We have a lot in Snug Harbor, NC (google "Snug Harbor Property Owners Association" for info on the area). I am wondering if it would be worth it to have the lot cleared, septic/well/electric installed, and a pad poured for an RV. The main goal would be to rent it out to RV'ers like everyone on this forum to generate some monthly income since it is just sitting idle. Please reply with feedback if you would be interested in staying in this area during your travels or with any input on this idea. Also, what is the average nightly/monthly rental charged for RV ready sites like this? The area is quiet with many recreation opportunities and within a few hours drive of the Outer Banks, NC and Tidewater, VA (Va Beach/Norfolk/Chesapeake/Suffolk). All feedback is greatly appreciated. I'm estimating it will cost at least $10,000 to make all the improvements. Thanks.
Jack Mayer said
10:42 AM Nov 17, 2008
The answer depends on many things. Mostly on your intentions for the lot. If you plan on developing it as an RV lot for your personal use at some point in time then I would say an early development for rental until you use it is justified.
If, however, you intend to build a house on it some day, or the market in that community is mostly for housing, then I would not develop it for RV use UNLESS I could do so without interfering with the housing potential. If the lot is big enough that you can place the RV pad such that it would be retained for RV use when a house is built then you can "Phase in" to that and gain some revenue to cover some of the costs. You do not want to be in the position of either limiting your market, or having to rip out something later.
Looking at it from a pure investment perspective, it seems unlikely that the cash flow will pay for the development unless you have lots of time on your side, and/or are intending to do this for your own purposes. But it is hard to say without some "real" numbers.
What are other properties renting for there? Is there a demand for RV sites in that area?
dgorila1 said
12:00 PM Nov 17, 2008
Jack, Thanks for the reply. I love your website and check it regularly for updates. Yours was the first site I found about HDT's when I started researching and I have learned alot from you We don't have any plans to build on the lot, although things change over the years. The lot size is 75' x 150' so the driveway could be situated for future building if desired. If there was enough demand I thought of the possibilty of even putting a second pad/hookup for 2 rental spaces. This is all in the "investigation" stage right now as we don't want to waste the money if there is little chance of return. The lot is totally covered in trees/underbrush and needs to be surveyed, completely cleared and graded before any building is started. If we decide to move forward we'll probably do it in phases (i.e. get the survey; have th site cleared and graded; septic/electric/well install, driveway and any outbuildings). This way we can do it in managable pieces while also doing it as we get the extra cash. The lot is about 2 hours from where we live. I need to make a few trips down there to check the area out more and see whats going on around it. Last time I was down (about 3 years ago) they were starting to build high dollar homes across the creek from this area. If this is still going on this will probably drive up the land prices in this area. There were a bunch of lots for sale (always has been) so the potential to make some $$ is there if the area around it starts building up. The neighborhood has many full time residents scattered throughout. It was started about 35 years ago with the vision of being a "resort" getaway but never really materialized, most likely because the Outer Banks and Lake Gaston are so close and this is where everyone prefers to go. Thanks for you input. Its greatly appreciated. Hopefully one day we'll be on the road like you.
Racerguy said
07:04 PM Nov 17, 2008
The first thing you need to do is check with the local zoning board.I don't know about your area but where I am from you can't even park your own rv on your property unless it's in a closed garage. Check your zoning first.
If, however, you intend to build a house on it some day, or the market in that community is mostly for housing, then I would not develop it for RV use UNLESS I could do so without interfering with the housing potential. If the lot is big enough that you can place the RV pad such that it would be retained for RV use when a house is built then you can "Phase in" to that and gain some revenue to cover some of the costs. You do not want to be in the position of either limiting your market, or having to rip out something later.
Looking at it from a pure investment perspective, it seems unlikely that the cash flow will pay for the development unless you have lots of time on your side, and/or are intending to do this for your own purposes. But it is hard to say without some "real" numbers.
What are other properties renting for there? Is there a demand for RV sites in that area?
Thanks for the reply. I love your website and check it regularly for updates. Yours was the first site I found about HDT's when I started researching and I have learned alot from you
We don't have any plans to build on the lot, although things change over the years. The lot size is 75' x 150' so the driveway could be situated for future building if desired. If there was enough demand I thought of the possibilty of even putting a second pad/hookup for 2 rental spaces. This is all in the "investigation" stage right now as we don't want to waste the money if there is little chance of return.
The lot is totally covered in trees/underbrush and needs to be surveyed, completely cleared and graded before any building is started. If we decide to move forward we'll probably do it in phases (i.e. get the survey; have th site cleared and graded; septic/electric/well install, driveway and any outbuildings). This way we can do it in managable pieces while also doing it as we get the extra cash.
The lot is about 2 hours from where we live. I need to make a few trips down there to check the area out more and see whats going on around it. Last time I was down (about 3 years ago) they were starting to build high dollar homes across the creek from this area. If this is still going on this will probably drive up the land prices in this area. There were a bunch of lots for sale (always has been) so the potential to make some $$ is there if the area around it starts building up.
The neighborhood has many full time residents scattered throughout. It was started about 35 years ago with the vision of being a "resort" getaway but never really materialized, most likely because the Outer Banks and Lake Gaston are so close and this is where everyone prefers to go. Thanks for you input. Its greatly appreciated. Hopefully one day we'll be on the road like you.