Mobile homes are a big part of Texas living—affordable, flexible, and just right for folks who want a place of their own without the big price tag.
There’s something about Texas that makes folks dream big—maybe it’s the endless skies or the freedom to pack up and move when you want. When you’re not tied down to one place, it’s easier to imagine bigger possibilities, chase new opportunities, and dream beyond what’s right in front of you.
If your mobile home is ready for a new owner but the land’s staying put, you’ve got options as wide as the West Texas horizon.
How Mobile Homes Are Classified in Texas
In Texas, the way your mobile home is classified as personal property or real property—makes a big difference when it comes time to sell. It mostly comes down to one thing: the land.
If you don’t own the land under your home (like in a mobile home park or on a rented lot), it’s considered personal property, similar to a vehicle. You’ll have a title for your mobile home, and it’s taxed and sold separately from any land.
If you own both the land and the home, and they’re recorded together, your property is classified as real estate. In this case, the home and land are taxed as one, and there’s no separate title for the mobile home.
Not sure about your situation? Check your property tax statement: if your home and land are listed together, it’s real estate. If they’re separate, your home is personal property.
Your Land Situation Matters
Whether your home is in a mobile home park, on rented land, or on your own property, different rules and processes apply.
Selling a Mobile Home That’s In a Park or Rented Lot
If your mobile home needs to be moved from in a Texas mobile home park or a rented lot:
- Notify Park Management: Most Texas parks require you to inform them before moving a mobile home out. They may have specific move-out procedures, notice periods, or paperwork.
- Settle Lot Rent: Make sure all lot rent and any other fees are paid up. Parks can hold up the move if there’s a balance due.
- Confirm Buyer Approval (If Needed): Some parks want to approve the new owner-even if the home is leaving. Double-check their policy so there are no last-minute surprises.
- Arrange for Move-Out: The buyer will need to hire a licensed mobile home mover. Park management may have requirements for scheduling the move, protecting park property, or restoring the lot after the home is gone.
Selling Only the Home from Your Own Land
If you own the land under your mobile home but want to sell just the home:
- Reclassify the Home: In Texas, if your mobile home is attached to the land as real property, you’ll need to reclassify it as personal property with the TDHCA before it can be moved. This involves submitting an application and paying a fee.
- Transfer the Title: Once reclassified, you can transfer the home’s title to the buyer-similar to how you’d transfer a vehicle title.
- Check Local Requirements: Contact your county office about any zoning restrictions, moving permits, or inspections needed before the home is relocated. Requirements can vary widely across Texas.
- Coordinate the Move: The buyer will need a licensed mobile home mover and the proper permits to transport the home. Make sure everyone is clear on the timeline and responsibilities for disconnecting utilities and preparing the home for transport.
Explaining these steps to potential buyers can make your home more attractive and help the process go smoothly
What to Expect at Closing
Once you and the buyer agree on a price, closing a mobile home sale in Texas is usually straightforward. You and the buyer will meet (sometimes in person, sometimes virtually) to complete the sale.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens:
- Confirm the buyer has been approved by park management (if the home is in a park).
- Make sure all lot rent and property taxes are paid and you have receipts as proof.
- Gather all necessary documents: Bill of Sale, title (Statement of Ownership), release of lien (if needed), and seller’s disclosure.
- Meet with the buyer to sign the Bill of Sale and transfer the title.
- Provide the buyer with all required paperwork and keys.
- Receive payment in the agreed-upon form (cash, cashier’s check, etc.).
- The buyer submits the Statement of Ownership application and supporting documents to the TDHCA.
If you sell to us, we’ll handle every step so nothing gets missed—including park approval, taxes, paperwork, and moving permits.
Relocating a Mobile Home Off Your Property
To move a mobile home in Texas, you must hire a licensed and bonded professional mover. The mover is responsible for obtaining a TxDMV Single-Trip Moving Permit from the county tax office or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. This permit is legally required and will only be issued if all property taxes are paid, any lienholder has provided written permission, and (if the home is in a park) park management has signed off. Without this permit, the home cannot be moved.
After the move, a copy of the moving permit must be included when filing for a new Statement of Ownership with the TDHCA.
Final Thoughts
If you need to sell a mobile home and get it off your land, you’ve got options. As Texas Mobile Home Pros, we know the ins and outs of moving and buying mobile homes across the state. Whether you want advice, a quick sale, or just want the home gone, we’re here to make it happen. No games, no pressure.
Have questions or want to see what’s possible? Use the contact form below. We’ll get back to you ASAP.