There are a few things you should know before you sell and move a mobile home on someone else’s land.
It doesn’t have to be a difficult process, but there are some things you should keep in mind to make things easier for yourself along the way.
By making note of these dos and don’ts, you, the buyer, and the landowner will be better off for it.
There are special nuances that come into play during such a sale and move, considering the mobile home is for sale but not the land. Your mobile home is going to be in a different situation than it would be if it was for sale with the land or on a leased lot in a mobile home park.
The dos and don’ts of selling a mobile home on someone else’s land
So let’s discuss some of the must-know dos and don’ts of selling a mobile home on someone else’s land. You’ll be glad we did as you gear up to sell your home.
Don’t neglect to mention that the land does not come with the mobile home
Unfortunately, your mobile home buyer would not be the first to think they’re buying a house on land and later find that it was only the home they purchased.
This detail should be clear in the sales agreement. You are not selling real estate property, you are selling the house alone. This is referred to as chattel or personal property, not real estate, depending on the state’s choice of definitions.
A misunderstanding in this regard would be a huge letdown for anyone.
Do involve the landowner in the sales process
If you’re selling a mobile home on someone else’s land, then you definitely need to involve the landowner in the sales process. This is important if the mobile home is not going to be moved.
For this arrangement to work out, you’ll need the landowner to agree to lease the land to the new owner. They’ll need to come up with a deal that can be agreed on all sides.
When it comes to a scenario where the buyer does not wish to keep the mobile home on that land, it’s wise to keep the landlord in the loop. After all, you’ll still need their help and permission to complete the moving of the mobile home.
Do include the proper documentation in the sale
So to get this sale done, you’ll need some documentation on hand.
As the mobile home seller, you’ll need a copy of any rules the landowner has for the tenant if the home will remain on the property.
If you still have a copy of the mobile home warranty, that will be good to have on hand. You’ll also need your mobile home’s title so you can sign that to the new owner.
Don’t go it alone – use a real estate agent
You don’t have to wait forever to get your home sold and out of your hands. By bringing on a real estate agent, your home will be on the market. And not only that, you will have someone on your team actively trying to sell your home to the right buyer.
Preferably, find a real estate agent experienced in the sale of mobile homes.
Do work with the landowner to properly remove the mobile home from their land
When it comes to moving the mobile home off someone else’s land, you’ll want the landowner in the loop. After all, there will be a lot of activity on location with the professional mobile home moving company at work.
In addition to the above, you’ll also need to work with them to have the utility companies disconnect utilities from your mobile home setup.
Don’t assume you can just move the mobile home
There’s a process involved. You need the mobile home pass certified inspection. Without passing inspection, your mobile home can’t be deemed unfit for moving. You will also need professional mobile home movers involved.
Do call your local HUD code office
Due to the variations from locale to locale, the best thing you can do is call your local HUD code office. They’ll set you straight in the nuanced requirements according to your state and city’s code.
It would be a pity to go through the motions of selling your mobile home only to find things weren’t done properly.
Get the right info and proceed
All in all, selling and moving a mobile home on someone else’s land is its own unique situation.
If you’re a buyer, check out three things you should know before buying a mobile home on someone else’s land.
About Dan Leighton
