Question about Titles and MH Number

[JJay]

Hi:

We are in the process of purchasing a foreclosed MH on acreage. The title search person is having difficulty finding ANY title for this home. WE have found the HUD numbers and the Manufacturer's serial number on the information inside of one closet (I forget the name for this piece of paper.. )

The selling realtor gave them the HUD numbers from the outside of the trailer for doing the search. We are wondering if they should be searching wiht the Manufacturer's serial number instead.

Any ideas?? (We have given it to them this weekend)...

JJ and Kim

[rmurray]

The paper is the "Data Plate"..

HUD number has nothing to do with titles....on serial numbers will be on the title..searches should be done with your states title office..and often they can be searched by serial number...previous owners name..and even address..

There may not be a title for this home...most mortgage lenders do not issue a title..or in many states titles are issued and then retired..so the home becomes part of the deed...A quality closing agent should know the process in your state...Also..if there is a title it will be in the hands of the lender..with a lien on it..

If the seller is the original buyer they should know who financed the home..

Real Estate folks need to learn about the process before they ask for the large commissions they pretend to earn...search for a title from the HUD numbers is just a waste of time..

[J. Jay]

Not the original owner... in fact is the 4th owner of this place... it is currently owned by Freddie Mac (govt) as it was forclosed in December of last year.

KY does do titles for the homes... have a friend with a new doublewide on concrete block with block skirting.. that has a "title" to their home.

My interpretation of your response is that the title search should be based on the manufacturer's serial number that we found on the build sheet in the closet (listed the specs, the area's it could be installed in.. wind & temperature resistence etc..)

Thanks again for your help.
JJay

PS I agree with your comment about the realtors and what they ought to know related to what they are paid.... this realtor has NO KNOWLEDGE about MH as far as I can see.. he has been less than helpful.