Cedar Village Community Home

For many Iowans, manufactured home communities, often referred to as mobile home parks, can present a viable and often more affordable alternative to traditional homeownership. These communities typically operate on a model where residents own their home and lease the land it sits on, providing a pathway to property ownership with potentially lower upfront costs and monthly expenses. Cedar Village Community Home, located in Cedar Falls, IA, is one such community that has served the local area for many years. When considering any residential option, it is crucial for prospective residents to gather comprehensive information and understand the nuances of community living, including both stated benefits and any challenges reported by current or past residents.

Cedar Village Community Home has received varied feedback from residents. One long-term resident noted a shift in management dynamics, stating, "Dave Sires is the owner he was doing a great job then he ran for city council and now state senate and his wife has been trying to fight us with every little inconvenience we ask for help with an attitude behind it." This review details specific frustrations, including issues with a broken shed, unhelpful responses regarding lawn mower storage, accusations of breaching contract by raising rent, and attempts to "strong arm and fear monger" when the resident sought legal counsel due to medical circumstances affecting rent payment. Furthermore, the review mentions issues with an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) and being forced to pay for expedited therapist certification, claiming the park required a "police animal" for ESA approval. The reviewer concludes by stating, "Dave is great and we miss him running the park." In contrast, another long-term resident stated, "I’ve lived here 15 years and am very happy with my neighbors. Everything is well taken care of and if I have a problem the owner promptly helps me. Dogs are now allowed for a monthly fee."

These divergent reviews highlight the importance of understanding the management structure and how changes in personnel or focus (e.g., an owner's political aspirations) can impact resident experience. While one review points to significant difficulties with the owner's wife, Lisa, and her alleged practices regarding maintenance, rent increases, and pet policies, the other review indicates overall satisfaction and prompt help from "the owner." It's notable that Dave Sires, the owner, is a well-known figure in Cedar Falls, having served on the city council and now the state senate, and is actively involved in the manufactured housing business, including sales of new and used homes within Cedar Village Community Home. He has also been quoted in the past advocating for family-owned parks and stating his commitment to providing services like sewer, water, and garbage. This context suggests that there may be a difference in direct management style or responsiveness, with residents perceiving a more hands-on and positive approach from Dave Sires himself.

For Iowans considering manufactured home living, understanding their rights is paramount. Iowa Code Chapter 562B, the "Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act," governs these communities. This law outlines landlord responsibilities, including maintaining common areas and providing essential utilities, and tenant rights, such as proper notice for rent increases and eviction procedures. Residents have the right to organize, and generally, landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising their rights. The issue of ESAs is protected under federal fair housing laws, requiring reasonable accommodations for verified assistance animals. Prospective residents should obtain and thoroughly review the park's rules and the lease agreement, paying close attention to clauses on rent increases, pet policies, and maintenance responsibilities. Documenting all communications and issues is strongly advised.

Cedar Village Community Home is strategically located at 2508 Union Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USA. This address places the community just outside the main hub of Cedar Falls, offering a blend of convenient accessibility to urban amenities and a somewhat more tranquil residential setting. Cedar Falls, nestled in Black Hawk County, is a vibrant and growing city known for its robust economy, excellent educational institutions, and a wide array of recreational and cultural attractions.

The community's location provides residents with superb access to the best of Cedar Falls. It's "close enough to take advantage of all the amenities of living in the town," and notably, within "bicycling distance of the University of Northern Iowa." This proximity to UNI is a significant benefit for students, faculty, or staff, as well as for those who wish to partake in the university's various sporting events, cultural performances, and educational opportunities.

Cedar Falls boasts a well-developed infrastructure with easy access to major roadways, facilitating commutes to employment centers in Cedar Falls and neighboring Waterloo. The Cedar Valley offers diverse job markets, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and education. For daily necessities, residents will find numerous shopping centers, grocery stores, and local businesses conveniently located.

Beyond the practicalities, Cedar Falls excels in providing recreational and cultural experiences. The city is celebrated for its extensive Cedar Valley Trails system, offering over 130 miles of paved trails ideal for biking, walking, and running. Gateway River Park provides opportunities for river recreation like kayaking and paddleboarding. Various city parks offer green spaces for relaxation and outdoor activities. Downtown Cedar Falls is a charming district with unique boutiques, diverse dining options, and a lively nightlife, including breweries and bars. Cultural venues like the Hearst Center for the Arts host exhibitions and events. The city also offers family-friendly attractions and community events throughout the year, ensuring there's always something to do. This combination of a convenient location, access to a thriving city, and abundant recreational opportunities makes Cedar Village Community Home's setting highly desirable for Iowans.

