If you’re thinking about selling a mobile home, one of the first things to do is pull a copy of your community’s Rules and Regulations.
Seeing that many communities have rules regarding how a mobile home can be sold, and who can purchase it, this is important. Indeed, knowing the specifics beforehand can save you a lot of grief later on. The MHVillager took a look at four sets of Rules and Regulations from mobile home communities located in California, Michigan, Oklahoma and Oregon. Then, we put together a list of things you should know. However, remember that each community has its own rules. Check your own community’s rules for what will apply to you.
Selling a Mobile Home
To start, you should know that many landlords require a 30-day notice if you’re going to sell your home. Some want even longer. For instance, the California community we looked at required 60 days.
Likewise, if you are are considering leasing or renting your home, know that many communities disallow subleasing without agreement from community management.
Also, be aware that some communities have “Right of First Refusal”. So, when you are selling a mobile home in their community, they get the first opportunity to purchase the home.
Once you have talked to your manager and alerted them that you’re going to sell your mobile home, check the rules and regulations about how you can sell your home. Some communities have specifications on the size of your “For Sale” signs. For example, the Michigan community we looked at has a rule that a home seller can have only a maximum of two 18×24 signs placed in windows. Similarly the California community allowed yard signs, but were specific on the size, where they could be placed, and even what information could go on them.
In addition, the Michigan community had rules about the condition of the home’s exterior. You needed to have an inspection by the community of the windows, siding, shed and condition of the lawn before you could sell your home.
Some communities allow Open Houses, however, others do not. So, you can see already why it really pays to talk to the community manager when you are thinking about selling a mobile home.
Know Your Buyer
If you had to be approved by the community management when you bought your home, you can be sure your buyer will need to be. If you have been living in your home for a long time, know that many rules have clauses that allow management to make changes. Getting an updated set of the Rules to give to your buyer is good for you, and them. By way of example, the Oklahoma community has specific language that they need to approve the buyer before the sale of the home is finalized.
Another thing to consider is that there may be regulations regarding the number of residents. The community in Oregon has specific rules that no more than five residents can live in a particular home.
Here is a list of just some of the reasons community management might object to a prospective tenant:
- unsatisfactory character references
- rental references
- credit references
- employment status
- criminal convictions
- presence of pets
- age restrictions in the community (Specifically senior communities.)
Obviously, it is not your job to pre-qualify your buyer. But, giving them a copy of the Rules lets them see for themselves if they think they would be a good fit for your community.
Home Sweet Mobile Home
Speaking of which, here’s another reason to make sure your perspective buyer looks through your community Rules and Regulations: hobbies and pets.
Some communities specify rules about motorcycles, RVs and boats. Others are particular about additions to the home, like CB radio antenna. If the person you are selling your mobile home to has an at-home business, there may be particulars about signage. In fact, even their job can come into play, since some communities we looked at had rules about industrial vehicles on site.
And of course, there are our furry friends…
Selling a Mobile Home to Someone with Pets
Almost all communities have some kind of pet restrictions. Do you know yours? Here are some of the restrictions we saw:
- Number of pets
- Size restrictions on dogs by weight or height
- Specific dog breeds the community considers aggressive
- A current rabies vaccination tag that must be worn
- Wild or exotic pets
- Specific pets can be restricted like snakes, reptiles, parrots, and monkeys
Getting Ready to Move
Many tips about staging your home encourage you to get rid of the clutter. Know, however, that some communities do not allow yard or moving sales. We also found rules that sales were allowed, but only with prior approval.
Furthermore, if you have found a new home, know that some communities require written notice if your mobile home will be vacant for more than 7 days. Moving out? Let your manager know.
Making the Sale
Selling your mobile home doesn’t have to be complicated. Doing a little research on the front end by talking to your community manager and reviewing the community’s Rules and Regulations can help the process go smoothly.
In addition, MHVillage can help! They have a free Seller’s Kit you can request. Plus there are a lot of great resources here on the Villager. For example, if you found this article useful, you may also enjoy reading these:
MHVillage Home Seller Tips: Home Description
Seven Cost-Saving tips to Stage Your Home
