Expert: Michael McClure - 7/14/2008

Question
Hi Michael,

Our dad passed away recently and left us his 1969 double wide coach style mobile home, located on a rented space in a 55 plus mobile home park in Santa Rosa, CA. He owned the unit outright, with no loans against it.  I have been looking in to the process of selling it.  We would like to do it ourselves.  I have picked up bits and pieces of information, but don't have a clear process laid out.  Is it better to have an agent, or is this doable by owner?  What I have gathered is we should locate the registration, the title, get an inspection to make sure it is sellable, put it up for sale (not sure how to do this), clear the taxes on the unit(or would an escrow place do this), and that each of the 3 heirs will need to sign paperwork to transfer the title upon sale.  I've also been advised we may want to find someone who finances, so that we don't lose a sale should we get a seller who doesn't know where to find mobile home financing.  In addition, I know at some point during the process we need to have the mobile home park approve the buyer. Any definitive outline of the process we should used would be very helpful.  We have a friend who owns a real estate business, and they have someone who specializes in mobile home sales, but they will take 10% for a broker's fee.  Not sure we want to go this route.  I appreciate any and all advice you can provide me.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Tracy....if you want the easiest way to do this, follow these instructions.

1. Contact a "mobile home dealer" who the park may refer.   They will charge the buyer, not the seller for their fees (ALL)! Including escrow....do not think of this as a real estate transaction, please.
There is no sense getting involved in all this, when you will NOT be charged anyway....just come up with a number, and tell them that's what you want to net!

2. Ask the park mgmt. to view the home for any discrepancies that they would like fixed in order to allow the home to stay...this is all up to them, no formal inspection is required unless they see something that may not come up to today's standards.

3. Loans will be near impossible on a home that age, so forget that.
When a buyer comes along.....dealer will advertise for you, make sure that a deposit is taken, made out to the escrow company.  The dealer should immediately qualify, and then get the park approval for you!

4. You are welcome to call me in Long Beach any time for more info....also check out the HCD section of the State of Calif. website.

Good luck    "~ M