Cedar Village Community Home, as a manufactured home community, provides a foundational set of services for its residents, designed to support the manufactured home living experience. While specific details on every service should be confirmed directly with current management, based on common practices and available information, the community generally offers:

• Lot Leasing: The core service where residents lease a designated plot of land for their manufactured home, providing a stable location within the community.
• Utility Hookups: Each home site is equipped with the necessary connections for essential utilities, including water, sewer, and electricity. Residents are typically responsible for their individual utility bills, but the park ensures the availability of these connections. The park's website specifically mentions "CATV and CFU Internet," indicating robust connectivity options for residents.
• Community Management and Maintenance: While resident reviews offer mixed perspectives on responsiveness, the park does have an owner and management team responsible for overseeing the community. This includes the general upkeep of common areas. One review indicates that "Everything is well taken care of," though another suggests issues with "every little inconvenience."
• New and Pre-Owned Home Sales: Cedar Village Community Home is actively involved in the sale of both new and pre-owned manufactured homes directly within their community. This can simplify the process for prospective residents looking to purchase a home and secure a lot.
• Waste Management: Organized garbage collection services are typically provided to residents, contributing to the overall cleanliness and sanitation of the community.
• Pet-Friendly Policies: The community explicitly allows dogs for a monthly fee, indicating a pet-friendly approach. This is a valuable service for pet owners seeking suitable housing.
• Safety Features: The community offers "2 storm shelters," which is a crucial safety service for residents, especially in Iowa, providing a designated secure location during severe weather events.
• Community Atmosphere: The aim is to provide a "quiet and enjoyable atmosphere," which is supported by "friendly neighbors" as noted in a review.

Prospective residents should thoroughly inquire about all services, paying particular attention to the specifics of management's responsibilities for common area maintenance (e.g., roads, landscaping) and responsiveness to resident requests, given the varied feedback. Understanding the breakdown of utility responsibilities and any associated fees is also crucial.

Cedar Village Community Home in Cedar Falls, IA, offers a mix of appealing features inherent to manufactured home living, alongside specific community amenities and considerations from resident feedback.

• Affordable Homeownership Opportunity: A key highlight is the chance for affordable homeownership. Manufactured homes generally have a lower purchase price than traditional houses, making owning a home more accessible for a wider range of Iowans. The community offers both "new and pre-owned homes for sale," providing flexibility for different budgets.
• Spacious Lots: The community features "176 spacious lots," allowing residents ample space around their homes, which can contribute to a greater sense of privacy and comfort compared to denser housing options.
• Excellent Location in Cedar Falls: Situated just outside Cedar Falls, residents benefit from proximity to the city's extensive amenities. This includes shopping, dining, entertainment, and essential services, all within easy reach.
• Proximity to University of Northern Iowa (UNI): A significant advantage for those connected to UNI, as the community is within "bicycling distance" of the campus. This is ideal for students, faculty, staff, or anyone who wishes to engage with university events and resources.
• Robust Internet and Cable Access: The availability of "CATV and CFU Internet" (Cedar Falls Utilities) ensures residents have access to high-quality, reliable internet and television services, essential for modern living, remote work, and entertainment.
• Crucial Safety Amenities: The presence of "2 storm shelters" is a vital safety feature, providing peace of mind for residents during severe weather events common in Iowa.
• On-Street and Off-Street Parking: This provides convenient parking options for residents and their guests within the community.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: The community explicitly allows dogs for a monthly fee, making it a viable option for pet owners who want to live with their companions.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge concerns raised in reviews. These include:

• Perceived Issues with Management Responsiveness: While some residents report prompt help, another review details struggles with getting assistance for "every little inconvenience," suggesting inconsistency in management's attentiveness or attitude, particularly from Lisa.
• Disputes Over Rules and Maintenance: Allegations regarding a broken shed not being fixed and expectations for residents to handle issues that might typically fall under common area maintenance (like a groundskeeper mowing other yards) point to potential disputes over responsibilities.
• Concerns about Rent Increases and Contract Breaches: A resident reported management "breached contract by raising rent" and attempted to "strong arm and fear monger" when legal counsel was sought. This highlights a need for extreme caution regarding lease terms and rent increase policies.
• Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Challenges: The specific challenge encountered with an ESA, including claims of needing a "police animal" and forced expedited certification, indicates potential issues with understanding or complying with fair housing laws related to assistance animals.

Prospective residents must thoroughly investigate these concerns, review all documentation, and verify current policies.

As a professional content writer, I cannot invent specific promotions or special offers that are not publicly disclosed by Cedar Village Community Home. Information regarding current incentives is dynamic and would be directly managed and communicated by the park's ownership or management team.

