Purpose of this page
This page discusses transferring a mobile home’s ownership from a seller to a buyer in the great state of Vermont. 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 Vermont 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 Vermont.
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 Vermont Fact: A mobile home inside pre-existing mobile home parks will transfer ownership by Bill of Sale rather than a Title.
Prior to your Vermont mobile home closing
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?
Check for back taxes: Contact the local County tax collector’s office or Assessor’s office in the county the mobile home is located. Call with the mobile home’s serial number or VIN to verify any back-due taxes on the mobile home. Important: 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.
Download and Print a Vermont Uniform Bill of Sale: This form will be signed by the buyers and sellers and witnessed at the local Town clerk’s office. This will also be endorsed/signed by an employee at the local Town clerk’s office. Notice: The Town clerk will not sign this Vermont Uniform Bill of Sale (and transfer ownership) unless the taxes are current.
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.
Certificate of Occupancy: Certain counties within Vermont a Certificate of Occupancy may need to be obtained prior to the transfer/sale of the mobile home. Any repairs required by the county may be made by either buyer or seller. In some counties within Vermont a written application for a Certificate of Occupancy shall be required before any family and/or persons transfer ownership or move into a dwelling or dwelling unit located wholly or partially in the City. (Example: Rutland) Check your local city permit office for rules about Certificate of Occupancy when selling or buying a mobile home.
At a Vermont mobile home title closing
Paperwork needed: The Vermont Uniform Bill of Sale (fully signed by seller, buyer, town clerk, and witnesses). Important: This will need to be done with the buyers and sellers at the local Town clerk’s office. Once this is signed and filed (by the Town clerk) the buyer will be the new owner of this mobile home.
Fees: Fees will be paid at the Town clerk’s office.
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
Meet your neighbors and enjoy yourself.
Buyer (must do): Contact the local County tax collector’s office 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 Uniform Bill of Sale showing the home was sold.
Seller (must do): Contact the local County tax collector’s office 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 Uniform Bill of Sale showing the home was sold.
Taxes moving forward: The new owner will receive a tax bill yearly in the mail.
FYI: Within 14 days of filing the Town clerk will mail a copy of the signed Uniform Bill of Sale to each buyer, seller, and owner of the land associated with this deal.
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
