Mobile Homes: An Inexpensive Option with A Hidden Risk

Mobile Homes, generally referred to as manufactured homes, are an inexpensive housing choice. However, there are legal issues that homeowners often overlook or are unaware of when deciding to purchase a mobile home.

In North Carolina, mobile homes are considered to be personal property and this is one of the main concerns for any purchaser. Because they are considered personal property, mobile homes are similar to automobiles in that they receive a title from the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Therefore, it is very important to receive the proper documentation from the seller.

When buying a used mobile home, the seller must provide the buyer with the title. Without a signed and transferred title, the buyer cannot acquire title in his/her name. There might be nothing worse than buying a home only to find out that you only own the property underneath the home and not the home itself.

In North Carolina there is a clear procedure to convert personal property into real property. When a mobile home owner complies with the procedures, the title is removed and the manufactured home will be taxed as part of the real estate. The attorneys at Ferguson, Hayes, Hawkins & DeMay, PLLC have experience with the various problems that may occur when buying a mobile home.

Ryan C. Hawkins is a partner at Ferguson,  Hayes, Hawkins & DeMay, PLLC and a member of the Real Property Section of the North Carolina Bar Association.