Expert: Dick Dennis - 2/8/2009

Question
I have found a 1986 singlewide mobile home to purchase but the woman I am buying it from who lives in the home, does not have title to it.  What she told me is that the home is 24 years old.  There is no title on the home.  The mortgage company wrote it off as her ex husband quit paying on it.  The house was awarded to her in the divorce.  The company was contacted and she was told the house was written off due to age but she could aquire the title for about $4500.  She is not going to be getting the title because of the $4500.  The house will be sold with a bill of sale only. It currently sits on private land and will need to be moved.  Do you think it a good idea to buy this home and if so, will I be able to get a SOL after I buy?

Answer
This headache is more than you should bear. If she cannot give you a title upon buying the property, walk away. Her attorney who represented her in the divorce should have been able to get her the title along with possession. There is something she is not telling you. Plus it sits on land that doesn't belong to her? Something is fishy. There are too many questions unanswered, Jamie. If it was me, I'd pass. I wish you well.

Dick Dennis
dixiedee13@aol.com