Expert: Dick Dennis - 6/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: I sold a manufactured home to a buyer, but they are having problems with their movers, and it's been over a month.  What are my rights in this situation?  I have already purchased a new manufactured home to put on my property, and need the buyer to get the old one off soon!
Please help!
Jan in WA

ANSWER: It depends what it says in your purchase agreement, Jan. Of course, you should have had a statement saying that the buyer will pay you X amount of money for every day the house remains on the property as a penalty. But I am guessing you did not do that. If you had any kind of agreement, even a purchase receipt, then take this matter to a real estate attorney so that the buyer knows you mean business, that you want that house off your property. Simple as all that, Jan. I wish you well.

Dick Dennis

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your quick reply, Dennis.
The purchase agreement is between an agent and the buyer, so I didn't receive a copy...my bad.   Is there any statute of limitations how long the house can remain on my property, before it becomes MY property again?  Or, if I pay to have it moved, can I recoup that amount in a lawsuit?
I sure appreciate having your advice!  I'm speaking to the head of the moving company tomorrow.  The main reason the house isn't being moved, is that the original bid didn't cover excavation, and the house is pit-set.  Guess they couldn't tell that when they came out to give the bid...

Thanks again,
Jan

Answer
That's why you have to see an attorney. He/she will write you a legal notice to the buyer advising that (something like) if the house is not moved within, say, 30 days, then they lose it and you will have the right to sell it again or yes you can recoup any costs you have, including attorney fees.

Take care

Dick