stays.
• Showcase seasonal decor to create the feeling of a winter retreat in the sun.

Take high-quality photos of the staged home and upload them to your listing to grab attention.

7. Include Visuals in Your Marketing

Photos and Videos Sell Homes

A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when marketing to snowbirds who might not be able to visit the property in person before making a decision.

• Take professional-quality photos that show off the home’s best features, including any outdoor spaces like patios, gardens, or sunrooms.
• Create a virtual tour or video walkthrough of the home so that snowbirds can explore the property from the comfort of their current location.
• Highlight the local scenery, such as beaches, parks, or shopping centers, to showcase the lifestyle your home offers.

8. Work with Local Realtors and Snowbird Communities

Partner with Real Estate Experts

Finally, working with a local realtor who has experience selling to snowbirds can give you an edge. Many realtors specialize in helping retirees find seasonal or permanent homes and have a deep understanding of what this demographic is looking for.

• Attend local real estate events or expos where snowbirds are likely to be.
• Network with local snowbird communities to promote your manufactured home.

Conclusion: The Road to a Successful Sale

Marketing your manufactured home to snowbirds takes strategy, attention to detail, and an understanding of your target audience. By tailoring your listing, emphasizing community amenities, optimizing for SEO, and using social media, you can successfully attract snowbirds and turn them into buyers or renters.

By offering a move-in-ready, low-maintenance, affordable home in a desirable location, you’ll make your manufactured home stand out in the market.