Expert: Michael McClure - 2/17/2007

Question
Wow, thank you so much for such a fast reply! Good point about real property, which never entered my mind. I inherited this mobile home from my father, and it's in a park down in south Texas. He does own the land and gets taxed on it, so does that qualify as real property? If so, do you know what the standard commission on such a property is? The realtor I'm considering is asking 10%, and I saw an answer on another board that backed that up. If that's the going rate, that's fine...I just want to do my due dilligence.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Is the customary realtor fee for selling a mobile home different from the fee for selling a regular home? What would you say is reasonable?
-----Answer-----
Hi Nancy,
Well you hit on my favorite subject.  Realtors should NOT be selling mobile homes! Real property means you own the land, and the home is affixed to it.
In most cases, the park owns the land, and it becomes a mobile home sale. Entirely different laws, civil codes, and licensing.
Don't know where you are, but I would suggest that you find a reputable dealer in your area, ask them if they do a NET listing.  This is the way we do it in my area. Sellers pay nothing...no escrow, commissions, inspections, etc....buyers pay all.  Usually included in the sale price of the home.  You just tell them how much you want out of the deal for you.
Wish you were in my area, I would be glad to sell your home....good luck, Michael

Answer
Hi Nancy...sorry I can't give real estate advice, but it is real property. Commissions here in California are 6%, and even that is negotiable.  Shop around and good luck.    "~ M


Forgot to say that you should not sign a listing for more than 90 days....because what if they don't work it aggressively?  A lot of people just get listings, and rely on others to actually sell it.
Also make sure that this person or broker is on the MLS, so all have access to the info on the sale....remember, you are in charge!!   "~ M