Purpose of this page
This page discusses transferring a mobile home’s ownership from a seller to a buyer in the great state of Alabama. 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 Alabama 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 Alabama.
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 Alabama mobile home closing
If newer than a 2000, verify seller has the title(s) and he/she is listed as owner: Ask to see the title(s) during your initial walk through of the mobile home. The seller may be willing to text message a picture of the title(s) to you to verify information.
Check for back taxes: Contact the tax collector’s office in the county the home is located. Call with the mobile home’s serial number or VIN to verify taxes are current. Taxes must be current prior to title transfer. If purchasing the home and the taxes are past due then you may want to deduct this amount from the purchase-price you will give to the seller. This way you can pay the back taxes at the time you transfer title in the near future.
Check for hidden liens: Contact the titling department to verify if there any hidden liens on the property. 256-539-0681/334-832-1233 will reach the titling department. You may have to wait on hold as they are usually busy.
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?
At Closing
Paperwork needed: Title(s) (optional, see below), Bill of sale (You may create this by hand or this generic Bill of Sale here.)
Older than a 2000: If older than a 2000 a bill of sale signed and dated by the buyers and sellers is all that is needed. No title is needed if not available. If a lien is being placed on a mobile home that is older than a 2000 a UCC notice shall be filed with the Secretary of State (instead of an actual lien being placed on a title).
Newer than a 2000: If the mobile home is newer than a 2000 the original title(s) and bill of sale signed by buyer and seller is needed. One title per section of mobile home. Double wide will have two titles. No notary stamps are needed.
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 Alabama title ownership
Bring forms to your local DMV in the county to pay transfer tax and transfer ownership. Only buyer(s) must be present at DMV to transfer title, however ideally buyer and seller go to DMV to transfer title to help expedite any last-minute issues that arise at the DMV. All forms should already be signed. No notary is needed.
Taxes moving forward for new owner: A yearly tax bill will be mailed to the address on file.
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
