Locating the original title on a mobile home out of state

Member since 2020 · 19 posts · 8 votes

Currently we are interested in a mobile home sitting in SC. that was bought at the yearly sales tax auction back in 2023 and the high bidder now has it for sale. He was given a quiet deed we think it's called. We can't buy and sell if desired or needed because the title needs to be de-titled. The home was bought in Albemarle, NC. and never titled in York County SC.
A call was made to NC DMV and they want the VIN number to locate the original title. Like magic they can not locate the title using the original owners full name which we do have. But the original owner is deceased and his wife walked away from the home as a result of the tax auction.
We have no title to give NC DMV the vin number. The title is what we don't have. Anyone experienced a scenario like this one? Thanks

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Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
2mo
Quote from @Bob Ward:

Currently we are interested in a mobile home sitting in SC. that was bought at the yearly sales tax auction back in 2023 and the high bidder now has it for sale. He was given a quiet deed we think it's called. We can't buy and sell if desired or needed because the title needs to be de-titled. The home was bought in Albemarle, NC. and never titled in York County SC.
A call was made to NC DMV and they want the VIN number to locate the original title. Like magic they can not locate the title using the original owners full name which we do have. But the original owner is deceased and his wife walked away from the home as a result of the tax auction.
We have no title to give NC DMV the vin number. The title is what we don't have. Anyone experienced a scenario like this one? Thanks
Hey Bob, that’s definitely one I’d be careful with before putting any money into it. A quiet title action or tax deed can clear ownership issues with the real estate, but it doesn’t necessarily resolve ownership of a mobile/manufactured home if the home is still legally considered personal property with a separate title. I’d start by trying to locate the VIN/HUD label on the home itself, since it may be stamped on the frame or listed on a data plate inside the home. With the property crossing NC and SC and the original owner deceased, I’d also get a title attorney who has handled manufactured homes and tax sales involved before closing. They should be able to determine whether the home can be properly titled or de-titled and whether the seller actually has the legal ability to transfer it. I wouldn’t rely on the tax sale alone to establish ownership of the home. Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!
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