It’s been an interesting few weeks, taking a look at what buying a mobile home looks like in the 50 states. Last week, our concentration was on Buying a Mobile Home in Tennessee, and this week its all about Buying a Mobile Home in Missouri.
Missouri Mobile Home Statistics
According to the US Census, over 6 Million people are living in Missouri. Mobile Home Village also shares that there are over 350 all age mobile home communities in the state. Some other facts about Missouri include:
- The average price of a pre-owned home: $46803
- The average model year of a pre-owned home: 2004
- Average pre-owned home size in square feet: 1377
- Average sites in a manufactured home community: 99
- The average year a community was developed: 1975
- Number of age-restricted communities: 21
Buying a Mobile Home in Missouri
Where to Start
The first step in the mobile home buying process is choosing a manufacturer and dealer for your home. The Missouri Manufactured Housing Association offers a full listing of manufacturers, dealers, installers, and suppliers who are in good standing in the state. They are an invaluable resource for potential and current mobile home owners:
Missouri MHA
PO Box 1365
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573) 636-8660
www.mmha.net
Titling and Installing Your Mobile Home
Mobile homes in the state are titled through the Missouri Department of Revenue. Missouri also has a process to convert a mobile home into real property as well as to remove a mobile home from real property and a new title issued. Below are the details for each:
In order to be considered real property, a manufactured home must be permanently affixed to real estate and an Affidavit of Affixation (Form 5312) must be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds Office in the county where the real estate is located.
When a manufactured home which has been previously recorded as affixed in the Department’s records is severed from real property, the owner may complete an Affidavit of Severance (Form 5313) in order to obtain a certificate of title for the manufactured home.
The state of Missouri requires that all installers of mobile homes attend a training class and be licensed and certified to install mobile homes. Also, they must also have proof of General Liability Insurance of $300,000. The only exceptions to the law are if the owner wants to install the mobile home on his or her property themselves (which we wouldn’t recommend unless you have experience in the process). Installers are also required to complete continuing education every three years to remain licensed.
An installation decal is also a requirement to be placed on the exterior of the home next to the data plate. Information on the decal must include the license number for any installer involved in the setup of the mobile home. These installers must file a monthly report with the state that lists all homes installed. This is an excellent way to keep anyone involved in the setup of your home accountable should there be any issues.
Mobile Home Dispute Resolution Program in Missouri
The state of Missouri has their own state program set up to handle any consumer complaints or issues regarding defects, deficiencies or safety hazards that haven’t been addressed by the manufacturer, dealer, or installer of your mobile home. Keep in mind there is a two-year statute of limitations on the setup of a new mobile home.
To file your claim:
- Downloading and printing this form: Inspection Request / Consumer Complaint Form from our web page, or
- Calling the Manufactured Housing and Modular Unit Program at 1-800-819-3180.
- Please submit the completed form along with a copy of your Bill of Sale or Purchase Agreement to:
Missouri Public Service Commision
Manufactured Housing and Modular Units Programs
P.O. Box 360
Jefferson City, MO 65102-3254
PH: (800) 819-3180
FAX: (573) 522-2509
Manhouse@psc.mo.gov
Mobile Home Living in Missouri
From our search for mobile homes in the state of Missouri, we found almost 500 listed on Zillow. The most notable feature of many of the homes? The addition of a storm shelter built on the property. Good to know in a state that sees some severe tornado activity!
Related: Information for building mobile home additions.
There are so many new things to learn about Mobile Home Living across the country. Not to mention, it is fantastic to see so many cool mobile homes that people enjoy living in. Next week we are moving forward and taking a look at Buying a Mobile Home in Delaware. Remember, if you have a question regarding buying or living in a mobile home in your state, comment below or send us an email. We would love to try and find the answer for you!
Thanks for reading Mobile Home Living.