What Documents Are Needed for Selling a Mobile Home?
Mobile home sale documents include titles and bills of sale.
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Also known as a manufactured home, a mobile home is an option for many homeowners because such homes are relatively affordable. Generally, mobile homes not permanently affixed to foundations are classified as "chattel" or personal property. Because a mobile home is usually chattel, just like an automobile, selling one requires traditional documentation such as a property title. However, mobile homes are also dwellings and various occupancy certifications are frequently needed for them.
Mobile Home Titles
Mobile homes not classified as real property, meaning not affixed to permanent foundations, come with automobile-like titles. In fact, mobile home titles are normally issued by the motor vehicle departments of the states in which those homes are located. Just like selling a car, when you sell your mobile home, you and the buyer will sign its title. Once you've sold your mobile home and signed its title, the buyer signs it and then registers it at your state's motor vehicle department.
Bills of Sale
Evidence of the sale of a piece of personal property is most often demonstrated by a bill of sale. If your mobile home is considered chattel or personal property, you might need to provide your seller with a notarized bill of sale. Both you and the buyer should sign the home's bill of sale when having it notarized. Lenders making purchase loans on mobile homes sometimes require a title and notarized bill of sale.
Mobile Home Taxes
Like any other dwelling, mobile homes almost everywhere are taxed in some way by states and municipalities. Some states, such as California, assess mobile homes in much the same way they do real property. Other states tax mobile homes as they might automobiles. You might need to provide your mobile home's buyer with evidence of paid-up state or municipal property taxes. Assembling all your ownership documentation prior to legally selling your mobile home is a good idea.
Home Occupancy Documents
States such as California require mobile homes to have certificates of occupancy. You might need to provide your buyer with your mobile home's certificate of occupancy, if one is required to complete a sale. Additionally, many states and municipalities require mobile homes and their parks to pass periodic fire safety inspections. Mobile home lenders might require borrowers to present their hoped-for homes' occupancy and fire safety inspection documents to close on their loans.
Mobile Home Sales
Selling a mobile home is a fairly uncomplicated process for most owners. If your home resides in a mobile home park and you're selling it, ensure you've followed your park's rules for unit sales and transfers. If your buyer will be moving the home after purchasing it, ensure you've both coordinated its transport preparation well before its sale date. Moving any size mobile home can quickly become complicated if it's not planned out well ahead of time.
