Repo Purchase Help!

[jcook]

We are in the process of purchasing a repossessed MH (as-is) from a dealer in California. However, because we do not need financing, he suggested that we purchase it from his other entity (not as a dealer) so that we don't go through escrow and pay processing/closing costs. We agreed to do it that way and gave him a deposit but now I'm getting worried that we may run into problems because of this. Something else that concerns me is that after I gave him a deposit he told me that there are outstanding county taxes on the home. I verified that with the county but am wondering, can he hold title on a MH that he did not clear the taxes for? Is the title that the HCD transfers different than a title that a person receives when they purchase a repo from a bank?

I hope that we have not acted too rashly. The $ that he is asking is low enough that we are willing to accept the as-is condition, but do not want to get swindled somehow as regards to taking title legally through the Housing Department, etc.

Thanks for any feedback

[rmurray]

The laws differ in every state....but cash buyers NEED representation much more than finance buyers..since they are on their own...Those that finance can always feel assured that the lender will help protect them...Cash buyers have to protect themselves...A few dollars for proper representation is CHEAP insurance..

You have already found out the dealer is less than forthcoming...maybe even dishonest...Be careful..............