Expert: Michael McClure - 3/6/2009

Question
Hi Michael,
 I live in Indiana.  I am about to purchase a nice '85 single wide for $4000.  It is located in a Park.  The sales rep for the park has been giving me a hard time about getting me the Vin #.  Is this odd?  He is selling the home for a private owner and does not have the title in hand.
 Two questions:  

A) Is his lack of cooperation to give me the Vin# prior to the sale of the home a red flag or normal?
  
B) Once I have the Vin #, where in Indiana do I check for Liens, back taxes, or anything else I should check?

Answer
Hi Dave....you are right to be concerned.  The best way to do this is to go through escrow!  The escrow company does all this on your behalf.  Escrow should only be about $400-500. If this is not an option, you can try to go to the state's website, find the HCD (Housing and Community Development) link, and do a "title search".  You will also need to get a "tax clearance" from the county you live in.  Of course you can't do these last few things without any #s.

Try looking on the back of the home for a small metal plate...this will have #s on it. You could call the local HCD office with these #s to see if a title exists, and go from there.  A VIN can also be found on previous paperwork, like registration, etc.

My suggestion would be to go through an escrow company who knows this special area, (ask other people in the park who they used) and not have to worry. If the seller won't comply with your requests...somethings screwy!  Could be in probate, bank repo, on and on...take some time and ask neighbors what they know.

Good Luck, hope I helped     "~ Mike