Expert: Lisa Webber - 5/19/2011

Question
Hello, My Mother no longer lives in her trailer house, and at this time it is unliveable. The floors need to be replaced, air condition unit is out. We are trying to switch the title to me, I've paid her taxes and insurance are both current. I can't get a response when I call to get info on how to go about this. I was told at the local courthouse to call all these numbers which I did, was on hold each time, never was able to talk to anybody. They don't even have the correct form I need to fill out. How do I proceed with this if I cant get help. This is crazy, where is the help when you really need it. There isn't any money changing hands at all. Please touch base with me and at least give me a pointer of what I should do next. I'm not getting very far at all. Almost like your stuck because you can't get in touch with the correct people you need to. I would appreciate any help you can give me at this time. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Joanna,  

What you need to determine is whether she owns the property or not. If she doesn't own the property and is in a mobile home park, then the trailer is not considered real estate, it is purchased and transferred like a car purchase so it would be a title not a deed and that I believe is done through the Motor Vehicles Administration.  

Your best bet might be to contact a settlement or title company and ask them what you need to do.  If she owns the land then they should be able to help you transfer the deed from her name to your name.  

I hope this helps!