Posted by Tony-VA/NC on March 03, 2004 at 09:49:33:
Deborah,
This is not legal advice but I can shed some light on the mobile home transaction that may help you with several of your questions.
Your mobile home seller cannot transfer title to you because much like a car, the title is held by the lender (his lender) until the loan is satisfied.
He is essentially selling to you on a contract for title.
Your position in such a deal has little security to protect your interest.
As for repairs, unless they were stated in the contract itself, most sellers will argue that you own the home and are not renting the home. Therefore you are responsible for repairs. Sorry for the bad news there.
None of this is intended to convey to you that your deal is bad or you are getting ripped off. The seller may well be doing exactly what he intended to do and will get you the title when you pay off the home (thus allowing him to pay of the loan).
As for the contract’s missing information etc., you might seek the advice of a local attorney. If you really wanted out of the contract it would seem that a letter from that attorney to your seller stating the reasons the contract may be void would be sufficient to entice the seller to either re-negotiate the contract and complete it properly (your attorney can help suggests some ways to protect your interest) or simply void the contract and have you move out.
Tony