Purpose of this page
This page discusses transferring a mobile home’s ownership from a seller to a buyer in the great state of Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island the process to transfer a mobile home title from one owner to the next is unique and straightforward. Please see the steps and tips below when considering purchasing or reselling a mobile home in the state of Rhode Island.
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.
Interesting Rhode Island Fact: A mobile home inside pre-existing mobile home parks will have a Warranty Deed, not a title. Under Rhode Island state law “manufactured housing” manufactured homes were changed to real estate. Ownership is transferred by a notarized Warranty Deed & Bill of Sale, instead of traditional Title(s) at the DMV.
Prior to your Rhode Island mobile home closing
Title company or Closing attorney: Find a local title company, closing company, or closing attorney that you are comfortable with and is familiar with mobile home closings. Ask them if you may have a “Manufactured Home Purchase and Sale Agreement” for an upcoming mobile home sale you plan to make. Once this Purchase and Sale Agreement is signed and dated by the sellers and buyers it should be returned to this closing attorney or title company to begin the closing process. Notice: Some sellers may demand to use their closing attorney or title company.
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?
Repairs? Make sure you have clarity with regards to the mobile home you are purchasing. It may be wise to hire a local real estate inspector that has a significant amount of mobile home experience to inspect the mobile home thoroughly.
At Closing
Paperwork needed: The Title company or Closing attorney will provide you with the disclosures, Bill of Sale, and Warranty Deed needed to be signed and notarized by both parties. This Title company/agent or Closing attorney may also record this Warranty Deed & Bill of Sale at the local City Clerk’s office in the municipality where the mobile home is located. If the title company/agent or Closing attorney does not help you record this Warranty Deed & Bill of Sale at the local City Clerk’s office in the municipality where the mobile home is located, then please take all paperwork given to you by attorney (signed and notarized Bill of Sale and Deed) to the local City clerk’s office to record these documents into public record. This process of “recording” the file into public record lets the state know you are the legal owner of this mobile home.
Closing location: Ideally at the Closing company, Title company, or Closing attorney’s office you are using to help create paperwork and close. A notary and witness will likely be available at this office.
Fees: Prior to closing, buyers and sellers should both be alerted by the Title company or Closing attorney to how much money each party will be receiving or paying at closing. At the City clerk’s office there is a transfer Tax Stamp to be paid. This transfer Tax Stamp fee is approximately $2.80 for every $1,000 you paid (purchase price) for the specific mobile home.
Closing without the help of an Attorney or Title company: (not recommend) This will require the buyer and seller to sign and notarize a Warranty Deed and Bill of Sale conveying ownership in the mobile home from the seller to the buyer. The buyer and seller will then want to take this Warranty Deed & Bill of Sale to the local City Clerk’s office in the county the mobile home is located and have this Warranty Deed & Bill of Sale recorded into public records. There will be a fee associated with this file recording.
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 closing – Transferring Rhode Island title
Meet your neighbors and enjoy yourself.
Buyer (must do): Contact the local County tax collector’s office in the county that the mobile home is located. Let them know that you are the new owner of this particular mobile home. The County tax collector may want to see a copy of the signed Warranty Deed and/or Bill of Sale showing the home was sold.
Seller (must do): Contact the local County tax collector’s office in the county that the mobile home is located. Let them know that you have sold this particular mobile home to a new owner. The County tax collector may want to see a copy of the signed Warranty Deed and/or Bill of Sale showing the home was sold.
Taxes moving forward: The new owner will receive a tax bill yearly in the mail.
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