Manufactured home communities often utilize various promotions to attract new residents or support existing ones. While no specific promotions were provided in the reviews, based on industry practices, Cedar Village Community Home might potentially offer:

• Move-In Incentives: This could include reduced security deposits, a credit towards the first month's lot rent, or other financial benefits for new residents.
• Special Pricing on Homes: Given that the community sells new and pre-owned homes, there might be periodic sales, financing incentives, or package deals on home purchases.
• Referral Programs: Some communities offer rewards to current residents who refer new individuals who successfully move into the community.

Given the detailed concerns raised in one of the reviews, particularly regarding rent increases and contractual agreements, any inquiry into promotions should be accompanied by a very thorough examination of all terms and conditions. It is crucial to:

• Get Everything in Writing: Ensure all promotional offers, rent terms, and any agreements are clearly documented in writing.
• Understand Rent Increase Policies: Specifically ask about the history and frequency of lot rent increases, and what notice period is provided for such increases (Iowa law typically requires 30 days written notice for rent increases).
• Clarify All Fees: Understand all associated fees, including pet fees, utility charges, and any other potential costs.

To get the most current and accurate information on any promotions or available homes at Cedar Village Community Home, it is essential to contact them directly using the provided contact information. Be prepared with a list of detailed questions to ensure a full understanding of all terms.

For those interested in inquiring further about Cedar Village Community Home, its current policies, or available homes or lots, here is the direct contact information:

Address: 2508 Union Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USA

Phone: (319) 266-6093

Mobile Phone: +1 319-266-6093

When contacting the community, especially in light of the varied and detailed resident feedback, it is strongly advised to prepare a comprehensive list of questions. These questions should specifically address:

• Current lot rent rates and any associated fees, and the history and frequency of rent increases.
• The process and notice period for future rent increases, and whether there are any caps or protections against rapid escalation.
• Specific rules and regulations regarding home site usage (e.g., sheds, landscaping, play structures).
• Maintenance responsibilities for common areas, including roads, snow removal, and general park upkeep.
• The terms of the lease agreement, including its duration and renewal policies.
• The process for addressing resident concerns and disputes, and who specifically handles such issues.
• Policies regarding Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Service Animals, ensuring they comply with federal Fair Housing laws and Iowa state regulations.

It is crucial to request all important information in writing and to retain copies of all communications. Additionally, seeking legal advice regarding manufactured home park tenant rights in Iowa (Iowa Code Chapter 562B) before signing any lease agreement is highly recommended. Resources like the Iowa Attorney General's Office and Iowa Legal Aid can provide valuable information and support.

For Iowans considering a manufactured home community, Cedar Village Community Home in Cedar Falls offers both potential advantages and critical considerations. Its suitability for locals hinges on balancing the inherent benefits of manufactured home living with a thorough understanding of management practices and resident experiences.

From an inherent perspective, Cedar Village Community Home offers a pathway to affordable homeownership, which is a significant appeal for many Iowans. The opportunity to own a home at a potentially lower cost than traditional housing, coupled with the ability to customize one's living space, provides financial stability and personal freedom. Furthermore, the community's location in Cedar Falls is highly desirable. Residents benefit from easy access to the city's robust job market, excellent educational institutions including the University of Northern Iowa, and a wide array of recreational and cultural amenities. The extensive trail system, vibrant downtown, and various community events contribute to a high quality of life that many Iowans seek. The presence of essential safety features like storm shelters and convenient utility connections (CATV and CFU Internet) also enhance the living experience.

However, for locals, the suitability of Cedar Village Community Home is strongly tempered by the detailed concerns raised in one of the reviews. Allegations of challenging interactions with management regarding maintenance requests, potentially unwarranted rent increases, and difficulties with ESA accommodations are serious. These issues point to a need for potential residents to exercise extreme caution and diligence. While one review expresses long-term satisfaction and prompt help from the owner, the other highlights a very different experience, particularly with specific management personnel (Lisa). This discrepancy underscores the importance of verifying current operational practices.

Iowa's manufactured home park laws (Iowa Code Chapter 562B) provide a framework for tenant protections, but residents must be proactive in understanding and asserting their rights. For Cedar Village Community Home to be truly suitable for an Iowa local, it must consistently uphold fair and transparent practices, ensure clear communication, and actively address resident concerns in a timely and respectful manner. The concept of "community" relies on trust and mutual respect between residents and management.

Therefore, Iowans considering Cedar Village Community Home should not only appreciate its location and the general benefits of manufactured housing but also conduct thorough independent research. This includes visiting the community, speaking with current residents if possible, and meticulously reviewing all lease terms, rules, and policies with a clear understanding of their rights as tenants in Iowa. Only by doing so can they make an informed decision that aligns with their expectations for a stable, comfortable, and well-managed home.

Cedar Village Community Home

2508 Union Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USA