Mobile Home Bill of Sale

A Mobile Home Bill of Sale in the United States evidences a sale of personal property, confirming the buyer's title once the purchase is complete.

Manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976, are constructed to the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (commonly called the HUD Code), established under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. Sections 5401-5426). The HUD Code sets standards for design, construction, strength, durability, fire resistance, energy efficiency, and installation. Each manufactured home receives a HUD certification label (red metal tag) affixed to the exterior and a data plate inside the home containing the manufacturer's serial number, date of manufacture, and compliance information.

State laws governing manufactured home sales vary considerably. Most states maintain a titling system for manufactured homes through the DMV or a designated housing agency. The bill of sale is typically required for title transfer, similar to a motor vehicle transaction. If the manufactured home has been converted to real property through an affidavit of affixture or elimination of title process (available in states like Texas, Arizona, and Oregon), the transfer is handled through a real estate deed rather than a bill of sale. Understanding the home's current classification is essential to determining the correct transfer instrument.

A mobile home owner is selling their manufactured home to a buyer, either with or without the land on which it sits, and needs documentation for the title transfer with the state titling authority. A buyer is purchasing a used manufactured home and needs a bill of sale to process the title transfer and, if applicable, to arrange for relocation of the home to a new site.

A mobile home park resident is selling their home in place within the park, and the buyer will assume the lot rental agreement with the park owner. The bill of sale documents the home sale while the park owner processes the lot rental transfer. An estate executor is selling a manufactured home from a deceased person's estate and needs documentation for probate accounting and title transfer.

A manufactured home dealer is selling a new or used home and needs standardized transaction documentation. A lender is financing the purchase of a manufactured home and requires a bill of sale documenting the purchase price and home details before issuing a chattel loan (personal property loan) or a mortgage (if the home is classified as real property).

A mobile home owner is converting their manufactured home from personal property to real property by permanently affixing it to land they own, and the bill of sale is part of the documentation trail required for the conversion process. A person is donating a manufactured home to a charity or transferring it to a family member and needs documentation for the title transfer.

The seller's and buyer's full legal names, addresses, and contact information must be stated. For corporate or estate sales, the authorized representative and their authority should be identified.

The manufactured home description must include the manufacturer, make/brand, model, year of manufacture, serial number (VIN), HUD certification label number(s), dimensions (length and width for single-wide, double-wide, or triple-wide), number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the current location address. For homes built after 1976, the HUD data plate information should be referenced. The number of sections (for multi-section homes) and whether the sections have been properly joined should be noted.

The property classification must be clearly stated: whether the home is being sold as personal property (titled) or has been converted to real property (deeded with land). If sold as personal property, the existing title number and state of title should be referenced. If sold with land, a legal description of the real property should be included and the transaction may require a real estate deed in addition to or instead of a bill of sale.

Lien and encumbrance disclosures are critical. Manufactured homes frequently serve as collateral for chattel loans, and existing liens must be disclosed and satisfied before or at closing. The seller should provide a lien search or title history showing the title is clear. If the home is located in a mobile home park, any outstanding lot rent, utility balances, or park fees should be disclosed.

The condition of the home should be described, including the age and condition of the roof, HVAC system, plumbing, electrical system, flooring, appliances included, and any structural damage or water damage. Many states require sellers to provide property condition disclosures similar to those required for site-built homes. The HUD Code compliance status and any outstanding manufacturer recalls should be addressed.

The purchase price, payment method, and closing terms must be stated. Both parties must sign and date the document. The seller should provide the signed-over title certificate, HUD data plate information, warranty documentation, home inspection reports, and keys. If the home is being relocated, transport permits and insurance requirements should be addressed.