The main thing you need is a clear title in your name. In Arizona, a mobile home on a rented lot is titled through the MVD, like a car. Along with the title, you’ll want a lien release for any old loan, proof the property taxes are paid, and your park paperwork. The buyer, the MVD and the park each need something from that list.
What’s the most important document?
The title. Whoever the MVD shows as the owner is the owner. If the title is in your name, free of liens, the rest of the sale is usually simple.
If you can’t find the paper title, don’t panic. Arizona keeps title records electronically, and many owners never got a paper copy. You can request a replacement through AZ MVD Now if you’re the owner of record.
One thing that catches people: a double-wide has two titles, one for each section. If you found one, keep looking, or ask the MVD for both records.
What if someone else’s name is on the title?
This is common. Maybe you bought the home years ago and the old owner never signed it over properly, or the paperwork never made it to the MVD. Maybe the owner died.
There are fixes for each situation. A family member’s home can often move through a small estate affidavit instead of full probate. An unsigned or lost transfer can sometimes be fixed with the prior owner’s help, or through Arizona’s bonded title process. We’ve seen most of these before, so call us before you assume the home can’t be sold.
What other paperwork will you need?
Expect to gather:
- A lien release for any loan that’s been paid off but still shows on the title
- Proof that property taxes are paid. Mobile homes on rented lots are taxed as personal property, and the county can provide a tax clearance.
- Your park rental agreement and any notices from the park
- A photo ID for signing the title and sale documents
If the home was ever attached to land and recorded with the county, it may not have an MVD title anymore, and the steps are different. That’s rare in a park, but worth checking.
How long does it take to fix title problems?
It depends on the problem. A replacement title for an owner of record can be quick. A small estate affidavit can be filed thirty days after a death. A missing lien release can take weeks if the lender is slow or hard to find. A bonded title takes the longest, because it needs an inspection, county paperwork and a surety bond.
The good news is that most of these can run while you’re working on the sale. You don’t have to wait for every piece before you get an offer.
Do you need a bill of sale?
It’s a good idea. A bill of sale records the price, the date and who bought the home. The MVD also has its own signature requirements on the title itself. At closing, we make sure the title is signed the right way so the transfer doesn’t get rejected.
Who handles the paperwork in a cash sale?
When you sell to us, we prepare the sale documents and walk you through signing the title. We also coordinate with the park and help sort out lien releases and tax clearances. You bring what you have, and we help find what’s missing.
What should you do first?
Find out what the MVD actually shows. Look up the record for your home’s serial number, and do it for every section if it’s a multi-section home. That tells you who’s listed as owner and whether there’s a lien. Then you’ll know exactly what needs fixing, if anything.
After that, call the county treasurer about taxes and your park office about any balance. With those three answers (title, taxes and park balance), you have almost everything a buyer will ask about. Most sellers can get all three in one afternoon.
Not sure your paperwork is in order? Call or text us at (602) 641-3237. We’ll tell you what you need to sell.