Expert: Michael McClure - 9/8/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have an older mobile home that I sold to a woman, we filled out a contract stating that when she paid the balance of the purchase price at x amount per month, I would give her the title. This process took her almost 1 yr longer than stated in the contract and in fact, the last 6 months of last year, she was not able to pay her monthly payment. She did finally pay me the money she owed me but argued that she was not going to pay what she owed until I gave her the title. I told her I was not going to give her the title until she paid what she owed, she paid finally. I told her when the check cleared I would bring over the title. Now its 7 months later and I am still trying to get her to put the title in her name. She does not answer the door, the phone or return my messages. She has since sold the trailer. The property taxes are coming due in Nov and I do not feel that I should be responsible for them, again. What recourse do I have available to me? I tried calling the tax office in the city/state where I used to live (she and trailer are still located there) and was told that it was my responsibility to get her name on the title, plus I would have to pay the $55.00 to have the title changed into her name. This sounds a bit odd to me, not to mention when I purchased this trailer and transferred the title to my name, I had to pay the $55.00 transfer fee as the buyer. Now I have to pay it as the seller? I should mention this is in Oregon and I now live in Idaho. Please help!

ANSWER: Hi Pam..I'll assume that you gave her the title when she paid you off, right?

You may have a local office of the HCD, or HUD.  They do the transfers.  Look online for the states webpage, it should give an Ombudsman's name to contact with questions.
You can also do a title search to see if it's still in your name.   "~ M

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

QUESTION: No I still have the title since I wanted to make sure the check cleared first. I can't get her to even take the title let alone put her name on it. I am really frustrated with this whole deal. All I want is my name off the title and who ever she has sold it to or her(I don't really care who) to sign on as owner so I am not stuck paying the taxes. Will HUD help with transfers since they are not involved to begin with? In Oregon all transfers for mobile homes are done through the state, should I try contacting them?

Answer
Hi Pam...yes, see if the state has a webpage, and look for mobile home transfers.  You will need the original registration also.
You may be able to go to a local office and take care of it easily...that's about all I would know to do.  Any other way (escrow) would be hundreds of $$$....All the best   "~ M