What to Do After Selling Your Sarasota Mobile Home
Congratulations — your Sarasota Florida mobile home has been sold!
You’ve gone through the entire listing process, negotiated the sale, found a park-approved buyer, and are ready to move out of your mobile home and into your new place. But before celebrating too soon, you must ensure your mobile home is officially transferred out of your name and into the buyer’s name.
If you skip this step, you will remain responsible for paying the yearly registration fees to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The buyer, on the other hand, won’t be able to pay their taxes to the Department of Revenue or obtain insurance coverage for their new mobile home.
Understanding Florida Mobile Home Ownership and Title Transfer
In Florida, buying or selling a mobile home on leased land is considered a personal property transaction, not real estate. This distinction exists because a home sold with the land attached becomes real estate, while one sold on leased land is treated and taxed as a vehicle.
When selling a mobile home on leased land, both the seller and buyer must complete Form 82040, also known as the Change of Title Application, with the DMV.
This document certifies that the mobile home was sold for a specific amount, and the required taxes were collected on that amount. These taxes are then reported to the Department of Revenue (DOR), and the buyer must pay them within 30 days of purchase. Failure to do so could result in fines or penalties.
It’s important to note that each section of the home requires a separate 82040 form. For instance, a double-wide home will need two forms — one for Side A and one for Side B. If both are not properly completed, the DMV may reject the title transfer.
Preparing for a Smooth Mobile Home Sale
Before closing, make sure you have the physical title of your mobile home ready to sign over to the buyer. Without the signed title, the buyer cannot complete the 82040 form, since most of the required details are printed on the title document itself.
Several critical steps ensure the title is properly transferred from seller to buyer. Errors or missing paperwork can cause unnecessary delays or even fines for either party.
It’s often wise for the seller to accompany the buyer to the DMV to confirm that ownership has been transferred correctly. This ensures that taxes and liabilities are no longer tied to your name. Some buyers delay this process for years, which can lead to complications for the previous owner.
Handling Liens, Taxes, and Decals
If a lien needs to be placed on the title, this can be done during your DMV visit. The clerk will require the lienholder’s name and address, and the new title will be mailed directly to them. Once the lien is fully paid, the lienholder will transfer the title to the buyer.
Florida mobile homes display decal stickers on the exterior to confirm that taxes are current. The new owner will receive an annual tax bill in the mail and, upon payment, will be sent a new decal to attach to a road-facing window of the home.
Buyers are encouraged to transfer ownership at the DMV promptly after purchase to avoid penalties or complications when selling later on.
Why Work With a Licensed Mobile Home Broker
The safest and most reliable way to sell a mobile home on leased land is by working with a licensed mobile home broker, such as The Mobile Home Dealer. A licensed broker ensures that all steps are handled properly, reducing stress and streamlining the sales process for both the buyer and seller.
If you have any questions or need professional guidance with your mobile home sale or purchase, please contact us through this link.
This is Mark Kaiser with The Mobile Home Dealer — helping mobile home buyers and sellers get to a better place in life.
See Also:
- How Fast Can You Close On Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home?
- Is An Inspection On A Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Worth The Money?
- What A Sarasota Florida Mobile Home Inspection Should NOT Be Used For!
- Want To Sell Your Sarasota Florida Mobile Home But Owe Back Lot Rent?
- 3 Reasons Why Selling Your Sarasota Mobile Home On Your Own Is A Bad Idea