What should a dealer check regarding a mobile home’s title before sale?

A dealer must confirm that a mobile home’s title is free of liens and encumbrances before completing a sale because this is essential for ensuring that the buyer will receive clear ownership of the property. Liens and encumbrances can indicate that there are outstanding debts or claims against the mobile home, which could affect the buyer’s ability to fully own or sell the home in the future. If the title has liens, the buyer may be responsible for those debts after the sale. Therefore, verifying that the title is clear is a critical step in protecting both the dealer and the buyer in the transaction.

While checking if the mobile home has passed a safety inspection is important for ensuring the home is safe for occupancy, and verifying the mobile home’s age is relevant for compliance with certain regulations and value assessment, neither of these factors addresses the legal ownership aspect tied to the title. Aesthetics, while it may be a consideration for buyers, does not impact the legal standing or ownership of the property.