Expert: Michael McClure - 5/28/2008

Question
Hi Michael,
My wife and I are both disabled and have been in escrow for the last 93 days on a mobile home that we can afford on out limited incomes. The problem is is that the mobile home park actually took ownership of this home a few years ago, had their manager/handyman living there then the mobile park itself was bought by new people. They decided to sell this unit, we agreed to buy it, we are park approved,we have a loan in place and now, the park says they cannot get a clear title to it. We have already extended the contract once for 60 days which ends 6-15-08. The park manager will not talk to me,the agent (who is representing both the park and us) seems to tell me the same thing over and over. I feel that they do not want to sell to us because they think they can get more for it. Should we consider arbitration at this point?
 Thanks,  Gary

Answer
Hi Gary....First thing to do is call, or go down to the escrow company!  This is your escrow, you are paying for it, and have every right to find out what REALLY is going on. The park being sold has nothing to do with the titling of this home.  Titles are lost or misplaced all the time. If they took possession of the home legally, someone has some kind of paperwork. Bill of sale, power of atty., will?  They can apply for "duplicate" registration and title.

Every state has what's called an ombudsman's office in the state you are in. they are on your side, and can help work this out.  If this strategy doesn't work....go to the park owner's, not the managers and demand an answer!

You said the agent keeps telling you the same thing....what does he say?   "~ M