Purpose of this page
This page discusses transferring a mobile home’s ownership from a seller to a buyer in the great state of New Jersey. This is not intended in situations where the land the mobile home sits on is included in the sale. If the land is included in the sale please reach out to a local real estate attorney to help facilitate your closing. However if you are dealing with an individual mobile home located in a pre-existing mobile home park, on somebody’s rented land, in a lot, or somewhere else than please see the information below.
In the state of New Jersey the process to transfer a mobile home title from one owner to the next is fairly simple and straightforward. Please see the steps and tips below when considering purchasing or reselling a mobile home in the state of New Jersey.
Disclaimer: This page is not intended for mobile home investors. The reason this is mentioned is because you may require extra documents and agreements if you are a mobile home investor. These extra documents would include an after closing agreement if the seller was remaining in the home for a bit after closing, personal property trust agreements, a promissory note or lien paperwork, power of attorney, and more. Below is the minimum paperwork required to successfully transfer ownership from one party to another.
Prior to your New Jersey mobile home closing
Verify seller has the title and he/she is listed as owner: Ask to see the title during your initial walk through of the mobile home. The seller may be willing to text message a picture of the title to you to verify information.
Check for back taxes: The local mobile home park will pay property taxes. As home owner or buyer you will not pay real estate taxes on this mobile home.
Check for hidden liens: Contact the MVA office in the township the home is located. Call with the mobile home’s serial number or VIN to verify there are no unexpected liens you don’t know about. These liens may or may not be listed on the mobile home’s title(s) in the “Lien’s Holder’s” section of the title.
If inside a mobile home park aim to speak with the community manager to 1.) become park approved, 2.) verify the seller is current on all payments, 3.) ask for a copy of the park rules, 4.) ask if lot rent is increasing in the near future, and 5.) if the park manager see any needed improvements to the mobile home if/when you purchase the home?
Pro Tip: A local notary that specializes in mobile home transfers can be a great way to go to make sure everything is filled out correctly from one party to another. Contact a local notary to asked them questions or to understand the transfer process a bit better.
At Closing
Paperwork needed: Title (must have), and Bill of sale (optional – You may create this by hand or this generic Bill of Sale here.) No notary is needed. One title per mobile home; a single-wide, double-wide, and triple-wide will have 1 title.
Pro Tip: If purchasing the mobile home perform one last walk through before closing and handing over any money. The seller wants your money just as bad as you want the property. If there are any surprise repairs needed or trash/furniture you may have to remove then adjust the price accordingly
After a New Jersey closing
Bring forms to your local MVA in the township to pay transfer fees and transfer ownership. Only buyer(s) must be present at MVA to transfer title, however ideally buyer and seller go to MVA to transfer title to help expedite any last-minute issues that arise at the MVA. All forms should already be signed. No notary is needed. For a small extra fee you may be able to expedite the title and walk out of the MVA with a new title in your hand.
If for some reason a lien needs to be placed on the title, this will be done at the MVA while talking with the clerk that is helping you. The clerk will want to know the name of the lienholder and their address. The new title will be sent to the lienholder’s address. The lienholder will then transfer the title to you once they are paid in full.
Taxes moving forward for new owner: No property taxes are due by you if you do not own the land.
We hope that the information above has been helpful. If you notice any errors or improvements please contact us immediately at support@mobilehomeinvesting.net. As always, if you have any follow-up questions or concerns never hesitate to reach out or comment below any time. All the best.
Love what you do daily,
John Fedro
