Have you ever been interested in selling your mobile home? Or have you ever been interested in purchasing a mobile home from the previous owner? Both processes require you to sign and file a mobile home title transfer.
What is a Mobile Home Title Transfer?
A mobile home title transfer is a document that transfers ownership of a mobile home from one person to another. While this sounds like a simple concept, the way this process is handled is slightly different from other forms of property and differs from state to state.
Depending on the location of the mobile home, state law may dictate that the mobile home will be treated like real property such as a brick and mortar home, or like a vehicle. In cases where the mobile home is being transferred along with the land it sits on, the process becomes more complicated.
Where to Start the Transfer Process
The office responsible for title transfer of mobile homes will vary depending on the state. If your state treats mobile homes as real property, you may be required to visit the Department of Housing. If the mobile home is treated as a vehicle, title transfer is more likely to occur at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
How to Transfer a Mobile Home Title
Transferring a mobile home title can be broken down into four main steps.
- Decide Your Terms
Before you can transfer your mobile home title, you need to decide what the terms of the exchange will be. If you’re selling a mobile home, this may be as simple as agreeing on a price with a buyer. In cases of inheritance or other reasons for transferring, there may be additional stipulations that have to be met before the transfer takes place.
- Assemble Your Documents
The process for title transfer for mobile homes will differ from state to state, and there may also be variations between counties, so be sure to familiarize yourself with requirements for your area. Documents that are likely to be required include:- Tax Certificate
Proof that property taxes have been paid on the mobile home may be required. This proof can generally be obtained at the local taxing authority. - Title Application
If your state requires a title application, it will need to be filled out and signed by the buyer and, in some cases, both parties . - Bill of Sale
This document will serve as proof that the buyer and seller have agreed on the sale of the mobile home. It will generally include the mobile home’s serial number or VIN, buyer and seller information, purchase price, purchase date, and signatures of buyers and sellers. Some states will require notarization of this document. - Lien Release
If the mobile home is subject to any outstanding liens, the seller must secure a lien release with proof of pay-off. - Warranty Deed
If your state is one of the handful that recognize mobile homes as real property, a warranty deed will be required to transfer title.
- Tax Certificate
- Sign the Documents
Easier said than done, the next step is ensuring you’ve signed all the relevant documentation and gone over every step of the sale. Remember, signing isn’t just transferring the mobile home, it’s facilitating all aspects of the transaction. If there’s something about the exchange you need more information on, or aren’t happy with, withhold your signature until you can make necessary changes to the agreement.
If your state requires the transfer to be notarized, ensure you schedule a date and time where a notary can be present. - File the Transfer
At this point in the process, the mobile home and any money associated with the sale should have changed hands. All you need to do now is make the transfer official by filing all the documents you gathered and signed. Before you file, make copies of the documents for your own records. If at any point some part of the transfer is contested, you now have the ability to quickly reference the original documents.
Can a Notary Public Notarize a Mobile Home Title Transfer?
A notary public can notarize a mobile home title transfer, but all necessary documents still need to be filed with the appropriate departments. Even if your state does not require the exchange to be notarized, doing so is highly recommended as it involves a third party who can give evidence during disputes.
Given the complexity and regional variations of Mobile Home Title Transfer, it can become a daunting task. Contact us for support navigating the process.
Sources
Mobile Home Title Transfer – What You Need to Know at MH Villager
How To Transfer A Mobile Home Title In California? at Mobile Home Investing
Mobile Home Title Transfer State By State at Mobile Home Investing