Expert: Russel Ray - 12/17/2011

Question
QUESTION: I recently paid of a mobile home i had purchased here in MO , and I'm having a hard time getting the title from the woman I bought it from. She claimed she had a title at the time of our arrangement, but now after 5 years and I have paid it off she says that she doesnt have a title for the home. Now i have saved all my receipts for the sale and shave signed witnessed bill of sale on the home , but still have no title. How do i go about getting this title and if i cannot how do i seek releif in getting my money back? thanks for your time ,Mark

ANSWER: Hey, Mark.

She should be able to get a duplicate title. I'm not familiar with the laws regarding mobile homes in Missouri, but the first thing to do is to check with your Department of Motor Vehicles. They should be able to tell you if it is still a mobile home or if it is real estate. There should be a metal plate somewhere on the exterior that gives you the mobile home manufacturer's number.

If it's still a mobile home, the Department of Motor Vehicles will be able to help you. If it is now real estate, which usually is determined by whether or not the wheels and axles are still attached, you'll have to go to your department of real estate or tax collector to start resolving the issue.

A good real estate attorney will be able to help you, and that's probably the best route to go to protect your interests. Most attorneys give you 30-60 minutes free consultation.

Hope that helps.

Russel

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

QUESTION: that answers a lil bit of my question. But it seems the woman I bought the mobile home from never had the home titled in her name.She claims to have talked to her attorney about getting a hold of the last owner and getting a title , but I feel I am being deceived.Now I am 9 k into this mobile home and I need a title but she has washed her hands of the "title " issue. Is their some form of legal recourse i can take to force the issue or to seek the return of my monies..?   thank you once again for your time and considertion in this matter

Answer
Hey, Mark.

You're in a situation where you need a Texas attorney so that your attorney can talk to her attorney. I think that's the only way you're going to get results. If you don't know a Texas attorney, your Missouri attorney should be able to find you one.

Good luck guy!

Russel