Buying a mobile home park is not just about crunching numbers or assessing cap rates. No, it’s a lot more like human psychology—particularly the kind of psychology that comes with growing up lonely. Think about it: stepping into this kind of investment can feel like entering an emotionally complex relationship, with all the baggage that comes along with it. And wouldn’t you know it, the same seven behaviors psychologists see in people who grew up lonely can also be found in park owners, buyers, and sellers alike.
Here’s how these behaviors manifest when buying a mobile home park. Spoiler: it’s not all bad news—there’s some resilience in here, too.
1. Independent to a Fault: The Lone Wolf Investor
People who grew up lonely tend to be hyper-independent. They’re used to doing things on their own, and guess what? So is the seller of that mobile home park you’re eyeing. The guy hasn’t asked for help managing this park in years—why would he? He’s been handling late rent, leaky roofs, and overgrown lots all by himself. Sure, this independence sounds admirable, but it’s gone way beyond a healthy sense of autonomy. We’re talking about a full-blown “I-don’t-need-anyone” mindset, which makes negotiating with this type of seller feel like you’re trying to pry a bone from a dog.
And when you come in, offering help with financing or asking for details on tenant relations, you might as well be asking them to admit defeat. The trick? Let them save face. Phrase your questions like, “How can we make this transition smoother for everyone?” Independent sellers are less likely to bite if they think you’re implying they can’t handle things.
2. Craving Deeper Connections: The Seller Who Wants You to Care
Some people who grew up lonely crave deeper connections, and, believe it or not, this can show up when buying a mobile home park, too. Maybe the seller isn’t just looking to unload a piece of real estate. Oh no, they want to make sure you understand the emotional weight of this park. The years they’ve put into it. The tenants who are “like family.” You’re no longer just a buyer; you’re a potential steward of their life’s work.
In these situations, asking too many questions about profit margins right out of the gate can feel like you’re undercutting their emotional investment. If you dive right into business talk, they might get defensive. Instead, start with the human side: “What’s your favorite part of running this park?” Let them feel seen before you hit them with questions about zoning permits.
3. Highly Observant: The Overly Attentive Seller
Growing up lonely can make a person hyper-aware of their surroundings, and you’ll see this behavior in sellers who seem to notice everything. They’ll pick up on your body language, your tone, and how often you’ve glanced at your watch during the tour. They’ll catch the subtle eyebrow raise when you see the overgrown landscaping or the cracked asphalt.
But here’s the thing: their keen observation can actually work to your advantage. These sellers are tuned in to what you’re thinking, which means they know exactly when they need to sweeten the deal. And if they’re already alert to your concerns, you can steer the conversation to get the answers you need—just make sure you’re as observant as they are, or you’ll miss the subtle clues they drop about maintenance costs they haven’t quite been forthcoming about.
4. Intense Self-Reflection: The Seller Who Overthinks Everything
Self-reflection can be great for personal growth, but when a seller is overthinking every little detail of the deal, it can grind negotiations to a halt. These sellers will analyze everything—why you’re asking about the age of the plumbing, what it means when you ask for a 10-year cash flow report, and how this deal will affect their reputation with the other park owners in town.
You might find yourself fielding endless questions that seem to go nowhere because the seller is stuck in analysis paralysis. The solution? Be patient and help them reframe the conversation. “I know there’s a lot to think about, but let’s take it one step at a time.” Guiding them through their over-analysis can help them get out of their own head and back into the deal.
5. Difficulty Expressing Emotions: The Stoic Seller
Sellers who grew up lonely might struggle with expressing their emotions, and in the mobile home park world, this can manifest as stoicism. The seller keeps everything close to the vest—no sign of enthusiasm or hesitation, just poker-faced through every discussion.
This can make it tough to gauge how negotiations are going. You’re sitting there wondering, “Are they interested in my offer, or are they just waiting for me to leave?” When you encounter a seller like this, it helps to lean into concrete details. Stick to the facts and figures, because trying to get an emotional read on this person is a dead end. They’ll express what they need to when they’re ready—probably all at once, in a final “yes” or “no.”
6. Valuing Solitude: The Seller Who Loves Their Distance
If there’s one thing people who grew up lonely tend to appreciate, it’s solitude. You’ll find this in sellers who take a very hands-off approach to the deal. They don’t want to meet for coffee or have long phone calls discussing the history of the park. They just want to send over the numbers and let you decide.
This type of seller can be refreshing if you prefer straightforward business transactions, but if you’re someone who likes a bit of rapport, you might need to adjust your expectations. These sellers aren’t interested in getting personal—they’ve been doing things on their own for years, and they’re not about to change that now.
7. Resilience: The Battle-Hardened Seller
Finally, we come to resilience. Growing up lonely can make someone incredibly tough, and in the mobile home park world, this resilience translates to sellers who have seen it all—tenants who vanished in the night, floods, electrical issues, and at least one runaway lawnmower. They’ve dealt with every curveball the park has thrown at them, and they’re still standing.
These sellers might seem unflappable during negotiations, but don’t mistake their resilience for a lack of flexibility. If you position yourself as someone who can take on the park’s challenges with the same grit, they’ll respect that. And that respect? It could be the key to unlocking a better deal.
So, next time you’re negotiating for that mobile home park, remember: you’re not just dealing with land and tenants. You’re dealing with people who, much like those who grew up lonely, have their own set of behaviors and emotional responses. Approach them with the same understanding, and you might just find yourself landing the park—and maybe even a better price tag.
