Expert: Michael McClure - 5/17/2010

Question
I plan to buy a mobile home. It is a 1987 with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It also has a fireplace it is in Houston, TX.  I will buy it for 12k cash. I don't know the measurements but it looks like a double wide but not as long as others. The lady that showed me the trailer home told me that her mother died last year ant that they needed to pay the taxes her mother owed. She said the title is in Ohio. But that she will have it here by the day I paid her in cash. She also said that she would provide me with a notarized letter by the manager of the trailer home park stating that they would be responsible for paying the taxed owed up until now within 30 days of the sale.  Does this sound like a scam or what can I do to be sure that I don't get scammed.

Answer
Hi Raquel..what a deal!  Go for it....except:

1. Have proof that this person is an heir, or has the right to sell the home.

2. Always go through escrow!!  They will worry about taxes, fees, title and registration, liens, etc. That's what they do, and the deal won't close without the proper paperwork.

3. Get the park's approval that the home can stay, AND they will accept you.  With out these two conditions, you've got nothing.

It will be easy if you let escrow do their thing....should be around $500...best $$ EVER SPENT!!
Good Luck...."~ Mike