Got a FREE DOUBLEWIDE Now what?

[Nick Abbate]

I have the opportunity to get my hands on a full sized, 3 bedroom, 2 Bath Doublewide about 1800 sq ft. It needs about two full weekends worth of work, but that’s ok I am not opposed to doing this.

The BEST PART IS ITS FREE.
My questions are:

1) I need to have it hauled? Not sure how to do this or how much its going to cost?

2) Where do I put it? How do I go about doing this? Hmm not sure. I thought about asking the guy that has it if I could rent his land and this way it doesn't have to be moved. About $150.00 a month I am thinking. I think it already has plumbing and electrical there but not sure.

If I move it I could get alot more CASH FLOW per month if its moved to a better area.

3) Does not have a title need to figure this one out?

4) Sewage and electrical how do I hook these things up?

5) Do I need my own lot? What has to be on the lot?

6) Should I sell it for the instant cash?

7) Please share your thoughts I need to get this thing done asap.

8) How do I find out the value? Should I fix it up for the CASH FLOW?

9) Not sure what the hell to do with it any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Thank you

[Deborah Mettler]

First you should find out if there are any back taxes owed. Ask the seller for a paid tax receipt. If he doesn't have one, more than likely there are taxes owed on the mobile. Call the county in which the mobile is located to find out.

Did the seller say why there isn't a title? Hopefully he is the actual owner of it. You should call the county and the DMV and see who's name the mobile is registered to. You also need to make sure there aren't any liens on the mobile.

Do the above before completing the transaction. Your state will have a certain cap year that a mobile home cannot be moved. You didn't state the year of the mobile. Here in my state of SC it's 1976 due to Hud regulations.

If all the above is positive, then the seller will either need to apply for a lost title at the DMV or if he has the serial number of the mobile, you can complete the transaction with a "bill of sale" from the DMV. (just make sure that the mobile is actually registered in the sellers name).

Options: You should ask the seller if he will rent out a lot for the mobile. You could also contact a local mobile home park to see if they would be willing to let you move the mobile into the park - you would have to obligate yourself to paying the lot rent up until the time the mobile is rented and then add the lot rent to the total monthly rent payment.

You would need to find a good and honest mobile home transporter if you're going to move the mobile. My transporter: moves the mobile, sets up the mobile by blocking and tying-down. He also connects the sewer and water lines. You will need a licensed electrician to connect the power. There will be county and city permits to obtain.

You would need to check within the local community as to how much 3/2 mobiles are renting for as an average.

No matter where you move the mobile, you will need water, sewer and power.

The easiest would be to just "flip" the mobile to another buyer since you appear to be new to this and there is a learning curve.