Mobile homes are becoming increasingly popular housing options for numerous people due to their affordability. Generally, mobile homes are not affixed to a foundation, which makes them personal or chattel property. This means that in order to sell one, you will need to have proper documentation, including the property title. In addition to that, a mobile home is a dwelling, so you need to have certain occupancy certifications. If you’re thinking about moving, this is what you need to know before selling a mobile home in Florida.
The legal formalities
Mobile home titles
Mobile homes are not typically classified as real estate. Hence, they come with similar titles to those of automobiles. In fact, mobile home titles are issued by the motor vehicle departments in Florida. When selling your mobile home, you and the buyer will sign the title the same way you would when selling a car. Once the buyer buys the house, they will register it at the state’s motor vehicle department.
Mobile Home Taxes
Similar to other dwellings, mobile homes are taxed in Florida. You will have to provide the buyer with evidence of your paid taxes. Make sure you assemble and organize all your ownership documents before you legally sell your mobile home so that it will not take you longer than necessary.
Bills of Sale
A bill of sale demonstrates the evidence of sale for any personal property. Since your mobile home is considered chattel or personal property, you will have to provide your buyer with the notarized bill of sale. You and the buyer will need to sign the bill of sale and have it notarized when you sell your home. If your buyer is using a lender, keep in mind that some lenders will require a title and a notarized bill of sale.
Home Occupancy Documents
Florida requires that all mobile homes have occupancy certificates. It is your responsibility to provide the certificate to the buyer. Additionally, the state of Florida requires that mobile homes and parks pass fire safety inspections. Keep in mind that the purchaser might need to have the occupancy certificate as well as the fire inspection documents in advance to qualify for a loan.
Selling your mobile home in Florida without an agent
Selling a mobile home in Florida without an agent can save you a lot of money. Usually, real estate agents don’t even like to deal with selling mobile homes, so selling your home on your own is your best bet.
Appraising your home
You must have your home appraised and inspected before you sell it. An appraisal will help you determine the best asking price for your home.
Inspecting your home
Most potential buyers want to know as much as they before they decide to purchase. They’ll want to be reassured that there aren’t any nasty surprises waiting for them once the sale closes. This makes an inspection necessary for you and the buyer. Not only will it give them peace of mind, but you can correct any issues the inspector finds in the home. Florida also has some of the strictest mobile home regulations, so an inspection will let you know if you are compliant.
Advertise
There are a variety of options when it comes to advertising your home. For starters, put up a “For Sale” sign in front of your mobile home where people can see it. Make sure it is large enough and includes your phone number where potential buyers can reach you. You can also advertise in the local newspapers, as well as in the large regional paper in the classified section. Classified ads begin alphabetically, so start your ad with the first letter of the alphabet where people can see it first. You might start with words like available, affordable, absolutely beautiful, etcetera. Let the people in your community know that you intend to sell.
In addition to all this, you can also print out flyers that include the features and benefits of your home. Include the address, price, phone number, and the number of bathrooms and bedrooms. It’s even better if you can advertise on the internet because it will give you more exposure to more people. You can add pictures so that prospective buyers can see what they will be getting, and you can hold an open house if you are comfortable with that.
Selling your mobile home in Florida with an agent
If you feel that selling a mobile home in Florida on your own is too much of a chore, choosing to hire an agent may be a good option. However, you need to be careful about who you hire. Interview a few agents before you settle on one. Once you find the right one and sign a contract with them, you will relinquish all rights to sell the house to that agent for a particular period.
Ask about the agent’s experience with selling mobile homes. You can also ask to see their references for current and previous sellers just to be sure. Ask them about the marketing plan they have for your home. Where, when, and how will they advertise? Will they list your property on a website? When will they hold an open house? How much of the sales commission are they expecting? Can you negotiate the commission price?
Different communities have different park rules. The park salesmen might be responsible for reselling homes, so check if this is the case in your park. If you decide to use the park salesman, inquire about how many sales they made in the last year, the average length of time it will take to sell, whether they will advertise, and whether they will share their commission with an outside firm. It’s important to know that some sales representatives refuse to be in charge of old mobile homes because the profit margins are bound to be lower.
Make your home stand out
Mobile house hunters look at numerous homes, so it’s best to make yours stand out. Sometimes, all it takes is a good cleaning, clutter removal, and maybe a fresh coat of paint. Regardless of the season, it is essential that you clean the outside of your home and make it look good. Get rid of any weeds or debris in your yard. Trim the bushes and consider adding some welcoming lawn accessories. Also, scrub the bathrooms, clean your carpets, and clear all the kitchen counters.
Now you’re prepared for selling a mobile home in Florida
With a little work – and the right knowledge of your mobile home’s community and value – you will find that selling your mobile home in Florida doesn’t have to be difficult. The journey to your next fresh start begins with careful planning, so be as thorough as possible and make it an enjoyable experience!
About Dan Paton
